Kenny Rampton - Moon Over Babylon

Size: 130,3 MB
Time: 56:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Modern Creative Jazz
Art: Front

01. P.B. Funk (4:55)
02. Surrealsistic Cissy (6:14)
03. The Unknown Child Within (6:59)
04. Nature Boy (8:52)
05. Such Sweet Thunder (4:49)
06. Until Next Time (4:42)
07. Moon Over Babylon (6:41)
08. I'll Be Seeing You (3:35)
09. Full Gainer (5:13)
10. Lift Every Voice And Sing (4:42)

I recorded this CD several years ago, but didn't put it out until now, for personal reasons. It's filled with great music played by some of my very favorite musicians in NY and features six of my compositions as well as four "standards" (three arranged by myself and one arranged Earl McIntyre). The last two tracks feature the GREAT Jimmy McGriff on the organ, who I toured with for about 10 years, off and on. Also featured on "Moon Over Babylon" are Donny McCaslin (tenor), Clark Gayton (bone), Brad Leali (alto), Gene Jackson (drums), Ugonna Okegwo/Boris Kozlov/Andy Hess (bass), Ben Stivers/George Laks (keys), Bill Sims (vocal), Pat Cisarano (vocal), Papo Pepin/Joe Gonzales (percussion), Douglas Yates (bass clarinet), Bill Sims/Matt Chertkoff (guitar) as well as a choir comprised of Renee Manning, Pat Cisarano, Tricia Scotti, Carol Sims, Bill Sims, Tommy McDonnell and Irving Lous Lattin.

This CD is an honest, sincere expression of who I was and where I was at, when it was recorded. Although I've gone through many life changes and grown musically, spiritually and personally since then, I still feel that "Moon Over Babylon" is a terrific recording that deserves to be heard. I sincerely hope you agree!!!!

Trumpeter Kenny Rampton is a regular member of The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (under the direction of Wynton Marsalis), The Mingus Big Band (playing both lead and solo trumpet) and can be heard freelancing with many of the greatest musicians of our time at jazz clubs and festivals worldwide. As leader of the Kenny Rampton Sextet, he has performed internationally as well as in many of New York City’s finest jazz clubs. In August of 2010, Kenny performed the classic Miles Davis/Gil Evans rendition of “Porgy and Bess” as the guest soloist with The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (under the direction of Gunther Schuller).

Moon Over Babylon

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Kristen J. Lloyd - My Favorite Song

Size: 89,0 MB
Time: 37:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Vocal Jazz
Art: Front

01. Feel For You (2:03)
02. Summertime (2:16)
03. My Favorite Song (3:07)
04. I've Got You Under My Skin (3:51)
05. Dumb (4:06)
06. Slow Dance (4:13)
07. Distant As A Star (3:34)
08. Rescue Me (3:25)
09. Love And Dreams (2:56)
10. Pennies From Heaven (2:48)
11. Not Givin' Up (2:48)
12. What I'd Want To Say (2:40)

I have anxiously awaited the day I would finish my first jazz album, and here it is! It is definitely the most enjoyable CD I've ever recorded. Jazz has been my favorite style of music long before I could even play the guitar. Especially after growing up in a very musical, Jazz oriented family. I can recall countless hours I enjoyed listening to all the greats from Glenn Miller to Barney Kessel with my Grandpa, as well as watching him, my Dad and Uncles play "Pennies from Heaven" and " 'A' Train" 'til it was way past my bedtime. Playing and listening to Jazz music with my family is a tradition I hold dear to my heart, and the more time passes by changing my life and those loved ones around me, the more I appreciate the gift of Jazz and how playing it continues to bring me close to those treasured memories with my family.

The album "My Favorite Song" is a tribute to my family, to my husband (who is the reason "My Favorite Song" and "Rescue Me" exist), but most importantly to my Grandpa and for his significant role in my life. I don't think anyone else enjoyed listening to me play jazz as much as he did, and I only wish he was hear now to enjoy the music he inspired me to play. And thanks to all of you for your interest in my music! I hope listening to it brings you as much joy as creating it did to me.

My Favorite Song

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Ruby Johnson - I'll Run Your Hurt Away

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 57:01
Size: 130.6 MB
Styles: R&B, Soul
Year: 1993
Art: Front

[3:06] 1. I'll Run Your Hurt Away
[2:36] 2. What More Can A Woman Do
[2:48] 3. Won't Be Long
[4:18] 4. The Love Of My Man
[2:31] 5. Why Not Give Me A Chance
[3:02] 6. It's Not That Easy
[2:29] 7. Don't Play That Song (You Lied)
[3:35] 8. Come To Me My Darling
[3:01] 9. It's Better To Give Than To Recieve
[2:18] 10. Keep On Keeping On
[2:56] 11. How Strong Is My Love
[3:11] 12. Need Your Love So Bad
[3:22] 13. Come To Me My Darling 2
[2:45] 14. Left Over Love
[2:40] 15. I'd Better Check On Myself
[2:17] 16. I'd Rather Fight Than Switch
[2:20] 17. No No No
[2:20] 18. If I Ever Needed Love (I Sure Do Need It Now)
[2:49] 19. When My Love Comes Down
[2:30] 20. Weak Spot

Between 1966 and 1967, singer Ruby Johnson cut more than two dozen R&B sides for Stax/Volt; for whatever reason, the label released only three singles before dropping Johnson from its roster. Twenty of those songs comprise I'll Run Your Hurt Away, a collection of should-have-been hits from this powerful voice. While Johnson recorded a few pop standards like Aretha Franklin's "Won't Be Long" and Ben E. King's "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)," the majority of her songs were composed by Stax in-house musicians and writers. All told, there's not a weak song here; Johnson is a great soul singer who deserved far better.

I'll Run Your Hurt Away

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Buck Clayton & Buddy Tate - Blow The Blues

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 77:51

Size: 178.2 MB

Styles: Saxophone jazz, Trumpet jazz

Year: 2012

Art: Front

[5:24] 1. High Life

[5:33] 2. When A Woman Loves A Man

[5:14] 3. Thou Swell

[4:03] 4. Can't We Be Friends

[8:00] 5. Birdland Betty

[5:41] 6. Kansas City Nights

[6:27] 7. Rompin' At Red Bank

[6:31] 8. Blue Creek

[3:53] 9. A Swinging Doll

[4:34] 10. Dallas Delight

[8:06] 11. Don't Mind If I Do

[4:13] 12. Blue Breeze

[5:58] 13. Blue Ebony

[4:07] 14. Thou Swell 2

These two albums on one CD, featuring Buck Clayton and Buddy Tate, were originally released on the Swingville label, in 1960 : ‘Buck & Buddy’ and its sequel, ‘Buck & Buddy Blow the Blues’ are unique for being the only quintet studio albums the two made together. Clayton and Tate began playing together as far back as 1939. They met in the Count Basie orchestra, a band they’d both remain with for nearly a decade. Although they would continue playing and recording together extensively well into the mid-1970s.

On both works they are backed by the outstanding pianist Sir Charles Thompson and bassist Gene Ramey, while the drum chair is alternately filled by Mousey Alexander and Gus Johnson. A different version of “Thou Swell”, recorded in 1957 by both Clayton and Tate, has been added as a bonus.

Blow The Blues

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Airto Moreira & Flora Purim - Live In Berkeley

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 72:30
Size: 166.0 MB
Styles: Fusion, Brazilian jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[11:23] 1. Free (Feat. Helio Alves, Gary Brown)
[20:47] 2. La Fiesta (Feat. Helio Alves, Gary Brown)
[ 6:12] 3. Esquinas (Feat. Widor Santiago, Helio Alves, Gary Brown)
[14:16] 4. Light As A Feather (Feat. Widor Santiago, Helio Alves, Gary Brown)
[ 5:19] 5. Maria, Tres Filhos (Feat. Widor Santiago, Helio Alves, Gary Brown)
[ 7:29] 6. Anos Blue (Feat. Widor Santiago, Helio Alves, Gary Brown)
[ 7:00] 7. Airto's Pandeiro Solo - Improvisation 1

Live in Berkeley, recorded in 1990 in Berkeley, California is a robust and stimulating performance given by Airto Moreira on drums and percussion; Flora Purim on vocals; bassist, Gary Brown; pianist, keyboardist, Helio Alves and tenor and soprano saxophonist, Widor Santiago… [The performance was captured by] San Francisco radio personality, Bud Spangler – himself, a well known jazz musician, but was tucked away, not to be heard again for over twenty years. The recent rediscovery of this exquisite, majestic evening is now available for us to enjoy in these seven carefully selected tracks by Airto and Flora… Today, their music is still alive, fresh and filled with love.

For those who know Flora, an introduction is unnecessary. Her music has interwoven the life fabric of anyone with a passing interest in Latin and American jazz music for over 25 years. Her once-in-a-generation six-octave voice has earned her two Grammy nominations for Best Female Jazz Performance and Downbeat magazines Best Female Singer accolade on four occasions. Her musical partners have included Gil Evans, Stan Getz,

Chick Corea, Dizzy Gillespie and Airto Moreira, with whom she has collaborated on over 30 albums since moving with him from her native Rio to New York in 1967. Her musical genius was inbred thanks to a Russian émigré father who played violin and a mother who was a talented pianist in her own right. Before leaving Brazil to escape the repressive military regime of the time, she had mastered piano and guitar and liberated an exhilarating vocal talent. In New York, she and Airto became central to the period of musical expression and creativity, which produced the first commercially successful Electric Jazz groups of the 70s.

Live In Berkeley

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Paul Kuhn - The L.A. Session

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 48:34
Size: 111.2 MB
Styles: Jazz piano
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[4:27] 1. Almost The Blues
[2:31] 2. Just In Time
[3:12] 3. Close Your Eyes
[3:04] 4. You've Changed
[6:24] 5. On A Clear Day You Can See Forever
[4:44] 6. Griff
[2:57] 7. Dinah
[3:10] 8. Speak Low
[4:21] 9. Emily
[2:57] 10. There Will Never Be Another You
[2:40] 11. My Heart Stood Still
[2:51] 12. Ornithology
[2:32] 13. People
[2:37] 14. As Time Goes By

'The L.A. Session' by the veteran German jazz pianist and vocalist Paul Kuhn was recorded at the legendary Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. Backed by an A-list rhythm section - drummer Jeff Hamilton and bassist John Clayton - he performs a set of classic jazz standards as well as two of his own compositions. With his unmistakable sense of rhythm and melody, Kuhn appears to absorb each individual note and transforms it into a very special art of timeless swing.

Recording information: Capitol Studios, Los Angeles (11/08/2011/11/09/2011).

Paul Kuhn (piano, vocals), John Clayton (bass), Jeff Hamilton (drums)

The L.A. Session

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Sara Bareilles - Brave Enough: Live At The Variety Playhouse

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 63:38
Size: 145.7 MB
Styles: Rock
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[5:54] 1. Love On The Rocks/Bennie & The Jets
[4:09] 2. Uncharted
[4:15] 3. Love Song
[5:04] 4. (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay
[4:49] 5. Manhattan
[3:47] 6. Let The Rain
[4:14] 7. I Just Want You
[6:40] 8. Come Round Soon
[6:22] 9. Once Upon Another Time
[3:41] 10. Brave
[4:54] 11. King Of Anything
[4:29] 12. Gravity
[5:13] 13. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Earlier this year, Sara Bareilles took on an entirely new challenge, touring the United States without the support of a band. Describing the tour as “the most terrifying thing” she could do, Sara began the month-long tour in Washington, DC and finished in her new home, New York.

The “Brave Enough” CD/DVD captures the intimacy and rawness of the entirely solo experience, filmed over the entirety of Sara’s show in Atlanta, Georgia at the Variety Playhouse. If you weren’t one of the lucky few to see the show live, this CD/DVD combo is surely the next best thing. Filmed live at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, GA during Sara’s "The Brave Enough Tour," which sold out nationally in three minutes, the DVD captures Sara’s entire May 20, 2013 performance. Celebrated by fans and media alike, the set features show highlight "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," Sara’s never-before-released breathtaking version of Elton John’s classic song!

Brave Enough: Live At The Variety Playhouse

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Carlos Do Carmo - Fado E Amor

Size: 86,8 MB
Time: 37:28
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Fado, Folk, World
Label: Universal Music
Art: Front

01. Por Morrer Uma Andorinha (With Camane) (4:05)
02. Julia Florista (With Mariza) (3:21)
03. Lisboa Oxala (With Carminho) (4:15)
04. Novo Fado Alegre (With Ana Moura) (2:49)
05. Pontas Soltas (With Ricardo Ribeiro) (3:58)
06. O Que Sobrou De Um Queixume (With Raquel Tavares) (3:13)
07. Calçada A Portuguesa (With Cristina Branco) (2:38)
08. Fado Do 112 (With Marco Rodrigues) (3:12)
09. Vou Contigo Coraçao (With Aldina Duarte) (3:52)
10. Nasceu Assim, Cresceu Assim (With Mafalda Arnauth) (2:50)
11. Loucura (With Lucilia Do Carmo) (3:09)

Carlos Carmo is a Portuguese fado singer whose career spans several decades, beginning in the early '60s and peaking during the '70s. Born Carlos Alberto Ascenção de Almeida on December 21, 1939, in Lisbon, Portugal, he is the son of fado legend Lucilia do Carmo. He made his recording debut in 1963 with a pair of four-song releases on Alvorada: Mário Simões e Seu Quarteto Apresentando Carlos do Carmo and Carlos do Carmo e Orquestra de Joaquim Luiz Gomes. A couple years later in 1965 he made some recordings with Decca: the four-song releases Fado Razão da Minha Vida and Fados do Meu Coração. Carmo's popularity grew with each passing year, and by 1969 he was releasing full-length albums on Alvorada, Decca, and Philips. He peaked in popularity during the '70s, when he released at least one, if not multiple, album(s) each year. Though Carmo's productivity steadily slowed over the years, he remained highly popular and toured internationally as a concert performer. In later years, his album releases often coincided with career milestones: for example, Ao Vivo no CCB: Os Sucessos de 35 Anos de Carreira (1999), Do Tempo do Vinil: 40 Anos de Carreira (2003), Ao Vivo no Coliseu dos Recreios de Lisboa: 40 Anos de Carreira (2004), and Fado Maestro: 45 Anos de Carreira (2008), the latter of which was especially successful, reaching the Top Five of the Portuguese album charts. Studio album such as À Noite (2007), on the other hand, were few and far between, though generally well received.

Fado E Amor

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Leslie Beukelman - Here I Am

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:43
Size: 100,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:21)  1. Pure Imagination
(4:42)  2. I'm Old Fashioned
(4:14)  3. Love Is Blue
(4:33)  4. Very Early
(6:07)  5. Smile
(4:08)  6. 14
(6:07)  7. Fall
(4:23)  8. Remembering The Rain
(4:04)  9. Here I Am

"This woman has such a natural way about her singing. Her pitch, her range, her sound, her interpretation is extraordinary.” ~Maria Schneider
(Grammy Award-Winning Artist)

“Exquisite vocalist Leslie Beukelman… has mastered genres as vast as soul, melodic jazz, scat, rock and atonal experimentation.”  ~Lucia Mauro (Chicago Tribune)

Leslie Beukelman's debut solo album, "Here I Am", features her arrangements and compositions, played in a quintet and duo setting. Crossing the lines between pop and jazz, this record is only the beginning of Leslie's musical exploration.

Here I Am

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John Ellis - It's You I Like

Styles: Post-Bop
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:57
Size: 135,0 MB
Art: Front

(7:08)  1. What Do You Do?
(9:22)  2. Memory Lane
(5:28)  3. It's You I Like
(8:05)  4. Everything Means Nothing To Me
(7:57)  5. Let's Think Of Something To Do
(2:27)  6. Because We're Kids
(4:51)  7. You Are Special
(3:36)  8. Waltz # 1
(6:59)  9. It's Such A Good Feeling
(2:59) 10. Won't You Be My Neighbor

Melody and groove are the watchwords on John Ellis' masterful Criss Cross debut, which mixes optimistic songs composed by the iconic children's television host, Fred (a.k.a. 'Mister') Rogers, himself a fine jazz pianist, and dark ones by the late singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. Joined by New York A-listers Mike Moreno (guitar), Aaron Goldberg (piano), Matt Penman (bass, and Rodney Green (drums), Ellis - playing mostly tenor saxophone and a bit of bass clarinet - addresses the repertoire with a surefooted time feel, gorgeous tone,and abiding melodicism. ~ Editorial Reviews   http://www.amazon.com/Its-You-Like-John-Ellis/dp/B007GNMIK4

It's You I Like

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Sue Maskaleris - Bring Nothing But Your Heart

Size: 110,8 MB
Time: 47:57
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Brazilian Jazz, Samba, Bossa Nova
Label: Jazilian Records
Art: Front

01. Bring Nothing But Your Heart (Feat. 'Doc' Halliday) (3:56)
02. The Big Tiri (Feat. Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez) (3:38)
03. Lush Life (Feat. William Galison) (5:07)
04. Two Ducklings (Dois Patinhos) (2:57)
05. So Sacred The Sand (4:46)
06. O.C.D. (Feat. Horacio 'El Negro' Hernandez) (4:28)
07. Ready To Love Again (4:03)
08. A Blast Of Joy (6:06)
09. Kisses From Ivan (Feat. Mark Egan) (4:04)
10. Baiao Da Aclimaçao (2:56)
11. The Meaning (Peace & Love) (4:19)
12. Two Ducklings (Reprise) (Feat. Steve Sacks) (1:31)

Dripping with Afro-Cuban crescendos and trussed in sexy samba baia(os, Bring Nothing But Your Heart from vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Sue Maskaleris is a rush of endorphin-induced romps. Produced by Sue and Stephen Maskaleris, Bring Nothing But Your Heart is a cornucopia of party tunes groomed with Latin accents.

The recording bursts open with the Latin grooves of the title track traversing into the funky tinted rhythms of "The Big Tiri" as Maskaleris joins in the party atmosphere with a combination of lyrical and scat verses. Smooth and balmy, Maskaleris' treatment of Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" displays her vocal chops as a moving singer while the harmonious harmonica solo creates a dreamy escape.

The album maintains its dreamy versing with the wispy ethers of "Two Ducklings" keeled by a soft samba rhythm, while "So Sacred the Sand" is seamed in a bossa nova stitching. Both tracks showcase the lithesome tone of Maskaleris' register, which add shimmer and warmth to the melodies. The blissful vibe emanating from the melodic cuts of "O.C.D." feature the lyrical flutters of Oriente Lopez's flute and the nimble movements of Horacio Hernandez on drums.

The fast paced "Ready to Love Again" has a Brazilian based rhythm which switches gears into the cruising samba beats of "A Blast of Joy" fomenting small eruptions in the horns and producing a gently froth brushing over the wavy percussions and ruminating harmonica. It's a tune made for sipping cocktails while engaged in an enjoyable conversation.

The balladry sway of "Kisses from Ivan" have a classic pop iridescence shingled in lightly sprinkled strings which are tossed into the festive sprints racking "Baião da Aclimacão" shrouded in frilly chimes and jaunty beats. Keeping up the upbeat atmosphere are the boppish grooves of "The Meaning (Peace and Love)" and the flighty sensations moving across "Two Ducklings" which Maskaleris reprises at the end of the album.

Maskaleris' affinity for Brazilian music is thoroughly explored on Bring Nothing But Your Heart. Her talent ranges from singer and songwriter to being a multi-instrumentalist demonstrating her diversity and willingness to dabble in every aspect of her music. She puts her heart, her soul, and her love of beautiful sounding music into her recording making for a positively charged album.

Sue Maskaleris - vocals, piano, keyboards, violins, guitar, bass, percussion, lyrics, arrangements, compositions, and production

Bring Nothing But Your Heart

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Mark Growden & The New Orleans Heavies - In Velvet

Size: 102,8 MB
Time: 44:37
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: New Orleans Jazz/Soul
Art: Front

01. Drivin' Into The Sunrise (3:16)
02. The Love Of It All (5:25)
03. Jumpin' Judy (3:08)
04. Something Within Me (5:00)
05. Old Lady From Brewster (3:00)
06. Paris, Texas (6:00)
07. Sunday Afternoon (3:54)
08. You Really Got A Hold On Me (5:12)
09. Old Dutch Davis (3:41)
10. That's All Right (3:41)
11. Here's To You (2:14)

Mark Growden is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, record producer and visual artist. From a small mountain community in NE California, Growden has toured the the US extensively and has released several critically acclaimed albums, including Saint Judas, which was ranked in the 2010 Village Voice Critics Poll. His new CD "In Velvet" reflects his year long residency in New Orleans. His all star band, the New Orleans Heavies live up to the name pumping up Growden's original soulful music with a funky horn section lead by legendary trumpeter Wendell Brunious.

Personnel:
LaTosha Brown on voice
Wendell Brunious on trumpet
Loren Pickford on alto sax
Eric Traub on tenor sax
Larry Sieberth on piano
Myles Boisen on guitar
Peter Harris on upright bass
Charlie Kohlmeyer on drums
Mark Growden on voice and bari sax

In Velvet

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David Murray & Dave Burrell - Windward Passages

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 68:31
Size: 156.9 MB
Styles: Saxophone/piano jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[ 8:23] 1. Sorrow Song
[ 7:56] 2. It Hurts So Much To See
[11:29] 3. Naima
[ 5:21] 4. Cela Me Va
[ 6:02] 5. The Crave
[ 9:16] 6. Zanzibar Blue
[ 6:06] 7. Conversation With Our Mothers
[13:55] 8. Naima 2

Gifted reedman David Murray is a provocative improviser whose warmth, passion and facile technique coaxes the most from his instruments. On this 1993 date, he plays tenor sax (bass clarinet on one track) with pianist Dave Burrell, a long-time cohort with similar penchant for creating exciting leaps of virtuosity. Familiarity breeds better music, and contributes to make this intimate duo recording a compelling listen. Both players have separately shown abilities to wax lyrical, subtly mine the blues, and stretch beyond the outer edges of melody. Together, they're unmatchable. Murray's conversational style, expertly comped by Burrell, ranges from caressing to blistery and powerful. Burrell's improvisations, sometimes influenced by a Pullen-like percussive approach, add variety to the melodiousness of this outing comprising three standards and five originals. Some tracks are reminiscent of roiling duo explorations of the late Pullen and Adams, and it's enthralling to hear that tradition continue. While Burrell excels, it's Murray's instantly-recognizable, thrusting, and bristly style that prevails on this A-plus album. ~Nancy Ann Lee

Windward Passages

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Marian McPartland & Steely Dan - Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz Radio Broadcast

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 51:09
Size: 117.1 MB
Styles: Jazz, Rock
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[1:39] 1. Conversation 1
[2:42] 2. Limbo Jazz
[5:07] 3. Conversation 2
[3:50] 4. Josie
[3:07] 5. Conversation 3
[3:07] 6. Mood Indigo
[0:13] 7. Conversation 4
[3:21] 8. Star Eyes
[3:38] 9. Conversation 5
[3:26] 10. Hesitation Blues
[5:17] 11. Conversation 6
[3:47] 12. Things Ain't What They Used To Be
[1:41] 13. Conversation 7
[4:44] 14. Chain Lightning
[1:51] 15. Conversation 8
[3:30] 16. Black Friday

It isn't hard to imagine how some jazz purists will react upon seeing the name Steely Dan on one of Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz releases; they're likely to ask, "What, in God's name, is a pop/rock group doing in McPartland's presence?" But even though Steely Dan isn't a jazz act per se, they have always had jazz influences -- and it would be a mistake to think of this CD as strictly a pop/rock disc. Actually, the original material of Steely Dan leaders Donald Fagen (vocals, acoustic piano) and Walter Becker (electric guitar) takes somewhat of a back seat to instrumental straight-ahead jazz when they join forces with pianist McPartland, bassist Jay Leonhart and drummer Keith Carlock. Some longtime Steely Dan enthusiasts might be disappointed to know that only three Fagen/Becker songs are performed: "Josie," "Black Friday" and "Chain Lightning" -- you won't hear "Peg," "Do It Again," "Rikki, Don't Lost That Number," "Deacon Blues," "Hey Nineteen" or "Reeling in the Years." Nonetheless, there are many enjoyable moments, and McPartland has no problem finding common ground with Fagen and Becker -- common ground that includes a healthy appreciation of Duke Ellington's repertoire. Between three songs associated with the Duke ("Mood Indigo," Mercer Ellington's "Things Ain't What They Used to Be" and the lesser known "Limbo Jazz"), W.C. Handy's "Hesitation Blues" and the standard "Star Eyes," Steely Dan's encounter with McPartland is dominated by straight-ahead jazz -- not the jazz-influenced, soul-minded pop/rock that made Steely Dan famous during their '70s heyday. This intriguing CD may not have as many Steely Dan classics as some of their die-hard fans would like, but their appearance on Piano Jazz is full of pleasant surprises and reminds us just how much jazz means to '70s pop/rock icons. ~ Alex Henderson

Marian McPartland (piano); Donald Fagen (vocals, piano); Walter Becker (guitar); Jay Leonhart (bass guitar); Keith Carlock (drums).

Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz Radio Broadcast

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Steve Lawrence - Here's Steve Lawrence

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 27:20
Size: 62.6 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 2008/2013
Art: Front

[3:09] 1. Come Rain Or Come Shine
[3:07] 2. Like Someone In Love
[3:08] 3. My Romance
[2:30] 4. Fraulein
[1:34] 5. Sunny Side Up
[2:29] 6. This Heart Of Mine
[3:36] 7. Makin' Whoopee
[2:26] 8. Then I'll Be Tired Of You
[2:57] 9. If I Had You
[2:20] 10. Put 'em In A Box, Tie 'em With A Ribbon

As a solo artist and in a duo with his wife Eydie Gorme, Steve Lawrence enjoyed a successful singing career that stretched well past half a century. He placed hits in the best-seller charts for over 25 years and used that as the basis for becoming a nightclub and concert headliner. Starting out in the post-swing, pre-rock & roll era of the early '50s, he maintained his support for traditional pop, which found him bucking popular musical trends for much of his career. But in his maturity he could claim to be the handpicked successor to Frank Sinatra as the music's standard-bearer. Along the way, he also found time to write songs, act in films, star in Broadway musicals, and produce Emmy-winning television specials as well as hosting a few TV series.

Here's Steve Lawrence

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Abbey Lincoln - Abbey Sings Billie (2-disc set)

Finally, the two halves of Abbey Lincoln's two-day, Billie Holiday tribute recording sessions are complete in one set. Originally issued separately, the November 1987 dates features Ms. Lincoln accompanied by drummer Mark Johnson, bassist Tarik Shah, Harold Vick on tenor, and pianist James Weidman. These are two of the singer's finest recordings and, if not groundbreaking, are certainly soul-stirring and aesthetically definitive. ~Thom Jurek

Recorded at the Universal Jazz Coalition, New York, New York on November 6 & 7, 1987.

Abbey Lincoln (vocals); Harold Vick (tenor saxophone); James Weidman (piano); Tarik Shah (bass); Mark Johnson (drums).

Album: Abbey Sings Billie (Disc 1)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 57:06
Size: 130.7 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1987/2001

[ 3:18] 1. What A Little Moonlight Can Do
[ 2:51] 2. I Only Have Eyes For You
[ 5:09] 3. Gloomy Sunday
[ 4:27] 4. Crazy He Calls Me
[ 6:16] 5. Strange Fruit
[ 5:42] 6. Lover Man
[ 4:41] 7. These Foolish Things
[ 5:20] 8. I'll Be Seeing You
[10:18] 9. Soul Eyes
[ 9:01] 10. Ill Wind

Abbey Sings Billie (Disc 1)

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Album: Abbey Sings Billie (Disc 2)
Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 40:12
Size: 92.0 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1987/2001
Art: Front

[7:02] 1. Gimme A Pigfoot
[6:58] 2. No More
[5:22] 3. God Bless The Child
[6:22] 4. Don't Explain
[5:28] 5. For Heaven's Sake
[3:20] 6. Please Don't Talk About Me (When I'm Gone)
[5:36] 7. For All We Know

Abbey Sings Billie (Disc 2)

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Chad Eby - Broken Shadows

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 63:41
Size: 145.8 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[5:08] 1. Tip Toe
[2:32] 2. Mira
[6:01] 3. Epitaph I Doo-Wee-Inn
[6:44] 4. Orange Was The Color Of Her Dress, Then Blue Silk
[3:18] 5. Little You
[4:03] 6. Epitaph II Line For Lackritz
[7:05] 7. I'm Still Here
[5:02] 8. Sentinel
[4:19] 9. Broken Shadows
[5:22] 10. Sunset And The Mockingbird
[3:55] 11. Epitaph III J-Mac
[5:45] 12. Epitaph IV The Kid From Albany
[4:23] 13. The Single Petal Of A Rose

This trio session, with bassist Steve Haines and drummer Jason Marsalis packs Eby's music aspirations from varying musical inspirations. Opening with Thad Jones' "Tip Top," Eby sports a soprano saxophone sound acquired from John Coltrane circa 1961. That unadorned sound, seemingly simple to the ear, reveals Eby's mastery of the very difficult straight horn. He returns to the soprano on his original "Little You," altering his tone, rejuvenating the sixties sound into a modern chamber feel and then morphing once again on his tribute to Steve Lacy on "Epitaph II: Line For Lackritz" with a more acerbic tone.

The "Epitaph Suite," four commissioned compositions, allows Eby to pay homage to Dewey Redman, Ray Charles, Jackie McLean and Lacy. Each piece displays a little of the honoree, but is more telling of Eby's sound. They can dribble an enticing blues for Charles, slowly defrosting a sexy tenor sound or cleanly snap off notes in praise to McLean without sounding derivative or clichéd.

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis joins Eby's trio on two tracks. The two tenors reprise Marsalis' duel with Joe Lovano on "The Sentinel," from The Dark Keys (Columbia, 1996); the two also interlock horns on the Redman tribute, "Epitaph I: Doo-We-Inn." Like Marsalis, Eby's tenor tone can be boundless, blues-inflected, and wholly satisfying. These two players are indeed simpatico. ~Mark Corroto

Recording information: The Rubber Room, Chapel Hill, NC.

Chad Eby (saxophone, tenor saxophone); Doug Wamble (guitar); Jason Marsalis (drums).

Broken Shadows

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Karen Robinson - Karen Robinson With: Mike Cowie, Larry Bjornson, David Burton & Holly Arsenault

Size: 100,1 MB
Time: 43:27
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Vocal Jazz
Art: Front

01. Cats And Crows (5:07)
02. Play It Softly (3:43)
03. Raven's Wing (4:53)
04. When I Sing The Blues (5:06)
05. She's A Keeper (2:57)
06. Know When To Fly (3:11)
07. Pen In Hand (4:20)
08. Whispers (4:35)
09. Cold Anger On (4:28)
10. Blues Bird (5:04)

Karen's first CD of original jazz is "Karen Robinson WITH". The launch event sold out within a few days!

The CD was produced by Mike Cowie, a gifted musician, arranger and producer, and features Karen's vocals, Mike on muted trumpet, Larry Bjornson on upright bass, Dave Burton on drums, Holly Arsenault on piano, Chris Mitchell on flute and alto sax, Danny Martin on trombone, Jeff Reilly on bass clarinet, Doris Mason and Lisa MacDougall doing back-up vocals, and Kevin Breit on guitar.

Producer Mike Cowie said, “I don’t produce albums for other singers any more, but these are terrific songs! I had to do this. Everyone who came to the project agreed. It all comes down to the songs, and these are all great songs. Some are way beyond great. Like late Joni Mitchell. Great melodies, great performances. Is it jazz or folk rock? It’s somewhere in the middle. The album is very alive and musical, more dynamic than most we hear today, and with all the faults and curves. It is real, honest music. Every song is different. We used minimal compression, only what was needed to stay in the game without losing the reality, and I am thrilled. It all starts with the songs ... and Karen’s songs are brilliant. Karen delivers every song exquisitely!”

Karen Robinson With

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Jessica Riippa - Calm My Nerves

Size: 70,0 MB
Time: 30:27
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazzy Blues
Art: Front

01. I Can't Remember (4:18)
02. The Lake (3:11)
03. Just Alone (3:27)
04. I Said Yes (3:54)
05. Dreamer (5:04)
06. Ja Veit (3:51)
07. Calm My Nerves (2:42)
08. Complicated (3:57)

The album "Calm my nerves" is singer/songwriter Jessica Riippas debut album. Being her first album, it is filled with music both old and new, and varying in musical style. Jessica moves from bluesy jazz to songs she originally composed for theatre, but later finding their way into her own musical interpretation, to her own story.

Calm My Nerves

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The Canadian Brass - Swingtime!

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 58:20
Size: 133.5 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 1996
Art: Front

[5:03] 1. Artistry In Rhythm
[4:28] 2. Blue Rondo A La Turk
[3:11] 3. (Back Home Again In) Indiana
[2:59] 4. Night And Day
[5:02] 5. 'round About Midnight
[3:19] 6. At The Woodchopper's Ball
[3:43] 7. The Lady Is A Tramp
[2:46] 8. Sugar Blues
[3:32] 9. The Man I Love
[2:46] 10. Whatever Happened To The Dream
[9:10] 11. Concierto De Aranjez
[3:33] 12. I Found Love
[4:02] 13. Ellington Medley
[4:39] 14. One O'clock Jump

This is an odd if mostly intriguing set by the Canadian Brass, which is comprised of two trumpets, trombone, French horn, and tuba. On most of the selections, they are joined by a full band that includes keyboardist Warren Bernhardt, guitarist Gene Bertoncini, up to 11 additional horns (arranged by Don Sebesky), and even occasionally six-strings. The inventive arrangements make such songs as "Blue Rondo a la Turk," "Indiana," "At the Woodchopper's Ball," and "One O'Clock Jump" quite colorful and full of surprises. It is particularly odd that there are three selections that have the Canadian Brass adding their parts to historic recordings: Zoot Sims in 1950 playing "Night and Day," the 1954 Gerry Mulligan Quartet on "The Lady Is a Tramp," and Roy Eldridge The Zoot Sims Quartet, Gerry Mulligan Quartet and Roy Eldridge recordings used on SWINGTIME! date from the 1950s. Canadian Brass created new arrangements by overdubbing parts onto existing recordings of "Night And Day" by Zoot Sims (recorded in 1950), "The Lady Is A Tramp" by Gerry Mulligan (June 3, 1954) and "The Man I Love" by Roy Eldridge (June 9, 1950).

Recording information: Clinton Studio A, New York, NY (04/10/1995-04/26/1995); Soundtrack Studio A, New York, NY (04/10/1995-04/26/1995).

Frederic Mills, Ronald Romm (trumpet); David Ohanian (French horn); Eugene Watts (trombone); Charles Daellenbach (tuba). Zoot Sims Quartet: Zoot Sims (tenor saxophone); Gerry Wiggins (piano); Pierre Michelot (bass); Kenny Clarke (drums). Gerry Mulligan Quartet: Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone); Bob Brookmeyer (valve trombone); Red Mitchell (bass); Frank Isola (drums). Additional personnel: Gene Bertoncini, Joe Taylor (guitar); Belinda Whitney-Barratt, Natalie Cenovia Cummins, Karen Karlsrud, Evan Johnson (violin); Crystal Garner (viola); Maria Kitsopoulos (cello); Lawrence Feldman (flute, piccolo, clarinet, alto saxophone); Chuck Wilson (flute, clarinet, alto saxophone); Dave Tofani (flute, clarinet, tenor saxophone); Roger Rosenberg (flute, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Richard Stoltzman (clarinet); Ken Hitchcock (clarinet, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone); Zoot Sims (tenor saxophone); Rick Baptiste, Tony Kadleck, Neal Balm, Roy Eldridge (trumpet); Jeff Lang, Peter Gordon, Bob Carlise (French horn); Keith O'Quinn, Larry Farrell (trombone); Paul Faulise (bass trombone); Dick Hyman (piano); Warren Bernhardt (piano, keyboards); John Miller, Pierre Michelot (bass); Ronnie Zito, Ed Shaughnessy (drums); Gordon Gottlieb, Joe Passaro (percussion).

Swingtime!

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