Friday, April 22, 2022

Dan Levinson & His Swing Wing - At The Codfish Ball

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:46
Size: 173.5 MB
Styles: Traditional jazz combo, Swing
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[3:27] 1. At The Codfish Ball
[4:49] 2. A Garden In The Rain
[4:02] 3. Old Man Moon
[3:51] 4. Hot Club Stomp
[3:27] 5. The Wraggle Taggle Gypsies, O!
[5:09] 6. Promenade Aux Champs-Elysees
[2:20] 7. Last Night
[4:18] 8. Arabian Rhapsody
[5:24] 9. I Didn't Know About You
[4:34] 10. Keep Smiling At Trouble (Trouble's A Bubble)
[4:35] 11. The Milkman's Matinee
[2:53] 12. Oh Peter (You're So Nice)
[4:47] 13. Mis'ry And The Blues
[5:34] 14. Dr. Heckle And Mr. Jibe
[4:03] 15. Ten Cents A Dance
[4:33] 16. Copenhagen
[4:45] 17. A Brown Bird Singing
[3:06] 18. The Lorelei

"At the Codfish Ball" is the culmination of many years of preparation, during which time producer/arranger/musician Dan Levinson collected material and wrote arrangements. He has brought together an all-star lineup of talent to produce a tour de force that combines driving rhythm, lush harmony, and timeless melodies. Although most of Dan's previous CDs have focused on ragtime and early jazz, "At the Codfish Ball" is decidedly SWING, a prominent aspect of his musical persona virtually unexplored in his own recordings.

PERFORMERS: Dan Levinson, Randy Reinhart, Jim Fryer, Mark Shane, Matt Munisteri, Mike Weatherly, Kevin Dorn, Molly Ryan.

At The Codfish Ball

Kellye Gray - Purple Gray

Styles: Vocal
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:06
Size: 97,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:58) 1. All the Critics Love U in New York
(4:16) 2. I Would Die 4 U
(5:16) 3. Kiss
(5:38) 4. Gotta Broken Heart Again
(4:53) 5. How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore
(5:39) 6. Anotherloverholenyohead
(5:03) 7. Nothing Compares 2 U
(5:20) 8. The Beautiful Ones

With her stunning musicality and warm, enveloping voice, Texas native Kellye Gray is one of the most accomplished jazz vocalists on the national scene. Gray’s profile continues to grow by leaps and bounds, recording over half-dozen albums as a leader and logging performances nationally and internationally at world-class venues and festivals including Lincoln Center, the Spoleto Festival, Yoshi's, SFJAZZ. Kellye has been honored to share the stage with legends Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Etta James, to name a few.

Her debut release, Standards In Gray (Justice Records) broke her onto mainstream radio in 1990 landing the fledgling, indie release into the top twenty. Her sound, crafted over years of live performance, comes from her belief that the voice is an instrument. "The real deal", says KCSM's Alisa Clancy. Gray began songwriting by 17. Self-taught on guitar she produced one-woman shows in art galleries to present her original compositions. By 19 years old she was working as a professional improvisational comic actor. Her skills landed her in the prized Stage Manager position where she learned the art of foley sound. She was using the voice in ways other than singing doing sound effects.

By 12 her parents were dragging her to blues bars and strip clubs in Dallas' Deep Ellum district or to Gulf Coast roadhouses where they would dance to unknown acts like Clifton Chenier and B.B. King. You hear the blues and rhythm at the core of every note Gray sings. It would be her dad's record collection that 'accidentally' taught her about jazz. She hung upstairs in her room with Zepplin and the Doors, Aretha and James Brown while her parents hung downstairs with Monk, Sarah and MJQ. It would be her sleepless nights that had her downstairs digging through the stacks in the living room, looking for something to help her sleep. It wouldn't be until she was 27 years old that those nights of sub-conscious jazz chords would be revealed onstage in her primal journey through her first scat solo.

Being a child of the 60's, television and radio were her gods. Television exposed her to the vaudevillian performers, comics, singers, musicians, dancers and entertainers becoming mentors and guides. She is a natural born entertainer. Rendering (Grr8 Records) the latest release is a double-disc CD package celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Gray's career alongside her new ownership rights to her debut recording, Standards in Gray (Grr8 Records). She includes a newly remastered Standards inside the Rendering package to illustrate her journey along the career highway. Rendering was recorded live inside a recording booth in front of an audience of 30. One long concert. No rehearsals. No retakes. Open mics. No headphones. A challenge for any singer, but Gray raises the bar walking the edge of improvisation in total.

All About Jazz gushes, “On Standards in Gray she emerges fully formed and precocious, with the most accomplished chops, vocal, vocalese, and scat. She is the complete package, from beginning to end. What emerges on Rendering is the only thing that can maturity, poise, and accomplishment. It is nothing short of a divine revelation to listen to the former after the latter.” http://kellyegray.com/bio

"Simply the most exciting singer to debut" says USA Today

"This is a jazz singer of rare air.” says the International Music Review.

Purple Gray

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Katrine Madsen, Jan Lundgren - My Secret

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:47
Size: 135,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:06) 1. Let's Make Music
(6:03) 2. Life
(5:29) 3. Once There Was You
(7:49) 4. My Secret
(5:04) 5. Take the Air That I Breathe
(6:01) 6. Pearls and White Ponies
(6:48) 7. Waltz for Thor
(5:29) 8. I Hear a Rhapsody
(4:49) 9. Eagle Flight
(5:02) 10. Today and Tomorrow

"Katrine Madsen is a true Danish Queen of Jazz. The nearest we get to a Shirley Horn in this part of the world...she reaches new heights with her dark toned, sensual and wide ranged alto voice. She has an expressive depth in her voice which is an inborn communicative gift seldom to be heard." JazzSpecial (Danish Jazz Magazine)

"The simpler, the better. Jazz does not have to be long, complicated solos. When jazz is at its best it presents itself as a brilliant banality. Naked music with a soul. Katrine Madsen knows the art of turning jazz into something which everyone can relate to. No academic prerequisites are needed. Everything seems straight forward and so easy. When Katrine Madsen sings we do not ask for anything else. Everything is said and every word is heard. When she sings we listen with our breath drawn in order not to disturb." BT (Danish National newspaper)

"Katrine Madsen sings with a down played and at the same time glowing expression and she writes songs which effortlessly mingle with well recognized works." Berlingske Tidende (Danish National Newpaper)

"She is exciting not only as a singer, but also as a composer and she demonstrates both talents brilliantly. Here her bluish voice vibrates with an anxious sweetness and an exhausted melancholy. Both deeply felt and teasing, with an eye for choosing the direction which others wouldn’t – and that is meant as a big compliment. There’s an unexpected maturity in her voice, daring phrasing and an almost understated reserve of energy." EKSTRA BLADET: (Danish national newspaper) https://www.highresaudio.com/en/artist/view/df41751f-8011-463f-b124-d5b017e46549/katrine-madsen

My Secret

George Evans - Movie Songs

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 55:26
Size: 126.9 MB
Styles: Vocal, Jazz vocals
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[3:46] 1. The Way You Look Tonight
[3:17] 2. Beginner's Luck
[4:17] 3. Change Partners
[5:48] 4. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
[3:21] 5. A Lot Of Livin' To Do
[3:54] 6. Dearly Beloved
[4:59] 7. It Was Written In The Stars
[7:42] 8. You Won't Forget Me
[5:06] 9. I Will Wait For You
[3:42] 10. I Dream Too Much
[5:32] 11. The Shadow Of Your Smile
[3:55] 12. Lover

George Evans is a well-known Canadian jazz vocalist and entertainer. A dual citizen of the US and Canada, he appears with regularity on both sides of the border. George has released 8 projects under his own name, and all but one on his own M-Swing Music label. Since 1997 he has enjoyed the support of the CBC and other national outlets, performing both live in concert and in studio, both on radio and televisionA background in music, theatre, broadcasting and journalism makes George a multi-disciplinary artist. His passion for vocal music has driven him to become a recognized archivist, with major label credits in A&R.

Movie Songs

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Christian McBride - The Q Sessions

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2021
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 31:03
Size: 71,9 MB
Art: Front

(11:18) 1. Blues Connotation
(14:47) 2. On Green Dolphin Street
( 4:56) 3. Brouhaha

Seven-time Grammy® Award-winning jazz artist Christian McBride partnered with Qobuz, the Hi-Res streaming and download service, last year to produce The Q Sessions EP. Released exclusively through their streaming platform last year, the project is now available across all platforms.

The release comes on the heels of Christian McBride & Inside Straight's Live at the Village Vanguard album, as well as the GRAMMY® Award nomination for his 2020 Christian McBride Big Band release, For Jimmy, Wes and Oliver. Additionally, McBride is touring internationally through March and will return to the US with performances through the end of June. You can see a complete schedule here.

More Information on The Q Sessions: McBride visited NYC’s Power Station last year to record three start-to-finish Hi-Res songs commissioned by Qobuz. The project was created with top-notch equipment at 24-bit/192kHz quality, and the final product streams and downloads with the exact same sound, tones and touches in which it was first recorded.

The EP features three McBride performances, played in a quartet with saxophonist Marcus Strickland, drummer Eric Harland, and guitarist Mike Stern. Comprised of one blues improv, one standard and one new original commissioned by Qobuz ("Brouhaha," a song inspired by the then-recent passing of Chick Corea), The Q Sessions was custom-designed for the jazz fans who turn to Qobuz for the best quality sound. This EP joins Qobuz’s already established catalog of exclusive content expert penned “panorama” interactive essays, artist-created playlists, liner notes and lyric booklets to add to the platform’s reputation for the best listening experience in the field.

“What a pleasure it was to put together a special group featuring one of my favorite guitarists of all time, Mike Stern. It was a great day in the studio with Mike, Marcus and Eric not only jamming a couple of tunes, but to also record a new original of mine, 'Brouhaha,'" said McBride. https://bassmagazine.com/artists/christian-mcbride-releases-the-q-sessions

Personnel: Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – Christian McBride; Drums – Eric Harland; Guitar – Mike Stern; Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Marcus Strickland

The Q Sessions

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

George Evans - Bewitched

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2006
Time: 59:13
File: MP3 @320
Size: 136,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:18) 1. You're Gonna Hear From Me
(4:59) 2. Don't Be That Way
(5:35) 3. Bewitched
(4:05) 4. To The Ends Of The Earth
(2:38) 5. Believe It, Beloved
(4:52) 6. Watch What Happens
(5:23) 7. Lazy Afternoon
(3:44) 8. You Leave Me Breathless
(4:09) 9. I'm Old Fashioned
(4:19) 10. La Belle Vie - The Good Life
(5:03) 11. In Love In Vain
(5:54) 12. All Too Soon
(5:08) 13. Tonight May Have To Last Me All My Life

Singer George Evans has made a strong impression first in Canada and then in the US through his CDs and his live performances. Evans, who was born in the US, relocated to Montreal from New York in 1991. The pasture was greener in Canada and Evans made a mark in radio before he hit the live circuit. His growing reputation as a fine interpreter of songs was cemented with the release of his first album, Moodswing (M-Swing, 1997).Evans sits in a comfortable niche between jazz and cabaret. His vocal technique is carved to bring out the best of both, and he makes sure his CDs have a generous helping of the styles. Bewitched is no exception.The CD grew from three sessions. The main, comprising six of the tracks, was commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) for their radio program Jazz Beat, in 2004. Two of the songs come from 2002. They were to appear on a CD which was aborted following the death of drummer Jerry Fuller. The remaining tunes were recorded while touring Canada. Evans opens appropriately with "You're Gonna hear From Me", swinging in briskly. His inflections and the way he shapes the words weave a spell that is extended by the band, particularly Michael Stuart. He brings an undeniable character to his playing, flowing freely as he does here, or hewing close to Evans as he scats on "Don't Be That Way.Another bright spark is lit on the lilting "You Leave Me Breathless". Evans dips into the marrow of the lyrics, swinging deliciously while Reg Schwager adds the depth. He is a loquacious guitarist who constantly weaves fascinating tapestries, on this track as on many others. Evans closes with a warm ballad, "Tonight May Have to Last me All My Life". He is at the top of his calling, his singing deeply impassioned, his voice wistful and awash with hurt.Evans and his outstanding band work in close harmony to bring songs from that Great American Songbook to life. And to leave the listener bewitched.

Personnel: George Evans: vocals; Nancy Walker: piano; Mark Eisenman: piano; Steve Wallace: bass; Neil Swainson: bass; Archie Alleyne: drums; Jerry Fuller: drums; Reg Schwager: guitar; Michael Stuart: tenor sax.

Bewitched

George Evans - Live At The Cellar Vol. 1

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2008
Time: 53:05
File: MP3 @320K
Size: 121,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:04) 1. This Can't Be Love
(6:35) 2. Baubles, Bangles And Beads
(5:40) 3. Secret Love
(5:16) 4. On A Clear Day You Can See Forever
(4:08) 5. The Best Thing For You
(4:54) 6. I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling
(5:58) 7. Autumn Serenade
(6:14) 8. Que Feras-Tu De Ta Vie?
(4:55) 9. Seems Like Old Times
(5:17) 10. I'll Close My Eyes

The popular Toronto vocalist performs a set of jazz favorites before a live Vancouver nightclub audience. Though a raucous and highly swinging program overall, the ballads in the set surprise with their intimacy. 

Personnel: George Evans (vocals); Cory Weeds (alto saxophone); Tilden Webb (piano); Jesse Cahill (drums). 

Recording information: The Cellar, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (05/13/2006).

Live At The Cellar  Vol. 1

Bert Kaempfert - Let's Swing

Styles: Jazz, Big Band, Swing
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:51
Size: 104,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:58)  1. Opus One
(3:11)  2. Tuxedo Junction
(2:44)  3. Jumpin' Blue
(3:03)  4. Wake Up And Live
(2:58)  5. Night Train
(3:04)  6. Easy Glider
(3:14)  7. Take The ''A'' Train
(3:34)  8. Walkin' And Shoutin'
(3:08)  9. The Continental
(2:52) 10. Perdido
(3:10) 11. Free And Easy
(2:30) 12. Choo Choo Ch'Boogie
(3:08) 13. Tea And Trumpets
(3:12) 14. Skyliner

“I want to make music for everyone. It’s meant to give people pleasure. If it doesn’t, it’s failed in its purpose.” (Bert Kaempfert)

Long before the Liverpool sound even existed, it was Bert Kaempfert who, with My Bonnie, made the Beatles into recording stars as early as 1960 preparing the ground for Paul McCartney, John Lennon & Co.: phenomenal international career: they had the benefit of his knowledge, his skills and that creativity which he so undogmatically imparted.  The list of the solo artists who scored success after international success with Kaempfert’s inimitable compositions reads like a Who’s Who of light music: Frank Sinatra, Al Martino, Dean Martin. Ella Fitzgerald und Shirley Bassey. Sarah Vaughan und Peggy Lee. Nat “King” Cole, Herb Alpert, Johnny Mathis. Brenda Lee, Caterina Valente, Andy Williams, Nancy Wilson to name but a few.  Quite simply, they all felt at ease with the melodies this Hamburg composer and arranger created, melodies as light and unforced as their construction was inspired. Whether intentionally or not, he clearly knew how to reproduce in his music the nature of the person he was: likeable, unassuming and restrained yet, at the same time, infectious, expressive and brimming with joie de vivre. In short, melodies that do you good.  The biography of the man whose ideas occupy a firm place in the annals of music history began more than eighty years ago in a working-class district of Hamburg. http://kaempfert.de/en/biography/

Let's Swing

Mario Biondi - Romantic

Styles: Vocal
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:36
Size: 135,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:37) 1. The Creator Has A Master Plan
(2:42) 2. Romantic Song
(4:14) 3. Fino All'ultimo Respiro
(3:22) 4. If I Love You
(2:59) 5. Going Out Of My Head
(3:24) 6. Loneliness
(2:32) 7. Prisoner
(3:50) 8. What's Your Name
(6:17) 9. What's Going On
(4:20) 10. You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine
(4:54) 11. Tu Malatia
(2:45) 12. Papa Loves Mambo
(3:31) 13. Would You Believe In Me
(3:30) 14. Ricuordate (Feat. Lina Sastri)
(5:31) 15. Take It As It Comes (Prendila Così)

As the war in Ukraine shakes the soul with its frightening noises of death and violence, Mario Biondi gives birth to her disc ‘Romantic’ which is a balm. An enchantment from the first to the last track that does not fail to surprise with a song in Neapolitan ‘Ricuordate’ (text by Sergio Iodice and music by Paolo Moscarelli) with the participation of Lina Sastri, the only ‘guest’ item within the project. “This record in some songs reflects the sound and the character of the 70s, the years in which music reminded us that war is only a source of pain. Each of us has a romantic streak and hopes that the problems will be solved with the common sense, with love of neighbor, not with violence or hostility “, says the artist.

‘Romantic’ the new album by Mario Biondi dedicated to love in all its forms, from the couple bond to the fraternal one, to the love for parents and children like a shower head it spreads the romance that is needed more and more in this world and now more than ever. This is the fil rouge of the 12 tracks on CD and 15 tracks in digital and cassette and LP (available from 25 March) that make up this new project, specifically 6 unreleased and 9 reinterpretations chosen mainly from the international repertoire. ‘Romantic’ is strongly characterized by the production curated by Mario Biondi himself with Massimo Greco and David Florio: all the songs were recorded in an analog way, a choice that gives a very warm and authentic sound to the entire album that strongly recalls the sounds of the years. ’70. The tracks were recorded, as was the case at the time, with collective takes in which all the musicians played together in the same room, enhancing the magic of sharing and the interplay effect. This direction made the studio experience unique and was established right away to recreate the original atmospheres of the songs that have been reinterpreted.

As for the trackist of the six unpublished four are in English: “Romantic Song”, “If I love you”, “Loneliness”, “Prisoner”, one in Italian “Up to the last breath” written by Maurizio Fabrizio, and one in Neapolitan, “Ricuordate”, already mentioned in the introduction. Among the 9 reinterpretations “The Creator Has a Master Plan” (Leon Thomas and Pharoah Sanders), “Going Out of My Head” (Dionne Warwick’s version of Little Anthony’s The Imperials made famous by Frank Sinatra), “What’s Your Name “(Leon Ware),” What’s Going On (Les McCan’s version of Marvin Gaye’s famous song), You’ll Never Find Another Like Mine “(Lou Rawls),” Papa Loves Mambo “(Perry Como),” Would You Believe in Me “(Jon Lucien),” Take It As It Comes “(the English version of” Take it like this “by Lucio Battisti), and the song” Tu Malatia “in Sicilian language to which Mario is very attached because it is written by his father Stefano Biondi.

From today,“Romantic All Around Selection” is also available, a mini EP containing 3 tracks from the Romantic album in the Dolby Atmos version, parallel to the disc dedicated to audiophiles for a superior sound experience. These are the three tracks that will be available in spatial audio: “The Creator Has a Master Plan”, “Until the Last Breath” and “What’s Going On”. On March 30 Mario Biondi will also start, with the first part of the international tour organized by International Music and Beyond which will engage him until April 26 in the UK, Switzerland and Spain, a tour that will then follow in summer and autumn with new dates in Croatia, Serbia, Albania, Germany, Austria and Hungary. Finally, from May 5, the 2022 theatrical tour in Italy produced and organized by Friends & Partners will start. Tickets are in advance on www.ticketone.it and in the usual sales points. Radio Monte Carlo is the official radio of the tour.https://www.ruetir.com/2022/03/18/while-the-war-screams-mario-biondi-enchants-the-soul-with-romantic/

Romantic

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Kenny Barron, Cyrus Chestnut, Benny Green, Eric Reed - Festival de Jazz de Vitoria-Gasteiz 2017

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:26
Size: 126,1 MB
Art: Front

( 3:47) 1. Thelonious
( 4:01) 2. Bye-Ya
( 5:56) 3. In Walked Bud
( 3:31) 4. Teo
( 5:35) 5. Reflections
( 6:35) 6. Light Blue
( 6:13) 7. Monk's Dream
(12:06) 8. Smoke Gets In
( 6:37) 9. Blue Monk

Kenny Barron, the highest peak of modern jazz piano that fascinated many giant stars such as Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz, a rich gospel feeling and a swing feeling unique to jazz. Top acoustic piano runner, Cyrus Chestnut, master of jazz piano tradition, Benny Green, leaders such as "Pure Imagination" ranked in the US jazz chart, and many other masterpieces The pattern of the jazz festival in 2017 Spain by Eric Reed and others who announced the above is recorded with high image quality and high sound quality. We cannot miss the stage of the famous pianists who have added further aging. The recording time will be 50 minutes. Live at 41 Festival de Jazz de Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, July 12th, 2017 https://monotone--extra-co-jp.translate.goog/SHOP/dvdj-301.html?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

Personnel: Kenny Barron --piano; Cyrus Chestnut --piano; Benny Green --piano; Eric Reed – piano

Festival de Jazz de Vitoria-Gasteiz 2017

The New Brubeck Quartet - A Cut Above

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1978
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:32
Size: 161,9 MB
Art: Front

( 5:38) 1. Unisphere
(16:44) 2. Ellington Medley: The Duke/'C'
( 4:05) 3. Three to Get Ready
(19:31) 4. Forty Days/Sermon on the Mount
( 7:08) 5. Blue Rondo A La Turk
( 5:46) 6. Unsquare Dance
(11:36) 7. Take Five

There was an earlier post about direct to disc recordings which peaked my interest. I've heard some good and some not so good in the past. After doing an eBay search, A Cut Above! came up and a copy found it's way to my place.

The is a later Dave Brubeck playing with his three sons.Not all of the tracks do it for me but a couple are really stand out.Forty Days-Sermon on the Mount is fantastic. Darius Brubeck plays snyth and these tracks really pull you in, highly recommended.The second is their version of Take Five.The original has always been a favorite of mine but this is special.The Take Five is on YouTube and linked below.https://forum.bottlehead.com/index.php?topic=13048.0

Personnel: Dave Brubeck (piano); Darius Brubeck (electric piano); Chris Brubeck (electric bass, bass trombone); Danny Brubeck (drums)

A Cut Above

Harry Allen - My Reverie by Special Request

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:15
Size: 122,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:52) 1. The Rose Tattoo
(4:18) 2. Love, Your Magic Spell is Everywhere
(5:26) 3. La Rosita
(4:35) 4. Boulevard of Broken Dreams
(4:52) 5. Carioca
(5:29) 6. My Reverie
(7:09) 7. I Surrender Dear
(5:12) 8. Close as Pages in a Book
(5:08) 9. Lilacs in the
(6:09) 10. St. James Infirmary

A swinging jazz saxophonist, Harry Allen is a highly regarded performer whose musical inspiration and interpretive approach come from the giants and innovators of mainstream saxophone, including Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Stan Getz, Illinois Jacquet, and Lester Young. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Allen has generally eschewed the modern, avant-garde, and impressionist schools of jazz of John Coltrane, Archie Shepp, and Ornette Coleman. Born in Washington, D.C. in 1966, Allen grew up in a musical family as the son of big-band drummer Maurice Allen. He started off with accordion lessons before there was a fortuitous switch to saxophone. Attending Rutgers University, Allen studied with Sahib Shihab, Bob Mintzer, and John Purcell.

While there, he got his first gig with the help of master bass player Major Holley, replacing Zoot Sims in a studio recording with John Bunch, George Masso, Bucky Pizzarelli, and Ruby Braff. Wholley also led Allen to Oliver Jackson, whom Allen subsequently accompanied on several tours to Europe. A 1986 session with Kenny Barron was Allen's first recording date. After that, Allen made his debut as a leader on 1988's How Long Has This Been Going On?

From there, he delivered a steady stream of recordings under his name for such labels as Progressive, Audiophile, and Nagel-Heyer. Later, his recordings were with major-label RCA-Victor, including 1999's Harry Allen Meets the John Pizzarelli Trio and 2000's Plays Ellington Songs. Three of his albums were awarded a Gold Disc by Swing Journal magazine, and his CD Tenors Anyone won both the Gold Disc and New Star awards. He has also recorded as a sideman with Bucky Pizzarelli (with whom he performs quite frequently), Warren Vache, and Jeff Hamilton.

Allen continues to record extensively and makes frequent appearances at jazz festivals and concerts. Highly prolific, he delivered a slew of well-regarded albums for BMG in the 2000s before moving back to boutique labels like Arbors, Sackville Records, and Challenge for albums like 2007's Cocktails for Two with Joe Temperley, 2009's New York State of Mind, and 2010's When Larry Met Harry with pianist Larry Goldings. He then paired with longtime associate Scott Hamilton for 2012's 'Round Midnight, and explored bossa nova rhythms on 2015's Something About Jobim. The following year he delivered The Candy Men: Harry Allen's All-Star New York Saxophone Band, featuring fellow saxophonists Grant Stewart, Eric Alexander, and Gary Smulyan.~Dave Nathanhttps://www.allmusic.com/artist/harry-allen-mn0000668457/biography

My Reverie by Special Request

Friday, April 15, 2022

Kirk Lightsey Trio With Chet Baker - Everything Happens To Me

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1983
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:38
Size: 93,3 MB
Art: Front

( 4:52)  1. Rays Ideas
(10:45)  2. Everything Happens To Me
( 6:08)  3. Girl With The Purple Eyes
( 6:57)  4. Speak No Evil
( 5:00)  5. Inner Urge
( 6:54)  6. Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum

For some, the most important part about this recording will be the two tracks ("Ray's Ideas" and "Everything Happens to Me") on which Chet Baker blows trumpet and sings. While Baker is not in top form, he is a fine complement to the group sound. Lightsey's trio (with bassist David Eubanks and drummer Eddie Gladden) picks an interesting collection of pieces for the remainder of the program, with his well-known Wayne Shorter emphasis. A largely uneventful, if nonetheless relaxingly swinging set, Lightsey deftly walks through the chords with consummate skill. An underrated performer, the pianist is a skillful interpreter of American song, a performer who understands the meanings of tunes and infuses them with his own interpretations. Not terribly innovative, Lightsey is one of those few serious mainstream jazz piano soloists who pushes the edges ever so slightly but feels comfortable smack dab in the middle of traditional interplay. ~ Steve Loewy http://www.allmusic.com/album/everything-happens-to-me-mw0000877567

Personnel: Kirk Lightsey (piano); Chet Baker (vocals, trumpet); Eddie Gladden (drums).

Everything Happens To Me

Benny Carter - Benny Carter Songbook Vol II

Styles: Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:04
Size: 174,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:26)  1. My Mind Is Still On You - Joe Williams
(5:10)  2. Echo Of My Dream - Dianna Krall
(6:00)  3. Rock Me To Sleep - Ruth Brown
(4:04)  4. Stop Me Before I Fall In Love Again - Billy Stritch
(8:33)  5. He Doesn't Need Me Now - Nancy Marano
(6:05)  6. Doozy - Jon Hendricks
(5:10)  7. Nevermore - Billy Stritch
(7:05)  8. Malibu - Lainie Kazan
(5:53)  9. Blue Moonlight - Marlena Shaw
(5:30) 10. Evening Star - Kenny Rankin
(4:46) 11. Slow Carousel - Nancy Marano
(4:05) 12. Whisper To One - Barbara Lea
(5:56) 13. I'm The Caring Kind - Weslia Whitfield
(4:16) 14. When Hilma Smiles

The 1997 release of this CD helped Benny Carter celebrate his 90th birthday, featuring 14 of his original ballads by a dozen guests, in addition to a warm tribute to his wife of many years, "When Hilma Smiles," sung by Carter himself in a friendly, unpretentious manner. His smooth alto sax hasn't lost anything over the decades, and the top-notch cornet of Warren Vaché is also a nice touch. 

The highlights among the guest vocalists' contributions include Nancy Marano's emotional version of "He Doesn't Need Me Now" and Wesla Whitfield's sassy take of "I'm the Caring Kind." ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/songbook-vol-2-mw0000028108

Personnel: Benny Carter (vocals, alto saxophone); Joe Williams, Weslia Whitfield, Ruth Brown, Billy Stritch, Nancy Marano, Jon Hendricks, Lainie Kazan, Marlena Shaw, Kenny Rankin, Barbara Lea, Diana Krall (vocals); Warren Vache (cornet); Chris Neville (piano); Steve LaSpina (bass); Sherman Ferguson, Roy McCurdy (drums)

Benny Carter Songbook Vol II

Dave Brubeck, Chris Brubeck & Darius Brubeck - Two Generations Of Brubeck/Brother, The Great Spirit Made Us All

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 36:26
Size: 83.4 MB
Styles: Piano jazz, West Coast jazz
Year: 1974/2005
Art: Front

[2:43] 1. Mr. Broadway
[7:17] 2. Forty Days
[2:44] 3. The Duke
[5:54] 4. It's A Raggy Waltz
[2:42] 5. Sky Scape
[8:16] 6. Temptation Boogie
[2:49] 7. Ragaroni
[3:58] 8. Christopher Columbus

These two mid-seventies Brubeck Family albums (Dave and sons, along with Jerry Bergonzi and Peter 'Madcat' Ruth) were combined, for a brief time, on to a single cassette tape. ~Sean Westergaard

Two Generations of Brubeck: This very interesting set features the pianist with three of his sons (Darius on keyboards, Chris doubling on trombone and bass and Danny on drums), and a wide variety of musicians including tenor-saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, clarinetist Perry Robinson and Peter "Madcat" Ruth on harmonica. To hear numbers performed by these younger players casts new light on the durability and flexibility of these classic Brubeck songs.

Brother, The Great Spirit Made Us All: Pianist Dave Brubeck and three of his sons (keyboardist Darius, drummer Danny and Chris on trombone and bass), with the assistance of such players as Jerry Bergonzi (on tenor and soprano), clarinetist Perry Robinson and Madcat Ruth on harmonica, perform colorful treatments of a wide variety of swinging pieces. Highlights include "It's a Raggy Waltz," "Temptation Boogie" and "Christopher Columbus"; Dave Brubeck takes "The Duke" solo. This fine music was last available on LP.

Two Generations Of Brubeck/Brother,The Great Spirit Made Us All

Lynne Arriale Trio - The Lights Are Always On

Styles: Piano Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:07
Size: 101,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:55) 1. March On
(3:22) 2. The Lights Are Always On
(5:14) 3. Sisters
(4:25) 4. Honor (Dedicated to Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman)
(3:26) 5. Loved Ones
(4:42) 6. Sounds Like America
(4:46) 7. The Notorious Rbg (Dedicated to Ruth Bader Ginsburg)
(4:36) 8. Into the Breach
(4:23) 9. Walk in My Shoes (Dedicated to John Lewis)
(4:15) 10. Heroes

The Lights Are Always On is pianist/composer Lynne Arriale’s 16th album as leader, and her third recording on Challenge Records International. Lynne’s original music is a suite of compositions that reflect the world-wide, life-changing events of the past two years. Several of the pieces are named in honor of heroes around the world, including those who served as caregivers on the front lines of the COVID pandemic and as defenders of democracy. On this session Lynne is joined by bassist/co-producer Jasper Somsen and drummer E.J. Strickland, both outstanding, in-demand musicians on the international jazz scene. The trio creates the sort of engrossing musical conversation that has become a trademark of Lynne’s groups.

Lynne’s ten original, highly evocative compositions begin with the persistent Afro-Cuban influenced “March On,” a tribute to activists worldwide. “The Lights Are Always On” features a lyrical melody in perpetual motion; the foundation of a thematic arc that soars over the entire piece. It is followed by the jubilant, gospel-influenced “Sisters.” Lynne’s dedication to Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman, “Honor,” is the melding of two engaging melodic ideas; each reinforcing the other. Together they convey the heroic character and unwavering strength of this American patriot. “Loved Ones” expresses joyful appreciation for those who are precious to us.

The set continues with “Sounds Like America,” where Lynne creates an optimistic melody and solo, culminating in a celebratory chordal finish. “The Notorious RBG,” is an exuberant dedication to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, assertively propelled by drummer E.J. Strickland. Following that, Lynne and Jasper deftly navigate the angular harmonic construction of “Into the Breach,” Lynne’s ominous remembrance of the January 6th Insurrection and the heroes that saved democracy on that day. “Walk in My Shoes,” a dedication to civil rights icon John Lewis, reflects the tenacity and strength of this remarkable leader. Lynne begins her solo with two motivic statements, which she skillfully integrates into a cohesive, powerful performance. The album concludes with “Heroes”, a heartfelt ballad composed in recognition of those who enlightened a very dark period in our history, and who embody the greatest humanistic virtues of mankind.

The title of the project was inspired by Dr. Prakash Gada, an esophageal and robotic surgeon in Tacoma, Washington. Lynne explained, “This collection was inspired by the doctor and all front-line health care workers. For me, Dr. Gada crystallized the workers’ heroism; each day bearing the risk of personal infection, and enduring the emotional toll of staggering caseloads presented by this global crisis. Nevertheless, the doctor said, ‘Here I am back at work after COVID...I fled Kuwait after the invasion. No matter what happens, no one works at home. The lights are always on. Babies are being born; bones are being set. This hospital, this profession…..we are in a league of our own; we’ll take care of you, I promise. I stand next to the most fearless people I have ever seen.’ ”

“Dr. Gada’s words deeply moved me and evoked memories of 9/11. In the aftermath of that attack, I remembered the rescue workers who ran into the towers without hesitation or concern for their personal safety, and thought, ‘Who are these angels?’ Clearly, the angels of our time are Dr. Gada and all health care workers, professionals and volunteers alike, who battle COVID-19.

“Dr. Gada’s ‘lights’ illuminate hospitals and emergency care facilities. But there is also spiritual light in the humanity, compassion, and courage of Dr. Gada and all our angels; shining brightly and eternally, even in the midst of devastation and loss.”

“There is always reason to believe in that light; the inherent goodness of people. It shines in those leaders who spoke truth to power and stood up for what is right. They changed the world, often jeopardizing their careers, and in some cases, their lives.

“In appreciation of these heroes I offer this musical tribute. It is dedicated to our loved ones, and to our better angels; those who embrace truth, compassion, and inclusivity, and reject selfishness, lies, and hatred. It also acknowledges the marchers, my beautiful sisters worldwide, and the heroes of science and medicine who have sacrificed so much.

"The album also expresses my special admiration for the character of Representative John Lewis, Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the patriots of the Capitol Police who stepped into the breach risking their lives to defend our elected representatives and our democracy during the January 6, 2021 Insurrection.” https://www.challengerecords.com/products/16366427482046

The Lights Are Always On

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Doc Cheatham & Nicholas Payton - S/T

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:17
Size: 142.6 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[5:53] 1. How Deep Is The Ocean
[3:35] 2. Jeepers Creepers
[8:40] 3. Stardust
[3:21] 4. I Gotta Right To Sing The Blue
[2:21] 5. Dinah
[4:45] 6. Save It Pretty Mama
[3:26] 7. Do You Believe In Love At Sigh
[3:58] 8. Jada
[4:20] 9. I Cover The Waterfront
[3:16] 10. Maybe
[4:42] 11. Black And Blue
[6:02] 12. Out Of Nowhere
[4:53] 13. She's Funny That Way
[2:59] 14. The World Is Waiting For The S

This matchup between trumpeters Doc Cheatham (91 at the time) and Nicholas Payton (just 23) is quite logical and delightful. Cheatham, one of the few survivors of the 1920s, was still in remarkably fine form, while Payton (a flexible New Orleans player capable of ranging from Dixieland to Freddie Hubbard) is both respectful and inspiring. With Doc contributing occasional vocals and the settings ranging from a quartet to an octet with clarinetist Jack Maheu and pianist Butch Thompson, the brassmen explore a variety of 1920s and '30s standards, including a couple of obscurities ("Do You Believe in Love at Sight?" and "Maybe"). The interplay between the co-leaders, the many subtle tributes to Louis Armstrong, and the consistent enthusiasm of this swinging set make this a historic success and a very enjoyable outing. ~Scott Yanow

Doc Cheatham & Nicholas Payton

Robert Hurst - Presents: Robert Hurst

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1992
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 67:09
Size: 123,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:20) 1. Down 4 the Cause
(6:28) 2. Detroit Red
(6:36) 3. Aycrigg
(4:41) 4. Joyce Faye
(1:23) 5. Incessant Lullaby
(7:53) 6. The Snake Charmer
(2:55) 7. Evidence
(5:54) 8. Walk of the Negress
(7:59) 9. Blue Freeze
(6:45) 10. Bert's Flirt
(7:24) 11. Devil's Night in Motown
(2:46) 12. Incessant Lullaby.... Bye

This set finds bassist Robert Hurst leading the Tonight Show All-Stars (with Branford Marsalis on various reeds and pianist Kenny Kirkland), plus trumpeter Marcus Belgrave and guest Ralph Miles Jones III (on bass clarinet and bassoon) through 11 of his originals and a solo bass version of Thelonious Monk's "Evidence." The music is complex and hard-driving, but the improvisations are rather cold and sometimes boring. Hurst, a superior bassist, is not a superior composer, and his compositions at best set moods. Of the supporting cast, the most distinctive voices are Belgrave and Jones; the latter has a colorful bass clarinet solo on "The Snake Charmer." This is a decent effort, but not all that essential.~Scott Yanowhttps://www.allmusic.com/album/robert-hurst-presents-robert-hurst-mw0000098147

Personnel: Bass – Robert Hurst; Bass Clarinet, Bassoon – Ralph Miles Jones III; Drums – Jeff "Tain" Watts; Piano – Kenny Kirkland; Sopranino Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Branford Marsalis; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Marcus Belgrave

Robert Hurst Presents: Robert Hurst

Mindi Abair - Forever

Styles: Saxophone, Vocal
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:26
Size: 111,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:56) 1. Fine Wine And Vinyl
(3:45) 2. Call Me By Your Name
(5:16) 3. Forever
(3:51) 4. Alive
(4:41) 5. Say It With Love
(4:24) 6. April (Radio Edit)
(3:58) 7. What About Love?
(4:18) 8. Where There's A Woman There's A Way
(4:11) 9. Nothing Ever Hurt Like You
(4:03) 10. Midnight In San Francisco

I recorded this album as the world shut down around us in March 2020. This is a very personal album, and it represents a coming back to myself as a solo artist and feeling the strong sense of knowing who I am and what I stand for. It feels like a chant ... a statement of power, Mindi Abair Forever!”~Mindi Abair https://www.mindiabair.com/

Personnel: Mindi Abair - Vocals, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone

Forever

Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Ron Carter - The Herbie Hancock Trio

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:14
Size: 106,2 MB
Art: Front

(12:25)  1. Watch It
(13:06)  2. Speak Like A Child
( 6:20)  3. Watcha Waitin For
( 7:42)  4. Look
( 6:40)  5. Milestones

Herbie Hancock Trio is an album by Herbie Hancock released in September 21, 1977 in Japan. It features performances by Hancock with Ron Carter and Tony Williams. A second selection of six tracks recorded by the trio during the same day's sessions was released under Ron Carter's name as Third Plane. This is the first of two albums with the same title. A second Herbie Hancock Trio, featuring the same personnel, was released in 1982. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbie_Hancock_Trio_(1977_album)

Personnel:  Herbie Hancock – piano;  Ron Carter – bass;  Tony Williams – drums

The Herbie Hancock Trio