Randy Brecker - The Brecker Brothers Band Reunion

Size: 156,1 MB
Time: 67:30
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Crossover Jazz, Electric Jazz, Jazz-Funk
Art: Front

01. First Tune Of The Set (7:29)
02. Stellina (7:36)
03. Dipshit (6:03)
04. Merry Go Town (5:13)
05. Slag (6:34)
06. Really In For It (7:45)
07. Elegy For Mike (7:37)
08. On The Rise (5:33)
09. Adina (6:15)
10. R N Bee (7:22)

Though saxophonist Michael Brecker passed away in 2007, his brother, trumpeter Randy Brecker, keeps the jazz-funk fusion of the Brecker Brothers alive with the Brecker Brothers Reunion Band. While not a strict reunion of the original ensemble, the band does feature many of the players who have performed with the Brecker Brothers over the years, such as guitarist Mike Stern, drummer Dave Weckl, and keyboardist George Whitty, as well as new members including Italian saxophonist Ada Rovatti (Brecker's wife), and keyboardist Oli Rockberger. The band played several shows beginning in 2011, and in 2013 released this album, which also featured such former Brecker Brothers' associates as guitarists Dean Brown, Adam Rogers, and Mitch Stein, drummer Rodney Holmes, bassist Chris Minh Doky, and saxophonist David Sanborn. ~Review by Matt Collar

The Brecker Brothers Band Reunion

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The Hot Club Of Dublin - Fin Voyage

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 49:32
Size: 113.4 MB
Styles: Swing, Gypsy jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[3:38] 1. Dankerr
[2:54] 2. Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen
[2:27] 3. Fintan - Waltz
[1:44] 4. Chez Mathieu
[3:23] 5. Music Maestro Please
[1:59] 6. D. G. Swing
[3:24] 7. Over The Rainbow
[2:48] 8. Shine
[4:54] 9. That's All
[2:51] 10. I Wonder Where My Baby Is Tonight
[2:53] 11. Georgia On My Mind
[4:15] 12. New Years Day
[5:04] 13. All Of Me
[3:21] 14. Some Of These Days
[3:49] 15. Fin Voyage

The Hotclub of Dublin consists of three members of the Gilligan Family, John, Fintan and Daniel, along with Russian gypsy violin player Oleg Ponomarev. United by their passion for Hotclub and old swing, this vibrant quartet have developed and expanded on the Hotclub style, to include four part vocal harmonies with hints of eastern gypsy flavour. On their second album Fin Voyage, we find instruments not normally associated with Hotclub, such as clarinet, piano and saxophone. This album is a collection of original tunes with some old standards included. The Hotclub of Dublin is currently playing venues in Ireland and across Europe and are looking forward to playing in Russia in the New Year.

Fin Voyage

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Don Byas - Big City Nights

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 57:29
Size: 131.6 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[2:46] 1. Laura
[2:47] 2. Riffin' And Jivin'
[2:21] 3. I'm Beginning To See The Light
[3:01] 4. Stardust
[2:59] 5. Embraceable You
[2:43] 6. Ain't Misbehavin'
[3:09] 7. Stormy Weather
[2:43] 8. Slam-In' Around
[3:05] 9. Harvard Blues
[2:48] 10. Rosetta
[2:49] 11. Blues For Panassie
[3:14] 12. Nancy
[2:55] 13. Body And Soul
[2:57] 14. Annie Laurie
[2:29] 15. I Can't Explain
[3:02] 16. Dark Eyes
[2:59] 17. Three O'clock In The Morning
[2:40] 18. Blue And Sentimental
[3:02] 19. These Foolish Things
[2:50] 20. Humoresque

One of the greatest of all tenor players, Don Byas' decision to move permanently to Europe in 1946 resulted in him being vastly underrated in jazz history books. His knowledge of chords rivalled Coleman Hawkins, and, due to their similarity in tones, Byas can be considered an extension of the elder tenor. He played with many top swing bands, including those of Lionel Hampton (1935), Buck Clayton (1936), Don Redman, Lucky Millinder, Andy Kirk (1939-1940), and most importantly Count Basie (1941-1943). An advanced swing stylist, Byas' playing looked toward bop. He jammed at Minton's Playhouse in the early '40s, appeared on 52nd Street with Dizzy Gillespie, and performed a pair of stunning duets with bassist Slam Stewart at a 1944 Town Hall concert. After recording extensively during 1945-1946 (often as a leader), Byas went to Europe with Don Redman's band, and (with the exception of a 1970 appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival) never came back to the U.S. He lived in France, the Netherlands, and Denmark; often appeared at festivals; and worked steadily. Whenever American players were touring, they would ask for Byas, who had opportunities to perform with Duke Ellington, Bud Powell, Kenny Clarke, Dizzy Gillespie, Jazz at the Philharmonic (including a recorded tenor battle with Hawkins and Stan Getz), Art Blakey, and (on a 1968 recording) Ben Webster. Byas also recorded often in the 1950s, but was largely forgotten in the U.S. by the time of his death. ~ bio by Scott Yanow

Big City Nights

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Holly Cole - Night

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 39:46
Size: 91.0 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:14] 1. You Only Live Twice
[3:37] 2. Walk Away
[3:09] 3. Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues
[4:30] 4. You've Got A Secret
[4:03] 5. Viva Las Vegas
[3:25] 6. I Only Have Eyes For You
[3:28] 7. I Thought Of You Again
[3:53] 8. Love Lies
[3:06] 9. Whistling Past The Graveyard
[3:23] 10. If You Go Away
[3:52] 11. If You Could Read My Mind

Internationally acclaimed recording and touring artist Holly Cole returns with NIGHT, her first studio album in over five years. Supported by musicians Cole recognizes as soul mates and companions, NIGHT presents a reunion of the original Holly Cole Trio, featuring pianist Aaron Davis and bassist David Piltch along with co-producer Greg Cohen. The line-up is completed by Davide DiRenzo (drums), Johnny Johnson (horns), Greg Leisz (lap steel), Kevin Breit (guitars), Cyro Baptista (percussion) and others.

In trademark Holly Cole fashion, NIGHT crosses different corners of the musical spectrum from the first focus track, a Bond theme by John Barry (“You Only Live Twice“), to a Mort Shuman classic (“Viva Las Vegas“) to Tom Waits (“Walk Away“, “Whistling Past The Graveyard“), Jaques Brel (“If You Go Away”) and Gordon Lightfoot (“If You Could Read My Mind“). A song by late Sixties/early Seventies Canadian folk-pop duo The Poppy Family has gently found its way into the repertoire (“I Thought Of You Again“). All of this is complimented by an American songwriter/folk classic from the Danny O’Keefe songbook (“Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues“), a riveting version of a Captain Beefheart tune (“Love Lies“), a timeless pop ballad (“I Only Have Eyes For You“) and – a wonderful new Holly Cole original – “You’ve Got A Secret“.

Night

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US Army Blues Jazz Ensemble - 25th Anniversary Concert (Feat. The New York Voices)

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 72:52
Size: 166.8 MB
Styles: Big band
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[ 3:39] 1. Air Mail Special
[ 6:30] 2. Willow Weep For Me, All Blues
[ 4:27] 3. Oh, Lady, Be Good
[ 5:09] 4. Desafinado
[ 7:36] 5. A Sideward Glance
[ 6:31] 6. Body And Soul
[ 7:59] 7. My Ship
[ 7:38] 8. Summertime
[ 4:09] 9. Star Dust
[14:11] 10. Conspiracy Theory
[ 4:58] 11. Love Makes The World Go Round

This 18-piece ensemble has performed at renowned venues worldwide and is featured here backing the vocal ensemble "New York Voices". The 25th Anniversary Concert album celebrates the bands 25 years of great service to our country. My favorite track is "Air Mail Special", a jazz standard that they perform with the same excellent verve they do all their numbers. Any Jazz lover should check this group out and if you're already a fan, this album is a must have. ~Al McCree/amazon

25th Anniversary Concert

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Anne Walsh - Go

Styles: Vocal, Bossa Nova
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:31
Size: 119,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:29)  1. Cinnamon & Clove
(4:36)  2. Je Vousem Beacuop
(2:35)  3. Bumble Bee
(4:24)  4. Melanie
(5:12)  5. So In Love
(4:56)  6. South American Getaway
(4:52)  7. Bewitched
(4:57)  8. Cascade of the Seven Waterfalls
(4:33)  9. Go
(3:47) 10. Batucada
(3:42) 11. I'll Wish for You
(4:22) 12. Spring's Unfold

Eclectic yet incredibly accessible with a cool Latin vibe that has the ability to creep into your soul.A conceptualized release that finds critically acclaimed vocalist Anne Walsh doing her own riff on exploring artistic beauty in the fast paced world of the digital download. The follow up to Pretty World which earned a Grammy nomination for the arrangement of "In The Still Of The Night" finds Walsh striking out on a slightly more diverse path and in fine voice.  While an admitted intent to go the more organic route there is the musical dichotomy of rich layered textures that create an ambient tapestry showcasing Walsh's pristine vocals. A common stumbling block for a great many vocalists would be arrangements where the musicians are seemingly an afterthought. Go is a well thought out release with stellar arrangements that highlight a sonic conversation between vocalist and musicians creating a more harmonious approach than what you may hear with some artists. "Je Vousem Beaucoup" is an engaging and somewhat haunting tune hinting at the varied background of Walsh including the slight Broadway feel to this number. "Bumble Bee" is an incredibly playful number with sassy vocals and a gentle swing that adds a subtle pop with delightful scat vocals added for flavor along with the violin solo of Christian Howes. 

The Cole Porter standard "So In Love" smolders with a dynamic tension from shifting meters and arrangements to match. Pianist Thomas Zink compliments the mood with a gorgeous lyrically driven solo. Anne Walsh takes the Rogers & Hart classic "Bewitched" to another level. More than just knocking out a passable cover, Walsh transforms from vocalist to story teller and delivers an intoxicating performance. Reinforcing the brilliant arrangements finds Walsh recreating the "South American Getaway" from Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid and breathing new life into a forgotten Burt Bacharach number. Adding original vocals to an accepted instrumental jazz classic can be the equivalent of tap dancing in a musical mine field. The original lyrics added to the Wayne Shorter tune "Go" are inventive and keep with the more conceptual nature of this incredibly strong release. Original lyrics, stellar arrangements and a first call list of musicians pushes Go to the top of the heap for vocal releases, even going back to the previous year. Anne Walsh is a fabulous vocal talent with impeccable phrasing and the background to allow herself the freedom to adapt to an eclectic and intoxicating set of tunes not often heard from similar artists. There is a perfect ebb and flow to this release from the beautiful cover art to the last note. The musical stars were in perfect alignment for this virtually flawless release. 5 Stars!   

http://www.criticaljazz.com/2012/02/anne-walsh-go-atozink-music-2012.html

Personnel: Chris Wabich: drums; Brian Bromberg: acoustic bass; Jerry Watts: electric bass; Thomas Zink: piano; Ramone Stagnaro, Larry Koonse, Mitchell Long, Gannin Arnold: guitar; Gary Meek: saxes, flutes, woodwinds; Tiki Pasillas, Chris Wabich: percussion; Anne Walsh, Rogerio Jardim: background voice; Anne Walsh, Johnathan Mack, Jim Graft: Voices "South American Getaway."; Christian Howes: violin solo; Tony Guerrero: trumpet solo; Bill Brendle: accordion; Kathleen Robertson, Cameron Patrick: violins; Darrin McCann: viola; Melissa Hasin: cello.

Go

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Suzanna Smith - Halfway Between Heaven & Love

Styles: Vocal Jazz

Year: 2013

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 60:21

Size: 139,2 MB

Art: Front

(4:01)  1. Lady Bird / Half Nelson

(4:07)  2. Paper Boat

(4:45)  3. Summer Me, Winter Me

(5:17)  4. The Man That Broke the Dragon's Heart

(4:59)  5. Beautiful Love

(4:28)  6. Planes and Trains

(4:43)  7. Can You Give It Up

(4:55)  8. Comet

(4:43)  9. Monk's Make Believe

(4:13) 10. I Would Give Anything

(4:07) 11. Hooray for Love

(6:00) 12. Alone Together

(3:57) 13. Soy Califa

A debut album by a smart jazz singer with a lithe, lissome sound is always welcome, but when the artist is also a strikingly effective songwriter, a celebration is in order. With the release of "Halfway Between Heaven & Love," Oakland-based Suzanna Smith delivers one of the year's most impressive vocal projects, an intoxicating mix of original tunes and beautifully rendered standards.... More  http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/10/prweb11259667.htm

Halfway Between Heaven & Love

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Tsuyoshi Yamamoto - Girl Talk

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1975
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:33
Size: 88,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:30)  1. The Way We Were
(6:14)  2. Girl Talk
(6:40)  3. Gone with the Wind
(5:23)  4. Take the 'A' Train
(4:54)  5. I Love You Porgy
(5:03)  6. What Now My Love
(4:46)  7. Autumn in New York

Girl Talk was Tsuyoshi Yamamoto's sixth leader album released by the Three Blind Mice label in a short span of two years. With a huge hit of Midnight Sugar, the young pianist who was 28 at the time of recording had become one of the most popular jazz pianists in Japan.With bluesy and soulful style influenced by Red Garland and Wynton Kelly, Yamamoto and his trio tackled well-known jazz standards and a popular movie tune ("The Way We Were"). One of the highlights is "Take the 'A' Train" which begins with a free style introduction and moves into a high-speed, high-spirited swing. Following the tradition of TBM, the original album was beautifully recorded and received Swing Journal's Best Engineered Jazz Disc Award in 1976. This special Blu-spec CD reissue perfectly transferred the glorious analog sound to digital. A must-have for jazz lovers and audiophiles!  

http://www.eastwindimport.com/product-info.asp?CategoryName=Featured+Products&ProductID=87

Recorded at Aoi Studio, Tokyo, in December 1975 by Yoshihiko Kannari.

Personnel: Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, piano; Isoo Fukui, bass; Tetsujiro Obara, drums

Girl Talk

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Bradley Leighton - Just Doin' Our Thang

Styles: Flute Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:05
Size: 146,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:51)  1. Sunny
(6:04)  2. Now's The Time
(3:59)  3. Pink Panther Theme
(6:25)  4. Summertime
(6:16)  5. Breezin'
(4:52)  6. Carefree
(5:22)  7. Europa
(6:01)  8. Lazy Summer Days
(5:32)  9. Ain't No Sunshine
(5:29) 10. Deep Sea
(5:22) 11. Easy Morning
(4:46) 12. Speak Low

Just Doin' Our Thang brings me back to the late '60s and early '70s when jazz personalities like Ramsey Lewis, Herbie Mann, and Sergio Mendes were using contemporary pop material and selling records. Jazz music was losing momentum with the competition from the rock revolution and it was not unusual to hear any of the artists on Blue Note, Prestige, and other jazz labels playing Beatles tunes. Flutist Bradley Leighton, from the Pacific Northwest, perhaps has the same idea in mind for his second album. I like the idea of combining his alto flute with an organ trio plus percussion, and the end product is a perfect summertime album. The twelve selections are not entirely pop music covers, but the vibe is upbeat and satisfying. Several of these tunes should be candidates for airplay on smooth jazz radio, including some of the Leighton originals. 35 years ago, everyone was required to sing or play Bobby Hebb's "Sunny," so it now seems like a good way to open this album. The flute provides a perfect counterpoint to the organ funk feel. Likewise, the ubiquitous "Breezin'," which George Benson parlayed into a pop jazz staple during the '80s, is again given a new life by Bob Boss, who delivers some good guitar licks. (Why am I fighting to say "Boss Guitar" here?) For the purists, Leighton and company dig into "Now's The Time," "Speak Low," and "Summertime." ~ Michael P.Gladstone  

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=17758#.Uovjn-Jc_vs

Personnel: Bradley Leighton, alto flute; Rob Whitlock, Hammond B3 organ; Duncan Moore,drums; Bob Boss, guitar; Allan Phillips, percussion and keyboard

Just Doin' Our Thang

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Marti Mendenhall - An Evening Of Live Jazz

Size: 165,2 MB
Time: 70:58
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Vocal Jazz
Art: Front

01. Destination Moon ( 5:20)
02. Believe ( 4:36)
03. Book Of Love ( 3:49)
04. Halloween Spooks Intro ( 0:51)
05. Halloween Spooks ( 4:46)
06. Love Song For A Vampire ( 4:24)
07. Brasilia ( 8:16)
08. All The Cats Join In ( 5:12)
09. Bennie's From Heaven ( 5:15)
10. Sarah's Intro ( 0:42)
11. Sarah's Hushabye ( 6:42)
12. Angel Eyes (10:10)
13. Everybody's Boppin' ( 5:50)
14. Lullaby Of Birdland ( 4:58)

Marti Mendenhall is a classical and jazz vocalist from Portland Oregon, who has been working towards her first solo CD for many years. That CD, "An Evening of Live Jazz", was all recorded from a single live performance. A true soprano, she flies on high notes through improvised jazz solos with ease and inspiration, her voice like a beaming trumpet. Mendenhall's classical roots and vibrato come through during her lyrical delivery. Her expression is akin to a pop or musical theatre style, which is especially evident when she belts in her high range. The CD has the feel of a variety album with a wide range of styles. "Halloween Spooks" has a relaxed groove, resting on walking bass, paired with a quirky spookiness. The incorporation of sound effects, coming from the band and the audience, adds flavor and fun. The key works with Mendenhall's high voice, bringing the cackling witch-like character to life. I appreciate Mendenhall's openness to fun and silly subject matter, which makes her accessible, likable, and playful.

"Brasilia" is a Latin tune written by Mendenhall. The lyrics are generally unsophisticated, but it contains the exceptional line, "I have so many memories of someone I've yet to meet." This poetic moment simply and eloquently expresses how our imaginations can be so vivid that the images and scenarios they conjure are like actual memories. Drawing from her childhood memories, Mendenhall and arranger Adrian Baxter created the haunting marriage of two children’s songs, “Hushabye Mountain” and “Sarah’s Theme.” It is an entrancing change-of-pace. Mendenhall truly shines on "Angel Eyes." Her improv juices are flowing, and she executes her solos with tasty note choices that work well in her high tessitura. George Mitchell provides solid accompaniment and a melodic solo on piano. This is the longest tune on the album, but feels like the shortest, and it is also my favorite track on the album. "Everybody's Boppin'" gets us dancing in our seats, and includes another winning scat solo. Scott Steed's bass solo was also strong - melodic, clear, and interesting. The drum solo by Todd Strait is exceptional. He grooves hard without pushing, and maintains an easy sound. This recording is a promising debut by Mendenhall, including a wide range of moods. I look forward to her future endeavors. ~Review by Stacy Riley

An Evening Of Live Jazz

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Natasha Miller - What Christmas Means To Me

Size: 90,3 MB
Time: 38:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Vocal Jazz, Easy Listening, Holidays
Art: Front

01. Winter Wonderland (4:43)
02. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (3:18)
03. What Christmas Means To Me (3:26)
04. White Christmas (4:33)
05. Baby It's Cold Outside (3:38)
06. Christmas Time Is Here (3:48)
07. It Snowed (3:27)
08. The Secret Of Christmas (2:39)
09. My Favorite Things (4:50)
10. Somewhere Over The Rainbow (4:22)

Natasha Miller is an American vocalist who grew up in Des Moines, Iowa then hightailed it out to San Francisco as fast as she could load up her U-Haul. Having saved up $4,000 from playing the violin at weddings, she made her way to the west coast and has never looked back.

To date, Natasha has released 6 CD's on the Poignant Records label. The first is in the "singer/songwriter" category and she wrote all of the material. There are two "Great American Songbook" jazz recordings (Talk to Me Nice and SpinVintage), two recordings of material written by her dear friend Bobby Sharp (I Had a Feelin', Don't Move), and one holiday album (The Season). There is one more holiday album on the way. Why two holiday albums? Well, it's really Sam Bevan's fault.

Natasha plays the guitar and piano, but mostly uses those instruments as writing tools. It is rare that you'll see her performing in front of people on either instrument. She once was a very talented violinist, serving as concert master of orchestras and earning a full-ride scholarship to college. Fast forward to present day, and Natasha occasionally plays her violin on her recordings and concerts.

Natasha has had the privilege and thrill of performing at such great venues as Yoshi's (Oakland & San Francisco), The Plush Room. The Monterey Jazz Festival, The Jazz Standard in NYC, and Blues Alley in Washington, DC to name a few.

Natasha has been asked often who she considers her musical influences (usually "in jazz"), and she loves giving the following answer, "The Police, Itzhak Pearlman, Edie Brickell & the New Bohemians, Rickie Lee Jones (Pirates), Bonnie Raitt, Shawn Colvin, and now... Allen Stone. This always throws people off, especially when she notes she's not a fan of Billie Holiday's performances. Nonetheless, this is who she listens to still to this day.

What Christmas Means To Me

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Walt Weiskopf - Sleepless Nights

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 53:07
Size: 121.6 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1998
Art: Front

[7:10] 1. Inner Loop
[6:02] 2. Come Rain Or Come Shine
[6:51] 3. Mind's Eye
[8:12] 4. Jazz Folk Song
[7:36] 5. Wishing Tree
[5:33] 6. Liberian Lullaby
[4:33] 7. With You, With Me
[7:07] 8. Sleepless Nights

Walt Weiskopf's "Sleepless Nights" CD leaves one wondering why the jazz world doesn't hear more about this accomplished composer and tenor player. He spent the 1980's as a staple in the big bands of Buddy Rich, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Frank Sinatra before starting his own quartet at the end of that decade. Walt's tenor voice is absorbing, to say the least, running the spectrum from beautifully lyrical ("With You, With Me") to New York hardcore at its absolute zenith ("Jazz Folk Song"). He continues to surround himself with superb musicians such as Andy Fusco on alto; Conrad Herwig, trombone (astounding playing on "Inner Loop"); his brother Joel on piano; James Genus on bass; and Billy Drummond, drums. This combination proves to be formidable indeed. Following closely on the heels of his 1996 nonet release "Song For My Mother," this latest offering is a textbook example of a modern jazz sextet. Gerry Teekens and the rest of the folks at the Criss Cross label are, I'm sure, ecstatic to to be associated with such talent. Walt's "Sleepless Nights" has no equal. ~Jim McFalls/amazon

Walt Weiskopf (tenor saxophone); Andy Fusco (alto saxophone); Conrad Herwig (trombone); Joel Weiskopf (piano); Billy Drummond (drums).

Recording information: Systems Two Studios, Brooklyn, NY (12/16/1996).

Sleepless Nights

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Nellie Lutcher - Two Sides Of Nellie Lutcher

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 52:41
Size: 120.6 MB
Styles: R&B, Vocal
Year: 1995/2010
Art: Front

[2:57] 1. He's A Real Gone Guy
[2:54] 2. Fine Brown Frame
[2:24] 3. Hurry On Down
[2:49] 4. Come And Get It, Honey
[3:15] 5. Let Me Love You Tonight
[3:04] 6. The Lady's In Love With You
[3:13] 7. My Little Boy
[2:29] 8. Alexander's Ragtime Band
[2:43] 9. Cool Water
[2:25] 10. That's A Plenty
[3:10] 11. (All Of A Sudden) My Heart Sings
[2:41] 12. Have You Ever Been Lonely (Have You Ever Been Blue)
[2:42] 13. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
[2:30] 14. You Made Me Love You
[1:44] 15. This Can't Be Love
[2:37] 16. Someone To Watch Over Me
[2:30] 17. Blue Skies
[2:25] 18. Three Little Words
[2:01] 19. It Had To Be You
[1:58] 20. Ole Buttermilk Sky

Nellie Lutcher was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana. As a teenager she learned piano and played in local bands along with her father who played bass. Soon she developed her vocal style as a member of the Southern Rhythm Boys. In 1947 she moved to Los Angeles and entered a local talent show there, and caught the ear of a representative of Capitol Records. She auditioned for the label and they liked what they heard and soon she was offered a recording contract and into the studio she went. Her first outing was Capitol #40002 - "Hurry On Down" and "The Lady's In Love With You". "Hurry" was an immediate hit being constantly played on area radio stations and was was a hard tune to corner, as it was a favorite in the jazz, R & B, and pop music fields. Nellie enjoyed huge success with her first record and it seemed to be a reward for all the years of hard work and scuffling that she had known. Now in her thirties with children of her own, Nellie Lutcher had arrived at last.The second session for Capitol Records resulted in #40017 - "He's A Real Gone Guy" and "Let Me Love You Tonight". Lightening indeed did strike twice as "Guy" was a huge hit just as the first Capitol release had been.

Besides both being hits on R & B stations, her first two records cracked the national pop charts top twenty best sellers. Her next outing for Capitol was her version of the pop standard "My Mother's Eyes" backed with a more contemporary tune "Watch Yourself Bub". In less than a year Nellie Lutcher had catapulted herself into the rarefied atmosphere of a successful crossover artist who had wide appeal to all segments of the listening public. Her stylistic piano playing based on jazz phrasings and boogie woogie and blues figures, coupled with her personalized vocal abilities combining elements of jazz scatting, syllable bending, and snappy asides, was her signature sound and made her a unique performer in the late forties.

Nellie Lutcher remains in our memory as one of the founders of the sound of America, as it has been for the last fifty years. She was there at the beginning and although fame and recognition is not as widespread as it should be, there are enough of us around today that KNOW Nellie Lutcher-our real gone gal.

Two Sides Of Nellie Lutcher

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Harry Allen & Keith Ingham - The Back Room Romp

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 66:33
Size: 152.3 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz, Piano jazz
Year: 1995
Art: Front

[3:52] 1. The Back Room Romp
[5:30] 2. Sweet Lotus Blossom
[5:22] 3. One Sweet Letter From You
[3:56] 4. Elephant Stomp
[4:57] 5. Rap City In Blue
[3:37] 6. San Juan Hill
[3:40] 7. That Blue Eyed Baby From Memphis
[6:24] 8. Linger Awhile
[4:56] 9. Ev'ntide
[5:59] 10. Bulldog Kitty From Union City
[4:31] 11. Have A Heart
[5:53] 12. Willow Tree
[4:22] 13. Blues For You Johnny
[3:27] 14. Old Man Blues

Although pianist Keith Ingham and tenor-saxophonist Harry Allen are billed as co-leaders, the main star of these 14 swing-based tunes is Scott Robinson who is well showcased on clarinet, soprano and baritone. Trumpeter Peter Ecklund also gets some good spots and the rhythm section (guitarist James Chirillo, bassist Murray Wall and drummer Jackie Williams) is perfect for this style of music. The emphasis is on obscure songs played in the vein of Duke Ellington's small groups of the 1930s and there are plenty of heated moments along with arranged ensembles. Well worth investigating. ~ Scott Yanow

Recording information: Kampo Studio, New York, NY (01/02/1995-01/03/1995).

Keith Ingham (piano); Harry Allen (tenor saxophone); Jackie Williams (drums); Scott Robinson (clarinet); Peter Ecklund (trumpet); James Chirillo (guitars); Murray Wall (bass).

The Back Room Romp

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Stevie J - The Diversity Project

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 74:56
Size: 171.5 MB
Styles: Soul-blues
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[4:19] 1. Same Thang But A Different Game
[5:39] 2. Standin' At The Station
[4:03] 3. Born Again Bluesman
[4:41] 4. Middle Of The Road
[5:48] 5. The Rivers Invitation
[3:08] 6. Yes I Love Da Blues
[4:44] 7. Baby Come Home To Me
[4:58] 8. Play The Blues Son
[3:31] 9. Mississippi Po Boy
[3:59] 10. Married Girlfriend
[4:27] 11. Dam Near Crazy
[4:20] 12. Stolen Wine
[4:32] 13. Because Of Me
[3:20] 14. Without You In My Life
[4:42] 15. Cosmic Slop
[4:11] 16. Gravity
[4:26] 17. Born And Raised

"The Diversity Project" began as two separate cd's written and recorded over the same period of time. The blues cd, "Standin at the Station" was inspired by my first appearance on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise as part of the Mel Waiters Band. The thrill of jamming with Tommy Castro, Michael Burks, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Preston Shannon, Susan Tedeschi, and many other respected musicians planted the seed to pursue my blues career. My early gospel background is evident in the song "Mississippi Po' Boy". The soul cd, "Soul Sessions", is a compilation of my works in Mississippi as a southern soul artist. I never want to give up my southern soul family and fans. My diversity in music includes my bonus track- "Born and Raised", a hip hop collaboration with G. Cavino. My love for blues, soul, hip hop, gospel, and everything else is defined in this project. ~Stevie J

Stevie J. (vocals, guitar); Kimbal Funches (trumpet); Will Brow (trombone); Joe Banks (piano); Steve Lewis (keyboards); Anthony Rimmer (bass guitar); Chuck "Popcorn" Louden (drums); Angela Walls, Tonya Youngblood, Sonya Youngblood (background vocals).

Recording information: Back Yard Productions; Blue Room Studios; D'Mar Studios, Jackson, MS; Fundimentalz Studios; Gold Key Studios, Memphis, TN; Jukes Juke Box; Terry's 1stop, Dallas, TX.

The Diversity Project

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Ann Crumb - A Broadway Diva Swings

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:56
Size: 158,5 MB
Art: Front + Back

(4:32)  1. Blues in the Night
(4:04)  2. I'm Gonna Go Fishin'
(4:41)  3. Lover Man
(4:10)  4. Come Rain or Come Shine
(7:45)  5. Lover Come Back (Instrumental)
(6:46)  6. Soon It's Gonna Rain
(6:36)  7. Ruby
(3:16)  8. I'm a Stranger Here Myself
(7:35)  9. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (Instrumental)
(4:44) 10. Cry Me A River
(2:26) 11. Deedle's Blues
(3:51) 12. All Right, Okay, You Win (I'm in Love With You)
(8:24) 13. Sent For You Yesterday (Instrumental)

When one of Broadway's (and London's West End's) best known divas teams up with internationally known jazz musician Harry Allen (and his hot-as-a pistol saxophone), the result is pure musical magic. Add to that mix a trio of some of the country's most talented sidemen and what we have is this fantastic new CD of traditional jazz and blues recordings.From the sultry "Blues in the Night" to the favorite instrumental "Smoke Get's in Your Eyes", You will love every minute of this live session. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Broadway-Diva-Swings-Ann-Crumb/dp/B00004Y6HE

Personnel: Ann Crumb (vocals); James Williamson (recorder); Harry Allen (saxophone); Larry Ham (piano); Duffy Jackson (drums).

A Broadway Diva Swings

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Biréli Lagrène & Sylvain Luc - Duet

Styles: Gypsy Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:28
Size: 127,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:16)  1. Time After Time
(4:03)  2. Douce Ambiance
(4:12)  3. Estate
(3:20)  4. Made In France
(6:43)  5. La Ballade Irlandaise
(4:04)  6. Isn't She Lovely
(4:20)  7. Road Song
(4:14)  8. Zurezat
(5:45)  9. Stompin' At The Savoy
(4:39) 10. Les Amoureux Des Bancs Publics
(3:24) 11. Blackbird
(4:23) 12. Syracuse
(1:58) 13. Looking Up

“Relaxed” isn’t the word used to describe jazz at the close of the 20th century. Whether you’re a Wynton, Anti-Wynton, M-BASE, free jazz, Swing, post-bop, etc. fan, jazz is/has been about attitude and posturing. Although the rest of the world is oblivious to it, the wars that rage around modern jazz prove to be wearisome. Then along comes an unassuming document like Sylvain Luc and Bireli Lagrene’s Guitar duets. I bet they don’t even call this music jazz. We won’t either, because it would automatically lose numerous listeners sure to enjoy it. The French born Sylvain Luc has studied guitar, cello, violin and mandolin. His Paris jazz career has taken him through rock-fusion to classical and South American music. Like Luc, Bireli Lagrene was born in France but his Gypsy heritage was inspiration for his Django Reinhardt guitar style. 

As a child prodigy, he recorded at age 13. Soon he shed Gypsy jazz for rock fusion and after several albums (and tours with Jaco Pastorious) his music seemed to dead end. His rebirth came with a return to his Django’d roots. Luc and Lagrene’s duets range from pop tunes like Cindy Lauper’s “Time After Time,” Lennon/McCartney’s “Blackbird,” to Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely.” They swing a bit with “Stompin’ At The Savoy,” touch on jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery “Road Song,” a waltz “La Ballade Irlandaise,” and a bit of Django “Douce Ambiance.” When all is said and done, they haven’t shaken the world, but this relaxed session was never meant to be anything but comfortable-jazz (maybe not an oxymoron!). ~ Mark Corroto  

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=5500#.Uo0MG-Jc_vs

Duet

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Jordana Talsky - Standard Deviation

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:26
Size: 75,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:48) 1. Black Velvet
(4:02) 2. Murder By Numbers
(3:18) 3. Old Devil Moon
(4:19) 4. Whogonnahold
(4:29) 5. Love Me (Lovefool)
(3:32) 6. Devil May Care
(3:18) 7. Panta Niwas
(4:37) 8. When the Sun Comes Out

Jordana Talsky's debut album, Standard Deviation, marks the arrival of a serious young talent in Canadian jazz. The vocalist/songwriter has been turning heads (and ears) on the Toronto scene for the last three years, and her musical career now takes a giant leap forward with this superb solo record. Standard Deviation features a seamless mix of pop and jazz material. Jordana succinctly describes the style of the record as "jazzy takes on pop songs and poppier takes on jazz songs. I am always attracted to new combinations, rather than strictly sticking to a genre." As the album title suggests, this is not just another conventional album of Great American Songbook standards. She does breathe vibrant new life into a few such classics, giving a bossa twist to "Old Devil Moon" and a breezy feel to "Devil May Care," while these tunes nestle snugly alongside fresh reinterpretations of pop-rock hits by Alannah Myles (her signature tune "Black Velvet"), The Police (a sly take on "Murder By Numbers") and The Cardigans' "Love Me (Lovefool)." The funky and infectiously upbeat "Panta Niwas" is, she explains, "based on some of my experiences in Nepal, when I lived there in my year between undergraduate and law school studies." The other original, "Whogonnahold," is a more introspective and philosophical look at life, but one delivered with delightful exuberance. No matter the repertoire, Talsky consistently displays an eloquent and fluent voice. Her phrasing is impeccable, and she never succumbs to the temptation of trying to impress with the technical ability she clearly possesses. The accompaniment of her ace band is always empathetic. Standard Deviation? A high standard sensation! http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jordanatalsky1

Standard Deviation

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Wynton Marsalis - The Spiritual Side of Wynton Marsalis

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:06
Size: 116,5 MB
Art: Front

(0:51)  1. I Hear A Knockin' (Solo)
(2:45)  2. All Rise XII: I Am (Don't You Run From Me)
(1:40)  3. If I Hold On
(4:34)  4. Processional
(1:37)  5. Psalm 26
(2:19)  6. Awakening
(4:12)  7. Hymn
(6:24)  8. Precious Lord, Take My Hand (Previously Unreleased)
(6:58)  9. In The Sweet Embrace Of Life Sermon: Holy Ghost
(3:14) 10. Flee As A Bird To The Mountain
(2:50) 11. Sing On
(3:27) 12. Benediction
(1:41) 13. Oh We Have A Friend In Jesus
(4:47) 14. To Higher Ground
(2:40) 15. Pot Blessed Dinner

As a New Orleans native, trumpeter/composer Wynton Marsalis has long incorporated a wide array of spiritual music into his own straight-ahead jazz. Even his earliest recordings, such as Black Codes (From the Underground) and The Majesty of the Blues, evinced the influence of gospel music, religious hymns, and New Orleans funeral processionals. Though raised in the Catholic church, Marsalis' professed take on religion has always been a holistic invocation of God, a sense of spirituality that connects all human beings -- at least as far as his music and liner notes have revealed. Inspired by the social activism of Martin Luther King, Jr., and directly influenced by the spiritually and socially conscious jazz of John Coltrane (A Love Supreme) and Duke Ellington (Sacred Concerts), Marsalis began writing his own explicitly spiritual-themed compositions beginning with 1994's In This House, On This Morning. 

The 2013 compilation The Spiritual Side of Wynton Marsalis brings together tracks off that album, as well as other divinely themed tracks Marsalis recorded during the '90s and 2000s. Formatted to evoke the rhythms and flow of a New Orleans funeral function, the compilation works as a soulful overview of this vital side of Marsalis' career. Included here are both small and large ensemble recordings from such albums as 1997's Pulitzer Prize-winning Blood on the Fields, 1999's Reeltime, 2002's All Rise, and more. ~ Matt Collar 

http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-spiritual-side-of-wynton-marsalis-mw0002581071

The Spiritual Side of Wynton Marsalis

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Susan Hanlon - Lovely Ride

Size: 92,5 MB
Time: 39:36
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Vocal Jazz
Art: Front

01. Bye Bye Blackbird (Feat. Shelley Carrol) (5:40)
02. Secret O' Life (4:44)
03. Just Squeeze Me (3:42)
04. Afro Blue (Feat. Shelley Carrol) (4:58)
05. Honeysuckle Rose (4:00)
06. Dahil Sa Iyo (3:46)
07. Moanin' (3:51)
08. I'm Old Fashioned (Feat. Addison Frei) (3:33)
09. Take It With Me (5:17)

Susan Hanlon is a dedicated and talented voice teacher and singer in Plano, TX. While teaching Commercial Voice at Collin College, Susan maintains a private vocal studio of aspiring artists and young singers.

Susan earned her M.A in Voice at The University of North Texas. Her graduate studies centered around vocal pedagogy and various commercial vocal techniques. She has had the honor of studying voice science and pedagogy under Dr. Stephen Austin and Jennifer Glidden. Susan has also focused on commercial vocal technique extensively with Jazz Artist and Jingle Singer, Rosana Eckert.

As a vocal coach and teacher, Susan primarily focuses on building a solid foundation and maintaining vocal health in various commercial music styles. Her students work on pop, jazz, country, folk, singer/songwriter, rock and musical theater styles in addition to choral music and classical repertoire. She is highly sought after as an adjudicator and clinician in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Her students consistently win top honors and perform frequently throughout the Metroplex.

Lovely Ride

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