Scott Henderson - Karnevel!

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2024
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:42
Size: 153,9 MB
Art: Front

( 0:47) 1. Step Right Up
( 8:40) 2. Karnevel!
( 6:58) 3. Haunted Ballroom
( 5:37) 4. Covid Vaccination
( 6:57) 5. Puerto Madero
( 6:28) 6. Sea Around Us
(10:00) 7. Sky Coaster
( 4:42) 8. Greene Mansion
( 8:03) 9. Bilge Rat
( 4:59) 10. Acacia
( 3:25) 11. Carnies’ Time

Scott Henderson will be releasing his highly anticipated new album Karnevel! on February 2, 2024! Scott’s previous album People Mover was voted best fusion album of 2019 by Jazz Times magazine, and he won both Best Guitarist and Best Electric/Jazz-Rock/Contemporary Group in JazzTimes Readers Poll.

Karnevel! features a diverse set of beautiful compositions, and demonstrates Scott's striking ability to combine elements of jazz, rock, funk and blues in an authentic, seamless and musical way. After 35 years as a bandleader, Scott is a musician who's playing and composing continues to grow.

The album was recorded live in the studio with Romain Labaye on bass and Archibald Ligonnière on drums, the same musicians on People Mover. After the live session, Scott spent quite a bit of time layering additional guitar tracks. “I’m happy I was able to come up with quite a few sounds I’ve never used before” said Scott in a recent interview. “The variety and pacing are very important aspects of a record to me, and this one covers a lot of territory, from heavy rock moments to very harmonic jazz, and there’s a solo guitar piece which is something I haven’t done on an album before”.

Scott replied about the album concept, “It comes from being a fan of the LA Fair and carnivals in general, not so much as a kid, but from being a dad. Disneyland is fun, but the fair is way more quirky, ridiculous, and always hilarious. It’s a crazy atmosphere filled with variety, like my music.”

Born in 1954, Scott Henderson emerged in the 1980s with his legendary band Tribal Tech and has since become one of the top guitar players/composers in jazz fusion. Scott has toured and recorded with Chick Corea, Weather Report’s Joe Zawinul, Jean-Luc Ponty, and many others. As a bandleader, Scott has toured in over 70 countries and released over 20 albums. Throughout his career, he’s won numerous Best Guitarist awards in Guitar Player and Guitar World magazines, and been on the cover of many international guitar magazines.

“Few players have joined the spirit of jazz and rock as successfully as Scott Henderson, who consistently cranks out masterpieces of harmonic sophistication, overdriven energy, and tonal beauty. He is fully steeped in both jazz and rock tradition, and he’s woven them together to create one of the most powerful voices in fusion guitar.” By Guitar Player Magazine WILLIAM JAMES https://www.allaboutjazz.com/news/guitar-legend-scott-henderson-to-release-new-album-karnevel-announces-forthcoming-european-tour/

Karnevel!

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Dick Patterson Trio - The Lost Chicago Tapes

The Lost Chicago Tapes Set 1

Styles: Jazz Instrumental
Year: 2023
Time: 54:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 125,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:44) 1. Like Someone in Love (Live)
(6:20) 2. If I Had You (Live)
(5:01) 3. A Night in Tunisia (Live)
(6:55) 4. Lover Man (Live)
(6:04) 5. On Green Dolphin Street (Take 1) [Live]
(4:01) 6. Billie's Bounce (Live)
(3:41) 7. Twisted (Live)
(2:17) 8. Perdido (Live)
(7:04) 9. Everything Happens to Me (Take 1) [Live]
(3:31) 10. The Lonesome Road (Live)
(1:36) 11. I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face (Live)
(1:45) 12. Get Me to the Church on Time (Live)

The Lost Chicago Tapes Set 1

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The Lost Chicago Tapes Set 2

Styles: Jazz Instrumental
Year: 2023
Time: 90:44
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 209,9 MB
Art: Front

(9:56) 1. I Got Rhythm (Live)
(7:45) 2. Blues in G (Live)
(4:49) 3. Dancing on the Ceiling (Live)
(6:10) 4. Everything Happens to Me (Take 2) [Live]
(6:16) 5. I'm Beginning to See the Light (Live)
(4:58) 6. Pennies from Heaven (Live)
(4:48) 7. The Nearness of You (Live)
(5:30) 8. I'm Getting Sentimental over You (Live)
(6:30) 9. Satin Doll (Take 1) [Live]
(5:01) 10. Doodlin' (Live)
(4:37) 11. The Transition (Live)
(0:55) 12. Sweet Georgia Brown (Live)
(0:50) 13. Slow Boat to China (Live)
(1:43) 14. Exactly Like You (Live)
(1:09) 15. The Whiffenpoof Song (Live)
(5:11) 16. A Foggy Day (Live)
(4:45) 17. Bewitched (Live)
(5:28) 18. Jordu (Live)
(4:13) 19. Witchcraft (Live)

The Lost Chicago Tapes Set 2

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The Lost Chicago Tapes Set 3

Styles: Jazz Instrumental
Year: 2023
Time: 47:15
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 109,2 MB
Art: Front

(11:16) 1. Blues in Bb, G, C, and F (Live)
( 6:39) 2. Blue Moon (Live)
( 5:12) 3. Battle Hymn of the Republic (Live)
( 6:28) 4. Night and Day (Live)
( 6:34) 5. On Green Dolphin Street (Take 2) [Live]
( 6:48) 6. I'll Remember April (Live)
( 2:35) 7. Amor Amor Amor (Live)
( 1:41) 8. Aquellos Ojos Verdes (Live)

The Lost Chicago Tapes Set 3

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The Lost Chicago Tapes Set 4

Styles: Jazz Instrumental
Year: 2023
Time: 48:43
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 112,8 MB
Art: Front

(7:21) 1. Robbin's Nest (Live)
(7:34) 2. My Romance (Live)
(2:57) 3. Don't Blame Me (Live)
(2:55) 4. The Nearness of You (Live)
(2:56) 5. When I Fall in Love (Live)
(5:46) 6. East of the Sun (West of the Moon) [Live]
(1:14) 7. Old MacDonald Swang a Farm (Live)
(6:09) 8. Satin Doll (Take 2) [Live]
(5:03) 9. Round Midnight (Live)
(6:44) 10. The Theme (Live)

The Lost Chicago Tapes Set 4

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In late 2022, a collection of previously undiscovered live jazz recordings was found by Mark and Craig Patterson. These recordings all have a common thread – they feature Dick Patterson, the father of Mark and Craig, playing bass alongside various artists. Until now, these recordings had never been made public, remaining unheard since their original performances.

The initial release in this series is The Lost Chicago Tapes, a compilation of recordings from four nights of performances by the Dick Patterson Trio. These recordings provide a unique window into the musical talents of the three musicians, as they perform classic songs by artists like Monk, Davis, Parker, Ellington, Strayhorn, Carmichael, Lerner & Loewe, Gershwin, Rodgers & Hart and many others.

Containing a total of 48 tunes, including multiple takes from different nights, The Lost Chicago Tapes offers a glimpse into the vibrant Chicago jazz scene of the 1960s. Produced by Mark Patterson, a well-respected figure in the jazz world, and mastered by Craig Patterson, owner of PME Records, this project is a family endeavour. One aspect the Patterson brothers regret is the lack of information about the pianist and drummer who played alongside Dick Patterson during these recordings. The tape labels simply read “Trio – Chicago,” with one tape featuring the notation “November 24, 1962 – Highwood.” Highwood is a suburb on the north side of Chicago, but he venue is unknown.

The Pattersons are eager to acknowledge the other two musicians and are seeking the assistance of aficionados with knowledge of early 1960s Chicago jazz musicians. They have created a video on YouTube to explain their situation, and the four-album set is now available on various streaming platforms, including Bandcamp.

By the late 1950s, Dick Patterson had become a prominent figure on the Chicago club scene. In 1963, he relocated to Colorado with his young family, embarking on a new phase of his career. This time around, he played with renowned artists like Clark Terry, The Pointer Sisters, Johnny Smith, Peanuts Hucko, Jerry Lewis, Spike Robinson, Neil Bridge, Stew Jackson, Dean Bushnell, Bob Montgomery, Claude Thornhill, George Gobel, and Dave and Don Grusin, among many others. The 1960s marked a golden era for jazz in Denver, and Dick Patterson played a important role, performing up to six nights a week for several decades while supporting fellow musicians on their journeys to success.

However, his own artistry was often overshadowed by his dedication to others. More tapes from his career are set to be released soon, inviting audiences to join in this exploration of musical history.

https://jazzjournal.co.uk/2023/10/29/the-dick-patterson-trio-a-real-life-jazz-mystery/

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Kenny Burrell - Live at the Village Vanguard

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1980
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:03
Size: 113,0 MB
Art: Front

( 6:10) 1. Second Balcony Jump
( 6:44) 2. Willow Weep For Me
( 4:27) 3. Work Song
( 7:03) 4. Woodyn' You
( 0:55) 5. The Introduction by Kenny Burrell of Max Gordon, Village Vanguard
(10:11) 6. In The Still Of The Night
( 6:49) 7. Don't You Know I Care - Love You Madly
( 6:41) 8. It's Getting Dark

Kenny Burrell's storied career as perhaps the premier modern jazz guitarist has been documented by many efforts in the studio, but here's a nightclub date that may well be highly ranked as one of his very best efforts. The spontaneity and freshness of Burrell's lyric lines and deft chords is further enhanced by perhaps the most advanced musicians he has ever played with bassist Richard Davis and drummer Roy Haynes.

For music done in 1959, this is heady, seat-of-the-pants, brilliantly executed jazz that is mostly based in standards, but stretched to exacting tolerances that bend, but are not close to breaking. Davis provides strong support without going as outward as he did later in life, while Haynes might sound subdued to his fans, yet has an elastic presence that allows the other two a lot of freedom to fully articulate this modern mainstream language as a prelude heading into the turbulent '60s.

On this straight reissue that originally sported the title "Man at Work," the trio plays all standards save the lively blues groove, more pronounced than the studio version of Burrell's "All Night Long," and the Erroll Garner tune "Trio," where Burrell's proves expert at combining singles lines and chords in balance. Most of the material is very upbeat and energetic as on the fast and quick "Will You Still Be Mine," and the bop swing of "Broadway" mixed up a little melodically by Burrell.

The love of Duke Ellington's music is always with the guitarist as rendered during "Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'," where the genius of Burrell is extant in his ability to provide his own counterpoint. Burrell's other precious component is his ability to relax and consistently swing as on Thelonious Monk's "Well, You Needn't," Benny Goodman's poignant and simple "Soft Winds," and dipping deep into the tenderness quotient on the ballad "I'm a Fool to Want You" aside the tango-flavored bass of Davis. A solid effort top to bottom, and a recording most highly recommended, this is Burrell and his extraordinary trio very close to, if not truly in their prime, and their element. By Michael G. Nastos https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-night-at-the-vanguard-mw0000203946#review

Live at the Village Vanguard

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David Hazeltine - Ballads and Blues Volume I

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2024
Time: 23:33
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 54,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:25) 1. Felicia’s Blues
(5:32) 2. Just Things
(6:16) 3. When I Fall In Love
(6:19) 4. Blues De Troye

David Hazeltine is one of a handful of contemporary pianists who has mastered all of the major musical skills, from improvisation and technique, to accompaniment, arranging, and composition. Even more impressive, David is the rare artist able to innovate in each category. Thus it’s no surprise that he’s the most recorded contemporary jazz pianist of our time, having recorded thirty five cd’s as a leader and hundreds more as a sideman, on various major labels globally. A Milwaukee native, David was playing the clubs as a preteen, and before he’d even come of age he was already grabbing the attention and respect of jazz legends like Sonny Stitt, and Chet Baker. They urged him to make the move to New York City, which he did in 1992.

Beautifully complex and memorable:

The mark of a true artist, David’s style appeals to a wide range of musical tastes and levels of sophistication. His melodies and harmonies are beautifully complex and memorable. As a composer and instrumentalist, he has developed a signature style that is readily recognizable. His cooperative group “One For All” featuring tenor great Eric Alexander, has attained critical acclaim with their impressive 16 cd discography, and live concerts worldwide including appearances at the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival.

Hazeltine is one of the most sought after pianists today. He has worked with some of the world’s most respected jazz legends including James Moody, Eddie Harris, Jon Faddis, Joe Henderson, Pepper Adams, Jon Hendricks, and Marlena Shaw. David is known for taking a familiar or unexpected song and making it new, making it his own. He effortlessly transfers this skill from song to stage. Whether he’s composing or interpreting, accompanying or leading, you are certain to end the set remembering the sounds of David Hazeltine.

Carrying the art forward:

A brilliant teacher, David is also determined to carry the art forward to the next generation. Formerly an Associate Professor at Berklee, he currently teaches at SUNY-Purchase in New York. David is also a highly skilled clinician, and has served on the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Camp faculty for the past 15 years. His teaching has had a major impact on many of today’s young professional pianists including Ben Markley, who published his doctorate “The David Hazeltine Method” based on his lessons with Mr. Hazeltine. Hal Leonard has published the new “Real Book - Enhanced Edition”, featuring David’s own re-harmonizations of 200 well known standards. Lessons from David are also available on his online workshops; check out his sessions on harmony at www.jazzpianomastery.com, and on the essentials of bebop at www.mymusicmasterclass.com.
https://www.davidhazeltine.com/biography

Personnel: David Hazeltine - piano; Neal Miner - bass; Pete Van Nostrand - drums

Ballads and Blues Volume I

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Lorez Alexandria - In A Different Bag

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1969
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:43
Size: 79,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:17) 1. Hey Jude
(3:24) 2. Confessin' The Blues
(2:01) 3. Deacon Jones Daughter
(3:20) 4. I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore
(3:21) 5. I'll Never Be Free
(3:00) 6. Just One More Chance
(3:40) 7. Trust In Me
(2:35) 8. Vibrations
(2:59) 9. I've Got A Right To Cry
(5:04) 10. My Way

Given the deep gospel roots that inform her pure, powerful vocals, Lorez Alexandria was always as much a soul singer as a jazz singer, regardless of where record stores racked her albums. In a Different Bag emphasizes and expands her pop possibilities, borrowing songs and sounds from the mainstream to create a richly nuanced session that's wonderfully accessible yet true to Alexandria's immense talents.

Produced by Pzazz owner Paul Gayten and arranged by Jack Scott, the album boasts an organic intimacy that underscores its R&B-inspired approach. Alexandria excels on unlikely covers like the Beatles' "Hey Jude" and Randy Newman's "I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore," wrapping this daring and unconventional album on a perfectly poetic note with a reading of "My Way." [Long out-of-print, In a Different Bag was finally reissued in 2001 alongside its 1968 predecessor Didn't We via the two-fer The 60's Pzazz Sessions.] By Jason Ankeny https://www.allmusic.com/album/in-a-different-bag-mw0001249470

In A Different Bag

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Nat King Cole - From The Capitol Vaults (Vol. 4)

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:50
Size: 87,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:01) 1. Little Child
(2:49) 2. You Will Never Grow Old
(2:27) 3. You Are My Sunshine
(3:09) 4. True Blue Lou
(2:50) 5. We Are Americans Too
(3:03) 6. This Holy Love
(2:54) 7. Peace Of Mind
(2:19) 8. Steady
(2:28) 9. The First Baseball Game
(2:47) 10. Goodnight, Little Leaguer
(2:53) 11. The Right Thing To Say
(2:04) 12. Nothing Goes Up (Without Coming Down)
(2:28) 13. More And More Of Your Amor
(2:31) 14. Wanderlust

Continuing Capitol/UMe's ongoing roll-out of rare tracks by Nat King Cole comes the highly anticipated From The Capitol Vaults (Vol. 4) out June 16, 2023, just in time for Father's Day and Juneteenth. This fourth digital-only collection features 14 timeless tracks, 12 of which are available for the first time on streaming platforms.

From The Capitol Vaults (Vol. 4) highlights Cole's velvety smooth voice that is perfectly suited to some of the greatest love songs ever written, capturing him at his most engaging. From the dramatic and lilting "Little Child" (1951) to the charming romantic waltz of "You Will Never Grow Old" (1952), to the whimsical "The First Baseball Game" (1961), the fourth volume of From the Capitol Vaults shows a playful side of Cole's music. The bossa nova and samba of "More and More of Your Amor" (1964) perfectly captures the steamy tropical vibes as we enter the dog days of summer. His jazzy take on "You Are My Sunshine" puts a big band spin on the 1940 American standard by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell.

His focus on harmony in music and in life allowed him to effortlessly inject a poignant and important Civil Rights message in the track "We Are Americans Too" (1956), featured on this compilation. Echoing the sentiments celebrated by the Juneteenth holiday toward emancipation, he conveys the well-documented struggle for equality in the eyes of his fellow Americans ("By the pick and the plow and the sweat of our brow / We are Americans too / We have given up our blood and bone / Helped to lay the Nation's cornerstone").

While he is best known as an iconic vocal legend, Nat King Cole is also remembered as being a loving father to his five children. His daughter Casey Cole told People.com in 2021, "We are so proud that our father touched the soul with his voice and was a quiet leader in the arts. He believed that he could bring harmony among people with his music. We want to continue that dream in a time when we really need it."

Cole's effervescent swing and moonlit balladry propelled him to the forefront of the most iconic performers ever to emerge from the jazz/pop sphere. An icon from the bygone Swing Era and Jazz Age, this volume is a great way to revisit and enjoy the Cole tracks that permeate our culture. But when it comes to American geniuses like him, digging a little deeper now and again is always an excellent idea.https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/capitolume-releases-from-the-capitol-vaults-vol-4-by-nat-king-cole-digitally-today-301852790.html

From The Capitol Vaults (Vol. 4)

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Papik Present: Sea Breeze - West Coast Rendez Vous

Styles: Smooth Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:02
Size: 138,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:19) 1. Chains Of Our Love
(3:51) 2. How Long
(4:08) 3. A Blur In A Morning Dew
(4:08) 4. I Shouldn't Say
(4:54) 5. Biggest Part Of Me
(3:50) 6. Bottom Line
(3:42) 7. I'm Counting On You
(4:36) 8. Movin' On
(3:26) 9. The Many Things I've Lost Along The Way
(3:52) 10. Wait Another Day
(4:03) 11. Never Too Late
(4:21) 12. Right Or Wrong
(3:34) 13. Walking By My Side
(4:31) 14. Miss Sun
(3:41) 15. My Favourite Song (Feat. Kenneth Bailey)

The Roman musician, composer, arranger and producer Nerio “Papik” Poggi is featured here regularly, and is one of my favourites.

I was therefore very excited when I saw that he had realized a new project, and that is this Sea Breeze. The “yacht rock” from the west coast of the USA is central to this.

Papik helped write most of the songs, and also recorded some covers. The opener 'Chains of our Love' was sung by Filippo Perbellini, and immediately sets the tone for this beautiful album, which was released by the Italian label Irma Records Group.

The relaxed atmosphere creates a real holiday feeling. This is followed by the well-known cover 'How Long' by Paul Carrack, now sung by Lo Van Gorp. The ballad 'A Blur in a Morning Dew' has vocals from Dario Daneluz, after which the relaxed mid-tempo of 'I Shouldn't Stay' was sung by Alan Scaffardi. ‘Biggest Part of Me’ is a song written by David Pack when he was a member of the band Ambrosia. Mario Rosini sang it.

This is followed by the original track 'Bottom Line', again with vocals by Lo Van Gorp. The ballad 'I'm Counting on You' is the next track with vocals by Dario Daneluz and sax by Carlo Maria Micheli. 'Movin' on' sounds a bit more funky, with vocals by Filippo Perbellini, followed by the ballad 'The Many Things I've Lost along the Way', which was sung by Alessandro Pitoni.

'Wait Another Day' is another relaxed track, with vocals by Lo Van Gorp. 'Never too Late' is a bit more mid-tempo with vocals by Dario Daneluz, after which 'Right or Wrong' was sung by Andrea “Satomi” Bertorelli. Alfredo Malabello then sings 'Walkin' by My Side', followed by the David Paich cover 'Miss Sun', which was recorded by both Boz Scaggs and Toto. Here David Florio takes care of the vocals. As a bonus track you will receive 'My Favorite Song' as a gift on this CD. Kenneth Bailey provides the vocals on this somewhat funky track.

Again a really cool CD, with relaxed West Coast music. If you like the music of Toto, Boz Scaggs, and smooth soul, this one is for you. Highly recommended!http://www.smooth-jazz.de/Patrick/Papik/WestCoastRendevous.htm

West Coast Rendez Vous

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Lin Rountree - The Message

Styles: Smooth Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:35
Size: 125,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:00) 1. Justified
(4:26) 2. Solid
(4:19) 3. It's You
(4:37) 4. A Little Closer
(3:36) 5. One You
(4:28) 6. To The Top
(6:05) 7. Can't
(7:12) 8. The Message
(3:51) 9. Nite Of Passion
(4:29) 10. Magic Hour
(3:57) 11. Back In The Day
(3:32) 12. Tree's Groove

We have to say that Lin Rountree‘s Fluid album was one of the best Smooth Jazz album in the past few years. Now he is back with a new one for 2023. It is called The Message, and you get 12 tracks with the trumpet as the lead instrument. Guests include Chris ‘Big Dog’ Davis, Ryan La Vallete, Algebra Blessett, Gary Johnson, and Greg Manning.

The set starts off with Justified. You will notice the New Jack Swing beat, which gives the track that extra bounce. This song is all about Rountree’s horns, the lead the hook and the change is horn heavy, and we are not mad at that!

Solid is up next. Ryan La Vallete if featured, and this is another groovy song with a funky beat. Rountree’s trumpet is bouncing off that beat, and La Vallete can really strum that guitar. This is a track that will put a smile on your face.

It’s You, in our opinion, is the best song that Lin has recorded. The change (the part right before the hook) and the hook arrangements are outstanding. The bass adds that extra layer of goodness, and you may have to play this twice to soak it all in.

We pick up the pace with A Little Closer. This is a Greg Manning produced track, and it is alright if you just want to get up and dance. Once again the trumpet arrangement is stellar, with some great ad libs toward the end.

Algebra Blessett is the featured vocalist on One You. Some people have been saying that R&B is dead. Actually, it is not, as it is living in the Smooth Jazz Genre. Tracks like this prove that point. If this was released as a single, it would chart on the R&B side.

To listen to the track To The Top is like being on a rollercoaster. There are several twists and turns here, and we are all about it. It starts out mellow, then on to a mid-tempo feel, with Ryan La Vallete adding some inspiring guitar play. After the song builds up a little, they break it all the way down. After that, they bring the energy, only to break it down again. They bring back the mid-tempo groove to close it out.

You know how artists like to add those interlude breaks between songs? Well, Can’t Wait is like a six minute interlude. That is until those guitar licks wake you up at the end.

The title track, The Message, is next. Gary Johnson is featured on guitar, and this is a slow jam that has a little bounce to it. Coming in at seven minutes, it gives the musicians time to do their thing. This track solidifies Rountree’s place as the top trumpet player on the scene right now.

Nite Of Passion is a Chris ‘Big Dog’ Davis production, and it has some interesting sounds throughout. Rountree is on point with the horn play, and the bassline really sets the tone as this track will be one of the standout pieces on the album.

It seems every Jazz album has at least one ‘jam session’ track, one where all of the musicians get to shine. Magic Hour is that track. Everything just comes together, leaving us with a versatile song that can be played at any occasion.

If you are ready for a little funk, then Back In The Day will do it for you. We are loving the horn arrangements, and do not sleep on the keys, as they are sort of in the background, but they really complete the song.

The album concludes with Tree’s Groove. This is a track has an R&B base, and it just shows of Rountree’s range as an artist. Something with a little different feel than the rest of the tracks on the album.

The Message is another winner for Lin Rountree. You can stream it in its entirety through your favorite service. https://simplyjazztalk.blog/review-the-message-by-lin-rountree/

The Message

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Stepanka Balcarova - Emotions

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:35
Size: 107,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:56) 1. Trust
(2:18) 2. Anticipation
(8:21) 3. Surprise
(7:15) 4. Anger
(7:14) 5. Fear
(7:22) 6. Disgust
(3:01) 7. Joy
(5:03) 8. Sadness

The newly formed quartet (cz/pl) of the Czech trumpeter Štěpánka Balcarová performs with the programme Emotions. It is a group of eight compositions. Each composition is inspired by one of the basic human emotions (joy, trust, fear, disgust, surprise, sadness, anger, expectation).


In the summer of 2023 this programme will be released on CD by the Czech label Animal Music. In addition to the author of the project, Štěpánka Balcarová, the quartet consists of two jazz players from Poland and Czech double bassist Jaromír Honzák.https://www.praha-vysehrad.cz/en/event/stepanka-balcarova-quartet-emotions-cz-pl

Personnel: Stepanka Balcarova - trumpet, flugelhorn; Nikola Kolodziejczyk - piano; Jaromir Honzák - double bass; Grzegorz Masłowski - drums

Emotions

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Manuel Valera Quintet - Vessel

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:26
Size: 159,8 MB
Art: Front

(7:21) 1. Blues For Kenny K
(8:20) 2. First Day
(7:39) 3. Pablo
(6:43) 4. Sunset
(7:17) 5. Garzonian
(5:16) 6. Alma
(8:42) 7. Crisis
(5:08) 8. Remembrance
(5:30) 9. Chance
(7:24) 10. Mr. Henderson

Cuban born and raised, pianist and composer Manuel Valera moved to the US in 1994, attending high school in Florida before moving to New York City in 2000 to study at the New School. His classmates included Robert Glasper, Mike Moreno, Michael Rodriguez, Marcus Strickland and E.J. Strickland. Fast company.

Valera's career as a leader moved up a notch when his band The New Cuban Express received a Grammy nomination in 2013 for Best Latin Jazz Album for their eponymous debut. Since then, Valera has continued to explore Latin and in particular Cuban-informed jazz with small and large ensembles, while also recording in non-Latin situations.

As a composer, Valera has made a feature of through-composition. But Vessel marks a departure from that. Recorded with tenor saxophonist John Ellis, trumpeter Alex Norris, bassist Hamish Smith and drummer Mark Whitfield Jr., Valera conceived the album rather like an old school Blue Note artefact, where the tunes and their changes, rather than the arrangements, are the platforms for improvisation. As Valera puts it in the sleeve notes: "You play the tune, you blow over the tune, then you play the tune again the improvisation is as important as the composition."

There is enough energy running through the ten tracks on Vessel to excite jazz fans from newbies to seasoned professionals. But the more one knows of jazz history, the more one is likely to get out of the disc. Valera wrote each of his nine originals (a tenth track is a cover of Kenny Kirkland's "Chance") in honour of a jazz musician he admires. Only one tune, "First Day," is a borderline pastiche of its inspiration, which is Wayne Shorter circa his role as a composer in the Miles Davis quintet of the mid 1960s. (Check the YouTube below: "First Day" sounds rather like something Shorter might have written the same day as "Masqualero"). The remaining tracks contain more subtle hints of their inspirations, Joe Henderson, Thelonious Monk, McCoy Tyner and post-Weather Report Shorter, among other heroes.

Primary soloists Valera, Ellis and Norris get plenty of space in which to stretch out and their work is consistently high caliber. Along with Valera, Ellis, whose soulful sound has been something to savour ever since his time with Charlie Hunter in the early aughties, is a particular joy. Norris' gutsy work is the business, too. And Smith and Whitfield are as tight as you like. By Chris May
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/vessel-manuel-valera-criss-cross

Personnel: Manuel Valera – piano.; Mark Whitfield Jr. – drums.; John Ellis – tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, flute.; Alex Norris – trumpet, flugelhorn.; Hamish Smith – cdouble bass.Sep 30, 2023

Vessel

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Kitty White - A New Voice In Jazz

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:15
Size: 171,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:51)  1. Skylark
(3:42)  2. Among My Souvenirs
(4:20)  3. If You Were Mine
(4:02)  4. So Many Beautiful Men
(4:25)  5. With The Wind And The Rain In Your Hair
(4:11)  6. With Every Breath I Take
(2:35)  7. Let's Go Around Together
(3:50)  8. Softly
(2:52)  9. Porgy
(3:33) 10. See Saw
(2:53) 11. Out Of This World
(3:29) 12. Talk Me Some Sweet Talk
(3:17) 13. Please Be Pacient
(2:13) 14. When The Wind Was Green
(2:25) 15. Of Thee I Sing
(2:53) 16. Where Or When
(3:09) 17. Forever Young
(3:01) 18. So Help Me
(2:24) 19. I Know That You Know
(3:21) 20. Lazy Afternoon
(2:25) 21. Dat's Love
(2:38) 22. It Was So Beautiful
(1:36) 23. Alone Together

Kitty White for years has been a nightclub favorite among audiences in Los Angeles, frequently singing sophisticated songs with well-traveled lyrics. Colorful, precise and imaginative, she has a remarkable voice that owes allegiance to no particular style. Aside from occasional side trips to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago, and New York, Kitty has always stayed pretty much on home base, so it's not strange to find her here surrounded by groups featuring some outstanding West Coast jazz musicians. Impeccable in diction, phrasing and control, her work with them is a study in perfection.   http://www.jazzloft.com/p-46675-a-new-voice-in-jazz.aspx

Personnel:  Kitty White (vocals); Georgie Auld, Ted Nash (tenor sax, flute); Harry Sweets Edison (trumpet); Gerald Wiggins (piano); Benny Carter (alto sax); Larry Bunker (vibes, conga); Carlos Vidal (bongo, congas); Alvin Stoller (drums); Red Callender (bass)

A New Voice In Jazz

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John Jorgenson - After You've Gone

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 40:21
Size: 92.4 MB
Styles: Progressive bluegrass, Swing
Year: 1988/1992
Art: Front

[3:32] 1. You're Nobodys Sweetheart Now
[3:56] 2. Mabel
[5:44] 3. Mirror In Blue
[2:34] 4. Red Shoelaces
[4:53] 5. I've Found A New Baby
[3:20] 6. Crazy 'nout My Baby
[3:48] 7. Oh Baby!
[3:27] 8. Don' The Uptwon Lowdown
[4:46] 9. After You've Gone
[4:16] 10. Dr. Jazz

This release is a blend of the Django Reinhardt-Stephane Grappelli quintet of the Hot Club of France and David Grisman's Dawg music, the latter being no surprise since Grisman adds his distinctive mandolin to the CD. Jorgenson is a talented guitarist known for his tenure with Chris Hillman's short-lived Desert Rose Band, but he's also right at home with swing era gems like "You're Nobody's Sweetheart Now" and Reinhardt's "Mabel," and his own compositions "Red Shoelaces" and "Mirror In Blue" fit in beautifully. Violinist Daryl Anger, a veteran of Grisman's group and the Turtle Island String Quartet, is also no stranger to classic swing and performs well. Jorgenson's chops on clarinet may be news to some folks but he proves up to the task on a superb take of "I'm Crazy "Bout My Baby." ~Ken Dryden

After You've Gone

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Various Artists - JAZZ IN RIGA, Vol.1

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2023
Time: 101:42
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 233,6 MB
Art: Front

(12:12) 1 Folk Song (Karlis Auzins Trio)
( 8:58) 2 The Concept Of Truth (Karlis Vanags Trio)
( 5:35) 3 The End Is The Beginning (Pauls Pokratnieks Quartet)
( 8:06) 4 Compromise (Liva Dumpe Sextet)
(11:18) 5 The Big Dripper (Alise Golovacka's Orbitrons)
( 6:26) 6 Prayer (M.A.S.A.)
( 6:33) 7 Elvis (Lupa)
( 8:31) 8 Variation 1 (Atis Andersons Organ Trio)
( 7:28) 9 Five Miles High (Mikelis Dzenuska/Uzvaras Bulvaris)
( 7:23) 10 Integration (Vadims Dmitrijevs Quintet)
( 5:48) 11 Medus Bauska (Matiss Cudars Trio)
( 3:46) 12 VI (Vestard Shimkus/Endless Roar)
( 9:31) 13 Hope (Double Yuriy Trio)

In 2017 a boom happened in Latvian and Baltic jazz history with the coming of Jersika Records, an independent jazz and improvised music record label. Since then, the Riga-based label has been delivering top-notch music records each year. Focusing mainly on Latvian musicians and bands with occasionally occurring exceptions such as Estonia-based American trumpeter Jason Hunter or Lithuanian saxophone virtuoso Liudas Mockūnas. Jersika Records has become a warm place for Baltic jazz.

In 2023, Jersika Records released its first various artists' compilation, Live at the M/Darbnīca vol.1: Jazz in Riga: Latvia 2022/2023. Kind of a lengthy title but informative. M/Darbnīca is Riga's famous jazz venue and cultural center where between August 2022 and January 2023 showcases of Latvian jazz musicians and bands took place. That is what this compilation is about. Thirteen acts were recorded for this compilation.

On the album, one catches vibes from post-bop and neo-bop, a blend of spiritual, smooth as well as fusion jazz along with experimental/avant-garde tunes, plus free improvisation and even rearranged folk material. It is all original stuff, played by top Latvian jazz musicians, some of whom team up with their buddies from across the globe, for instance Latvian vocalist and pianist Līva Dumpes' collaboration with Italian guitarist Massimo Imperatore and Amsterdam-based double-bassist Omer Govreen or trombonist Vadims Dmitrijevs' quintet.

The newest compilation opens Latvian jazz and improvised music doors for those who have never ventured into the Baltic region. Live at the M/Darbnīca vol.1 | Jazz in Riga | Latvia 2022/2023 is an eloquent chronicle of the Latvian jazz scene's renaissance. By Vitalijus Gailius
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/live-at-the-m-darbnca-vol1-jazz-in-riga-latvia-2022-2023-various-artists-jersika-records

JAZZ IN RIGA, Vol.1

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Flamenco Passion - A Tribute to Paco de Lucia

Styles: Contemporary Latin
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:51
Size: 96,1 MB
Art: Front

(6:12) 1. Candela (Feat. Mikkel Nordsø, Bjarke Falgren & Mathias Heise)
(8:01) 2. Navegando En El Aire #2 (Feat. Mikkel Nordsø, Bjarke Falgren & Mathias Heise)
(7:20) 3. Gambas Al Ajillo (Feat. Mikkel Nordsø, Bjarke Falgren & Mathias Heise)
(6:46) 4. Palenque (Feat. Mikkel Nordsø, Bjarke Falgren & Mathias Heise)
(6:38) 5. Camelia (Feat. Mikkel Nordsø, Bjarke Falgren & Mathias Heise)
(6:51) 6. Sale El Sol (Feat. Mikkel Nordsø, Bjarke Falgren & Mathias Heise)

The Danish ensemble Flamenco Passion joins forces with three world-class soloists – the master guitarist Mikkel Nordsø, violinist Bjarke Falgren, and harmonica player Mathias Heise – on their latest album, aptly titled “A Tribute to Paco de Lucia.”

Flamenco Passion is undoubtedly one of Scandinavia’s foremost fusion groups, with guitarist Poul Jacek Knudsen at the helm, accompanied by the talented bassist Nicolai Land and percussionist Anders Pedersen. This remarkable album pays homage to the late flamenco guitar icon, Paco de Lucia, whose influence has resonated deeply with countless flamenco artists and renowned jazz musicians like Chick Corea and George Benson. Within the repertoire presented, you’ll find original Flamenco Passion compositions, a piece by Paco de Lucia himself, and two tracks composed by the exceptional Mikkel Nordsø.

Poul Jacek Knudsen has graced numerous flamenco ensembles, both as a soloist and as an accompanist to vocalists and dancers. He has collaborated with famed Spanish artists such as Lucia Alvarez “La Piñona” and Lakshmi Basile “La Chimi,” as well as his guitar mentor Antonio Jero and the talented singer Juan Murube, who contributes palmas (handclaps) and jaleos (cheerful calls of encouragement) on this extraordinary album.

Mikkel Nordsø, a Danish guitar legend in his own right, not only leads his own band, the Mikkel Nordsø Band but has also had the privilege of playing alongside luminaries such as Palle Mikkelborg, Terri Lyne Carrington, George Duke, David Sanborn, and Lisa Nilsson, among others.

Renowned for his mastery of the violin, Bjarke Falgren is a musical virtuoso. He boasts four Grammy Awards and stands as one of Denmark’s most esteemed and recognized violinists. Throughout his career, Falgren has released 11 albums, contributed to television and theater projects, and collaborated with esteemed musicians like Mads Mathias, Mathias Heise, and Jacob Fischer.

Mathias Heise, hailed as one of the world’s preeminent harmonica players, clinched the title of Chromatic Harmonica World Champion in 2013. His exceptional talent has garnered him prestigious accolades such as The Danish Crown Prince Couple’s Stardust Award and the Ben Webster Prize, where he holds the distinction of being the youngest-ever recipient. Heise has recently had the honor of performing alongside harmonica player Antonio Serrano, who was once part of Paco de Lucia’s renowned ensemble. https://jazzjournal.co.uk/2023/08/28/flamenco-passion-a-tribute-to-paco-de-lucia/

Here’s the lineup for the album: Poul Jacek Knudsen: guitar/handclaps; Mikkel Nordsø: guitar , octave guitar; Bjarke Falgren: violin; Mathias Heise: chromatic harmonica; Nicolai Land: bass; Anders Pedersen: cajón/percussion; Juan Murube: jaleo/handclaps.

A Tribute to Paco de Lucia

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Tim Ray - Fire & Rain

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:07
Size: 172,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:49) 1. Bye-ya (Feat. John Lockwood & Mark Walker)
(6:13) 2. Stolen Moments (Feat. John Lockwood & Mark Walker)
(5:20) 3. No Worries (Feat. John Lockwood & Mark Walker)
(4:23) 4. The Meeting: The Jbug And The Kman (Feat. John Lockwood & Mark Walker)
(5:43) 5. Mojave (Feat. John Lockwood & Mark Walker)
(5:02) 6. Theodore The Thumper (Feat. John Lockwood & Mark Walker)
(9:09) 7. Fire And Rain (Feat. John Lockwood & Mark Walker)
(4:14) 8. Lawns (Feat. John Lockwood & Mark Walker)
(8:27) 9. Moon In The Sea (Feat. John Lockwood & Mark Walker)
(3:55) 10. Improv #1 (For Chick) (Feat. John Lockwood & Mark Walker)
(7:01) 11. Nighttime (Feat. John Lockwood & Mark Walker)
(5:53) 12. The Windup (Feat. John Lockwood & Mark Walker)
(4:52) 13. Fire And Rain (Radio Edit) (Feat. John Lockwood & Mark Walker)

Veteran educator and jazz pianist Tim Ray pays homage to some of his musical heroes with a piano trio album simply entitled Fire & Rain. It features various well-known standards from those who have been a major influence in his career, along with three original tunes added to the mix. Joining the pianist on this new adventure are familiar band mates, bassist John Lockwood and drummer Mark Walker, originally together for a Greg Abate concert and then for the Abate album Motif (Whaling City Sound, 2014). Since then, the group has performed as sidemen as well as a leading band of their own, gaining a reputation as one of the finest trio groups in the business.

Ray writes that the trio format is "one of the great ensemble innovations of the last century," further concluding that "What makes an ensemble of piano, bass and drums so satisfying is the harmonic space...the rhythmic and coloristic focus...and a sonic balance" infused into the music. Who's to argue? All of those elements seem to work out quite well here, resulting in an impressive and dynamic session of music one will revisit often.

One of Ray's musical influences was the legendary Thelonious Monk who he pays tribute to on the opening hard-swinging Monk piece "Bye-Ya," followed by the band's beautiful treatment of Oliver Nelson's oft-recorded standard "Stolen Moments." Antonio Carlos Jobim, another of Ray's heroes, is covered here with a performance of one of his lesser-known compositions "Mojave," which is one of the outstanding tracks of the set.

Other tribute pieces here include the Carla Bley song "Lawns" (actually a Bley tribute to the late pianist Larry Willis), Keith Jarrett's "The Windup" and Oscar Peterson's "Nighttime." The James Taylor title song "Fire & Rain" enjoys two performances here, with a lengthy nine-minutes plus track, and the final track, a radio edit version of less than five minutes duration.

Each player contributes an original tune to the album, with Ray's "No Worries," Walker's "Moon in the Sea," and Lockwood's "The Meeting: The Jbug and the Kman" rounding out the set. Fire & Rain is an exceptional recording by this trio, and goes a long way to not only affirming Ray's feelings about the trio format but also adding to their well-deserved reputation as one of the most formidable jazz trios around.By Edward Blanco
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/fire-and-rain-tim-ray-trio-whaling-city-sound

Fire & Rain

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Ron Bosse - Burning Room Only 2.0 (The Afterburners)

Styles: Guitar, Jazz Fusion
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 23:10
Size: 53,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:42) 1. Bossman (Feat. Randy Brecker, Jeff Lorber & Gary Novak) (The Afterburners)
(4:17) 2. Rumble Strip (Feat. Oz Noy, Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip & Gary Novak) (The Afterburners)
(3:13) 3. Enter The Burn (Feat. Derek Sherinian, Jeff Lorber, Ben Shepherd & Gary Novak) (The Afterburners)
(5:02) 4. Zero-g (Feat. Mike Stern, Bob Mintzer, Ben Shepherd & Gary Novak)
(3:47) 5. Bossman (Feat. Lil' John Roberts, Jeff Lorber, Mononeon & Gary Novak) (The Afterburners V2)
(3:08) 6. Enter The Burn (Feat. Jeff Lorber, Ben Shepherd, Gary Novak & Norwood Pearson)

When jazz fusion guitarist Ron Bosse starts writing music for an album, he keeps writing, winding up with more songs than he can include on the album. That’s what happened with his “Burning Room Only” album that he wrote with Grammy-winning keyboardist and the project’s producer Jeff Lorber, which was issued last November.

The success of the Deep Cat Records album inspired Bosse to release a couple of tunes that were left off the disc that have the same “burning” theme in addition to releasing a few alternate versions of songs from the album featuring prominent and highly esteemed collaborators. By JGT Newsroom
https://jazzguitartoday.com/2023/06/new-release-from-jazz-fusion-guitarist-ron-bosse/

Burning Room Only 2.0 (The Afterburners)

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James Brandon Lewis/Red Lily Quintet - For Mahalia, With Love

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:36
Size: 165,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:00) 1. Sparrow
(9:21) 2. Swing Low
(9:52) 3. Go Down Moses
(8:17) 4. Wade In The Water
(8:52) 5. Calvary
(9:20) 6. Deep River
(9:02) 7. Elijah Rock
(8:35) 8. Were You There
(4:12) 9. Precious Lord

Tenor saxophonist James Brandon Lewis has been establishing himself in various contexts for the last few years, but his main focus lately has been on his Red Lily Quintet. Their first album, Jesup Wagon, (TAO Forms, 2021), was dedicated to African-American scientist, George Washington Carver. On their 2023 release, the group's music focuses on the work of the legendary gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson.

This tribute takes the form of interpretations of familiar spirituals Jackson often sang. The gospel-derived power of Albert Ayler also hovers over this music, most strongly on the opening track, "Sparrow," where Lewis' tenor and Kirk Knuffke's cornet plow into the melody with graceful, unhurried power, responding to each other as Ayler and his trumpeter brother Donald Ayler did in their time.

Other tracks have more involved structures. On "Swing Low," Lewis plays melodies and counter-melodies solo, before giving way to a growling undercurrent laid down by the rhythm section, cellist Chris Hoffman, bassist William Parker, and drummer Chad Taylor. This in turn leads to the horns returning with fiery intensity. "Go Down Moses" has Lewis and Knuffke swirling around each other in soulful dialogue over Parker's relentless walking bass while on "Deep River" the horns sway in jubilant harmonies over cello and bass plucks and thumping drums. Lewis and Knuffke answer each other like exuberant choir soloists in their call-and-response on "Elijah Rock" as the drums explode under them like a congregation shouting "Amen" to a preacher's fiery sermon.

This gorgeous music reaches back to the spiritual jazz legacy of Ayler, John Coltrane, and Pharoah Sanders and reconnects it beautifully to the passion and joy of gospel music as Mahalia Jackson and others performed it. It is a major triumph for James Brandon Lewis and his group.

The first edition of this album contains a bonus example of Lewis' many talents, a second CD presenting his composition for tenor sax and string quartet, "These Are Soulful Days," performed live by Lewis and the Lutoslawski Quartet. This extended piece weaves a blend of folk, spiritual and blues ideas into a rich fabric where Lewis' tenor can either sing placidly or lean in hard as the strings bend and breathe around him. The work reaches a high point in "Movement III" where Lewis wails the spiritual "Wade In The Water" as the quartet backs him with a choppy tango rhythm. It is all further proof of Lewis' marvelous versatility. By Jerome Wilson https://www.allaboutjazz.com/for-mahalia-with-love-james-brandon-lewis-tao-form

Personnel: James Brandon Lewis - Saxophone; Red Lily Quintet (cornetist Kirk Knuffke, cellist Chris Hoffman, bassist William Parker and drummer Chad Taylor)

For Mahalia, With Love

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Júlio Resende - Sons of Revolution

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:02
Size: 98,9 MB
Art: Front

(2:34) 1. Portugal Celebrates with Red Flowers
(2:38) 2. Liberdade Desgarrada
(3:17) 3. Mr. Fado Goes to Africa for the First Time
(4:08) 4. End of Colonial War! No Saudade
(5:03) 5. Mano a Mano - Now We Are Brothers
(4:53) 6. Peace at Last
(4:38) 7. Anagrama - The Retornados Love Two Lands
(3:37) 8. Portugal Dances Another Mariquinhas
(2:30) 9. Improvisation About Traz Outro Amigo Também
(5:26) 10. Fado Poinciana for Ahmad Jamal
(4:14) 11. A Casa Dela Her House

When he was a child, Júlio Resende ruined many of his father's vinyl records, as children at play may unintentionally do. But in due course he became one of the most accomplished pianists of his generation. The proof is his album Filhos da Revolução (Sons of Revolution), on which Resende went back to his father's roots to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1974 Portugese revolution what became known as the Carnation Revolution which overthrew country's right wing, authoritarian, colonialist dictatorship.

"Without the revolution, I wouldn't even exist. My father is from Angola, he emigrated to Portugal after the revolution, and met my mother. The freedom to express myself is one of the dearest things to me, and jazz is the music that enables that the most without any borders or restrictions," says Júlio Resende.

After Da Alma (Clean Feed, 2007), the first title under his own name, Resende recorded Assim Falava Jazzatustra (Clean Feed, 2009) and You Taste Like a Song (Clean Feed, 2011). He followed these albums with two incursions into fado. First, with a tribute to the great Portuguese singer Amália Rodrigues, Amália by Júlio Resende (Valentim de Carvalho, 2013), and Fado & Further (Valentim de Carvalho, 2015). The versatility of the pianist was demonstrated with two very different musical explorations: first, into poetry, Poesia Homónima (Valentim de Carvalho, 2016), and then with electronic music, Cinderella Cyborg (Sony Music, 2018). A further visit to fado music was Fado Jazz Ensemble (Sony Music, 2020).

To fully understand the new album, one needs to go back to 2007 and to Resende's first record under his own name. The song was called "Filhos da Revolução" (sons of revolution). The pianist showed his fusion skills: mixing tradicional Portuguese and African music, fado and jazz.

'Filhos da Revolução' was already an exploration of what it means to be Portuguese and what being a musician in Portugal means, linked to all Portuguese-speaking African countries and to all of this history, a combination of what was once, before war, and became what was more important to me, which is solidarity between people," says Resende. "The music refers to a certain moment in the history of the revolution, before or after, and tries to inspire improvisation from that spot. All themes are a starting point for a musical dialogue based on these ideas."

The presence of fado is well marked by the unique sound of the Portuguese guitar of Bruno Chaveiro (a regular with fado stars Carminho and Ana Moura) who joins Resende in a duet on the first two tracks, "Portugal Celebrates with Red Flowers" inspired on the classic fado "A Rosinha dos Limões" and "Liberdade Desgarrada."

The other two members of the quartet, André Rosinha (double bass) and Alexandre Frazão (drums and percussion) appear for the first time only in the third song, when the record turns to Africa, with "Mr Fado Goes To Africa For The First Time," followed by "End of Colonial War! No Saudade."

The sound of Bruno Chaveiro's guitar strings shines again on "Mano a Mano Now We Are Brothers" and "Peace at Last." The celebration of the union of those two "worlds" drove Júlio Resende to write "Anagrama The Retornados Love Two Lands."

"Portugal Dances Another Mariquinhas" is inspired by the popular fado "Casa da Mariquinhas," that was performed by big names like Alfredo Marceneiro or Amália Rodrigues. Other pre-revolution inspiration came from José Afonso's "Traz Outro Amigo Também" (1970), which lead to a brilliant "Improvisation About Traz Outro Amigo Também"

Resende also brought the fado to the jazz, with a magnificient version of "Poinciana," a creation by one of his idols, Ahmad Jamal. "'Fado Poinciana' is a song dedicated to Jamal, who passed away in 2023 and who was very inspiring for all pianists on the jazz scene. "This is a celebration and a tribute to the most famous song he played," says Resende. "What I wanted was to give a very personal and fado-like touch to something that didn't seem to have fado within it; but it does. Above all, the love that Ahmad Jamal gave us with his inspired music, full of silence, has a lot of freedom (jazz) and beauty within (fado)."

The final track is a ballad, dedicated to the singer-songwriters of the 1960s and '70s, and is the only vocal track, sung by Salvador Sobral (winner of the 2017 Eurovision Song Festival) with lyrics by João Monge.

The Carnation Revolution established democracy in Portugal and put an end to the colonial wars. After that day, Charlie Haden, who played at the 1971 Cascais Jazz Festival and dedicated "Song for Che" to the African freedom movements, was again welcomed to Portugal. Fifty years later, there is no better way to pay tribute to the Revolution, than an exciting and emotional album, presented in a global, modern jazz language.By Pedro Keul
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/sons-of-revolution-julio-resende-act-music

Personnel: Julio Resende - piano; Bruno Chaveiro - guitar, acoustic; André Rosinha - bass; Alexandre Frazão - drums

Sons of Revolution

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Shuteen Erdenebaatar - Rising Sun

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:13
Size: 110,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:21) 1. In a Time Warp
(5:34) 2. Ups and Downs
(3:08) 3. Summer Haze
(5:25) 4. Olden Days
(6:39) 5. An Answer from a Distant Hill
(5:53) 6. Rising Sun
(7:28) 7. Saudade
(7:41) 8. I'm Glad I Got To Know You

It is most invigorating and affirming to stand witness to new talent. New givers of themselves despite the cold, gale-force headwinds that rise up against most, if not all, artistic endeavors. Fortunately, Rising Sun, the more than mature and compelling Motema Music debut of pianist/composer Shuteen Erdenebaatar and her award-winning quartet, is one of those statements.

Let loose with three henchmen just as inquisitive and intent on making their stand: Erdenebaatar's second voice and foil Anton Mangold on-saxophones, flutes; controlled yet escapist at heart bassist Nils Kugelmann; and the muscular cadences of drummer Valentin Renner catch youthful fire and burn wildly through Erdenebaatar's eight substantive compositions.

The opening, "In A Time Warp," serves as Exhibit A. Symmetrical in design, the interplay between Kugelmann and Renner is not only a grand harbinger for Rising Sun but hopefully the music to come in the near and far future. Where Mangold takes the tune for its last two minutes is a thing of beauty. It is also the sound of someone ahead of his years, burning through concepts and conceits wantonly and joyfully.

Erdenebaatar, who wraps the world sounds of her native Mongolia and home base of Munich into a durable neo-classical whole, works and wrestles alongside Mangold on the thrill-a-minute "Ups and Downs." Propelled forward by Renner's boundless energy, the track moves with a fever pitch. Taking the whirlwind down a notch, the autumnal "Summer Haze" brings the pianist's confident playing and compositional style to the forefront. On the reflective "Olden Days," Mangold and Erdenebaatar duet like an old couple recounting the magic and mishap of their long lives together.

On flute, Mangold dances around Renner and Kugelmann's tightly wound, free form while the pianist injects a ruminative theme and highly contagious comping on "An Answer From A Distant Hill." Balancing perfectly the quartet's many leanings, it is the natural epilogue to the title track. Bluesy, exotic, and full of vigor, each player takes their thematic cue from a collective understanding that they're on to something bigger than themselves.
By Mike Jurkovic https://www.allaboutjazz.com/rising-sun-shuteen-erdenebaatar-motema-music

Personnel: Shuteen Erdenebaatar - piano; Nils Kugelmann - bass, acoustic; Valentin Renner - drums; Anton Mangold - saxophone, alto

Rising Sun

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Esther Phillips - Black Eyed Blues

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:52
Size: 77.5 MB
Styles: Soul/Blues/R&B
Year: 1973/2012
Art: Front

[5:30] 1. Justified
[3:29] 2. I've Only Known A Stranger
[6:41] 3. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
[6:09] 4. Black-Eyed Blues
[4:34] 5. Too Many Roads
[7:27] 6. You Could Have Had Me, Baby

Alto Saxophone – Jerry Dodgion, Pee Wee Ellis; Backing Vocals – Carl Carldwell, Joshie Armstead, Lani Groves, Tasha Thomas; Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams; Bass – Boz, Ron Carter; Cello – Alan Shulman, Anthony Sophos; Drums – Ian Wallace; Guitar – Charlie Brown; Percussion – Arthur Jenkins; Piano – Tim Hinkley; Trumpet – Jon Faddis, Marvin Stamm; Viola – Alfred Brown, Emanuel Vardi; Violin – David Nadien, Emanuel Green, Gene Orloff, Harold Kohon, Harry Lookofsky, Irving Spice, Joe Malin, Max Ellen. Recorded at Van Gelder Studios. Recorded July, 1973.

This was the third album that Esther cut for Creed Taylor's CTI album. It marked a change from the previous two in that the string arrangements were undertaken for the first time with this artist, by Bob James; it's a subtle but very important change. Secondly the material stretches out from the straight-ahead R&B to embrace a range of varying styles. This being the case, the album is not as 'immediate' as the previous two, but is just as satisfying when it yields all its nuances. My favourite tracks are her reading of Bill Wither's "Justified" which is a great version.There's a particularly sensual and burning version of "I've only known a stranger" and a straight ahead jazz version of Leonard Feather's "You could have had me baby".While I'm writing about it I should also mention the title track, which is a Joe Cocker track given a particularly good makeover. That's four out of the seven tracks mentioned already, so when you consider that there's a bonus unreleased track as well out of the remaining three,it makes you realise what good value it is. Add in an excellent set of sleeve notes, and this is another 'must have' Esther Phillips album! ~Dr.D.Treharne

Black Eyed Blues

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