Big Organ Trio - Big Organ Trio

Size: 95,8 MB
Time: 41:09
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2006
Styles: Jazz: Funk/Rock
Art: Front

01. Diva Mode (4:24)
02. Number 9 (4:40)
03. Holy Roller (4:22)
04. Down And Dirty (3:51)
05. Earthquake (1:27)
06. Organ Grinder (4:33)
07. Dim The Lights (4:33)
08. Showtime (3:57)
09. Clown Boy (4:28)
10. Road Rage (4:51)

Big Organ Trio, (Mike Mangan - Hammond B3 Organ; Bernie Bauer - Electric Bass; Brett McConnell - Drums), whose debut album was recorded and mixed entirely on analog tape, welcomes several guest musicians into the studio. Guitarist Ken Barclay, sax and flute player Mike Sirkin, and percussionist Damion Corideo, all lend their talents to several songs.

On the first track, Diva Mode, Bauer and McConnell lay down a powerful funk groove ala James Brown and Bootsy Collins. This cut features spectacular sax solos, ripping organ solos by Mangan, as well as infectious percussion.

Number 9, an energy-packed boogaloo with a few clever time signature twists, introduces some tasty guitar work, utilizes percussion, and exhibits an organ solo that explodes with a fire and tone comparable to Jimi Hendrix.

Holy Roller starts as a soulful gospel/pop tune, utilizing some classic Hammond tones and more guitar. The tune ends with a lively double-time romp that highlights a rollicking Allman Brothers-style slide guitar and organ duel.

Down and Dirty is a trio-only tune that displays a hard funk groove and some of the nastiest tones and riffs on the album.

Earthquake is a specialty track.....a minute and a half of one the craziest organ swells ever put on tape.

Organ Grinder starts with a mellow psychedelic mood while incorporating flute and percussion. The song utilizes a very creative Latin rhythm arrangement for drums, and ends with a hair-raising organ, drums, and percussion extravaganza reminiscent of early Santana.

Dim the Lights is a trio-only tune, and boasts a slow and crazy rock riff coupled with some odd time shifts and powerful Pink Floyd-esque organ and bass solos.

Showtime is an upbeat and funky trio-only cut with amazing band interplay, showcasing spectacular solos from each member and an undeniable groove.

Clown Boy is a trio-only track and features a wonderfully rickety groove, an amazing drum solo ala Elvin Jones, and some maniacal high velocity organ runs.

The last tune's name, Road Rage, speaks for itself. It offers a deep funk groove coupled with some burning bass and organ solos, a little percussion fueled spice, and more cleverly placed Latin grooves pulled off beautifully on the drums.

Big Organ Trio

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Terry Blaine & Mark Shane - My Blue Heaven

Size: 128,9 MB
Time: 55:35
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Retro Swing
Art: Front

01. My Blue Heaven (3:39)
02. Honeysuckle Rose (3:55)
03. Ain't He Sweet (2:26)
04. Skylark (5:02)
05. Lock And Key (3:24)
06. My Melancholy Baby (4:24)
07. Rockin' Chair (3:08)
08. I Love Being Here With You (3:47)
09. The Nearness Of You (5:52)
10. There'll Be Some Changes Made (2:45)
11. My Special Friend Is Back In Town (3:34)
12. Come Up And See Me Sometime (4:03)
13. Let's Do It (3:12)
14. Some Of These Days (3:38)
15. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (2:38)

Terry Blaine and Mark Shane are remarkable transmitters of wondrous vibrations. In the Thirties they would have been called “solid senders.” Although they have lovingly studied the great improvisers of the past, they emerge whole and joyous as themselves. In swinging synergy, Terry and Mark travel through and beyond any song. Hearing them, we emerge, refreshed and nourished by what they embody in music. They do not “imitate”; they do not approach the music from an ironic postmodern distance. They are the emotions they transmit – sly hilarity, pleasure, longing, romantic fulfillment, contentment. This is the real thing, without pretense, full of warmth.

In the first minutes of this disc, a listener will hear great sincerity in music that never parades itself, an art secure in its wisdom. Terry’s voice is sweetly intuitive, connected to the mood of each song. The way she slides from one note to the next is a caress. Her approach is both generous and wise, for she always lets the song shine through. Mark Shane is a master of delicate yet profound swing; he honors the great musical traditions by creating an orchestra at the piano, with unceasing rhythmic motion. A simple melody statement in his hands has the fluidity of a river, with currents of shading and light, surprising depths and textures. Mark and Terry are a marvelous team, a musical community that needs no other players. Their interpretations of music and words are whole-hearted gifts to the composers, the lyricists, and to us.

We know what our response to this music is: it makes us feel the joy of being alive.

My Blue Heaven

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Marly Marques 5tet - So Ar Ser

Size: 136,2 MB
Time: 58:56
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Life = Cake (5:16)
02. Baile De Desfase (5:11)
03. 21St Century Man (3:12)
04. He's Trouble (5:45)
05. Só Ar Ser (6:34)
06. Seven Nation Army (5:24)
07. You Go To My Head (6:05)
08. Sweethearth (4:37)
09. Hard Times (5:45)
10. Lagrimas Negras (5:24)
11. Insensatez (5:38)

Marly Marques was born in Luxembourg into a Portuguese family. She discovered her passion for music at a young age, endowed with her grandfather’s good ear for music, lulled by her mother’s Fado and deeply moved by her father’s closeness with the music and culture of Angola.

To put it in a nutshell, Marly Marques Quintet is said to be « the wedding between a dazzling and warm voice, belonging to a ravishingly spontaneous and moving singer, and the delightful jazz tempo of four talented musicians, resulting in a brilliant sound explosion ».

The band does not hesitate to venture on the world music field, but without denying its jazzy roots. The musicians know how to entangle jazz standards with their own compositions, sometimes even tackling a few pop standards (for instance « Seven Nation Army » by the White Stripes). To finish, the Marly Marques Quintet succeeds in distinguishing itself thanks to the Portuguese, Spanish and English authentic lyrics on original compostions, that bring a very smart touch to the performances of the band.

Personnel:
Marly Marques (vocals)
Jitz Jeitz (saxophone, clarinet)
Claude Shaus (piano, keys)
Laurent Peckels (electric bass, double bass)
Paul Fox (drums)

So Ar Ser

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Various - Rave On Buddy Holly

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 50:40
Size: 116.0 MB
Styles: Rock
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[2:01] 1. The Black Keys - Dearest
[2:17] 2. Fiona Apple - Everyday
[4:32] 3. Paul McCartney - It's So Easy
[3:59] 4. Florence & The Machine - Not Fade Away
[1:28] 5. Cee Lo Green - (You're So Square) Baby, I Don't Care
[2:23] 6. Karen Elson - Crying, Waiting, Hoping
[1:54] 7. Julian Casablancas - Rave On
[2:09] 8. Jenny O. - I'm Gonna Love You Too
[2:05] 9. Justin Towne Earle - Maybe Baby
[2:14] 10. She & Him - Oh Boy!
[1:38] 11. Nick Lowe - Changing All Those Changes
[3:18] 12. Patti Smith - Words Of Love
[3:22] 13. My Morning Jacket - True Love Ways
[2:12] 14. Modest Mouse - That'll Be The Day
[2:06] 15. Kid Rock - Well All Right
[2:16] 16. The Detroit Cobras - Heartbeat
[3:15] 17. Lou Reed - Peggy Sue
[3:55] 18. John Doe - Peggy Sue Got Married
[3:27] 19. Graham Nash - Raining In My Heart

2011 tribute to Rock 'n' Roll pioneer Buddy Holly. The set opens with bluesy revivalists the Black Keys tackling "Dearest," and comes to a close with Graham Nash revisiting "Raining In My Heart." In between, the likes of She & Him take on "Oh Boy," Modest Mouse remakes "That'll Be the Day" and Karen Elson, with husband Jack White, refashions "Crying, Waiting, Hoping." Florence + the Machine cover one of Holly's signature songs in "Not Fade Away," and Fiona Apple, largely absent since the release of her last album in 2005, teams up again with Jon Brion for "Every Day." McCartney, long a champion of Holly's work (he produced and hosted tribute film "The Real Buddy Holly Story") sings "It's So Easy."

Rave On Buddy Holly

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Arturo Sandoval - Collection

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 81:26
Size: 186.4 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:16] 1. Be-Bop
[7:32] 2. Manteca
[3:50] 3. Flight To Freedom
[5:39] 4. Joy Spring
[5:13] 5. The Latin Trane
[4:56] 6. Daahoud
[3:57] 7. La Guarapachanga
[5:06] 8. Caprichosos De La Habana
[4:09] 9. I Remember Clifford
[5:22] 10. A Mis Abuelos
[5:54] 11. Parisian Thoroughfare
[5:06] 12. Cherokee
[6:15] 13. Danzon
[8:14] 14. Swingin'
[5:50] 15. I Left This Space For You

A protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, Sandoval was born in Artemisa, a small town in the outskirts of Havana, Cuba, on November 6, 1949, just two years after Gillespie became the first musician to bring Latin influences into American Jazz. Sandoval began studying classical trumpet at the age of twelve, but it didn’t take him long to catch the excitement of the jazz world. He has since evolved into one of the world’s most acknowledged guardians of jazz trumpet and flugel horn, as well as a renowned classical artist, pianist and composer.

Sandoval has been awarded 10 Grammy Awards, and nominated 19 times; he has also received 6 Billboard Awards and an Emmy Award. The latter for his composing work on the entire underscore of the HBO movie based on his life, “For Love or Country” starring Andy Garcia. His two latest Grammy award winning albums, “Dear Diz “Everyday I think of you” and Tango “Como Yo Te Siento” are now available worldwide. Recently released, is a new book chronicling his relationship with Dizzy Gillespie entitled “The Man Who Changed My Life”. Arturo is also the 2013 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Collection

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Sharon Lee Grace - Here's To Life

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:40
Size: 147,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:22)  1. Baby It's Cold Outside
(5:04)  2. But Beautiful
(4:32)  3. Some Of My Best Friends Are The Blues
(4:59)  4. It Don't Mean A Thing ( If It Ain't Got That Swing)
(4:31)  5. I Ain't Got Nothin But The Blues
(3:25)  6. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
(5:06)  7. When Did You Leave Heaven
(2:55)  8. My Heart Belongs To Daddy
(2:40)  9. Happiness Is Just A Thing Called Joe
(4:55) 10. You Don't Know What Love Is
(7:26) 11. I Wish You Love
(5:29) 12. Moondance
(7:09) 13. Here's To Life

"Here's To Life" This CD shows the versatility in improvisation, distinctive tone colors and personal performance techniques of Sharon Lee Grace Vocalist, Dana Marsh Piano, Michael Berry Drums, Rich Lamb Bass and Bob Rebholz on Sax and Flute. Sharon Lee Grace was born in Boston, Massachusetts, she is an Alto- Mezzo- Soprano whose vocals are soothing with grace or harsh with vigor, her diction is perfect and her natural vibrato colors and embellishes certain notes as she sings. Sharon's improvisation of timing is credited to old movies of ragtime music, for she is an old soul of back alley blues and jazz. Sharon states "every vocalist wants to be identified by their own originality yet I cannot help wanting to just touch the spirits of the great vocalist that I so much respect and admire. Sarah Vaughn, Alberta Hunter, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainy, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland and the great Ella Fitzgerald and Shirley Horn. "Here's To Life" title was not only selected for its beautiful music and lyrics, it resonated a personal fit for Sharon's return to the World of Music. Many people ask Sharon how she selects her songs to record, " I believe they select me, she laughs" Example, while in session recording, Michael Berry suggested she sing Moondance, Sharon responded," lets do it". One take and it was recorded. 

Sometimes the music selects you. This CD' begins with the great classic pop standard, "Baby It's Cold Outside' Sharon and Dana Marsh's playful duet is genuinely charming, you literally can feel the musicians smiling as they play. This nostalgic song will have you tapping along with a sense of joy. Then it takes a complete change to the enchanted Classic Jazz Song, "But Beautiful" accompanied by the talented Matt Kendrick on Bass, Frederic Pivetta on Piano, John Wilson on drums and the multi-talented Bob Rebholz on Sax. Sharon's musical delivery and technique shows her natural vibrato, perfect pitch, precise intonation and perfect diction. Notice her flexible range in pitch and rhythm, the subtle delay of a note, the extension of another across the beat, her control of both her voice and her musical ideas allow her to manipulate time in a very creative way. Just when you think it can't get any better, its Duke Ellington's" It Don't Mean A Thing (if it ain't got that swing) intro begins with a "call and response" between Sharon and elite Sax player Bob Rebholz. The song intensifies in its rhythmic swing as the amazing talented Michael Berry on drums kicks off "a call and "response" to Sharon, which leads to the phenomenal gifted playing of Dana Marsh on Piano to the extraordinary talent of Rich Lamb on Bass. The solos of these musicians explode in their individuality of sound, overall tone color and natural technique. Just when you think it is over Bass player Rich Lamb, leaves you smiling again. It is evident that Vocalist Sharon Lee Grace has made her personal original stamped signature on these thirteen songs. The Bluesy Blues song "I Ain't Got Nothin But The Blues" shows Sharon often singing around the beat, accenting notes either just before or after it. 

She manages to get a yearning quality into some of her phrases along with her natural ability of scoops and slides again show her innate uniqueness of her instrument. It truly is a musical journey as Sharon venues into the realm of Elegance as she sings, "I Wish You Love" in French and English. Then ends with the titled song of her first CD, "Here's To Life" This CD is unique as it's players, although it may sound like a cliche you can feel the love of each individual doing what they love to do. Sharon will perform her first Concert with a Symphony in February of 2009 called, Jus Me and The Music' of, Butler & Molinary/Sondheim, Ellington/Strayhorn, Porter, Berlin, Gershwin, Mercer, Arlen, Kander & Ebb, just name a few. Up coming performances will be listed on her web-site, as her music takes her to Europe in March of 2009.~ Promoter/Agent  Lawrence T. Goldstein   http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7792998&style=music&fulldesc=T

Here's To Life

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Carmen Cuesta-Loeb - One Kiss

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:38
Size: 102,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:45)  1. Tell me something
(4:33)  2. While my guitar gently sleeps
(2:47)  3. All there is
(4:12)  4. What's next
(3:26)  5. Summer dream
(2:34)  6. Si...
(5:28)  7. Don't look back
(3:30)  8. One kiss
(5:42)  9. Child
(3:57) 10. How insensitive
(4:39) 11. A la luz

This album completes the "Sophisticated Pop" trilogy of the New York based singer with SKIP. The basic versions of the tracks recorded for "One Kiss" had, for the most part, already come about prior to "Peace Of Mind" , her debut album for SKIP. What's important is that they have now received what studios term "final form and finesse". The amazingly transparent production presents mostly originals in English and occasionally in Spanish, the fragile instrumentation of top studio-musicians like Wolfgang Haffner (drums), Tim Lefebvre (bass) or Manolo Badrena (percussion) is a perfect undercurrent of sounds laid down to match the intensity of her delicate vocals. On top solistic contributions of Chuck Loeb (guitar) or the saxofonists Bill Evans or Nelson Rangell create sophisticated musical environment.

On this album Carmen Cuesta-Loeb has again chosen two cover versions of such great composers in Pop music history as Antonio Carlos Jobim and George Harrison. While Jobim's "How Insensitive" has an urgent beauty to it that makes the lyrics perceivable in a unique way, the treatment of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" has surely never been given such a sparkle in such lucent simplicity. "One Kiss" is another piece of proof that Pop music can move within a sophisticated musical environment, yet still reach a large number of wide-ranging music-lovers.... http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ccuestaloeb3

Personnel: Carmen Cuesta (vocals, background vocals); Christina Loeb (vocals, flute); Chuck Loeb (guitar, keyboards, drum programming); Howard Levy (harmonica); Bill Evans (soprano saxophone); Nelson Rangell, Andy Snitzer (alto saxophone); Jon Werking (piano, keyboards); Andy LaVerne (piano); Tim Lefebvre (acoustic bass); Wolfgang Haffner (drums, shaker); Zach Danziger (drums); David Charles, Manolo Badrena (percussion); Will Lee (background vocals).

One Kiss

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Joshua Redman - Walking Shadows

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:19
Size: 132,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:00)  1. The Folks Who Live On the Hill
(6:42)  2. Lush Life
(4:42)  3. Stop This Train
(3:14)  4. Adagio
(5:31)  5. Easy Living
(5:55)  6. Doll Is Mine
(5:05)  7. Infant Eyes
(5:12)  8. Let It Be
(2:42)  9. Final Hour
(3:26) 10. Last Glimpse of Gotham
(5:50) 11. Stardust
(4:53) 12. Let Me Down Easy

Saxophonist Joshua Redman combines some really attractive virtues: deep jazz knowledge and formidable technique on his instrument. Combine this with a balanced but slightly assertive style that is a prime example of fluency and inventiveness, and you have a musician of such intelligence and energy, who is so adaptable, that he easily finds a way to make himself at home in any given musical surrounding. As such, Redman is perfectly suited to performing with large ensembles. The orchestrations on Walking Shadows are gorgeously rendered landscapes against which Redman and his quartet play.. Produced by one-time Redman sideman, pianist Brad Mehldau, Walking Shadows assembles a gentle, sultry, and extremely elegant collection of ballads with a wide array of choices. Redman has always possessed such a profound grasp of the tradition and, on top of that, a profound ability to reshape it. This riveting collection cherishes timeless tunes like "The Folks Who Live on The Hill" and "Lush Life," but it also indicates a broader taste, like The Beatles' classic "Let It Be," John Mayer's "Stop This Train," and Bach's "Adagio." 

The epic arrangements provided by Mehldau, Patrick Zimmerli and conductor Dan Coleman bring a cinematic quality to the album's treatment of these classics, which breathe and swell as they cajole and interact with Redman's affable sax. Bach's mournful composition sounds like a late night conversation between saxophone and bass, with drummer Brian Blade's unobtrusive brushes adding a sense of drama without breaking stride or upsetting the tune'snocturnal balance. "Easy Living" and Wayne Shorter's "Infant Eyes," with their colorful and lush arrangements, sound like a film soundtrack, with sensuously swaying sax lines that give the overall album an old- time flavor.

Redman's original, "Final Hour," is a sad lament, supported by Mehldau's minimalistic piano, balancing the leader's brooding melodies. That this stellar cast would opt for a more spearheaded approach might be expected, but none of them rocks the boat or disperses with the recording's cinematic feel. It really takes a wise accompanist to distinguish between applying a personal stamp or serving the compositions as an effective ensemble player. Mehldau maintains an uncharacteristically discreet presence on the record, and his own "Last Glimpse of Gotham" features sweet, poignant string writing, with Redman adding a deep wistfulness to make the music seemingly evoke another time and place. The lush, sensuous strings give it strength, as it swells to near-majestic proportions and then, suddenly, subsides. The record closes gracefully with Redman's original, "Let Me Down Easy." Walking Shadows is an emotionally charged, wonderfully seamless slow burn of an album that is a great work of art. It points not only to Redman's ability as a performer and composer, and his taste for diverse material, but also to the depth of his heart and how well he listens to his own Muse. ~ Nenad Georgievski   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/walking-shadows-joshua-redman-nonesuch-records-review-by-nenad-georgievski.php#.U3QMMSi9a5w
 

Personnel: Joshua Redman: saxophones; Brad Mehldau: piano; Larry Grenadier: bass; Brian Blade: drums; Laura Frautschi (Concertmistress), Avril Brown, Christina Courtin, Karen Karlsrud, Ann Leathers, Katherine Livolsi, Landau, Joanna Maurer, Courtney Orlando, Yuri Vodovos: violins; Vincent Lionti, Daniel Panner, Dov Scheindlin: viola; Stephanie Cummins, Eugene Moye, Ellen Westermann: cello; Timothy Cobb: bass; Pamela Sklar: flute; Robert Carlisle: French horn; Conducted by Dan Coleman.

Walking Shadows

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Brian Simpson - Just What You Need

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:10
Size: 99,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:35)  1. Wherever You Go (feat. Jonathan Butler)
(4:43)  2. Just What You Need (feat. Elan Trotman)
(4:23)  3. Emerald City
(3:56)  4. Soul Embrace
(4:12)  5. A Love Like This
(4:42)  6. The Girl From Ipanema (feat. Dave Koz)
(4:36)  7. D'Groove (feat. Gerald Albright)
(4:23)  8. In The Rain (feat. Marc Antoine)
(3:51)  9. Castaway
(3:44) 10. You Gotta Be

The raison d'être behind Brian Simpson's Just What You Need is not as audacious as to reshape jazz as we know it, but to provide some easy listening while we're waiting. The ambitions here are a bit more modest as Simpson, who is best known as Dave Koz's bandleader, brings together an accomplished crew of studio veterans in a setting where they can groove with each other. There are few surprises and fewer risks taken and while everything is certainly pleasant enough the overall accomplishment may not linger in the memory. Whether or not the world needs another version of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "The Girl From Ipanema" it gets one with Simpson joined by his main man, Koz who plays some very pretty tenor sax. Simpson likes playing with horns as half of Just What You Need features tenor saxophonists (Koz, Gerald Albright and Elan Trotman ) and with Ron King accompanying on trumpet, they add to the overall cool mood of the album. 

Guitarists Jonathan Butler and Marc Antoine drop by to infuse a bit of six-string juice to the proceedings. As a pianist, Simpson is competent and professional, if not particularly dazzling and "competent and professional" are the watchwords here. Jeff Robinson adds some warm and heartful vocalizing on "What You Need" and Simpson picks up on the upbeat mood with a spirited solo and steps up his game beyond simply being an efficient craftsman. By the standards of smooth jazz Simpson and company deliver the goods with cool professionalism, and while Just What You Need is enjoyable it never veers into being essential. It's like the cool refreshment of an ice-cream cone on a hot summer's day; satisfying without being substantial. ~ Jeff Winbush   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/just-what-you-need-brian-simpson-shanachie-records-review-by-jeff-winbush.php#.U3JJFChnAqY
 

Personnel: Brian Simpson: piano, keyboards; Jonathan Butler: lead guitar (1); Nicholas Cole: keyboards, programming (1, 3); Darrell Crooks: guitar (1, 3), Alex Al: bass (1-3, 5-9); Brian Kilgore: percussion (1-9); Elan Trotman: tenor sax (2, 5); Ron King: trumpet (2, 3, 7); Michael Broening: keyboards, programming (2); Yarone Levy: guitar, acoustic guitar (4, 6); Nate Harasim: keyboards, programming (4); Dave Koz: tenor sax (6); Michael White: drums (6); Gerald Albright: tenor sax (7); Gerey Johnson: guitar (7); Mark Antoine: acoustic guitar (8); Oliver Wendell: keyboards (9); Jeff Robinson: vocals (10); Ray Fuller: guitar (10); Larry Kimpel: bass (10); Ronnie Guitierrez: percussion (10)

Just What You Need

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Denise Perrier - The Second Time Around: Live!

Size: 134,4 MB
Time: 57:54
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2009
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. 's Wonderful (4:12)
02. You Better Love Me While You May (7:21)
03. Don't Touch Me (5:55)
04. Here's That Rainy Day (6:50)
05. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (4:25)
06. Dindi (7:08)
07. Falling In Love With Love (4:52)
08. This Bitter Earth (7:24)
09. The Second Time Around (9:43)

The Second Time Around is the second album that Denise Perrier has recorded with tenor saxophonist Houston Person, and they go together like champagne and caviar.

Denise Perrier, who spent most of her thirty-year career performing in the San Francisco Bay Area and touring Europe, Latin America and Asia, harkens back to the time when a singer told the story and left the rest to the instrumentalists. She has a very welcoming straight-ahead style, concentrating on the standards and adding blues and Latin for variety. Her versatility, choice of material and dynamic stage presence make her very a very appealing and popular performer. No matter what the venue or musical configuration, Denise connects with audiences...that's her forte and why she is known 'the voice with a heart.'

Denise has a rich contralto voice and sings ballads and blues with equal artistry. She has performed in theatrical productions: 'Unforgettable,' a tribute to Dinah Washington, which toured the US and Europe; 'Blues in the Night' and 'In the House of the Blues,' in which she portrayed Bessie Smith; and the vaudeville musical 'One Mo' Time.'

Denise was featured in the Grammy-nominated CD, Color Me Blue, with Brother Jack McDuff, and has produced three previous CDs: I Wanna Be Loved, also with Houston Person, and East Meets West, which includes sides performed in Russia. Last year she came out with Live at Yoshi's; Blue Monday Party, which received critical acclaim and reached high on the jazz charts.

'Listening to her is like sipping the best glass of wine you ever had in your life. You savor every note that comes out of her mouth.'- Dee Spencer, pianist and professor of music.

The Second Time Around

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Mark Winkler - The Laura Nyro Project

Size: 121,0 MB
Time: 52:20
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. And When I Die (5:18)
02. Stoned Soul Picnic (5:21)
03. California Shoeshine Boys (3:08)
04. Time And Love (5:09)
05. Sweet Blindness (4:15)
06. He's A Runner (4:51)
07. Emmie (5:16)
08. Upstairs By A Chinese Lamp (5:05)
09. Buy And Sell (4:42)
10. Save The Country (3:41)
11. Billy's Blues (5:29)

The combination of a unique and beautifully au courant voice with an equally rare and manifold composing talent makes for compelling listening. When the voice is that of vocalist/songwriter Mark Winkler and the songs are by Laura Nyro, the resulting project reaches criticality rapidly. Winkler has been composing and recording for the better part of 30 years, releasing ten recordings and penning upwards to 150 songs in that time. His previous recording, Sweet Spot (Cafe Pacific Records, 2011) was praised widely and featured some of Winkler's most recent composing.

Presently, Winkler turns his attention to a project that has be percolating for some time. Laura Nyro (1947-1997) was a prominent '60s singer/songwriter who composed several notable songs made famous for other artists: Three Dog Night's "Eli's Coming," Blood, Sweat & Tears' (and Peter, Paul & Mary's) "And When I Die," and the Fifth Dimension's "Stone Soul Picnic" and "Wedding Bell Blues," as well as writing songs covered by Barbra Streisand, and Diana Ross and the Supremes. She was a part of the famous Brill Building machine, adding jazz and folk inflections to the "sound" during its heyday.

Winkler takes Nyro's "hybrid" Brill Building sound, adding his own elegance. The lion's share of the selections are arranged by Winkler's long-collaborating pianist Eli Brueggemann, who thoughtfully marries instruments and solos effectively into the families of these Nyro tunes. "And When I Die" is propelled by an assertive bass figure plucked by Dan Lutz, who is the common thread drawn through all of the ensemble pieces. "Stone Soul Picnic" has a gentle funk to it. Arranged by Winkler and pianist on this song, Rich Eames, "Picnic" is transformed into a light and hip stroll, well-suited to Winkler's beautifully unusual voice. Pat Kelly's guitar is svelte and precise, supplementing the song's jazz bona fides.

Winkler and arranger Eames make "California Shoeshine Boy" a gospel romp down the aisle at the church of rhythm and blues. Brueggemann's solo is two-fisted and muscular, challenging Winkler to his edgiest singing. The arrangement of "Time and Love" is cleverly based on pianist Ahmad Jamal's performance of "Moonlight in Vermont," while "Sweet Blindness" follows the same formula as the opening piece with a slick 4/4 stroll, accented by Bob Sheppard's tenor saxophone dueling with Nolan Shaheed's trumpet. John Mills and Elmer Hopper join Winkler with some swing vocals.

"Save The Country" and "Billy's Blues" are Winkler duets with pianist Eric Reed, who solidly puts the soul into the pieces, pushing Winkler to some of his best singing on the disc. The star among stars is Winkler's exceptional voice, one possessing that indefinable quality that makes it memorable without exactly understanding what is so superb about it. The Laura Nyro Project betrays the care and love Winkler and company put into the session; this is an excellent vocal outing by any measure. ~C. Michael Bailey

Personnel: Mark Winkler: vocals; Eli Brueggemann: piano (1, 3-6, 8) organ (1, 5); Rick Eames: piano (2, 3); Jamieson Trotter: piano (7); Eric Reed: piano (10, 11); Dan Lutz: bass; Pat Kelly: guitar (2); Anthony Wilson: guitar (7); Larry Koonse: guitar (5, 8, 9); Peter Buck: drums, percussion (1, 3-6, 8, 9); Dave Tull: drums, percussion (2); Michael Smith: percussion (7, 8); Bob Sheppard: tenor saxophone (1, 4, 5), flute(8); Nolan Shaheed: trumpet (5); Mitch Ellis: background vocals (2); Cheryl Bentyne: background vocals (7); John Mills: background vocals (5); Elmer Hopper: background vocals (5).

The Laura Nyro Project

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Novello - B3 Soul

Size: 145,0 MB
Time: 61:50
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2008
Styles: Jazz: Funk/Soul
Art: Front

01. Show Me The Honey (3:17)
02. B3 Soul (3:59)
03. Baila (3:23)
04. The Groove Suite Theme (3:26)
05. On The Way To Havana (3:24)
06. Candlelight (3:32)
07. Liquid Soul (0:16)
08. Salt & Pepper (4:39)
09. Say You Like It (3:07)
10. Apologize (7:51)
11. Feeling The Beat (3:50)
12. Funny Money (4:02)
13. Love & Happiness (5:06)
14. Transxpress (4:22)
15. The Message 2008 (7:29)

Every once in a while comes an authentic Jazz Man and a real Soul Man wrapped in one - who has the chops to blow mightly and the restraint to simmer and send a shiver through your bones. Novello has earned the highest of praise from peers such as Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder, and has become known for his soulful signature Hammond B3 sound both her and abroad. Having lead renowned bands such as Niacin (with Billy Sheehan and Dennis Chambers), Novello now takes a turn back to his roots with his new album B3 Soul. With a streetwise serenade in both hands in all keys Novello will sneak into your heart, soothe you, and then set you free. "B3 Soul" - Listen, Feel, and Try not to smile!

B3 Soul

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Sue McCreeth - No Evil

Size: 135,1 MB
Time: 57:46
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Stormy Weather (5:40)
02. Honeysuckle Rose (3:54)
03. Without A Song (5:01)
04. Speak No Evil (4:20)
05. God Bless The Child (6:33)
06. Pretty Eyes (4:39)
07. Devil May Care (4:09)
08. Round Midnight (5:06)
09. Weaver Of Dreams (4:17)
10. Very Early (4:08)
11. Come Rain Or Come Shine (4:41)
12. The Man I Love (5:12)

For this, her third jazz recording, Sue takes the bold step of enlisting the support of just two core musicans, guitarist Jim Mullen and bassist Andrew Cleyndert, with Steve Waterman on trumpet and flugelhorn. Most of the songs are first or second takes. There is a clear vulnerability in her timbre, wistful on 'Come Rain or Come Shine' and 'The Man I Love', she turns up the passion, becoming almost anguished in her delivery on 'God Bless the Child' and 'Stormy Weather'. Steve Waterman adds just the right mellow soulfulness to 'Without a Song'. and a nicely measured solo on 'Weaver of Dreams' and a lovely flugelhorn solo on 'Very Early'. The overarching feeling is quality late night jazz vocals with Jim Mullen providing relaxed yet bluesy accompaniment thoughout. An album to treasure and to share with friends. ~Alan Musson, Jazz Kaleidoscope

No Evil

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Cedar Walton Trio - Manhattan After Hours

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 68:20
Size: 156.4 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Piano jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[8:48] 1. My Heart Stood Still
[6:57] 2. Don't Blame Me
[5:55] 3. Relaxin' At Camarillo
[6:47] 4. Con Alma
[9:04] 5. Darn That Dream
[7:53] 6. Euphoria
[6:39] 7. I Want To Be Happy
[8:30] 8. Harpy
[7:43] 9. Like Someone In Love

Recorded in mid-November 2000, Manhattan After Hours was clearly intended as a sequel of sorts to the Cedar Walton Trio's Criss Cross Jazz release Manhattan Afternoon, which came together in December 1992. Manhattan After Hours contains seven rock-solid jazz standards and two original compositions by the trio's guest soloist, Australian tenor saxophonist Dale Barlow. The Walton Trio's signature sound owed fully one third of its sonority and cohesiveness to the presence of Trinidadian bassist Dave "Happy" Williams. Manhattan After Hours was among the last albums ever to include Walton's fellow modern jazz veteran drummer Billy Higgins, who passed away in early May 2001. During the first decade of the 21st century, Walton would continue to perform and record straightforward jazz of the highest order, in a welcome burst of creative maturity that has been documented on a series of albums for the HighNote label. Issued in several different editions with variable cover art, Manhattan After Hours is warmly recommended for nocturnal driving or staying up late with friends at home. ~arwulf arwulf

Manhattan After Hours

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Ida Sand - True Love

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 51:54
Size: 118.8 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[4:49] 1. Ventura Highway
[4:26] 2. Notice Me
[4:12] 3. The Weight
[4:02] 4. My Biggest Fear
[4:15] 5. As Long As You Love Me
[4:42] 6. Devil's Game
[4:00] 7. Heart Of Gold
[3:22] 8. Manic Depression
[5:30] 9. Loverman
[3:50] 10. Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further
[3:30] 11. Redemption Song
[5:10] 12. True Love

The debut release of a Scandinavian singer has seldom been as surprising as that of the Swedish vocalist Ida Sand two years ago with her album Meet Me Around Midnight (ACT 9716-2). It simply didn’t sound at all like a typical Scandinavian record. What the critics and the public heard was, “the most soulful white female singer to come along in some time” – earthy, tart, deep black, and authentically bound to gospel and blues. Beside this, another basic difference to a lot of other singers is that Ida Sand plays piano, and her singing and piano playing go hand in hand. And so with the help of the world-renowned Swedish groove masters and ACT regulars Nils Landgren and Ulf Wakenius, a timeless album with universal appeal was created.

Ida Sand - vocals, grand piano, wurlizer; Ola Gustafsson - guitars; Mattias Torell - guitars; Peter Forss - electric & upright bass, violin; Per Lindvall - drums, percussion.

True Love

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Big Jay McNeely - Road House Boogie

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 43:50
Size: 100.3 MB
Styles: Jump blues, Soul-jazz, Saxophone jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[2:47] 1. Blow Big Jay
[2:50] 2. Roadhouse Boogie
[2:42] 3. Willie The Cool Cat
[3:07] 4. Midnight Dreams
[2:29] 5. Hoppin' With Hunter
[2:33] 6. K & H Boogie
[2:23] 7. Gingercake
[2:26] 8. Boogie in Front
[2:35] 9. Junie-Flip
[3:00] 10. Jay's Frantic
[2:46] 11. Real Crazy Cool
[2:45] 12. Tondelayo
[3:14] 13. Deacon's Blowout
[2:36] 14. Let's Split
[2:29] 15. Just Crazy
[2:59] 16. Penthouse Serenade (When We're Alone)

His mighty tenor sax squawking and bleating with wild-eyed abandon, Big Jay McNeely blew up a torrid R&B tornado from every conceivable position -- on his knees, on his back, being wheeled down the street on an auto mechanic's "creeper" like a modern-day pied piper. As one of the titans who made tenor sax the solo instrument of choice during rock's primordial era, McNeely could peel the paper right off the walls with his sheets of squealing, honking horn riffs.

Road House Boogie

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Jim Altamore - License To Swing

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 50:29
Size: 115.6 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[2:47] 1. All Of You
[3:48] 2. Learnin' The Blues
[5:46] 3. Just One Of Those Things
[5:39] 4. New York State Of Mind
[3:40] 5. Nice N' Easy
[4:12] 6. Route 66
[3:39] 7. I'm Beginning To See The Light
[3:36] 8. All Right Okay You Win
[3:52] 9. Beyond The Sea
[5:34] 10. Call Me Irresponsible
[3:24] 11. The More I See You
[4:27] 12. You Stepped Out Of A Dream

Timeless standards…sophisticated style…seductive charm. A gifted singer who will satisfy your inner passions each time you hear his magic. This is how Jim Altamore is often described.

Jim Altamore is a versatile jazz singer of popular standards from what is known today as the Great American Songbook. “License to Swing” is the name of Jim’s debut cd. A collection of American standards set to a swing tempo. Jim pays a heartfelt thanks to some of his predecessors like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Bobby Darin. He stays true to their fashion and keeps the finger snapping, swing feel in songs like “Learnin’ The Blues”, “Route 66” and “Beyond The Sea”. Accompanied by some the best musicians around, “License to Swing” is part of Jim’s story…..part of his life!!! ~ DJ Jim Stone, Host of the radio show…BIG BAND SWING

Jim Altamore's sound is smooth, rich and sophisticated with a classic charm. “License to Swing” was produced by Grammy Award winning producer Jack Kreisberg. Jim is backed by some of the best musicians around including: Rio Clemente, Steve Johns, Eric Johnson, Wayne Batchelor, Bill Easley, and Chembro Wilson.

License To Swing

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Courtney Fortune - Speak Love

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:29
Size: 107,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:57)  1. Care of Cell 44
(4:06)  2. I Wish You Love
(3:36)  3. Lost in the Memory
(4:22)  4. You're Starting To Feel Like Home
(3:40)  5. Close The Door
(4:28)  6. Speak Love
(3:25)  7. I Love The Way You're Breaking My Heart
(3:55)  8. Like Always
(3:30)  9. Dindi
(3:17) 10. Bitter Words
(4:07) 11. I'll Keep Waiting
(4:03) 12. Hello Love

The dark tones of Los Angeles-based singer Courtney Fortune's voice transition seamlessly from jazz to folk and pop on her debut album, Speak Love. Adapting her diverse musical interests at an early age, Fortune has garnered fans from the U.S. to Japan for her smooth voice and warm presence. Along with a collection of standards (including a lush \"I Wish You Love\"), half of the songs on Speak Love were written by Fortune or co-written with four-time Grammy-nominated composer and arranger Chris Walden, who also produced the album. Recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood,  Speak Love is an eclectic mix of musical influences that revitalizes and inspires loyal jazz fans while giving depth to the current popular music landscape.  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=4561#.U2vAdiiwVOk

Recording information: Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA (05/27/2008-05/16/2009); Castle Oaks Studios, Calabasas, CA (05/27/2008-05/16/2009).

Personnel: Courtney Fortune (vocals); Dean Parks, Andrew Synowiec (guitar); Alan Grunfeld, Tamara Hatwan, Julie Rogers, Sid Page, Jacqueline Brand, Roberto Cani, Bruce Dukov, Julie Gigante, Sarah Thornblade, Nicole Garcia, Caroline Campbell, Charlie Bisharat (violin); Shawn Mann, Jimbo Ross, Brian Dembow, Keith Greene (viola); Dennis Karmazyn, Larry Corbett, Stephen Erdody (cello); Jeff Driskill (clarinet); Chris Walden (trumpet, flugelhorn, synthesizer, drum programming); Till Brönner (trumpet); Bob McChesney (trombone); Christian Jacob (piano); Blake Angelos (keyboards); Gregg Field, Jamey Tate (drums); M.B. Gordy (percussion); Michael A. Harris (background vocals).

Speak Love

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Gina Hayes - Montage

Styles: Jazz, Bossa Nova
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:29
Size: 95,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:19)  1. The Shadow of Your Smile
(3:47)  2. Agua De Beber
(3:40)  3. Callin' On My Girls
(4:32)  4. You're My Everything
(4:28)  5. Alfie
(3:46)  6. Our World Of Love
(4:24)  7. When Sunny Gets Blue
(4:17)  8. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
(4:20)  9. Sweet Dreams (Dulce Sueños)
(3:52) 10. Callin' On My Girls (Remix)

Gina Hayes is a native Texan, born and raised in San Antonio. She received a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas in San Antonio. She is married to her wonderful and supportive husband, Rob, and together they have two special needs sons, Robby and Joshua. “They are my biggest influences and keep me close to God. They are so smart, but not in a way this world recognizes. I feel they have a divine purpose. I am a spectator to God\'s handiwork each day I am entrusted with the care of these special souls”. Gina has always enjoyed listening to and creating what she calls “real music.” She feels that music is a gift that is best expressed when it comes straight from the heart and is funneled through to the fingertips or vocal chords. Early in her life she was influenced by Carole King and Linda Ronstadt. She feels that they set the bar pretty high for female artists. Even today she loves to listen to and get lost in the lush, strong voices of Patsy Cline, K.D. Lang and Annie Lennox. Gina too, has a unique voice that is pure tone capped off with edgy soul. Her guitar playing is a lulling, melodic compliment to her warm, molasses timbre. 

But don’t let her warm, smooth voice fool you. Her songs pack a real punch, much like an emotional rollercoaster. Whether your reminiscing about a loved one or contemplating eternity, you can bet Gina has asked much of the same “life” questions you have. Join Gina on her journey of the “hows” and “whys” of this life. Her songs always lead to the one true assurance of God’s love. Gina has decided to devote her talent as a singer/songwriter to convey her faith in Jesus Christ. Gina feels that her Christianity has been her only true inspiration for her music. She has stated that, “My cornerstone influence are the scriptures from the Holy Bible. I am searching for meaning and purpose in my life, and my son\'s lives, in a world that is not always accepting of people with conditions they don\'t understand.” Gina invites you to spend some time trying the samples of her songs. If this bio is as far as you get, she wants you to know that there is hope for this life and you are dearly loved. May God richly bless you.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ginahayes2

Montage

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Alex Bugnon - Harlem

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:27
Size: 134,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:03)  1. Bridging the Gap
(5:09)  2. Pusherman
(5:13)  3. A Night In Tunisia
(3:37)  4. River Seine
(4:27)  5. Summer Soft
(4:19)  6. Lush Life
(6:37)  7. A House is Not a Home
(4:55)  8. Stompin' at Mikell's
(5:42)  9. Manhattan Lullaby
(5:32) 10. Up There on the Mountain
(5:16) 11. Jungle Bells
(2:31) 12. Witness

New York, NY…..Jazz pianist Alex Bugnon’s 12th and newest release, HARLEM, is sure to dispel any notion that he can be musically stereotyped.   Though he has been one of the most prolific and influential Smooth Jazz artists on the scene for more than two decades, HARLEM demonstrates that Alex’s virtuosity is anything but predictable. On this latest CD, Alex mixes it up offering the listener some of his own original compositions and flavoring the album with a playlist of classic tunes that he fashioned in his own inimitable style.  Alex pays homage to the likes of Dizzy Gillespie & Frank Paparelli (Night in Tunisia), Curtis Mayfield (Pusherman), Stevie Wonder (Summer Soft), Billie Strayhorn (Lush Life), and Burt Bacharach (A House is Not a Home).

A rare and uniquely gifted artist, Alex Bugnon has never shied away from the affiliation to the Smooth Jazz genre rather, he has resisted been compartmentalized when there is so much more to the man and his music. HARLEM is layered with his nuanced performances, beginning with “Bridging the Gap”, an original composition that lays the foundation, by offering the listener his signature musical styling and piano phrasing.   This is followed by a funky, neo-soul tribute to the classic hit of the 70’s, “Pusherman”.  Here you can clearly hear his early R&B, soulful influences garnered touring with artists like Patty Austin & James Ingram, Melba Moore and Freddy Jackson. Alex offers up a super cool version of the classic, “A Night in Tunisia” and employs Maysa’s distinctive and elegant vocals on the beautifully romantic tune, co-written with Martha Redbone, “River Seine”. 

On this album, Alex transitions from the present to the past with ease; from one side of the musical spectrum to the next, using his diverse musicality to bridge the genres, and in the process illustrates his absolute mastery of the keyboard.   He jams smooth and easy on the up-tempo rendition of “Summer Soft” and seamlessly steps into a highly sophisticated version of “Lush Life”.  Every one of the twelve tracks on this album presents a different side of the artist. HARLEM is an acknowledgement of Alex’s absolute love affair with music in all of its variances and a testament to his artistic evolution and unrestrained capacity for taking risks.  http://ejazznews.com/?p=20345

Harlem

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