Dan Barrett - Dan Barrett's International Swing Party Vols 1 & 2

A bunch of international jazz cats that all seem to have gotten together through an association with Arbors Jazz get their passports stamped for a get together in various places in Germany to jam, taking a lot of jazz back to the root. The kind of players that really blossom in a live setting away from the show biz trappings of the record making process, nobody steps on anybody else’s toes and the playing is one of those rare treats throughout. A delightfully swinging pair of discs, available separately, you can jump in any place and have a fine time. Wonderful stuff that’s sure to give you that blissful smile of enjoyment as you just sink into the music and let it do it’s thing. Killer stuff throughout. ~Chris Spector

Duke Heitger (trumpet); Dan Barrett (trombone, head arrangements, vocals); Dan Block (alto sax, tenor sax, clarinet); Engelbert Wrobel (clarinet, soprano sax, tenor sax); Chris Hopkins (piano); Eddie Erickson (guitar, banjo, vocals); Nicki Parrott (bass, vocas); Butch Miles (drums); Bernard Flegar (drums, special guest.

Album: Dan Barrett's International Swing Party

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 76:46

Size: 175.8 MB

Styles: Swing

Year: 2001

Art: Front

[4:03] 1. Easy Street

[7:42] 2. Linger Awhile

[4:31] 3. 'tain't Me

[4:39] 4. I'm On My Way From You

[4:45] 5. Vic's Spot

[6:02] 6. The Lamp Is Low

[8:52] 7. I Double Dare You

[6:54] 8. What Is This Thing Called Love

[5:18] 9. Early Session Hop

[3:43] 10. Jumpin' Punkins

[9:15] 11. Hindustan

[6:41] 12. Esquire Bounce

[4:16] 13. Dream A Little Dream Of Me

International Swing Party 

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Album: Dan Barrett's International Swing Party Vol 2

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 67:33

Size: 154.7 MB

Styles: Swing

Year: 2012

Art: Front

[3:23] 1. Neal's Deal

[3:57] 2. Georgia Jubilee

[6:33] 3. Waste No Tears

[3:30] 4. Whoa Babe

[4:49] 5. Is You Is, Or Is You Ain't (Ma' Baby)

[4:32] 6. Cavernism

[5:19] 7. Absolutely, Positively

[5:15] 8. With 'em

[6:25] 9. One O'clock Jump

[4:41] 10. Montevideo (Bonus)

[6:03] 11. If I Had You (Bonus)

[6:53] 12. Sweet Sue (Bonus)

[6:08] 13. Hindustan (Bonus)

International Swing Party Vol 2

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Will Matthews - Count On Swingin'

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 45:07
Size: 103.3 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[3:01] 1. Count On Swingin'
[4:05] 2. Corner Pocket
[5:12] 3. Can't Help It
[4:40] 4. Mikayla's Song
[6:43] 5. The Grease
[4:19] 6. Where There's A Will
[4:03] 7. Soul Changes
[8:35] 8. Milestones (Old)
[4:25] 9. Up And At It

In 1996 Will Matthews joined the Count Basie Orchestra, taking over the chair of the late Freddie Green, who had been Basie's guitarist for decades. The unique role Greene played in the Basie band was more of a supportive musician, as he rarely soloed. But Matthews is an articulate soloist, sounding like a cross between George Benson and Mark Elf. His disciplined, staccato delivery comes at you full faced and unadorned, cutting through harmonic nuances to get to the flesh and bones of the changes. Scotch without the soda.

The operative word on this cut is tradition. Propelled along at a blistering pace by veteran organist Mel Rhyne, this satisfying quartet of Kansas City jazzmen make their money the old fashioned way — they swing it. In the tradition of Burrell and Montgomery, Matthews delivers a solid, straight-ahead performance on his D'Angelico. Rhyne, a seemingly immortal B3 icon, holds it all together while adding well-seasoned chops to the stew. A satisfying chorus from Blakely alumnus Bobby Watson brings the lively romp back to the head. For those who have become addicted to the guilty pleasure of a guitar/organ ensemble, this session is a welcome fix. ~Bill Barnes

Count On Swingin'

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Shakin' Stevens - The Collection

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 77:37
Size: 177.7 MB
Styles: Roots Rock, Rockabilly
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[3:04] 1. This Ole House
[3:12] 2. Cry Just A Little Bit
[2:44] 3. Lipstick, Powder And Paint
[3:10] 4. Green Door
[3:20] 5. A Love Worth Waiting For
[2:49] 6. What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For
[2:54] 7. Rockin' Good Way (To Mess Around And Fall In Love)
[2:44] 8. Marie, Marie
[3:55] 9. Teardrops
[3:22] 10. Turning Away
[2:50] 11. You Drive Me Crazy
[3:09] 12. A Letter To You
[2:33] 13. Oh Julie
[3:18] 14. Because I Love You
[2:35] 15. Hot Dog
[3:56] 16. Breaking Up My Heart
[3:15] 17. It's Raining
[2:47] 18. Shirley
[3:28] 19. A Little Boogie Woogie (In The Back Of My Mind)
[3:03] 20. Give Me Your Heart Tonight
[3:29] 21. Radio
[3:10] 22. I'll Be Satisfied
[2:59] 23. Feel The Need In Me
[2:01] 24. It's Late
[3:39] 25. Merry Christmas Everyone

While there may not be many Shakin Stevens fans left here at the dawn of the 21st century, there are perhaps enough to take great delight in this double-disc set that collects the British rockabilly artist's many singles -- there are 25 cuts on the CD -- and also includes a live performance DVD (with the UK import version only). Stevens burst onto the scene at the dawn of the 1980s performing a roots rock style that was in fact both dated and timeless. His readings of Dave Alvin's classic "Marie, Marie" (right after the Blasters' version tanked) and Stuart Hamblen's "This Ole House" became nearly definitive versions as he used his '50s warble combined with a full and rich baritone. Stevens could sing country, blues, R&B, and (of course) rockabilly with equal acumen, as this excellent collection bears out. There have been many compilations over the years, but none are this extensive or pervasive in covering his underappreciated career. The DVD included with the import version offers proof as to why Stevens sold out concert halls all over Europe and Japan. This is a dynamite find. ~Thom Jurek

The Collection

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Sarah Moule - A Lazy Kind Of Love

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 48:39
Size: 111.4 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[3:54] 1. A Lazy Kind Of Love
[3:24] 2. I Fall In Love Too Easily
[3:53] 3. It's Not Your Night
[4:13] 4. I Will Write Your Book
[3:33] 5. Secret Of Silence
[3:01] 6. Hyde Side Blues
[4:26] 7. I Was Lost
[3:20] 8. In A Matter Of Moments
[2:57] 9. Remind Me
[3:37] 10. Living In Overdrive
[2:18] 11. The Flowers And The Wine
[3:57] 12. Sounds Like Goodbye
[2:59] 13. Devil May Care
[3:00] 14. The Last Smoker

This is my third CD, the first two (It's A NIce Thought and Something's Gotta Give) having been released on Linn Records. But what with building our own studio and all we decided to put this one out ourselves. It's mainly Landesman & Wallace songs, but with a lyric contributed by Julie Burchill, a song from the Clive James/Pete Atkin canon, something by the maverick Joe Henry, and two jazz classics from Styne/Cahn and Dorough/Kirk. Together with my regular (but irregularly splendid) trio, Simon Wallace piano and Hammond, Mark Hodgson bass, Paul Robinson drums, we had some stellar guests - Alan Barnes on tenor sax, Alec Dankworth guesting on bass for a couple of numbers, Clive Bell on shakuhachi, Paul Clarvis on percussion, and Mike Outram on guitar. Simon produced and arranged as well as writing 10 of the tunes. ~SM

Not sure that Ms Moule's CD is a jazz album at all, for although the band boasts top guns like Alan Barnes and Mike Outram as well as occasional haunting colours from Clive Bell's shakuhachi, they are all deployed completely in the service of the songs by MD, pianist and organ player Simon Wallace, an absolute master of his craft. He can turn in those storytelling piano solos as well, check 'Remind Me'. Most of the material is from the growing canon of work by Wallace himself and that brilliantly sharp lyricist Fran Landesman, who specialises in wryly humorous appraisals of love and a certain kind of metropolitan angst - searching for chemical comfort, wondering why we're depressed - which peaks on the insinuatingly catchy 'Living In Overdrive'. Moule can actually strut, but you have to wait until track 10, Bob Dorough's 'Devil May Care' (boasting an insanely good bass solo from Alec Dankworth), for her to show it. So for once just forget about looking for jazz thrills and let the verbal intelligence, original tunes that you can actually remember and Sarah Moule's truly outstanding voice get under your skin. They certainly did mine. ~Brian Blain

A Lazy Kind Of Love

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Jimmy Dorsey - The Complete Standard Transcriptions

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 73:55
Size: 171.1 MB
Styles: Big Band, Swing
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[ 3:04] 1. Stop, Look and Listen
[ 3:00] 2. Tangerine
[ 3:16] 3. All of Me
[ 3:32] 4. On the Alamo
[ 3:14] 5. In a Little Spanish Town
[ 2:57] 6. Out of Nowhere
[ 3:29] 7. Green Eyes
[ 3:16] 8. Don’t Blame Me
[ 2:00] 9. Contrasts
[ 2:29] 10. A You’re Adorable
[ 2:30] 11. Everywhere You Go
[ 2:39] 12. Careless Hands
[ 2:40] 13. Bali Hai
[ 2:39] 14. Some Enchanted Evening
[ 2:40] 15. Always True to You In My Fashion
[ 2:39] 16. Once and for Always
[ 3:14] 17. Similau
[24:29] 18. Jimmy Dorsey Interview (With Guy Knight)

Seventeen radio transcription recordings made by Jimmy Dorsey around 1949, and particularly priceless as studio documents by a band that hardly ever had a chance to record. The vocalists are Claire Hogan and Larry Noble, taking over for Helen O'Connell and Bob Eberly, respectively, on such classics as "Tangerine" and "Green Eyes," both of which are handled in a slower -- and, in this reviewer's outlook, more successful -- tempo than the originals. "All of Me" gets a gorgeous alto sax solo from Dorsey himself. A lot of the rest of the repertory includes the band's versions of such contemporary compositions as "Some Enchanted Evening" from the then new musical South Pacific. Charlie Teagarden, Herb Winfield, and pianist Al Waslohn all get their good solo moments as well, in what was a surprisingly fresh and lively-sounding band (with Carl Kress on the guitar and Ray Bauduc at the drums). If the audience for big band music was declining, you'd never know that the music was on the ropes by 1949 from the bright and spirited playing on these sides. Additionally, sound quality is a major virtue on these tracks -- they compare favorably, in fidelity and volume, with any 1949-vintage recordings that one cares to name, all apparently drawn from clean, or carefully cleaned up, sources. The disc concludes with an extended May 1956 interview with Jimmy Dorsey, 13 months before his death, in which he addresses a multitude of subjects concerning his career, including his past disputes with his brother and the 1947 biographical film in which they both participated. ~Bruce Eder

The Complete Standard Transcriptions

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Corliss Dale - Crazy Rhythm

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:58
Size: 116,7 MB
Art: Front

(2:39)  1. Crazy Rhythm  Broadway
(4:18)  2. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
(6:17)  3. It Might As Well Be Spring
(4:08)  4. No More Blues (Chega De Saudade)
(4:08)  5. Rome
(4:17)  6. Alone Together
(4:07)  7. Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart
(3:41)  8. My Buddy
(3:46)  9. Lonely Eyes
(4:16) 10. Kiss And Run
(5:02) 11. Born To Be Blue
(4:14) 12. On A Slow Boat To China

Corliss Dale grew up listening to some of the greatest jazz singers of our time thanks to her mother who loved great musicians and great vocalists. As a result Corliss became familiar with the very best of the best… Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Anita O’Day, and Rosemary Clooney to name only a few, not to mention the men such as Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole and of course the legendary Frank Sinatra. Their styles became engrained in her heart and soul and so no matter what musical path she has followed and continues to follow in her career, she always comes back to the great standards and the amazing musical styles of these great artists.

Corliss is a native Minnesotan born and raised in Minneapolis. She began singing very early in her life, at age 8 to be exact, singing solos in church, and at school concerts and talent shows. She is also a trained dancer in ballet,tap and jazz, which became very important as she started her professional career at the tender age of 16. Corliss was hired at a very prestigious dinner theatre in Minneapolis named “The Edgewater Inn” as one of the “Edgewater Eight” where she spent 2 years entertaining audiences and expanding her musical repertoire and experiences from singing Cole Porter & Gershwin to belting her heart out in Broadway review shows like Cabaret & Guys & Dolls where her dance training really came into play. You could have seen her tap dancing in a 1930’s review to “Lullabye of Broadway”, jitterbugging in a 1940’s show to “In The Mood”, or even dancing the tango to Pajama Game’s, “Hernando’s Hideaway”. Corliss left the show at only age18 and created her own theatrical show group, which was self-staged and self-choreographed. For 5 years she traveled the country with her band performing to sell out crowds and receiving standing ovations coast to coast.

Once while performing in a club in Minneapolis, she was approached by the owner of a local well known recording studio who asked her if she would like to be called for studio work whether it was singing on a commercial, or back up singing for various artists. After her first session it was apparent that this would be another avenue for her already busy singing career. She soon became the first call studio singer and recorded many local and national jingles such as Northwest Airlines, Dairy Queen, Hormel and Land O’ Lakes to name a few. Her success in the studios led her to Los Angeles where she has made her home. Continuing her dance and vocal training, she added songwriting and acting to her credits. She was a featured vocalist in a Movie of the Week produced by Dick Clark, and landed a costarring role in a PBS Movie Special for the Wonderworks series.

After taking some years off to raise a family, Corliss jumped back into her singing career and began performing in local Los Angeles jazz clubs returning to her love of jazz and the great American Songbook. She has been a featured artist at the “Jazz at the Hilton Concert Series” in Salt Lake City, and opened for the late great Jimmy Smith at the International Snowbird Jazz & Blues Festival. An evening performing at LA jazz club Monteleone’s, brought her together with jazz pianist and composer, Lou Forestieri. This was the beginning of a great partnership both musically and romantically. Corliss and Lou were married in Southern Italy in the year 2002 and now write, record and perform throughout the Los Angeles area. Their first album,” Fascinating Rythms”, was released in 2004 on the British record label, Mainstem Productions. Corliss and Lou can often be heard across the BBC airwaves, and just finished performing at 4 different venues for the 2008 London Jazz Festival where they debuted the release of their second album, “Crazy Rhythm”, also on the Mainstem label.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/corlissdale2

Crazy Rhythm

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Hot Club Of San Diego - West Swing

Styles: Gypsy Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:51
Size: 95,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:06)  1. The Gypsy Bug
(2:24)  2. Les Feuilles Mortes (Autumn Leaves)
(2:49)  3. Folie  Amphion
(3:21)  4. Conversation
(1:31)  5. Le Dindon s'Est Enfui!
(3:26)  6. Sabor a Mi
(2:22)  7. Bon Voyage!
(2:01)  8. It Always Does (Get Better)
(2:03)  9. Papy Musette
(3:17) 10. Bei Mir Bist du Schn
(6:27) 11. Nuages (Recorded Live At KSDS Radio)
(2:12) 12. Yes, I'm in Love
(1:47) 13. Gadjo de Luxe
(4:16) 14. The Shape of Things to Come
(1:44) 15. Take the 'A' Trailer

After hearing Gypsy Jazz, it is not hard to understand why its popularity is growing. It is a style rooted in tradition, yet it welcomes innovation. It offers guitarists a chance to express themselves in a wide variety of moods, ranging from the melancholic waltzes to timeless compositon by legendary Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt to hard-driving swing standards. As one writer said when asked to describe the sound of Gypsy Jazz, "It is the music I hear in my happiest dreams."

This last sentence best describe the music of the Hot Club of San Diego. Formed in the spring of 1998, the Hot Club of San Diego perpetuates the tradition with a repertoire including many of Django Reinhardt's compositions, jazz standards, and a variety of the band's members' own compositions in the same style, Gypsy Jazz. 

 http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/hotclubsd

West Swing

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Kenny Rogers - You Can't Make Old Friends

Styles: Country
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:13
Size: 101,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:56)  1. You Can't Make Old Friends With Dolly Parton
(3:29)  2. All I Need Is One
(3:58)  3. You Had To Be There
(3:41)  4. 'merica
(4:30)  5. Turn This World Around
(6:03)  6. Dreams Of The San Joaquin
(2:49)  7. Don't Leave Me In The Night Time Feat. Buckwheat Zydeco
(3:54)  8. Look At You
(4:29)  9. Neon Horses
(3:38) 10. When You Love Someone
(3:42) 11. It's Gonna Be Easy Now

With an astonishing recording career that now spans over seven decades, you would think music legend Kenny Rogers had already accomplished it all. However, you d be wrong. Rogers 2013 album You Can t Make Old Friends proves once again that he still has plenty to say. The album reunites Rogers with long-time friend and collaborator, Dolly Parton, for a brand new duet on the title track, "You Can t Make Old Friends." It was over thirty years ago when Kenny and Dolly released "Islands In The Stream, " which went on to become an instant classic and one of the most successful singles by a duo in history.

"What a thrill it was for me to work again with my buddy, Dolly Parton, and what a special song, " remarked Rogers. "Working with Dolly is always a little like going home. Everything felt comfortable. " With a collaboration of producers, including Kyle Lehning, Warren Hartman, and Dann Huff, You Can t Make Old Friends is Rogers first country album since the release of Water & Bridges in 2006. Rogers considers this release the most varied and complete album of his lifetime.

"I can honestly say this may be the best album I've ever recorded, " added Rogers. "The musical diversity is extraordinary. It goes from songs I would normally sing, to songs I would normally never even listen to. In this business, you do albums to both grow artistically, and for the sheer love of music. We chose what I think are the most diverse and best songs I've ever had access to." You Can't Make Old Friends showcases a certain familiarity that can be expected from Rogers, along with fresh twists of creativity that see the versatile Grammy Award-winner stretching his artistry into new musical territory. In addition to the great story songs and love songs Rogers has become well known for, flavors of rock and roll, soul, gospel, southern rock, zydeco, and sounds of the Southwest are embraced in this bold recording.

Kenny Rogers had a massive year in 2013, including the announcement of his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame this fall. Rogers also performed on the main stage at this year s Glastonbury Festival to a colossal audience on the grounds and around the UK as it was televised on BBC. His Through The Years World Tour included stops in Morocco, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada and the U.S. In addition, a novel Rogers co-wrote with Mike Blakely, What Are The Chances, and Rogers New York Times Best Selling autobiography, Luck Or Something Like It, were both released. ~Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/You-Cant-Make-Old-Friends/dp/B00EZEHHRG

You Can't Make Old Friends

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The Great Jazz Trio - Love For Sale

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 44:44
Size: 102.4 MB
Styles: Bop, Piano jazz
Year: 1976/2009
Art: Front

[6:55] 1. Love For Sale
[6:51] 2. Glad To Be Unhappy
[6:42] 3. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
[5:47] 4. Secret Love
[6:05] 5. Someone To Watch Over Me
[6:22] 6. Autumn Leaves
[6:00] 7. Tenderly (Bonus)

The name of the group might be immodest, but the combination of pianist Hank Jones, bassist Buster Williams and drummer Tony Williams lives up to its billing. Originally cut for the Japanese East Wind label and last available domestically as an Inner City LP, this swinging but unsurprising session features boppish interpretations of six jazz standards including "Love for Sale," "Secret Love," and "Autumn Leaves."

Love For Sale

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Amanda Carr - Live In San Giorgio

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 47:47
Size: 109.4 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[5:36] 1. Sweet Marta
[5:22] 2. That Old Devil Moon
[3:10] 3. The Nearness Of You
[4:38] 4. Watch What Happens
[6:57] 5. Nothing's Wrong
[4:08] 6. They Can't Take That Away From Me
[6:21] 7. Night And Day
[5:02] 8. Save Your Love For Me
[6:29] 9. Take Your Time

"So where is San Giorgio, Italy?.S.G. is a quaint 11th century village just a few miles south of the Italian Alps where the 2,300 local residents peacefully make their living or commute to the larger surrounding cities of Turin, Ivrea or Milan. In 1998, I was performing in Ivrea for the Eurojazz Festival which included appearances in peripheral cities and towns. A good friend of mine, who lives in San Giorgio, proudly showed me around this village and I stayed a few nights with his family... I fell in love with the place: the ancient winding streets, the central square framed by its historic church and the people who were so accommodating and interested in me and my music. After viewing the Teatro Comunale (Central Theater), we decided it would certainly be worth doing a concert there. I contacted Luigi Martinale in Turin and the rest of the trio who agreed to perform in March of 99 when I returned to Italy. The theater acoustics rendered a good opportunity for a live recording and thus, the birth of the CD. The material I chose is a combination of original compositions and American standards that I thought would gracefully cross the language barrier. Limited time with the players and a feeble grasp of Italian was a challenge that created a naturally dynamic environment and , ultimately, an exciting recording. The generous instrumental and solo sections, to me, make for good listening. Live in San Giorgio is the result of four of us whimsically getting together and, transcending mere words, coming up with something delightfully memorable."

Live In San Giorgio

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Nat King Cole - To Whom It May Concern

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 37:06
Size: 85.0 MB
Styles: Easy listening
Year: 1959/2008
Art: Front

[2:56] 1. To Whom It May Concern
[3:53] 2. Lovewise
[3:18] 3. Too Much
[3:00] 4. In The Heart Of Jane Doe
[2:57] 5. A Thousand Thoughts Of You
[3:07] 6. You're Bringing Out The Dreamer In Me
[2:54] 7. My Heart's Treasure
[2:53] 8. If You Said No
[3:37] 9. Can't Help It
[2:37] 10. Lovesville
[1:52] 11. Unfair
[3:56] 12. This Morning It Was Summer

Nat "King" Cole's interesting 1959 experiment in creating a unique collection of songs in the style of classic 1920s and `30s pop songs features the singer performing works by such storied talents as Sammy Cahn and Johnny Burke, in inimitably romantic fashion. String arrangements come courtesy of Cole's frequent collaborator Nelson Riddle, all adding up to a solid helping of sophisticated late-1950s musical memorabilia. All tracks have been digitally remastered. Personnel includes: Nat "King" Cole (vocals), Nelson Riddle (conductor).

To Whom It May Concern

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The Quintet Of The Hot Club Of San Francisco - QHCSF

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 61:24
Size: 141.4 MB
Styles: Gypsy jazz, Swing
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[5:34] 1. Don't Panic
[2:57] 2. Place De Broukere
[4:59] 3. Giselle - Waltz D'Entichement
[4:01] 4. I'm Not Impressed
[4:58] 5. Caravan
[5:13] 6. And I Love Her
[5:33] 7. Round Midnight
[6:11] 8. Jitterbug Waltz
[3:15] 9. Armando's Rumba
[5:16] 10. Manoir De Mes Rêves
[2:33] 11. Flambeé Montalbanaise
[4:04] 12. Melodie Au Crepscule
[3:36] 13. My Walkin' Stick
[3:09] 14. Parfum

Paul Mehling, the leader of HCSF and the man dubbed the godfather of American gypsy jazz, discovered the music of Django Reinhardt and the Quintet of the Hot Club of France in grammar school. Decades later the music that took root in his young soul finally bore fruit.

“I was born in Denver and grew up in what is now Silicon Valley, when it was all fruit trees,” Mehling recalls. “My father was a record collector. I grew up with the music of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Glen Miller and all the swing era bands. He’d come home and turn on the stereo and, at a year old, I’d sit in front of the speakers and soak up the music. To this day, I get a sense of déjà vu whenever I hear a song I heard back then. When I was older, I became a discipline problem because I wanted to stay up all night and listen to records. Being exposed to swing at and early age predisposed me to playing this kind of music.

“I had an older sister who turned me onto rock’n’roll. When I was six, we saw The Beatles on Ed Sullivan and it was like getting hit by lightening. I said, ‘I wanna do that - make the girls scream and give people the buzz I get from hearing the music.’ The Beatles made music guitar-centric and I picked up the guitar. I tried playing in rock bands, but it didn’t work for me. The music wasn’t satisfying. I liked the acoustic guitar better and learned classical music, but that wasn’t what I wanted either. Then I heard Django: three guitars, bass, and violin and they sounded and acted like a rock band. I saw pictures of them and they looked sharp, sophisticated and mysterious.

QHCSF

Barbara Knight - Angel Eyes

Styles: Vocal Jazz, Bossa Nova
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:12
Size: 139,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:54)  1. I'm Beginning To See The Light
(4:03)  2. Spring Is Here
(5:00)  3. You Go To My Head
(5:08)  4. A Single Flower
(5:13)  5. Angel Eyes
(1:48)  6. Secret Love
(4:37)  7. Garota De Ipanema
(5:52)  8. You Don't Know What Love Is
(2:50)  9. Skylark
(4:49) 10. What Is This Thing Called Love
(4:43) 11. Choices
(3:13) 12. Lullaby Of Birdland
(4:15) 13. Old Devil Moon
(4:41) 14. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square

"Angel Eyes", the second release by vocalist Barbara Knight, was well worth the wait. This recording is an amazing journey for Barbara, one she shares with Russell Schmidt on piano, David Morgan on bass, Jim Rupp on drums, and Jack Schantz on flugelhorn. The small-band setting lets her spread her wings and soar, as she introduces fresh interpretations of the classic jazz standards, arranged by renowned bassist David Morgan as well as several by Barbara herself. Two of the songs on this CD are originals written by band members, the achingly beautiful “A Single Flower” by saxophonist Howie Smith and Morgan’s own “Choices”, both tunes including new lyrics by Barbara. Another memorable feature of the CD are the four duets, each with a different member of the band, making this recording unmatched by any other in the vocal jazz genre.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/barbaraknight

Angel Eyes

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Gretchen Parlato - Live In NYC

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:12
Size: 140,1 MB
Art: Front

(7:42)  1. Butterfly
(5:59)  2. All That I Can Say
(3:29)  3. Alô, Alô
(8:43)  4. Within Me
(3:54)  5. Holding Back The Years
(8:43)  6. Juju
(7:51)  7. Weak
(5:58)  8. On the Other Side
(8:50)  9. Better Than

After the success of her last studio album "The Lost And Found", Gretchen Parlato releases her first live album on CD and DVD in one package. The acclaimed singer explains the process behind this album which she produced herself:  "I've always wanted to capture and share the magical energy, connection, and interaction of a live performance. singing with Taylor Eigsti, Alan Hampton, Burniss Earl Travis, Mark Guiliana, and Kendrick Scott has uplifted and inspired me, each of them supporting and challenging me as a singer. Over these years of touring together, two specific bands have stood out to me: Taylor-Alan-Mark, and Taylor-Burniss-Kendrick. Each band has their own unique dynamic and approach to the music. I knew I had to feature both on this live CD/DVD.  http://www.propermusic.com/product-details/Gretchen-Parlato-Live-In-NYC-CD-DVD-158030

Live In NYC

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Randy Travis - Influence Vol. 1 : The Man I Am

Styles: Country
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:36
Size: 101,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:24)  1. Someday We'll Look Back
(3:22)  2. Big Butter And Egg Man
(3:27)  3. What Have You Got Planned Tonight Diana
(2:53)  4. Ever Changing Woman
(3:46)  5. Pennies From Heaven
(2:41)  6. Thanks A Lot
(3:28)  7. Trouble In Mind
(3:08)  8. My Mary
(3:08)  9. Saginaw, Michigan
(3:19) 10. I'm Always On A Mountain When I Fall
(3:37) 11. You Asked Me To
(2:38) 12. Why Baby Why
(3:40) 13. Tonight I'm Playing Possum With Joe Nichols

Multi-Platinum and seven-time Grammy winning icon Randy Travis presents his 21st studio album on Warner Bros. Records titled Influence Vol. 1: The Man I Am. Travis and his music has been a major influence to other country artists throughout his celebrated career thus far. In his 2013 album, Travis looks back at some of the songs and artists that were instrumental in crafting his musical career, including Merle Haggard, George Jones, Lefty Frizzell, among others. After releasing his 25th Anniversary Celebration album and going back through his repertoire of collaborations with artists including Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, Don Henley, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Josh Turner, George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, Travis reflected on the icons and their music that have inspired him over the years.

"When I think of my musical heroes of yesteryear, or the younger stars of this year, I am reminded that it is true we learn from the ones ahead of us, and teach the ones that follow. They are the reason I chose to make this album, " says Randy Travis. ~Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Vol-The-Man-Am/dp/B00EBDXRKW

Influence Vol. 1 The Man I Am

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Bobby Broom - Song and Dance

Styles: Soul Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:29
Size: 149,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:54)  1. Can't Buy Me Love
(6:23)  2. Where Is The Love?
(5:43)  3. Little Rascals Theme (Good Old Days)
(6:43)  4. Coming Home
(5:10)  5. Blues For Modern Man
(6:19)  6. Superstar
(8:33)  7. Smile
(7:33)  8. Wichita Lineman
(5:45)  9. You And The Night And The Music
(6:19) 10. Waiting And Waiting

Bobby Broom had recently turned 44 when he recorded Song and Dance in February and March 2005. In youth-obsessed markets like hip-hop, teen pop, or dance-pop, any artist who is 44 and successful probably became established 20 or 25 years earlier. But jazz is a different ball game. In jazz, age is a plus; it means more years developing your skills, improving your chops, and discovering who you are as an artist. Jazz is full of people who had more to say at 44 than they did at 24, and Broom has a lot to say on Song and Dance. This trio date finds the guitarist (who is joined by bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins) bringing his improvisational skills to a variety of material, which ranges from the Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love" to Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" to "Where Is the Love?" (a major hit for Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway in the early '70s). But whatever the song whether he is playing original compositions or tackling "Good Old Days (The Little Rascals Theme)"  Broom always keeps things personal and maintains the perspective of a jazz instrumentalist. 

Another highlight of this 65-minute disc is Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman," which was a number one country hit for Glen Campbell in 1968; Broom has no problem taking "Wichita Lineman" out of country-pop and making the tune a vehicle for post-bop improvisation. And why shouldn't Broom find the jazz potential in songs that were recorded by the Beatles, Flack, or Campbell? Contrary to what some of the more dogmatic individuals in the jazz world would have listeners believe, worthwhile popular music did not end with Tin Pan Alley. Broom, of course, realizes that, and his open-mindedness is a definite advantage on this memorable CD. ~ Alex Henderson  http://www.allmusic.com/album/song-and-dance-mw0000485911

Song and Dance

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Johnny Varro (Feat. Ken Peplowski) - Two Legends Of Jazz

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 74:36
Size: 173.4 MB
Styles: Piano, Clarinet jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[4:18] 1. My Baby Just Cares For Me
[4:23] 2. The Touch Of Your Lips
[6:09] 3. Menina Flor
[4:12] 4. After I Say I'm Sorry (What Can I Say?)
[5:34] 5. It's Easy To Remember
[4:40] 6. A Smo O O Oth One
[4:51] 7. Bluesette
[3:00] 8. You're A Sweetheart
[6:21] 9. Secret Love
[5:13] 10. Out Of Nowhere
[3:58] 11. Love Locked Out
[5:54] 12. I Love You
[5:43] 13. Someday, You'll Be Sorry
[5:06] 14. Blues On 57th Street
[5:07] 15. The Way You Look Tonight

Veteran pianist Johnny Varro and clarinetist Ken Peplowski are certainly two veterans of vintage early-period jazz, and join together in complete agreement as to how it should be correctly played on this set of swinging music that showcases an unconventional twist. This is not strictly a quartet date, also featuring legends in their own right like bassist Frank Tate and drummer Joe Ascione. One and/or the other rhythm mate drops out on several selections, providing an always interesting component of pacing, from duet and trio to the full quartet. Peplowski in particular is as brilliant a clarinetist as there is in modern times, his unwavering tone and wealth of ideas shining through on every delicious track. Of course, the group collectively plays famous standard American popular songs the whole world knows and recognizes. It's not an energetic set, more laid-back and cool, but there's no reservation in playing this music faithfully, with the jazz tradition firmly in mind. The CD starts with two excellent trio tracks minus bass. "My Baby Just Cares for Me" was popularized by Nina Simone, and here is where Peplowski displays his total command of this uncomplicated melody, Varro dipping into stride on his solo, while "The Touch of Your Lips" seems almost too easy in the hands of these swing masters. Tate joins in for an unusual choice, Luiz Bonfá's quintessential but lesser known bossa nova "Menina Flor," while an interesting treatment of the quickened "Out of Nowhere" is the most energized and animated tune of the date, keeping the players and listeners on their toes. "Bluesette" is a tricky one, but the band interprets this most lyrical tune very well; Tate's strummed bass buoys the hardest swinger, "Secret Love"; the group dives headfirst into the wonderful Cole Porter hot jazz classic "I Love You" with full fervor; and improvisation is key during "Blues on 57th Street," a tune -- made up on the spot -- named after the street where the studio is located in New York City. A low-key piano/clarinet duo on "It's Easy to Remember" and Varro's solo version of "You're a Sweetheart" displays his love of stride piano, and the influence of his main man, Teddy Wilson. Varro stated that this session was "fun, comfortable, satisfying" and you'll wholeheartedly agree that it is from start to finish, a solid effort from four masters of classic mainstream jazz. ~ Michael G. Nastos

Recording information: Nola Studios, New York, NY (11/08/2007/11/09/2007).

Personnel: Johnny Varro (piano); Ken Peplowski (clarinet); Frank Tate (bass guitar); Joe Ascione (drums).

Two Legends Of Jazz

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Tok Tok Tok - Love Again

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 53:21
Size: 122.2 MB
Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[ 3:26] 1. Winterwonderland
[ 3:48] 2. Look Of Love
[ 3:12] 3. Eleonor Rigby
[ 3:38] 4. Satisfaction
[ 4:21] 5. Love Again
[ 4:36] 6. Walk On The Wild Side
[ 5:34] 7. Wade In The Water
[ 3:10] 8. O Tannenbaum
[ 3:50] 9. Waters Of March
[ 0:55] 10. Bebeep
[11:34] 11. Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying
[ 5:11] 12. Have A Talk With God

Before founding “Tok Tok Tok”, Tokunbo Akinro and Morten Klein, the creative and organizing heart of the band, worked together in various other projects. Their musical search for melodic beauty associated with groove and soul led them to find their completing parts in each other. Like on “Ruby soul” from 2002, they continue to concentrate on the song qualities of their acoustic soul compositions.

Recording information: Vagnsson Studios (06/2000). Personnel: Takunbo Akinro (vocals); Frank Fielder (double bass).

Love Again

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Arlington Jones - Groove

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 65:47
Size: 150.6 MB
Styles: Funk, Piano jazz, Cool jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[8:37] 1. Groove
[3:35] 2. Keep It Fresh
[3:20] 3. Pookah Rooter
[0:38] 4. Groove Interlude
[7:32] 5. Rhythm Within Me
[2:43] 6. Dili G Is Mpp
[2:46] 7. Dili G Is Mpp (Fast Take)
[4:36] 8. Let The Choir Sing Interlude
[4:26] 9. Prince Of Peace
[4:35] 10. Angels Lullaby
[4:29] 11. Can It Be
[1:00] 12. Walkin' And Groovin' Interlude
[5:24] 13. The Comforter
[2:09] 14. The Prayer
[3:40] 15. His Way
[5:03] 16. Because He Lives
[1:05] 17. Groove Benediction

With an exclusive style of his own, Arlington Jones creates a work of art every time he touches the piano. He designs a musical canvas with strokes of creativity and beauty. Arlington has the gift to take listeners of all ages on an unforgettable journey because of his high-spirited, unpredictable melodies and arrangements! Not only is he pleasing to listen to but also exhilarating to watch! Right through each note, Arlington exudes energy from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet!

Over the years, Arlington has distinguished himself as a successful independent artist, pianist, composer, and producer under his label, Zamaria Records. His latest album release is Groove. He has released five other recordings: Because He Lives (single), Vintage Christmas, Move The Heart, Arlington Jones Solo Sessions: Peace That Passes All Understanding, and The Author And The Source. His storybook tunes balance a gumbo mixture of jazz, funk, Latin, and swing from a Christian perspective. Arlington has written four music publications: At Play (four piano duets), Grace and Serenity (solo piano), Jazz Expressions (three solo piano compositions), and THE WAY I HEAR ITTM Jazz Piano Techniques. He has also branded his own concert series and jazz piano master class called THE WAY I HEAR ITTM.

Arlington's main jazz music influences are Oscar Peterson and Duke Ellington. He has shared the stage with a colorful list of legendary artists including Red Holloway, David "Fathead" Newman, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, and Chaka Khan. He was the keyboard player for jazz bassist and former NBA player Wayman Tisdale from 2001 to 2009. He served as the music director and keyboardist for South African guitarist and vocalist Jonathan Butler from 2008 to 2010.

Groove

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Stacey Kent - Candid Moments

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:11
Size: 161,6 MB
Scans: Front

(4:12)  1. What the World Needs Now Is Love (feat. Dave Chamberlain & Matt Home)
(2:38)  2. Hushabye Mountain (feat. Simon Thorpe & Jasper Kviberg)
(4:22)  3. You've Got a Friend (feat. Dave Chamberlain & Matt Home)
(3:28)  4. Too Darn Hot (feat. Dave Chamberlain & Matt Home)
(3:59)  5. Isn't This a Lovely Day? (feat. Simon Thorpe & Steve Brown)
(3:28)  6. The Best Is yet to Come (feat. Dave Chamberlain & Matt Home)
(4:43)  7. I've Got a Crush on You (feat. Simon Thorpe & Jasper Kviberg)
(3:43)  8. The Boy Next Door (feat. Dave Chamberlain & Matt Home)
(5:24)  9. Close Your Eyes (feat. Andrew de Jong Cleyndert & Steve Brown)
(5:35) 10. Dreamsville (feat. Simon Thorpe & Jasper Kviberg)
(5:03) 11. They Can't Take That Away from Me (feat. Simon Thorpe & Steve Brown)
(6:36) 12. East of the Sun (feat. Dave Green & Jeff Hamilton)
(4:03) 13. Under a Blanket of Blue (feat. Simon Thorpe & Jasper Kviberg)
(2:27) 14. You Are There (feat. Simon Thorpe & Jasper Kviberg)
(4:43) 15. Say It Isn't So (feat. Dave Chamberlain & Matt Home)
(5:38) 16. Little Girl Blue (feat. Simon Thorpe & Jasper Kviberg)

This is the first in Candid's new HQ (High Quality) presentations. Sixteen of Stacey's finest Candid tracks have been specially re-mastered in Japan by Evosound. The results are truly astounding. You can hear Stacey as you never heard her before performing her best known Candid successes ranging from Say It Isn't So to I've Got a Crush On You and from Close Your Eyes to Dreamsville. A must have for all Stacey Kent devotees. With Jim Tomlinson, Colin Oxley, David Newton, Dave Green, Jeff Hamilton. http://www.amazon.com/Candid-Moments-Edition-Stacey-Kent/dp/B00EAZYPHU

Candid Moments

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