Cal Tjader Quintet - Mambo With Tjader

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 40:56
Size: 93.7 MB
Styles: Latin jazz, Vibraphone jazz
Year: 1954/2009
Art: Front

[2:36] 1. Mamblues
[4:12] 2. Midnight Sun
[2:47] 3. Sonny Boy
[3:38] 4. Cherry
[3:34] 5. I'll Remember April
[3:17] 6. This Can't Be Love
[4:05] 7. Tenderly
[4:14] 8. Dearly Loved
[2:44] 9. Chloe
[3:30] 10. Lucero
[3:12] 11. Bye Bye Blues
[3:02] 12. Autumn Leaves

Along with the tracks on Tjader Plays Mambo (OJC-274), this collection from the fall of 1954 represented Tjader's increasing dedication to Latin jazz--first on 78-RPM singles, then EPs, and finally LPs. Cal's enthusiastic vibes work as well as his timbales playing and occasional singing is joined by the brothers Manny (piano) and Carlos (bass) Duran, and percussionists Bayardo Velarde and Edgard Rosales. Tjader's combined love of ballad improvisation and Latin rhythms is obvious--"Midnight Sun," "Tenderly," and "Autumn Leaves" are beautiful renditions, attractively arranged (by Tjader) for the unusual complement.

Bass – Carlos Duran; Congas – Edgar Rosales; Piano – Manuel Duran; Timbales, Bongos – Bayardo Velarde; Vibraphone – Cal Tjader.

Mambo With Tjader

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Veronica Mortensen - I'm The Girl

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 48:18
Size: 110.6 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[5:36] 1. Chuck E's In Love
[5:06] 2. All I've Seen
[4:44] 3. Busy
[5:26] 4. Make Sure You're Sure
[6:37] 5. Sleepless
[4:44] 6. Julie
[4:21] 7. Too Late
[6:05] 8. I'm The Girl
[5:36] 9. Not Just A Date

Born in Aarhus (Denmark), singer VERONICA MORTENSEN was raised by her mother in Athens, Greece. At the age of 20, she moved back to Denmark to pursue a singing career - a natural choice, being the daughter of 2 musicians. She started her own soulband, a mini-bigband playing Aretha Franklin covers and Motown-classics, and soon after joined the more experimental acidjazzband Virtual Fantasy. VERONICA graduated from Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus in the summer of 1996 and took her Diploma exam from Rythmic Conservatory of Copenhagen in 1998. She has performed on several albums and TV-shows, both as a lead singer and as a background vocalist. VERONICA has been a popular guest with the Kluvers Big Band for the last 12 years, with whom she has played the Aarhus International Jazzfestival, toured Estland and played "Sacred Concerts" of Duke Ellington. She also has appeared in rockmusicals like "A tribute to the Blues Brothers", "Another Brick In The Wall" and "Hair" playing in both Copenhagen and Paris. VERONICA's first album "Pieces In A Puzzle" (2003), was very well received by the critics and was chosen for "Album of the week" by the Danish national radio (DR P4). Following the album she played concerts in Denmark and abroad, among them at the "Bankok Heineken Jazzfestival" (Thailand) and at "Ladies' Jazzfestival" in Gdynia (Poland). Beside her own music and band, she has also appeared with Peter Vuust Quartet, with whom she recorded the cd "Image Of Falling" (Imogena Records 2005). In April 2007, Veronica released her second album ”HAPPINESS is not included” at Stunt Records.

I'm The Girl

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The Hot Club Of San Francisco - Yerba Buena Bounce

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 64:42
Size: 148.1 MB
Styles: Gypsy Swing
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[2:25] 1. Mystery Pacific
[4:25] 2. Hot Lips
[4:40] 3. I'm Happy Just To Dance With You
[3:42] 4. Sway
[3:43] 5. Number Two
[3:10] 6. Souvenir De Villingen
[3:38] 7. Tickle Toe
[4:50] 8. Black And White
[3:40] 9. Lullabye
[2:59] 10. Rythme Futur
[3:53] 11. Yerba Buena Bounce
[4:18] 12. Stardust
[5:14] 13. Borneo
[3:26] 14. Georgia Cabin
[3:14] 15. Improvisation #2
[3:10] 16. Going On
[4:08] 17. Some Of These Days

The Hot Club of San Francisco is more than a tribute band re-creating the recordings of Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and the Quintette du Hot Club de France; the group covers pieces from many different eras never performed by the group which inspired them. On their tenth CD, Yerba Buena Bounce, the Hot Club of San Francisco, which has identical instrumentation to the French group (lead guitar, violin, two rhythm guitars and a bass), leader Paul Mehling, violinist Evan Price and the rhythm section swing like mad in their updated treatment of the QHCF's speeding locomotive represented by "Mystery Pacific" and the brisk, chugging "Black and White." But they also successfully convert modern pop songs into gypsy swing material, such as the Beatles' ballad "I'm Happy Just to Dance with You" (adding Seth Asarnow on bandoneon) and Norman Gimbel's "Sway" (which adds mandolin master David Grisman). Mehling proves himself as a composer as well, contributing the upbeat "Number Two" and the tender "Lullaby" (the latter adding both Asarnow and Grisman). If that's not enough, Mehling adds campy vocals to "Gong Oh" and "Some of These Days." Fans of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli owe it to themselves to investigate these swinging, beautifully recorded sessions by the Hot Club of San Francisco; gypsy swing is very much alive in their hands! ~Ken Dryden

Yerba Buena Bounce

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Harry Allen - Here's To Zoot

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 56:35
Size: 131.1 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz, Mainstream jazz
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[5:07] 1. I Cover The Waterfront
[4:27] 2. Stars Fell On Alabama
[4:48] 3. Spring Is Here
[4:21] 4. I Cried For You
[6:40] 5. Grooveyard
[6:06] 6. I Remember You
[5:28] 7. Someone To Watch Over Me
[5:13] 8. 9:20 Special
[4:36] 9. The Way You Look Tonight
[4:03] 10. All My Tomorrow
[5:41] 11. I'll Take Romance

Here's another fine Harry Allen CD, recorded in NYC in 1997, and featuring along with Harry on tenor, Dave McKenna (p) Michael Moore (b) and Jake Hanna (d). There are some interesting surprises here.

Harry plays the verse to I COVER THE WATERFRONT slowly, and where you expect him to double the tempo, he doesn't, but keeps it slow. It makes for a different and pleasing approach. He does the same thing on SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME, though this one might be taken just a tad too slowly. I CRIED FOR YOU is taken way up-tempo and features excellent brush work by Hanna. The most ambitious track is I'LL TAKE ROMANCE, done in waltz time, medium-slow at first; then comes an unaccompanied piano solo by McKenna in 4/4, followed by Harry back in 3/4 time and with the tempo doubled. It's an impressive performance. I REMEMBER YOU is played as a Bossa Nova, and THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT has a crisp, jaunty flavor to it. This is a most attractive CD that will not fail to delight Harry Allen fans. ~Bomojazz/amazon

Here's To Zoot

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Lorraine & Bill Liswell - Wisdom's Pearls

Styles: Jazz, Swing, Vocal Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 29:50
Size: 79,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:49)  1. Wanna Dance?
(2:28)  2. Wisdom's Pearls
(2:58)  3. Melody for a Day
(2:47)  4. Daddy's Got the Archtop Blues
(2:34)  5. Walking
(2:34)  6. Blue Eyes
(2:08)  7. Chèvre À GoGo
(4:01)  8. Kiss My Blues Away
(2:36)  9. Hearts Entwined
(2:27) 10. Spring Song  (A Song for Spring)
(2:23) 11. Hobohemian Rag

About five years ago, I began composing songs and carried an old tape recorder in my car to capture any good possibilities. Having sung with bands of many styles most of my life, and being ever hopeful, I figured I’d recognize a good song if it came to me. At Christmas about a year later, Bill gave me a small hand-held recorder. I found I could increase my songwriting time by carrying it with me during my daily walks. The songs came, and I became obsessed with composing. Not being an instrumentalist, I called on the combined talents of Bill, and our friend Kevin Gallagher, to create the accompaniments to my songs. All but four of the songs on this CD were created in this way. Of those four, Bill alone wrote the accompaniment for Kiss My Blues Away. Melody for a Day and Hobohemian Rag originated with mandolin and guitar riffs that Kevin had created and then asked me to build songs around. Kevin’s initial ideas are the intros to those songs. Kevin and Bill co-composed Chèvre À GoGo just days before going into the studio. 

Our recording dream was realized in June 2007, when jazz guitarist Frank Vignola and drummer Rich Zukor joined Bill and I to record six of the songs on this CD. Frank and Rich intuitively knew how to capture the mood for each song. Frank’s virtuosity is astounding. Rich is an exuberant percussionist, his Djembe playing provided dynamic rhythmic accompaniment and drive. It was truly a memorable experience to play with such great musicians. Bill was smiling all day! Drummer Lorne Entress added captivating percussion and solid drumming to the other five compositions. Kevin contributed melodic dobro and mandolin parts to these tracks. Bill’s fine jazz chording, fluid guitar solos, and powerful bass lines are heard throughout the CD. I’m thrilled and honored to have had the chance to sing and savor our songs with such a fine group of musicians. ~ Lorraine Liswell  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lbliswell

Wisdom's Pearls

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Bebo Best & The Super Lounge Orchestra - Trip to Rio De Janeiro

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:26
Size: 160,6 MB
Art: Front

(0:31)  1. Intro (Louis Chirillo Presents)
(4:09)  2. Spaghetti Pizza e Cavaquinho
(3:54)  3. Mambossa Hit (feat. Iain Mackenzie)
(4:35)  4. Soccer Time (Koko Chanel Brazil Mix)
(4:28)  5. James Bond vs. Bebo Best
(4:03)  6. Gigabongo-Surf
(4:10)  7. Toca o Coracao
(4:00)  8. Surfin' the Perfect Wave
(4:00)  9. Catchin On the Waves (feat. Brenda Boykin)
(4:06) 10. La Caleta
(4:00) 11. Maccaroni Bossa
(3:41) 12. Je t'aime moi non plus
(3:56) 13. Bossamba Jazz
(4:07) 14. Looking Out the Sea
(3:56) 15. Da' Ya Think I'm Sexy (Koko Chanel Voce Asha Que Eu Sou Sexy Remix)
(4:07) 16. Mambossa Hit (Koko Chanel Electrotomorrow Remix) [feat. Iain Mackenzie]
(3:36) 17. Tita Mocari (Koko Chanel Brasilafro Club Remix)
(4:00) 18. Soccer Time (Spaghetti Pizza e Cavaqinho Funk Mix)

After the great success of the last tour in Brazil "Alemanha groove", Bebo Best dedicates an album to the great country of samba and bossa nova, enriching the sound carioca with contamination nujazz, funk, and sixties, in that special mix that has led to the success of Bebo Best & The Super Lounge Orchestra. After the great success of "Mambossa", here's another winning goal, a special featuring the English crooner Iain Mackenzie, Brenda Boykin voted best singer of the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2005, of which Bebo has written and produced her latest album, with the special participation of James Taylor of the JTQ Quartet. Producer musician and composer of Italian descent therefore continues his brilliant career. His music has been called "pure class" by the B.B.C. in England. In this "pure class" he add exotic rhythms, sixties sounds, and the vintage flavour of the best Italian composers such as Morricone, Piccioni, and always the Master AC Jobim. Recorded in Spain, Brazil, England, Germany and Italy.  http://www.beatport.com/release/trip-to-rio-de-janeiro/1366105

Trip to Rio De Janeiro

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Tiny Grimes With Roy Eldridge - One is Never too Young to Swing

Styles: Guitar And Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:52
Size: 77,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:55)  1. Romance Without Finance
(3:13)  2. West End Phil
(2:33)  3. Tain't What You Do
(4:25)  4. Food For Thought
(3:14)  5. One Is Never Too Old To Swing
(3:54)  6. In A Swinging Mood
(8:37)  7. The Downtown Sound
(3:57)  8. Frantic

Tiny Grimes (1916 – 1989) began his musical career playing drums and piano. In 1938 he took up the guitar choosing the unusual electric 4-string tenor guitar. In 1940 he joined the Cats And A Fiddle as guitarist and singer. In 1943 he joined the Art Tatum Trio as guitarist and made a number of recordings with Tatum. The early Tatum Trio recordings made for the Asch and Comet recording labels are some of the more interesting early examples of Tiny Grimes’ guitar work. Tiny Grimes is the inventor of "rock and roll". Listen to "Tiny's Boogie" (MP3), recorded at WOR studios on August 14, 1946, possibly the very first "rock and roll" recording.After leaving Tatum, Grimes recorded with his own groups in New York and he recorded with a long list of leading musicians; Ike Quebec, Cozy Cole, Leonard Feather and Buck Clayton, among others. He was also selected to record with the famous Metronome All Star Band and appears on the recording Look Out, on which he shared the guitar duties with Billy Bauer. During this time he made four recordings with Charlie Parker that are considered excellent examples of early bebop jazz; Tiny’s Tempo, Red Cross, Romance Without Finance, and I’ll Always Love You. Tiny Grimes continued to lead his own groups into the later 1970’s and he recorded with Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet and Roy Eldridge. 

Our first contact to Tiny Grimes was as we bought his record with Roy Eldridge "One Is Never Too Old To Swing". This 1977 album was re-released as CD in 1990 and had found its way to the "Super Bargain box" from where it floated to Sini's hand in 1992. The price was 5 FIM, around 1 USD. The music was just great and it became soon our most cherished disc, and we just managed to order through Amazon four other recordings by Tiny Grimes. The CDs are mainly remasterings mainly from the 40s and contain some new, previously unreleased titles and takes. Over hilarous are the "Rocking Highlanders" as the band is dressed in scottish style witk kilts and all as you can see. This was in the late 40s and early 50s, so it was not totally risk free. But the joke was understood as there seems not to be any writing about any problems. http://www.sinijari.fi/linkit/tiny/mytiny.htm

Personnel:  Tiny Grimes – guitar; Roy Eldridge – trumpet; Frank Wess - tenor sax; Lloyd Glenn – piano; Percy Heath – bass; Eddie Locke - drums

One is Never too Young to Swing

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Mary Lou Williams & Barbara Carroll - Ladies Of Jazz

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 42:08
Size: 98.1 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1951/2010
Art: Front

[3:03] 1. My Funny Valentine
[2:21] 2. Taking a Chance on Love
[2:53] 3. You Took Advantage of Me
[3:26] 4. 'Tis Autumn
[2:27] 5. The Lady's in Love with You
[2:37] 6. Love of My Life
[4:36] 7. Autumn in New York
[2:52] 8. You're the Cream in My Coffee
[2:29] 9. Surrey with the Fringe on Top
[2:45] 10. Pagliacci
[2:56] 11. Opus Z
[3:40] 12. From This Moment On
[3:05] 13. In the Purple Grotto
[2:51] 14. 'S Wonderful

This is a reissue of an early LP that devoted a side apiece to these two talented pianists in a trio setting. Most of Barbara Carroll's recordings from this era are long out of print, and she was recorded rather sporadically until a flurry of activity in the early '90s, so it's a treat to hear her swinging renditions of gems like "Taking a Chance on Love" and "The Lady's in Love With You," with the added bonus of a previously unissued track, "They Can't Take That Away From Me." Mary Lou Williams' set is more adventurous, featuring an adaptation of Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci," and classic show tunes like "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top" and "'S Wonderful." But it's her potent originals that steal the show -- the bluesy "In the Purple Grotto" and "Opus Z," a composition co-written with the unjustly neglected Herbie Nichols. ~Ken Dryden

Ladies Of Jazz

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Donald Brown - Born To Be Blue

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 75:09
Size: 172.0 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz, Piano jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[7:38] 1. Bye-Ya
[6:18] 2. Daly Avenue
[7:38] 3. Just One Of Those Things
[5:50] 4. Dad's Delight
[7:45] 5. Cheek To Cheek
[5:50] 6. The Innocent Young Lowers
[5:32] 7. Born To Be Blue
[8:55] 8. Fly With The Wind
[8:47] 9. Take My Breath Away
[4:54] 10. You Must Believe In Spring
[5:58] 11. I Cover The Waterfront

Donald Brown's 'Born to Be Blue', sees the pianist/composer team up with Kenny Garrett and Wallace Roney for the first time since they were all members of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in the 1980s. This occasion would be illustrious enough in itself but when these titans of today's jazz scene are joined in the front line by a musician of the stature of Ravi Coltrane, then this recording becomes a special event indeed.

A generational concept is woven into Brown's choice of material for the album as he features songs by three of his favourite composer/pianists, each one representing a different era: Thelonious Monk, McCoy Tyner and Geoff Keezer. Other highlights include the Blues-drenched version of Mel Tormé's title track, the spirited approach to Irving Berlins "Cheek to Cheek" and Cole Porter's "Just One of Those Things".

Donald Brown was raised in Memphis and cut his teeth working as a session musician for Hi Records, with artists like Al Green and Ann Peeples. He toured with Stax artists Rufus Thomas, William Bell and the Soul Children, and was introduced to Art Blakey by fellow Memphis pianist James Williams. He has also performed with leading jazz artists such as Donald Byrd, Joe Henderson and Freddie Hubbard, to name a few.

Donald Brown (piano, keyboards), Kenny Garrett (alto & soprano saxophone), Wallace Roney (trumpet), Ravi Coltrane (tenor & soprano saxophone), Mark Boling (guitars), Robert Hurst (double bass), Marcus Gilmore, Kenneth Brown (drums), Rudy Bird (percussion), Emily Mathis (flute - 6 & 8), Vance Thompson (flugelhorn - 6)

Born To Be Blue

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Various - New York Rock And Soul Revue: Live At The Beacon

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 66:33

Size: 152.3 MB

Styles: Soul, Blues, Jazz, Rock

Year: 1991/2010

Art: Front

[0:52] 1. Donald Fagen - Intro

[4:18] 2. Donald Fagen - Madison Time

[3:55] 3. Michael Mcdonald & Phoebe Snow - Knock On Wood

[4:39] 4. Donald Fagen - Green Flower Street

[3:40] 5. Phoebe Snow - Shakey Ground

[5:31] 6. Phoebe Snow - At Last

[5:25] 7. Michael Mcdonald - Lonely Teardrops

[5:30] 8. Boz Scaggs - Drowning In The Sea Of Love

[4:08] 9. Charles Brown - Driftin' Blues

[6:28] 10. Donald Fagen - Chain Lightning

[4:24] 11. Eddie And David Brigati - Groovin'

[6:12] 12. Michael Mcdonald - Minute By Minute

[5:18] 13. New York Rock And Soul Revue - People Got To Be Free

[4:58] 14. Donald Fagen - Pretzel Logic

[1:08] 15. Donald Fagen - Madison Reprise

Ain't no crime in having a good time and everybody partied at the New York Rock & Soul Revue held live at New York's Beacon Theater; the lineup of Phoebe Snow, Donald Fagen, Charles Brown, Michael McDonald, and Eddie and David Brigati (the Rascals) saw to that. While some performances come off as perfunctory and there's nothing you could label outstanding, the soul is real and heartfelt. Top performances come from Brown (the oldest person in the show), Snow and McDonald, Boz Scaggs ("Drowning in the Sea of Love"), and Fagen (a jazzy "Madison Time," which he performs accompanied by Jeff & the Youngsters in a full-blown reprise that closes the concert). ~Andrew Hamilton

New York Rock and Soul Revue: Live At The Beacon 

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Mac Gollehon - Oddyssey Of Nostalgia

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 45:53

Size: 105.1 MB

Styles: Trumpet jazz

Year: 2011

Art: Front

[5:47] 1. Violets For Your Furs

[4:19] 2. Nightmare

[3:01] 3. Two Sleepy People

[5:17] 4. Brother Can You Spare A Dime

[5:36] 5. Gloomy Sunday

[3:47] 6. Oddyssey Of Nostalgia

[3:51] 7. Just A Gigolo

[4:04] 8. Dirtynogooder Blues

[4:04] 9. Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out

[6:03] 10. Over The Rainbow

Ten tracks of tranquil jazz totaling 46 minutes make for a fine addition to the many releases of New York-based trumpet and trombone player Mac Gollehon. The trip down memory lane taps some classic gems that we typically associate with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Artie Shaw, Hoagy Carmichael, and Bessie Smith. Based on his original title cut, I found it a little strange that Gollehon calls his journey an "oddyssey." I'm assuming that he intentionally misspelled the word "odyssey" to make a bit of a funny, original, unconventional statement regarding his swinging song (featuring the muted trumpet) that actually sounds like it could've been written and played years ago. Instrumental support is thoughtful and delicate, going on intimate at times....perfect for an album of sweet, contemplative remembrances without too much melancholy.

Besides Gollehon, other players include Melvin Sparks (guitar), Ronnie Cuber (baritone sax, flute), Amina Claudine Myers (organ), Warren Smith (drums), Bill Easley (clarinet, alto sax), Ron McClure (bass), and Junior Vega (congas). A few of cuts include the silky smooth vocalizing of Olga Merediz ("Gloomy Sunday") or Amina Claudine Myers ("Dirtynogooder Blues" and "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out"). It might've also been good to also include singing on one or two others like "Brother Can You Spare a Dime?" and "Violets For Your Furs." But this is an album where the trumpet was meant to be on center stage, and in the latter number Gollehon fully succeeds in making his instrument reminiscent of the innovative and influential voice, phrasing and emotional intensity of Billie Holiday. ~Joe Ross

Oddyssey Of Nostalgia

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Sharyn Wynters - Reflections of Love

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:58
Size: 115,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:56)  1. The Man I love
(3:32)  2. You Go To My Head
(4:10)  3. I See Your Face Before Me
(3:26)  4. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
(3:57)  5. My Foolish Heart
(3:57)  6. I've Got It Bad
(3:33)  7. Where Or When
(4:07)  8. I'm Through With Love
(4:29)  9. Go Away Litttle Boy
(4:05) 10. Where Are You
(3:33) 11. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(3:36) 12. Smile
(3:31) 13. Always

Born in Philadelphia, PA. Sharyn's introduction to music began at age four. She had fallen down the stairs while playing with her doll. The doll shattered and she began to cry. Her father lifted her into his arms and sang "Smile." As a kid, Sharyn would dance to the music of Dick Clark's "American Bandstand." As a young teen, she could be seen on the set of the Dick Clark Show. At 16, she discovered Jazz and tuned into "W.H.A.T." radio, Friday with Frank." On Saturdays, she would listen to radio announcer Joel Dorn, who played some of the greatest Jazz she had ever heard, but Sharyn wanted to hear Jazz live.

She started frequenting Jazz clubs in Philly like "Showboat" and "Peps" where she listened to the intimate performances of Lambert Hendrix & Ross, Mose Allison, Thelonious Monk, Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter and other Jazz greats. After High school, Sharyn won Miss Pennsylvania in the Miss World Contest. This led to a modeling, TV and film career with credits including: Cat Girl on Bat Man, The Rockford Files, Kojak, The Odd Couple, Hook Line & Sinker, Westworld and Funny Lady. At 26, Sharyn cured herself of a degenerative disease with an intensive nutritional program. Sharyn studied and became a naturopathic doctor to fulfill a dream to help others. 

She now lectures nationwide on the many benefits of her healthy life style program. At the turn of the millennium and especially after 9/11, Sharyn realized how fleeting life is and how precious each moment is to us all! She was compelled to look deeply into herself and ask if there was something else she always wanted to do that had not yet been realized. The passionate answer was, "to be a torch singer of romantic standards". With that, this journey began. She was inspired to sing about love and that has been her quest for this album.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sharynwynters

Reflections of Love

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Jonny Hepbir Quartet - Get Rich or Die Swingin'

Styles: Jazz, Gypsy Swing
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:14
Size: 80,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:16)  1. Undecided
(6:50)  2. Besame Mucho
(3:21)  3. Ménilmontant
(3:25)  4. Bei Mir Bistu Shein
(3:29)  5. Exactly Like You
(3:29)  6. After You've Gone
(5:44)  7. Bernie's Tune
(4:37)  8. What Is This Thing Called Love

Jonny Hepbir Quartet are four professional musicians who have been playing together in various formats for over fifteen years before forming the Jonny Hepbir Quartet in 2009. Hailing from the deep south of England, specialising in groovy gypsy swing mixing up Django, jazz, and snappy arrangements all delivered to your ears by the winning combo of two acoustic guitars, double bass and stunning female vocals. The band have delighted audiences throughout the UK and abroad, including private performances for Sir Paul McCartney, Roman Abramovich and Sir Terence Conran  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jonnyhepbirquartet

Sara Oschlag – Vocals:
Hailing from Denmark, Sara first came to the UK in 2000. Gifted with a unique vocal style and an instrumentalist's sensibilities, she very quickly made her mark on the south of England jazz scene. Joining with the Jonny Hepbir Trio in 2009 to form the JHQ, Sara added her talent to their gypsy swing sound. Within a short space of time, the JHQ had notched up over half a million hits on their promo videos on their youtube channel.

Jonny Hepbir – Guitar:
In the UK, Jonny is regarded as one of the few authentic players on the gypsy jazz scene. His background has seen years of experience playing amongst some of the top gypsy guitarists in the world including Bireli Lagrene, Lulu Reinhardt and Stochelo Rosenberg, jazz guitarists Mundell Lowe and John Etheridge amongst others. In 2004, Guitar magazine referred to Jonny as '..the English virtuoso' .

Jason Henson – Guitar:
Dominating the jazz guitar scene in Brighton for over 10 years, during which time he has been hired by many of the country's finest musicians, including US legend Joe Lee Wilson and The Charlotte Glasson Group, as well as playing alongside jazz guitar greats Jim Mullen and Louis Stewart.

Dan Sheppard - Double Bass:
Dan has worked the jazz scene for 15 years, played with the great Jimmy Scott and his band The Jazz Expressions at Ronnie Scott's, jazz guitarist John Etheridge, tenor titan Bobby Wellins, former Oscar Peterson drummer Bobby Durham and former McCoy Tyner drummer George Johnson. Dan was recently nominated for a Parliamentary Jazz Award.

Get Rich or Die Swingin'

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Warren Wolf - Black Wolf

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:52
Size: 125,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:39)  1. From Day to Day
(5:27)  2. Maiden Voyage
(5:49)  3. The Wire
(6:09)  4. Chelsea Bridge
(7:17)  5. Bags' Groove
(9:36)  6. Who's Afraid of the Big Black
(6:56)  7. Speed Ball
(6:57)  8. Katrina

Warren Wolf is a multi-instrumentalist from Baltimore, MD. From the young age of three years old, Warren has been trained on the Vibraphone/Marimba, Drums, and Piano. Under the guidance of his father Warren Wolf Sr., Warren has a deep background in all genres of music. Beginning with classical music, Warren had studied classical composers from Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Paganini, Brahms, Vivaldi and Shostakovich. Warren also studied ragtime music learning music from the songbooks of Scott Joplin, Harry Brewer and Geroge Hamilton Green. In Jazz, Warren has studied artist and composers from Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Freddie Hubbard, Clifford Brown, Herbie Hancock, Oscar Peterson, Milt Jackson, Bobby Hutcherson, Cal Tjader, Return to Forever, Weather Report, Wynton Marsalis and many others.Warren attended the Peabody Prepatory for eight years studying classical music with former Baltimore Symphony Orchestra member Leo LePage. During his high school years at the Baltimore School for the Arts, Warren studied with current Baltimore Symphony Orchestra member John Locke. After graduating from Baltimore School for the Arts in June of 1997, Warren headed north and enrolled at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.During his time at Berklee, Warren studied with Carribean Jazz Vibraphonist Dave Samuels for seven of eight semesters.

One semester was spent with vibist Ed Saindon. During his time at Berklee, Warren began to explore deeper into jazz. Some musicians who've helped Warren reach his musical goal during his time at Berklee were musicians such as Jeremy Pelt, John Lamkin, Darren Barrett, Wayne Escoffery, Richard Johnson, Kendrick Scott, Walter Smith, Jason Palmer, Rashawn Ross and many others. Through those musicians Warren becamse an active performer around the Boston area, gigging frequently on the Vibraphone, Drums and Piano. One of the highlights of Warren's stay in Boston was co-leading a quintet with Boston-based trumpeter Jason Palmer at the historic jazz club Wallys Cafe. Warren was the house drummer at Wallys for two years, performing every Friday and Saturday. After graduating from Berklee in May of 2001, Warren became an active musician on the Boston local scene. Warren was hired in September of 2003 to become an instructor in the percussion department at Berklee College of Music. Warren taught private lessons on the Vibraphone and Drums, as well as teach a beginners keyboard class for entering freshman drumset majors. After two years of teaching at Berklee College of Music, Warren headed back to Baltimore to start his main goal of becoming a full time performing musician. Since leaving Berklee as a teacher, Warren has landed the piano duties performing in the Rachael Price Group. Recording and touring with Rachael, Warren has had the opportunity to tour throughout the entire Unites States of America. Warren is currently the drummer of choice for Alto Saxophonist Tia Fuller, who tours with internationally renowned pop star Beyonce Knowles. Warren is also a member of the Donal Fox Group which includes bassist John Lockwood and drummers Dafnis Preito and Terri Lyne Carrington. Also, Warren tour and perform with Bobby Watson's “Live and Learn” Sextet, Karriem Riggins “Virtuoso Experience” and Christian McBride & “Inside Straight”. With these three groups Warren has traveled the world. 

Warren has performed throughout the United States of America, South America, Canada, Italy, Spain, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Scotland, London, Greece, Singapore, Thailand, Jarkata, Bangkok, Tokyo, Paris, Moscow and many other countries. Warren has several recordings as a leader. Warren's first two records are on the M&I label which is based in Japan. The first record is titled “Incredible Jazz Vibes” which features Mulgrew Miller on Piano, Vicente Archer on Bass and Kendrick Scott on Drums. The second record is titled “Black Wolf”. That record features Mulgrew Miller on Piano, Rodney Whitaker on Bass and Jeff “Tain” Watts on Drums. Warren has a self produced CD which is titled “RAW”. That record features Darren Barrett on Trumpet, Walter Smith on Tenor Saxophone, Jason Palmer on Trumpet, Plume on Alto Saxophone, Kris Funn on Bass, Peter Slavov on Bass, Lawrence Fields on Piano/Fender Rhodes and Charles “Dogg” Haynes on Drums. On “RAW” Warren performs on both the Vibraphone and Drums. The fourth recording is titled Warren “Chano Pozo” Wolf. On this recording, Warren performs on the Vibraphone,Drums/Fender Rhodes and Piano. This recording features Tim Green on Alto Saxophone, Lawrence Fields on Piano/Fender Rhodes, John Lamkin on Drums, Dana Hawkins on Drums, Kris Funn on Bass, Louis Cato on Electric Bass, Delandria Mills on Flute, Tabreeca Woodside on Vocals and Integriti Reeves on Vocals. Warren has recently signed to the Mack Ave recording label. A future record will be released in the near future. ~ More Bio  http://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/warrenwolf

Personal: Warren Wolf – vibraphone; Mulgrew Miller – piano; Rodney Whitaker – bass; Jeff "Tain" Watts - drums

Black Wolf

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Charlie Haden & Jim Hall - Charlie Haden & Jim Hall

Styles: Chamber Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:03
Size: 175,4 MB
Art: Front

( 8:32)  1. Bemsha Swing
( 8:52)  2. First Song
( 9:32)  3. Turnaround
(11:14)  4. Body And Soul
(12:04)  5. Down From Antigua
( 9:22)  6. Skylark
( 9:19)  7. Big Blues
( 7:04)  8. In The Moment

This recorded, intimate document was recorded at Jazz Beat during the Montreal Jazz Festival in 1990 and sees its first official release on this Impulse! volume. Bassist Charlie Haden and guitarist Jim Hall played a number of duet concerts together over the years, but this was certainly among the very earliest. Given their respective careers up to this point, both men had nearly perfected the artistry of playing in this particular chamber jazz setting. That all said, it does not prepare the listener for the canny, intimate, yet absolutely electric interplay on offer here. From readings of standards such as "Bemsha Swing," "Body and Soul," and Skylark" through to Ornette Coleman's "Turnaround" and excellent originals by both men  including Haden's bookends, the tenderly dissonant "First Song" and the knotty "In the Moment," and Hall's sprightly melodic Latin waltz "Down from Antigua" and his fingerpopping "Big Man Blues"  this music is an adventure top to bottom. It unfolds gradually and cannily over 76 minutes. Ethan Iverson's liner essay is spirited, insightful, and illuminating to boot. This set is not only impossible to criticize, but adds an immeasurable depth to the catalogs of both artists. ~ Thom Jurek  http://www.allmusic.com/album/charlie-haden-jim-hall-mw0002726784

Charlie Haden & Jim Hall

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Marlene VerPlanck - A Warmer Place

Size: 146,0 MB
Time: 62:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1999
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Cabaret
Art: Front

01. In The Still Of The Night (2:13)
02. Then I'd Be Tired Of You (2:53)
03. They Can't Take That Away From Me (2:38)
04. My Heart Stood Still (2:58)
05. Not A Moment Too Soon (2:13)
06. For You, For Me, For Evermore (4:55)
07. You Know What (1:50)
08. When He Makes Magic (4:09)
09. Petite Suite (2:44)
10. Oh, You Crazy Moon (3:00)
11. Medley Day By Day Day By Day (2:28)
12. I Used To Be Color Blind (4:08)
13. Sing (2:49)
14. Old Devil Moon (3:14)
15. Two For The Road (2:56)
16. I've Got You To Lean On (2:41)
17. The Touch Of Your Lips (2:52)
18. Looking For A Boy (3:27)
19. Isn't This A Lovely Day (3:10)
20. I Walk With Music (1:40)
21. South To A Warmer Place (2:57)

Marlene Ver Planck paid tribute to the great American songbook. Ver Planck, who grew up in Newark, NJ, listening to Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald on WNEW radio, collaborated throughout her long career with her husband, arranger, composer, and conductor Billy Ver Planck. Her 2000 CD, My Impetuous Heart (DRG), her 17th album, reunited her with some old friends, including jazz pianist Hank Jones and special guests jazz pianists George Shearing and Marian McPartland and guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli. Ver Planck's career was a long string of success stories, which showcased her as a versatile singer with a gorgeous, pliable voice that knew how to tell a story.

She started singing at age 19. Her career stretched back to the '50s when she worked with Tex Beneke and Charlie Spivak. Her first big break came in 1955 when she teamed up with pianist Hank Jones, flutist Herbie Mann, trumpeter Joe Wilder, bassist Wendell Marshall, and drummer Kenny Clarke on I Think of You with Every Breath I Take on Savoy Records. She met her husband while performing with Charlie Spivak's band, then both moved over to the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. Tommy Dorsey died in 1956, so the Ver Plancks decided to stay in New York City to pursue studio work with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Tony Bennett, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Blood Sweat and Tears, and Kiss. Millions of people outside the jazz world first heard Ver Planck's voice, though, doing jingles in the '60s : "Weekends were made for Michelob/Yeah!" and "Winston tastes good like a cigarette should!" and "Mmm good/mm-mm good/that's what Campbell's Soups are/mm mm good." After thousands of commercial jingles and hours and hours of studio session work in New York, the Ver Plancks decided to settle down in their house in Clifton, NJ, and began performing and recording together.

Their first recording together was A Breath of Fresh Air, arranged, produced, and conducted by Billy Ver Planck in 1968. In 1976, Marlene Ver Planck hooked up with North Carolina-based composer/pianist Loonis McGlohon, who hired her to do two installments of a radio show he co-hosted called Alec Wilder's American Popular Song. Afterwards, she recorded Marlene Ver Planck Sings Alec Wilder, and later, after Wilder's death, she appeared on the radio show The American Popular Singers, co-hosted by McGlohon and opera singer Eileen Farrell. Ver Planck performed at Carnegie Hall, Michael's Pub, and the Rainbow Room in New York City. She appeared on Entertainment Tonight, The Today Show, and CBS's Sunday Morning. In The Digital Mood, featuring Ver Planck, Mel Torme, and Julius La Rosa with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, became the first big band CD to go gold in the '90s. Ver Planck planned to record again in late 2001 in tribute to her love for the music of Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and Cole Porter. ~Biography by Robert Hicks

A Warmer Place

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Greg Abate Quartet - Motif (Feat. John Lockwood, Mark Walker & Tim Ray)

Size: 166,5 MB
Time: 71:33
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Contemporary Jazz
Art: Front

01. Motif (4:49)
02. Buddy's Rendezvous (8:11)
03. Snowfall (7:10)
04. Mrs. T (7:00)
05. Bittersweet (9:15)
06. Flashback (6:37)
07. Steppin' Out (4:38)
08. Morning Of The Leaves (6:15)
09. Conflict (5:37)
10. Swingin' At The Cookie (6:05)
11. Bop'n Bob Don't Stop (5:52)

Motif might be the title of Greg Abate’s new album, but it could just as easily, and perhaps more appropriately be called Conversations for the way it feels. Each song breezes beautifully by, with Abate’s organic spume of notes, cascading effortlessly the way wind pushes over a field of wheat. Abate is masterful in the way he handles a variety of themes (or topics) and the disc is persistent and interesting, the way an adept communicator can be when making great conversation.

Abate, a master on the alto saxophone, has been doing this a long time, and his experience lifts up the songs on Motif, shines a light on them, and makes the record a joy to listen to. It doesn’t hurt that he’s surrounded himself with an impeccable cadre of musicians: drummer Mark Walker, inimitable bassist John Lockwood, and pianist Tim Ray. Together, they encircle Abate with a cushiony, luxurious musical bumper, keeping Abate on track with his blowing yet also allowing him the space for full expression. Abate certainly takes advantage. Fans of the sax, and alto in particular, will revel in his tone and note choices, as he explores the full range of the instrument.

He plays with immense personality and always has. Going back to his earliest days as a professional—in the Ray Charles Orchestra (where he, if you recall, replaced the one of a kind, David “Fathead” Newman) and the Artie Shaw band, led at the time by clarinetist Dick Johnson. Since then, he has been at it on and off, mostly on, and his dexterity stands out on Motif.

The record opens with the zesty title track, a re-harmonization of the standard “All the Things You Are.” It moves smoothly into the slower, and slightly bluesy “Buddy’s Rendezvous,” an elegy to Abate’s late friend Buddy Hawkins. That, in turn segues into “Snowfall,” a peaceful evocation of the title matter, that is brisk and light, even while Abate’s minor key composition and solid alto paint a beautiful picture of what it might have been like on the inside looking out. “Bittersweet,” the track that follows, is deep and personal, with a bossa nova underpinning and, according to Abate, “several different key centers.”

It’s easy to continue in this vein, but we won’t. The songs are easy to hear and artfully executed. Like an exhilarating talk between friends, it is beautifully paced and wonderfully articulated.

On Motif, Greg Abate presents prima facie evidence proving he belongs near the top of the list when the subject is today’s top sax players. Abate reminds us, as the notes tumble generously out of his horn, that he deserves every jazz fan’s unwavering attention.

Motif

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Alonzo Louis Plough - Whisper Not

Size: 105,2 MB
Time: 44:44
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Lovely Day (5:30)
02. Blue And Green (3:02)
03. Lush Life (5:21)
04. Don't Get Around Much Anymore (2:31)
05. Almost Like Being In Love (2:35)
06. All The Things You Are (4:02)
07. Upstairs By A Chinese Lamp (3:13)
08. Waters Of March (4:24)
09. Edith And The Kingpin (5:03)
10. My One And Only Love (5:07)
11. Whisper Not (3:49)

Alonzo Louis Plough is a vocalist with great style, interpretive insights and nuanced performance. Audiences across the county respond enthusiastically to the artistry and emotional depth of his approach to jazz singing and his ability to convey the musical sentiments of song writers that range from Miles Davis, BIll Withers, Antionio Carlos Jobim and Duke Ellington to Laura Nyro and Joni Mitchell. This is music that is soulful, engaging and sets just the right mood for a relaxing evening at home.

Whisper Not

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Kuh Ledesma - Memories

Size: 121,8 MB
Time: 52:13
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Pop
Art: Front

01. I Think I'm In Love (3:22)
02. One More Try (3:56)
03. So It's You (3:30)
04. Special Memory (3:15)
05. Huwag Kang Mangako (3:23)
06. How Did You Know (4:18)
07. Hello (4:19)
08. I Think I'm In Love (Instrumental) (3:22)
09. One More Try (Instrumental) (3:57)
10. So It's You (Instrumental) (3:29)
11. Special Memory (Instrumental) (3:18)
12. Huwag Kang Mangako (Instrumental) (3:19)
13. How Did You Know (Instrumental) (4:18)
14. Hello (Instrumental) (4:20)

Like Whitney Houston and Barbra Streisand, Kuh Ledesma started out as a singer and made a successful transition into films. She has been going strong in the Philippines for almost two decades and has a string of hit records to show for it, more than a dozen of which hit platinum and gold status. She also hosted the Akuhstic Café talk show in her homeland and appeared in a number of films, including her mid-'80s role as Tiger Lili in The Year of Living Dangerously with Signourney Weaver and Mel Gibson. The movie helped broaden her fan base and before the decade was over, she sang at London's Royal Albert Hall and also picked up a Salem Music Award. Her debut in the U.S. market, Precious, was released by Gold Koast Records in 1997 and was aimed at lovers of R&B and jazz. The album includes numbers penned by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald.

Unlike many singers, Ledesma never had youthful dreams of becoming a star vocalist. She set out to become a nurse, but when schoolmates invited her to become a member of their band, her musical abilities began to attract notice. Soon she was singing a number of solos, and before the year was out she joined another group. Half a year later, she established Music & Magic, her own band. It didn't take long for Ledesma and her companions to snag a record deal. Her popularity took off in a big way, and soon the band was being billed as Kuh Ledesma & the Music & Magic Show. During this period, the vocalist also stepped away from the confines of the band to perform separately, often as a guest artist.

When Ledesma finally struck out on her own, a concert dubbed Ako an Pilipino (I am Filipino) struck a real chord with fans. The event marked the first concert that was entirely Filipino and spawned a successful double album of Filipino-penned songs. Ledesma followed up with another concert titled Inspired Madness. She acted as producer for these concept events and those that followed, which were televised in her native land as specials. A deal followed that made her the Lux Soap spokesperson in Thailand, Indonesia, and her homeland. She went on to perform in the U.S. The singer relocated to Los Angeles in 1990. She has recorded and performed with a number of artists, among them Jack Jackson and Noel Pointer. ~Biography by Linda Seida

Memories

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Danielia Cotton - The Real Book

Size: 105,1 MB
Time: 45:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Rock, Adult Alternative
Art: Front

01. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (Feat. Rachael Yamagata) (4:01)
02. Gorilla (4:02)
03. Gimme Shelter (Feat. Amy Helm) (4:07)
04. They Won't Go When I Go (4:35)
05. The Daily Mail (Feat. Tracy Bonham) (3:23)
06. Hope She'll Be Happier (4:33)
07. Respect Yourself (Feat. Tracy Bonham) (3:34)
08. Can't Find My Way Home (3:15)
09. Throw It Away (4:20)
10. Sideways (4:20)
11. Bridge Over Troubled Water (4:50)

Danielia Cotton has not had it easy.

But lucky for us, she channels her pain and suffering into kick-ass musical creations we can all enjoy.

Case in point, her new album, The Real Book, brought to you here exclusively in its entirety.

The album, which features guest appearances by Rachael Yamagata, Amy Helm (daughter of Levon Helm) and the Broadway Inspirational Voices choir, features 12 covers, including material by Citizen Cope, Bruno Mars and the Rolling Stones, that Danielia recorded as a coping mechanism to help her get though a rough patch in life — a diagnosis of thyroid cancer and a difficult divorce.

“My life was in a state of turmoil,” she says, “so I gravitated toward songs I knew would help me cope with the challenges I was experiencing.”

Cotton somehow manages to make each of these diverse songs her own. From the rumbling, rollicking, smokey “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” to the driving, guitar-laden “Gorilla” and the soulful choral rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” she delivers each of these selections with a grit that evinces her emotional involvement in each one.

Cotton shares, “I have wanted to do a covers album for quite a while. The producer, Kevin Salem, and I handpicked each and every song. I truly hope people will embrace our versions of some great classics.”

Cotton prowess as a well-rounded musician is clear here. As is her taste in excellent music; she has the potential to breathe some classics new life for a next-generation listener. And while she’s a respectable guitarist, it’s her flexibility as a vocalist that shines here. Smokey, ballsy, sultry ... she can deliver it all.

Overall, Cotton’s The Real Book is just a great listen for that chilly day with a whiskey-tinged cup of strong coffee. She’ll warm you right up.

Produced by Kevin Salem (Mercury Rev, Bad Brains, Lenka, Lisa Loeb), the album also features drummer John Clancy, keyboardist Rob Clores, bassist Winston Roye and guitarists Jack Petruzelli and Matt Beck. ~by Laura B. Whitmore

The Real Book

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