Fourplay - Esprit De Four

Styles: Jazz, Funk, Soul, Fusion 
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:01
Size: 126,6 MB
Art: Front

(7:46)  1. December Dream
(4:12)  2. Firefly
(7:11)  3. Venus
(4:12)  4. Sonnymoon
(6:08)  5. Put Our Hearts Together - Instrumental Version
(4:16)  6. All I Wanna Do
(7:05)  7. Logic Of Love
(6:22)  8. Esprit De Four
(4:26)  9. Sugoi
(3:18) 10. Put Our Hearts Together - Vocal Version

Bands don't last over two decades with minimal turnover in personnel and continued success if they're composed of egotists, prima donnas, drama queens or people that just don't play nice together. Fourplay has endured and thrived because it is an egalitarian coalition of seasoned professionals who set aside private agendas to serve the group dynamic. When a new guitarist joins Fourplay it typically takes their sophomore recording with the long-running band before they truly begin to fit in. In over 20 years there have been only three personnel changes, with original guitarist Lee Ritenour being replaced by Larry Carlton, who manned the spot for 12 years and seven albums, until he exited and Chuck Loeb became the "new guy" on Let's Touch the Sky (Heads Up, 2010). Stability has been a strength for this assemblage of veteran musicians even if consistency has led the band to be dismissed by critics little more than slick, smooth jazz. That was truer before than it is now as the Fourplay of 2012 bears little resemblance to the 1991 version despite three-quarters of the lineup being still composed of founders Bob James, Nathan East and Harvey Mason. James' keyboards are still at the heart of the group, but whoever the guitarist is gives it much of its soul, and on Esprit De Four a lion's share of the direction as well. Loeb is predominantly featured on the first four tracks and guides the group into making music that is too passionate to be "slick." Even when East takes his standard vocal turn on "All I Wanna Do," Loeb's guitar is front and center leading the way. This hardly means the rest of the band recedes into the background. Mason's "Venus" is lush and lovely with James and Loeb gently trading leads before smoothly dueting to the close. "Sonnymoon" is the closest these old pros come to sounding like "classic" Fourplay, as the Mason and East rhythm section keeps things fast and funky. It's just an excuse for four minutes of jamming, but let no one think Fourplay can't still get down when it wants to. 

If Loeb steps up to assert himself as primary soloist, James, who will turn 73 in December 2012, seems willing to relinquish some of the spotlight to Loeb, or at least doesn't seem the least stressed out sharing it. James has a deep fondness for Eastern culture and his two contributions, "Sugoi" and "Put Our Hearts Together," are evidence of that influence. "Put Our Hearts Together" (in both an instrumental and vocal version) is dedicated to the people of Japan in the wake of 2011's horrific earthquake and tsunami. Esprit De Four eschews the Fourplay formula of American chart-topping guest vocalists such as Anita Baker or Michael McDonald in favor of a demonstration of cross-cultural outreach, as Japanese superstar Seiko Matsuda to provides the vocals for "Put Our Hearts Together." The charge most frequently levied at Fourplay by its detractors is that the music is safe and formulaic. While it would be an untruth to say this is the most freewheeling quartet in jazz, it's petty to confuse popularity and acclaim with shallowness and superficiality. Fourplay cares too deeply about its music to be a cynical superstar band conceived as little more than a cash grab. ~ Jeff Winbush https://www.allaboutjazz.com/fourplay-esprit-de-four-by-jeff-winbush.php

Personnel: Bob James: keyboards; Nathan East: bass, vocals; Chuck Loeb: guitars, synths; Harvey Mason: drums, percussion, vibes, synths; Seiko Matsuda: vocals (10); Lizzy Loeb: additional vocals (1); Kenny Mason and the Voices of Praise Choir.

Esprit De Four

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Oscar Peterson - An Oscar Peterson Christmas

Styles: Piano, Christmas
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:25
Size: 121,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:25)  1. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
(4:46)  2. What Child Is This?
(3:40)  3. Let It Snow
(3:48)  4. White Christmas
(3:14)  5. Jingle Bells
(2:49)  6. I'll Be Home for Christmas
(3:29)  7. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
(3:16)  8. O Little Town of Bethlehem
(6:52)  9. Christmas Waltz
(3:56) 10. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
(3:08) 11. Silent Night
(4:06) 12. Winter Wonderland
(3:33) 13. Away in a Manger
(2:17) 14. O Christmas Tree

Oscar Peterson takes it easy during his relaxed set. He had not completely recovered from his stroke but he was still an impressive pianist. Peterson, who is assisted by guitarist Lorne Lofsky, bassist David Young, and drummer Jerry Fuller, is joined by a 20-piece string section arranged and conducted by Rick Wilkins. The 14 holiday tunes (which include "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman," "White Christmas," "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas") are given tasteful and lightly swinging treatments and there are guest appearances by vibraphonist Dave Samuels and flugelhornist Jack Schantz. But no real surprises or chancestaking occurs and the music is mostly just pleasant. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/an-oscar-peterson-christmas-mw0000179179

Personnel:  Oscar Peterson – piano; Dave Samuels – vibraphone (3, 4, 7, 10, 12); Jack Schantz – flugelhorn (5, 6, 13); Lorne Lofsky – guitar; David Young – double bass; Jerry Fuller – drums; String orchestra conducted and arranged by Rick Wilkins

An Oscar Peterson Christmas

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Diana Krall - Christmas Songs

Styles: Vocal, Piano, Christmas
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:50
Size: 103,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:25)  1. Jingle Bells
(4:01)  2. Let It Snow
(4:23)  3. The Christmas Song
(3:14)  4. Winter Wonderland
(3:07)  5. I'll Be Home for Christmas
(3:34)  6. Christmas Time Is Here
(2:53)  7. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
(4:19)  8. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
(4:32)  9. White Christmas
(4:10) 10. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve
(3:27) 11. Sleigh Ride
(3:40) 12. Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep

On her first full-length Christmas album, pianist/vocalist Diana Krall delivers a smoky, sophisticated, and slightly melancholy album perfectly suited to accompany egg nog cocktails and romantic afterglow holiday affairs. Although there isn't anything unexpected on Christmas Songs Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep" is as close to obscure as it gets Krall coos life into such standards as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." It also doesn't hurt that she gains top-notch support from the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, whose urbane arrangements help bring to mind similar works by such iconic vocalists as Nat King Cole, June Christy, and Frank Sinatra. But it's not all deep sighs and bedroom eyes; on the contrary, Krall keeps things swinging with such uptempo numbers as the joyous "Jingle Bells," "Winter Wonderland," and the Blossom Dearie-inflected "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." If you like your holiday albums cool and classy, Christmas Songs is a stocking stuffer that's sure to please. 

~ Matt Collar https://www.allmusic.com/album/christmas-songs-mw0000703424

Personnel:  Diana Krall - piano, vocals, arranger

The Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra: Jeff Hamilton - drums; Robert Hurst - upright bass; Anthony Wilson - guitar; Gerald Clayton - piano on "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"; Tamir Hendelman - piano on "Sleigh Ride", fender rhodes on "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve"; Jeff Clayton - alto saxophone, flute; Keith Fiddmont - alto saxophone, clarinet; Rickey Woodard - tenor saxophone solos, clarinet; Charles Owens - tenor saxophone, clarinet; Adam Schroeder - baritone saxophone, bass clarinet; Rick Baptist - trumpet

Christmas Songs

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Big Band All Stars - When Shadows Fall

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 29:42
Size: 68,7 MB
Art: Front

(2:51)  1. Sweet and Lovely
(3:14)  2. Song of India
(3:31)  3. Penthouse Serenade
(2:32)  4. Ramona
(2:54)  5. When Shadows Fall
(3:00)  6. Autumn Leaves
(3:31)  7. Mean to Me
(2:56)  8. The Night Is Young
(1:55)  9. Ciribiribin
(3:15) 10. Tenderly

When Shadows Fall

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Michael Law's Piccadilly Dance Orchestra - Brighter Than the Sun

Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:52
Size: 117,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:02)  1. Brighter Than the Sun
(2:49)  2. My Hat's On The Side of My Head
(3:46)  3. It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
(3:13)  4. It Can't Be Wrong
(2:49)  5. Masculine Women! Feminine Men!
(3:22)  6. In The Still of the Night
(3:06)  7. Jubilee Stomp
(2:59)  8. Deep In a Dream
(3:41)  9. White Jazz
(2:50) 10. You Ought to See Sally on Sunday
(3:46) 11. Midnight, The Stars and You
(3:38) 12. If I Had a Talking Picture of You
(3:11) 13. Embassy Stomp
(2:29) 14. The Lady is in Love With You
(3:09) 15. Let Yourself Go
(2:54) 16. Let's Call the Whole thing Off

The Piccadilly Dance Orchestra was founded by Michael Law in 1988. In October of that year the orchestra met for the first time to record two songs, Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town and Two Sleepy People, which were issued privately as the two sides of the orchestra's first ever release, a vinyl single. PRT records (formerly PYE records) liked it and reissued the single in time for Christmas 1988, then recorded our first album, Let Yourself Go, which was released in April 1989 on CD, cassette and vinyl LP record. In 1993 the orchestra began a series of recordings for John Yap's TER/JAY records at the world famous Abbey Road studios. Their sixth album, Brighter Than The Sun, recorded ‘live’, was released on the PICCD label in 2011. In 1992, Alan Bennett-Law joined the orchestra with the aim of matching the standard of administration, technology and customer service to the already high standards of the music. Within a short period of time, Alan negotiated the recording contract with TER/JAY records and his dynamic ideas and enthusiasm took Michael and the orchestra from strength to strength, playing for many top events and parties, as well as developing musical programmes for concert performances. The PDO's performance highlights have included many years playing for dancing for the Henley Festival, Earl Spencer's 30th Birthday Party (where Princess Diana asked the orchestra to play In The Mood - twice!), special BAFTA awards parties for Julie Andrews and Sean Connery, the first ever Proms In the Park and a residency at The Ritz Hotel in Piccadilly. Michael Law then achieved a lifelong ambition when the orchestra began a series of Saturday night dinner dances (Stompin' At The Savoy) at the cradle of British Dance Band music, the Savoy Hotel in October 1997, which continued until December 2003. Other clients include Sir John Paul Getty (60th and 70th birthday parties and a ball at Clarence House where Baroness Thatcher led the dancing), Sir Terence Conran, Earl Spencer's ball to celebrate 500 years of Althorp House and many corporate events. The orchestra have been seen on television for Wogan, Daytime Live, Pebble Mill, Play It Again and Lorraine Live. BBC live radio broadcasts include: for Radio 2 (Radio 2 Arts Programme, Friday Night is Music Night and the VE Day celebrations from Hyde Park), Radio 3 (a live lunchtime concert from the Wigmore Hall) and Radio 4 (a special edition of Loose Ends to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the BBC). 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 (first broadcast in December 2012) and in July 2013, filmed a sequel, Len Goodman's Dance Band Days. …and you can catch The PDO in the Helen Mirren/Michael Caine movie "Last Orders", playing Chattanooga Choo-Choo! http://www.pdo.org.uk/History

Brighter Than the Sun

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Ian McDougall Sextet - Burnin' The House Down

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:13
Size: 106,6 MB
Art: Front

(10:17)  1. Strivin' for a Riff
( 7:45)  2. I Mean You
( 4:10)  3. Royal Blue
( 2:05)  4. Undecided
( 5:43)  5. When Joanna Loved Me
( 2:45)  6. Hi Lili Hi Lo
(13:25)  7. O.S. Blues

Canadian trombonist Ian McDougall is perhaps best known for his work with Rob McConnell's Boss Brass Ian was lead trombone and soloist for twenty years. He was also a founding member, soloist, lead trombone, and arranger for the Brass Connection. His compositions and arrangements in both jazz and classical idioms are performed internationally. Ian now resides in Victoria, BC, where he performs regularly with his quartet and sextet, and is also busy teaching and writing. Ian McDougall was born in Calgary, Canada, and grew up in Victoria, leaving there in 1960 to tour in Great Britain with the John Dankworth Band. He returned to Canada in 1962 and began a lengthy career as a freelance player, composer and arranger in Vancouver and in Toronto where, until 1991, he was also the lead and solo trombonist with Rob McConnell's Juno and Grammy award-winning Boss Brass.Two suites composed by Ian have been recorded by that group The Pellet Suite (The Boss Brass Again, UMB GEN1-12), and The Blue Serge Suit(e) (Brassy and Sassy, Concord Jazz, CCD 4508). Ian also was lead trombone and composer/arranger for The Brass Connection, who won the Juno award for best Jazz album in 1982. Since the early 1980's McDougall has become even more involved in composition, and his works have been performed by the CBC Vancouver Orchestra, the Lafayette String Quartet, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Rob McConnell Tentet, and the Toronto Cantata Chorus,among others. Ian now resides in Victoria, where he continues to play, compose, and teach. He taught trombone, composition, and jazz studies at the University of Victoria, leaving there in 2003 as Professor Emeritus. Ian was awarded the University of Victoria's "Distinguished Alumni" award in 2004. The past decade has included tours in Canada and abroad, both as a soloist and with his groups, to Ireland, Scotland, Australia, Denmark, Holland, the USA, Germany, and England, where Ian was music director for two BBC Big Band broadcasts. Over the years, Ian has been invited to be a performer and clinician at three International Trombone Association conventions, in Nashville, Rochester, and in Las Vegas. Also, in the past decade, Ian has been featured as leader on six CDs. His latest double CD is entitled "In a Sentimental Mood," and features the music of Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington with Ian joined by his quartet. http://www.ianmcdougall.com/biography.html

Burnin' The House Down

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McCoy Tyner - Beautiful Love

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:07
Size: 139,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:44)  1. Beautiful Love
(5:32)  2. Suddenly
(3:56)  3. Giant Steps
(6:11)  4. Darn That Dream
(3:48)  5. Rhythm-A-Ning
(4:50)  6. You Taught My Heart to Sing
(5:09)  7. Bluesin' with Bob
(6:17)  8. Monk's Dream
(4:26)  9. Naima
(7:08) 10. Miss Bea
(4:39) 11. Rio
(4:23) 12. Lady from Caracas

McCoy Tyner is in top form in this solo concert recorded at the 1991 Warsaw Jazz Festival, playing with added energy throughout the set. Although he does play two John Coltrane compositions (a runaway "Giant Steps" and lush "Naima") and a pair of Thelonious Monk's songs (a romp through "Rhythm-A-Ning" and a jaunty "Monk's Dream"), plus moving interpretations of two standards ("Beautiful Love" and "Darn That Dream"), the focus is primarily on his own works. Although Tyner isn't as well-known a composer as his late boss, he has composed many memorable songs, especially the touching ballad "You Taught My Heart to Sing" (which Sammy Cahn contributed lyrics to, making it popular with a number of jazz vocalists). 

Other highlights include the buoyant "Miss Bea" (a tribute to Tyner's mother), the exotic "Lady from Caracas," and the dazzling "Suddenly." This is one of the lesser-known CDs in McCoy Tyner's discography, though it has been reissued numerous times by different labels under various titles. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/immortal-concerts-beautiful-love-mw0000607160

Beautiful Love

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Beegie Adair - Winter Romance

Styles: Piano, Christmas
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:38
Size: 112,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:00)  1. I'll Be Home For Christmas
(3:54)  2. Winter Wonderland
(4:10)  3. Merry Christmas Darling
(3:59)  4. Sleigh Ride
(3:27)  5. Santa Baby
(4:51)  6. A Winter Romance
(4:07)  7. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
(3:58)  8. A Child Is Born
(3:41)  9. Mistletoe And Holly
(4:32) 10. Snowfall
(4:25) 11. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
(3:28) 12. Auld Lang Syne

For her Christmas album, pianist Beegie Adair engages an orchestra to back her usual trio. That action pushes the genre designation for her music from "jazz" to "easy listening." Although generally defined as a jazz artist, Adair is on the more conservative side, usually playing the melodies of the standards she likes to fill her albums with, while adding only brief improvisational sections and embellishments. Here, the string arrangements don't leave much room even for that, making this instrumental pop with a holiday bent and almost no jazz content. Of course, it's a pleasant recording of some very familiar material, festive and occasionally playful ("Santa Baby") as well as sentimental. Most artists use their Christmas albums simply to present seasonal music in their established styles; Adair goes beyond that somewhat by adding the orchestra, but this album still sounds like what her followers would expect. ~ William Ruhlmann https://www.allmusic.com/album/winter-romance-mw0001778192

Personnel:   Piano – Beegie Adair;  Bass – Roger Spencer; Cello – John Catchings, Sari Reist; Clarinet – Lee Levine; Contrabass [String Bass] – Jack Jezzro; Drums – Chris Brown; Flute – Erik Gratton; French Horn – Beth Beeson, Jennifer Kummer;  Guitar – Jack Jezzro; Harp – Mary Alice Hoepfinger; Keyboards – Jeff Steinberg; Oboe – Ellen Menking;  Orchestra – The Jeff Steinberg Orchestra; Percussion – Eric Darken;  Tenor Saxophone – Denis Solee;  Viola – Jim Grosjean, Kristin Wilkinson, Monisa Angell;  Violin – Conni Ellisor, David Angell, Karen Winkelmann, Pam Sixfin;  Violin, Concertmaster – David Davidson

Winter Romance

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Aaron Heick, William Jay Stein, Michael Rosen - Jazz at Midnight

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 13:30
Size: 32,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:33)  1. Rainy Days and Sundays
(1:16)  2. Streets of Detroit
(2:23)  3. Casting Dreams
(1:10)  4. Moody Manhattan
(1:09)  5. Reflections on the City
(1:34)  6. Everything Happens to You
(2:12)  7. West Seventy Seventh Street
(1:08)  8. Blue Haze

Seattle-born Aaron Heick is currently a freelance saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist living in New York City. He became a long-time member of R&B diva Chaka Khan's touring band, following what was to be a one-time recording session. Over the past 20 years, Aaron has also worked with a diverse group of artists including Paul Simon, Suzanne Vega, Aretha Franklin, Carly Simon, Frank Sinatra, Donald Fagen, Vonda Shepard, Cyndi Lauper, Ben E. King, Bobby Caldwell, Vanessa Williams, Manhattan Transfer, Steps Ahead, Jim Beard, Dennis Chambers, Grover Washington Jr. and Ray Baretto. Saxophonist Aaron Heick has immersed himself in a musical community as diverse as the City of New York itself. In addition to his eight-year association with Chaka Khan, he has maintained a role as an active member of the New York studio scene. Between his frequent tours to Europe and Japan, Aaron Heick also finds time to sub regularly on Broadway. It seems there is no one specific definition for Aaron Heick's work as a saxophone player. His musical pursuits are as varied as his interests. The one constant in his musical life is the saxophone. http://www.mymusicbase.ru/PPB/ppb40/Bio_4076.htm

Jazz at Midnight

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Laura Dickinson 17 - Auld Lang Syne

Styles: Vocal, Christmas
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:20
Size: 96,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:06)  1. Happy Holiday / The Holiday Season
(3:12)  2. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
(2:46)  3. Christmas Is Starting Now (From Phineas & Ferb)
(3:41)  4. Peace and Joy (From Sofia the First)
(3:11)  5. The Man with the Bag
(5:02)  6. Love, You Didn't Do Right by Me
(2:54)  7. A Marshmallow World
(4:23)  8. Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)
(4:21)  9. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
(3:46) 10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
(3:53) 11. Auld Lang Syne

In 2017, Laura won three GRAMMY® awards for her work as a female music producer and vocal contractor. In 2018, Michael Bublé's Nobody But Me album was nominated in the Traditional Pop category, which Laura was honored to work on as vocal contractor with a featured vocal on the first track. Dickinson’s sophomore album ventures into a classic, holiday mood with her 17-piece big band comprised of Los Angeles’ finest session musicians. She hand-selected her favorite arrangers and oversaw every detail in creating this timeless winter love letter. Laura Dickinson’s debut album, One for My Baby  To Frank Sinatra With Love, showcases the powerhouse vocals that have won her countless accolades on Emmy-award winning TV shows along with her talents as an arranger and multi-instrumentalist. In her mind, Laura heard Sinatra's classics in a fresh new way. It's those inspired arrangements played by a full big band and a lush string section that make One for My Baby a romantic romp of sonic bliss. A native of Southern California, Laura simultaneously infuses a unique freedom and laser-beam vocal precision into every song she performs. An in-demand vocal contractor and voice actress in Hollywood, her soaring vocals can be heard in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, War For The Planet Of The Apes, Sing, the Pitch Perfect franchise, Justin Timberlake & Chris Stapleton’s Say Something music video, A Christmas Story Live, on commercials for Maybelline, Target, and Priceline along with hit shows such as Modern Family, Son Of Zorn and Supernatural. However, it's her award-winning work on Disney Channel's animated hits Phineas and Ferb, Jake and The Never Land Pirates and Sofia The First that bring her the most attention. With a wink, Laura will introduce herself as "I'm your nine year-old daughter's favorite singer." Between her recording career, live performances, leading her own big band, and her responsibilities as a vocal director and vocal contractor for Disney TV Animation, Laura enjoys vocal contracting the most. Her recent contracting credits include Michael Bublé's Nobody But Me album and several international tours, The Simpsons' creator Matt Groening’s Disenchantment, Milo Murphy's Law, Pickle and Peanut, Elena Of Avalor and Amazon's The Last Tycoon starring Kelsey Grammer and Matt Bomer. She recently toured the United States with UK space rockers Spiritualized, sang on the MTV VMAs with Florence + The Machine, performed on Ellen with Keala Settle from The Greatest Showman, performed on the The Talk with Andy Grammer, and opened for many artists including Tony Bennett, Lyle Lovett and Bob Newhart. Her newest and upcoming recording credits include Paul McCartney’s new album Egypt Station, Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck-It-Ralph 2, The Nun, The Christmas Chronicles with Kurt Russell, and Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4. http://www.lauradickinson.com/about.php

Auld Lang Syne

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Big Band All Stars - A Swingin' Christmas

Styles: Christmas, Big Band 
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:36
Size: 110,3 MB
Art: Front

(2:08)  1. Jingle Bells
(3:20)  2. White Christmas
(2:45)  3. The King's Horses
(3:01)  4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
(2:27)  5. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
(1:34)  6. Happy Holiday
(2:16)  7. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
(2:11)  8. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
(2:29)  9. Baby It's Cold Outside
(2:35) 10. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
(2:45) 11. Sleigh Ride
(2:13) 12. Jolly Old St. Nicholas
(1:34) 13. Wonderful Christmastime
(2:48) 14. It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
(2:48) 15. Frosty the Snowman
(1:56) 16. Winter Wonderland
(1:41) 17. Mister Santa
(1:53) 18. Christmas Alphabet
(1:58) 19. All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)
(2:04) 20. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

A Swingin' Christmas

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Typhanie Monique - Call It Magic

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:14
Size: 117,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:25)  1. Magic
(4:43)  2. Just Friends
(5:28)  3. This Bitter Earth
(3:31)  4. What Is This Thing Called Love/ This Thing
(5:05)  5. Heart of the Matter
(6:11)  6. Where Is Love / Love Is
(6:11)  7. Called Love
(6:41)  8. Sister/ Miss Celie's Blues
(4:52)  9. Letting My Love Go
(3:03) 10. Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Call It Magic is the fourth album from Chicago vocalist and educator Typhanie Monique. It is a long-awaited project that finds her channeling the passions, frustrations and complexities of love into a work of shimmering beauty. It is her most ambitious recording to date. It features her current quartet - pianist Ben Lewis, bassist Josh Ramos, drummers Dana Hall and Greg Arty - with special guests, clarinetists Ken Peplowski and Victor Goines, organist Tony Monaco and tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm. Call It Magic was produced by Jeff Levenson.  And though Monique surveys standards familiar to lovers of the Great American Songbook, Call It Magic contains quite a few surprises - including originals and tunes from the pop music playlists of Coldplay, Don Henley and Dinah Washington. It is a 10-act master class on the art of pure singing, and she endows it with deep-seated poignancy. Downbeat's Frank Alkyer says, "This is an album that's been years - heck, decades - in the making. It's where the road has taken her and it's a beautiful spot to take in the view. It's music made with great thought, even more care and, yes, a little magic. That's the artistry of Typhanie Monique."  Well known in Midwest jazz circles, Monique has studied with legendary vocalists Bobby McFerrin, Sheila Jordan and the late Mark Murphy. She has shared stages with foundational colleagues Joe Lovano, Chris Potter, Mavis Staples and The Manhattan Transfer. All have made inspiring music that resides within her.  Which helps explain the richness of Typhanie Monique and the soulfulness of Call It Magic - an album that travels straight to the heart. http://www.jazzcorner.com/news/display.php?news=7923

Personnel:  Typhanie Monique - Vocals; Ben Lewis - Piano; Josh Ramos - Bass; Dana Hall - Drums (tracks 1, 3, 4, 6) ; Greg Arty - Drums (tracks 2, 8, 9, 10).

Special Guests: Ken Peplowski - Clarinet; Victor Goines - Clarinet; Tony Monaco - Organ; Joel Frahm - Tenor Saxophone.

Call It Magic

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Chet Baker - Silent Nights

Styles: Trumpet, Christmas
Year: 1986
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:04
Size: 83,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:59)  1. Silent Night - Part I
(2:09)  2. The First Noel
(2:32)  3. We Three Kings
(2:04)  4. Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
(4:01)  5. Nobody Knows The Trouble I Have Seen
(3:41)  6. Amazing Grace
(4:32)  7. Come All Ye Faithful
(2:45)  8. Joy To The World
(1:45)  9. Amen
(2:01) 10. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
(3:28) 11. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
(4:01) 12. Silent Night - Part 2

This obscure LP teams Chet Baker with altoist Christopher Mason in a quintet for a set of Christmas-oriented music. The concept might have worked better but the performances (all but one being under four minutes and most under three) are overly concise and rarely get beyond the melodies. No chances are taken during this so-so release. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/silent-nights-a-christmas-jazz-album-mw0000195481

Personnel: Trumpet – Chet Baker;  Alto Saxophone – Christopher Mason; Bass – Jim Singleton; Drums – Johnny Vidacovich; Piano – Mike Pellera

Silent Nights

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Kyle Eastwood - Metropolitain

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:24
Size: 122,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:35)  1. Metropolitain
(4:53)  2. Bold Changes
(5:01)  3. Hot Box
(6:10)  4. Black Light
(4:33)  5. Bel Air
(7:22)  6. Samba de Paris
(3:24)  7. Song For You
(5:07)  8. Rue Perdue
(4:52)  9. Le Balai
(5:22) 10. Live for Life

Recorded in Paris, Kyle Eastwood's Metropolitain achieves an original jazz sound that combines the tradition of his father, Clint's record collection with a new generation of influences. He hasn't fallen prey to any gimmicks of style and is carving out his own musical voice with elements that combine to appeal to a broad audience. Anyone who has seen a movie recently will realize that modern jazz remains a big partner in bringing emotions to life. Eastwood and writing partner Michael Stevens have contributed to the scores for several of Clint Eastwood's recent films; among them: Changeling (2008), Flags of Our Fathers (2006), Letters From Iwo Jima (2006) and Gran Torino (2008). Don't get the idea that Kyle Eastwood is merely riding on his father's coattails. He paid his dues while living in the Los Angeles area for several years and then New York and Paris. Playing live gigs has given the young bassist and composer a wealth of experience upon which he rides comfortably on Metropolitain. The hottest tracks feature Eastwood on electric bass with plenty of energy kickin' around. He solos comfortably on both electric and acoustic models, showing enthusiasm for the creative spirit that derives from a lifetime of listening. "Live for Life," "Rue Perdue" and "Le Balai" stand out as the album's most creative tracks. With trumpet and piano trading fours on "Samba de Paris," Eastwood leads with majestic bass lines that tell a story of celebration and festivities. "Black Light" runs amok in 5/4 part of the time, representing an adventure that sends chills up and down the spine. "Hot Box" sends out a rhythmic message about jazz in today's entertainment world where instrumental music can tell a story completely, conveying an attitude faster than visual images. Metropolitain has one track with lyrics. "Live for Life" allows vocalist Camille to express a poignant message of wishes fulfilled; take interest in yourself and live life as you please. She also raps a chorus in the song's midsection, emphasizing the central thought forcefully. Eastwood's music allows impressions to exist clearly, with a full-body experience that lives on through his jazz ideas. ~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/metropolitain-kyle-eastwood-candid-records-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: Kyle Eastwood: double bass (2, 5, 6), electric bass (1-4, 7-10); Manu Katche: drums (1, 3, 6-10); Franck Agulhon: drums (2, 4, 5); Till Bronner: trumpet (1, 2, 4, 6-10); Graeme Blevins: tenor saxophone (2, 4, 8, 10); Eric Legnini: piano (1, 5-7), electric piano (1); Andrew McCormack: piano (2, 3), electric piano (2-4, 7-10), organ (4, 9); Camille: vocals (1, 10).

Metropolitain

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Aaron Binder - This Side of Jazz

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:56
Size: 131,1 MB
Art: Front

( 7:29)  1. Unbound
( 9:03)  2. Chromaticus
(10:03)  3. The Gem
( 9:34)  4. Wire Juice
( 9:18)  5. Mr Un. P.C.
(11:26)  6. Unbound (2nd version)

This is the first album by drummer/bandleader/composer Aaron Binder. It is a hard-hitting live recording featuring trumpeter John D'Earth, saxophonist Jeff Decker, bassist Scot Fitzsimmons, pianist Wells Hanley, and the drumming and compositions of Aaron Binder. It is a gritty, straight-forward bebop recording which very accurately captures the energy of the live performance. The under appreciated tenor stylings of Jeff Decker are equal to any of his more fully exposed New York contemporaries such as Joshua Redman and Eric Alexander. Decker delivers a muscular performance which will thrill tenor enthusiasts. https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/binder2

This Side of Jazz

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Chris Botti - December

Styles: Trumpet, Christmas
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:14
Size: 105,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:32)  1. The Christmas Song
(2:50)  2. First Noel
(4:03)  3. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
(3:04)  4. Hallelujah
(2:43)  5. Perfect Day
(4:09)  6. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
(3:10)  7. O Little Town of Bethlehem
(3:08)  8. Winter Wonderland
(3:05)  9. Little Drummer Boy
(2:01) 10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
(3:16) 11. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
(4:59) 12. Silent Night
(4:07) 13. I'll Be Home for Christmas

Season's Greetings from Chris Botti
There are two broad categories of Jazz seasonal discs. One, represented well by Wynton Marsalis' A Crescent City Christmas Card (Sony Special Products 28812, 2002), Oscar Peterson's An Oscar Peterson Christmas (Telarc Jazz 83372, 1995), and Harry Allen's Christmas In Swingtime (Koch Jazz 51409, 2001) are serious, straight-ahead jazz offerings. These recordings will certainly appeal to all jazz fans but perhaps not to the uninitiated. At the other end of the spectrum are Kenny Gorelick's Miracles: The Holiday Album (Arista 18767, 1994), David Benoit's Remembering Christmas (GRP 9852, 1996), and Dave Koz's A Smooth Jazz Christmas (Capitol 33837, 2001), each which sold a sleigh-full of copies and appealed to listeners across all genre lines. Framed like this one could surmise that this is a juxtaposition of mainstream, serious jazz against the backdrop of a more pop-oriented brand of jazz. One would be correct. Having listened to all with some measure of enjoyment and endorsement, this listener has been hoping for recordings that fall somewhere between the two. This type of holiday offering would be lush and attractive as the latter recordings are, yet challenging to the listener in places as the former recordings are. Trumpeter Chris Botti's holiday gift, December, pretty well fits this bill. There is a little something here for everyone. First, this recording could have been entitled, "With Strings," making it similar to Scott Hamilton's recent holiday recording Scott Hamilton with Strings Christmas Love song (Concord Jazz 4771, 1997). 

The strings are tastefully arranged and provide Botti's warm open-bell tone with a plush foundation. Botti also sings. Much has been made in comparing Botti with another trumpeter/vocalist, Chet Baker. Botti's trumpet tone is full, demonstrative, friendly, and sexy. Chet Baker's tone was not. While neither is what I would call an outstanding singer, Botti does infuse his vocals with sincerity and warmth as experienced on Richard Marx's (who also produced the recording) "Perfect Day" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. His horn does the rest of the talking on a Bossa "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," a Crescent City "Walking in a Winter Wonderland," and a James Brown funky "Little Drummer Boy." Botti is plaintive on "The first Noel" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem." He plays these with feeling and empathy. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a provocative duet with guitarist Heitor Pereira and recalls Messiah. The disc contains surprises also. In addition to the very appropriate "Perfect Day," Botti also covers Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" beautifully. Botti challenges us with "Drummer Boy" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." He soothes us with "the Christmas Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."Each year, I give Holiday Recordings as gifts. This year, it will be Chris Botti's December. ~ C.Michael Bailey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/december-chris-botti-columbia-records-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php

Personnel: Chris Botti: trumpet, vocals; Billy Childs: keyboards; Anthony Wilson: guitars; Bob Sheppard: saxophones, flute; Jimmy Haslip: bass; Peter Erskine: drums; Vinnie Colaiuta: drums.

December

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Lita Roza - Listening in the After-Hours

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 26:46
Size: 62,3 MB
Art: Front

(2:59)  1. That Old Black Magic
(3:27)  2. Guilty
(4:13)  3. Don't Worry 'Bout Me
(2:05)  4. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
(3:09)  5. Too Marvellous For Words
(3:34)  6. I Don't Want To Walk Without You
(2:40)  7. The Nearness Of You
(4:37)  8. You'll Never Know

Lita Roza was born Lilian Patricia Lita Roza on March 14, 1926 in Liverpool to Elizabeth Anne and Francis Vincent Roza, a Spanish marine engineer and part-time pianist at a local nightclub. The eldest of seven children, she auditioned as a dancer at the age of 12 in a pantomime to help support the family, eventually working up to performing with the comedian Ted Ray and actress Noel Gordon in the show Black Velvet. Because life was becoming too dangerous in London during the blitz of 1940, her family wanted her back in Liverpool. She turned to singing on her return and managed to get a job as a resident singer in a Merseyside club called The New Yorker. Shortly afterwards, she signed to become a singer with the Harry Roy Orchestra, one of Britain's leading wartime big bands, although when Roy was booked to tour the Middle East, the young Lita Roza was not allowed to join them, being only 17 years old. At just 18, she retired from show business, marrying James Shepherd Holland, one of the Canadian servicemen who was stationed in the U.K.; they moved to Miami. The marriage did not last, however, and after the war she returned to Britain, finding work with another top bandleader of the time, Ted Heath, alongside Dickie Valentine and Denis Lotis. As many of her contemporaries, she combined working with a big band with a career as a solo singer, and in 1953, she recorded a version of Patti Page's "How Much Is That Doggie in the Window," which topped the charts in April for one week, easily beating off the challenge of the Page version, and only the eighth number one song in the then recently introduced British charts. Despite its success, Roza hated the song and would never perform it in public. She left the Ted Heath band and married Ron Hughes, a trumpet player. She was voted Top Girl Singer of 1951-1952 in the Melody Maker dance band polls and won the Top Female Singer category in New Musical Express from 1951-1955 consecutively. 

Another couple of minor solo hits followed, "Hey There" and "Jimmy Unknown," but despite releasing a total of 55 singles and four albums on Decca Presenting Lita Roza, Listening in the After-Hours, Love Is the Answer, and Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea her record sales were halted by the arrival of rock & roll and in the mid-'50s she concentrated on television work (including her own show Lita Roza Sings and several appearances with Ted Heath and on the new TV pop show Six Five Special, the only pop show on TV in the mid-'50s) and working in cabarets around the world including in Australia, New Zealand, and the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas.  She was asked to join a series of Ted Heath reunion concerts in 1982 along with Denis Lotis and Don Lusher and most of the original musicians from the band. In 2001, Roza was honored as the first artist with a bronze disc placed on the Wall of Fame in Matthew Street, opposite the Cavern Club, which featured all the acts from Liverpool who had achieved a number one to date including everyone from Frankie Vaughan, Michael Holiday, and the Beatles to Sonia, Mel C, and Atomic Kitten. Throughout the late '90s and into the 21st century, Universal Music, which owns the rights to Roza's Decca recordings, released several compilations of her songs as well as her final album, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, and Ted Heath Singles 1951-1953. She gave her final performance on Radio Merseyside in November 2002. Lita Roza died at her home in London on August 14, 2008; she was 82 years old. ~ Sharon Mawer https://www.allmusic.com/artist/lita-roza-mn0000496575/biography

Personnel:  Lead Vocals – Lita Roza; Alto Saxophone – Joe Harriott; Bass – Eric Dawson; Drums – Tony Kinsey; Vibraphone, Piano – Bill Le Sage

Listening in the After-Hours

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Dave Brubeck - A Dave Brubeck Christmas

Styles: Piano, Christmas
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:34
Size: 130,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:20)  1. "Homecoming" Jingle Bells
(3:38)  2. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
(2:53)  3. Joy To The World
(5:03)  4. Away In A Manger
(4:19)  5. Winter Wonderland
(5:34)  6. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
(3:27)  7. What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)
(3:32)  8. To Us Is Given
(3:35)  9. O Tannenbaum
(4:53) 10. Silent Night
(3:59) 11. Cantos para Pedir las Posadas
(3:48) 12. Run, Run, Run To Bethlehem
(2:59) 13. "Farewell" Jingle Bells
(4:28) 14. The Christmas Song

Dave Brubeck covers a host of favorite carols on this solo outing. His chime-like "Joy to the World" and striding "Winter Wonderland" are treasures. His festive opening version of "Jingle Bells" contrasts with the weary version signaling the end of an evening's festivities; anyone who has ever worked a holiday party will relate to it. 

His originals include the delightful "Run, Run, Run to Bethlehem" and the meditative "To Us Is Given." This is a Christmas CD worth repeated hearings. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-dave-brubeck-christmas-mw0000613892

Personnel:  Dave Brubeck – piano

A Dave Brubeck Christmas

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Louie Bellson - Salute Disc 1 And Disc 2

Album: Salute Disc 1

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop

Year: 1994

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 62:24

Size: 143,8 MB

Art: Front

( 9:17)  1. Blowin' The Blues Away

( 8:44)  2. Counting Down

(12:04)  3. And Friends

( 6:02)  4. Satin Doll

( 8:15)  5. For Diz

( 7:44)  6. When You Wish Upon A Star

(10:16)  7. Tiny Capers

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Album: Salute Disc 2

 

Time: 61:07

Size: 140,9 MB

(28:19)  1. Salute / Drum Boogie / Bouncin' With Buddy / Jumpin' At The Woodside / Liza / Medley

( 8:49)  2. Jazzspeak: Remembering Six Of The Greatest

( 7:19)  3. Contributions Of The Great Inovators

( 2:28)  4. Those Deserving Greater Recognition

( 7:26)  5. Goodman, Dorsey, James, Ellington, Basie

( 3:25)  6. The Selections And Concepts On This CD

( 3:18)  7. Passing It On / Then And Now

This two-CD set has its interesting moments. Drummer Louie Bellson and his quintet (which also includes trumpeter Bobby Shew, George Young on tenor, pianist Willie Pickens and bassist Keter Betts) perform seven selections including Horace Silver's "Blowin' the Blues Away," George Young's "For Diz" and "When You Wish Upon a Star." The second CD has a 27-minute medley that pays tribute to drummers Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Art Blakey, Jo Jones, Shelly Manne and Chick Webb. In addition there is a nearly 34-minute "Jazzspeak" in which Bellson talks about the drummers, the many bandleaders that he has worked with and a variety of miscellaneous music-related subjects. Although interesting, much of it is probably not worth hearing twice. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/salute-mw0000648072

Personnel: Drums – Louie Bellson;  Bass – Keter Betts; Piano – Willie Pickens; Tenor Saxophone – George Young ; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Bobby Shew

Salute Disc 1, Disc 2

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Eddie Daniels - Heart of Brazil: A Tribute to Egberto Gismonti

Styles: Clarinet And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:09
Size: 177,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:08)  1. Loro (Parrot)
(5:51)  2. Baiao Malandro (Badass Baiao)
(6:07)  3. Agua e Vinho (Water and Wine)
(5:11)  4. Ciranda (Folk Dance)
(4:23)  5. Folia (Revelry)
(5:52)  6. Maracatu (Sacred Rhythm)
(5:59)  7. Adagio
(5:45)  8. Tango Nova (New Tango)
(6:02)  9. Choro
(4:40) 10. Tango
(7:36) 11. Cigana (Gypsy Woman)
(7:44) 12. Trem Noturno (Night Train)
(6:45) 13. Auto-Retrato (Self-Portrait)

When Resonance Records' George Klabin pitched Eddie Daniels on this project saluting Egberto Gismonti, the legendary reedist was enthused yet somewhat trepidatious. Gismonti's music a sui generis form of fantasia that proves evocative in its blending of Brazilian forms, a jazz harmonist's argot, and European classical languages is no easy nut to crack or translate. But Daniels, of course, is no slouch. A doyen of the clarinet and an expert at navigating tricky divides like the potentially deadly jazz-classical fault line, he proved more than up to the task. Heart Of Brazil finds Daniels primarily interpreting music that Gismonti produced in the '70s and early '80s. The settings, put together by the likes of ace arrangers Ted Nash, Kuno Schmid, and Josh Nelson, are ravishing; the core quartet Daniels, Nelson on piano, Kevin Axt on bass, and Mauricio Zottarelli on drums sets the music aloft; and the strings of the Harlem Quartet prove absolutely integral, weaving in, out, around, and through these spellbinding songs. Once merely a hypothetical dream project for Klabin, his aspirations have been realized and, perhaps, exceeded. Opening on "Lôro (Parrot)," a song penned in honor of Hermeto Pascoal, Daniels' clarinet genially bounds around in concert with Nelson's keys while outwardly projecting unbridled virtuosity and warmth. Then the strings introduce "Baião Malandro (Badass Baião)," a number bolstered by Axt's lively bass. It offers Daniels and Nelson some room to open up, all the while nodding to the titular form painted with a variegated scheme.  "Água e Vinho (Water and Wine)" marks the first appearance of Daniels' tenor, emulating the male voice in this most hauntingly beautiful of scenarios. 

He holds onto that horn for "Ciranda (Folk Dance)," playing on passion over dawning rubato, but he returns to his clarinet when things heat up on the wildly expansive "Folia (Revelry)." That showpiece par excellence a bold and audacious bricolage with a genius arrangement from Nelson proves to be a real standout on an album full of them.  As the program progresses, so too does the feasibility of each song offering a world unto itself. "Maracatú (Sacred Rhythm)" draws on its eponymous Afro-Brazilian form and rhythm(s) while offering a melodious high ground and teetering motifs; "Adágio" is impressionism set free on a starlit walkway, influenced by Ravel and unabashedly romantic in its embrace of strings; "Chôro" coasts in with the gentlest of introductions before adopting its namesake style in its breeziest state; and "Cigana (Gypsy Woman)" paints a beautifully pensive picture of the roaming Romany. Every gift from Gismonti proves completely distinctive in nature, and each of these arrangements and performances illuminates the core qualities of his compositions.  

As per usual with Resonance, the packaging has its place in the story and comes to also represent the seriousness of intentions behind the project. With an introduction from Klabin, detailed program notes from the esteemed James Gavin, and a translated interview Gavin held with Gismonti in early 2018, the liners amplify the brilliance of this album and the need it fills. ~ Dan Bilawsky https://www.allaboutjazz.com/heart-of-brazil-eddie-daniels-resonance-records-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php

Personnel: Eddie Daniels: clarinet, tenor saxophone; Josh Nelson: piano; Kevin Axt: bass; Mauricio Zottarelli: drums; Harlem Quartet: Ilmar Gavilan violin; Melissa White: violin; Jamey Amador: viola; Felix Umansky: cello.

Heart of Brazil: A Tribute to Egberto Gismonti

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