Nora McCarthy & Joshua Wolff - A Time For Love

Size: 158,7 MB
Time: 68:29
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. A Time For Love (9:11)
02. Better Than Anything (6:26)
03. Small Day Tomorrow (6:31)
04. I Like You You're Nice (4:05)
05. Love Came On Stealthy Fingers (7:23)
06. It Isn't So Good It Couldn't Get Better (2:56)
07. Blue Gardenia (5:04)
08. I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry (7:23)
09. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most (7:30)
10. You Are There (7:00)
11. Lucky To Be Me (4:54)

A Time For Love, is comprised of music written by some of the most beloved contemporary composers and lyricists of Great American Music namely: Johnny Mandel, Tommy Wolf, Fran Landesman, Jules Styne, Sammy Cahn, Dave Frishberg, Leonard Bernstein, Bill Loughborough, David Wheat, Bob Russell, and Blossom Dearie. With timeless pieces such as, “A Time For Love,” “Small Day Tomorrow,” “Blue Gardenia,” “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most,” “You Are There ” and, “I Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry,” among others, the musical chemistry between McCarthy and Wolff is palpable and their near telepathic, spontaneous, and compelling performance is unforgettable.

The music on this CD was captured on May 28, 2010, at the internationally acclaimed jazz cabaret, The Metropolitan Room, NYC. It was a magical night of remembering, honoring, sharing , friendship, and love.

Nora McCarthy has thus far had a very productive and significant musical career. Recently listed in the "Best Jazz of 2012 for Female Singer and Top Vocal Jazz Album" categories by Arnoldo DeSouteiro, Journalist, Founder and CEO of JSR (Jazz Station Records), for her CD, In the Language of Dreams, she is known as a brilliant improviser. A poet and a songwriter in addition to being a highly original singer, she is an important force in the advanced New York jazz vocal scene since 1996 when she recorded her first of thus far six CD’s, red&blue. Nora's burnished alto voice is rich, subtle and laced with varying degrees of earthy blues and soulful phrasings that are rooted in the Jazz tradition.

From Seattle, Washington, Joshua Wolff was known for being a strong soloist and sensitive accompanist. His performances took him all over the United States and to Europe including several tours to Japan with legendary jazz singers Mark Murphy and Sheila Jordan. One of the first gigs Wolff performed in NYC was with the beautiful, talented singer Nora McCarthy on December 31, 1998. Wolff recalled “It was love at first sight and sound . . . I knew right away that she had something magical about her. It was more than her sense of intonation and time; she simply understood the music and was able to share it in a very personal way. This is a very rare quality in any musician. I knew at that moment, that this was the beginning of a very wonderful musical relationship.”

"....Joshua Wolff was more than a competent accompanist; he was a unique voice, an artist of the highest caliber, a musical architect who had incredible ears, a wonderfully percussive technique—excellent sense of timing, and tremendous emotional capacity. The journey we embarked upon this night was unpredictable and it would also be one of our last together. I will forever treasure the music and memory of this evening. This night we were not just a singer with piano accompaniment, No, we were two artists playing together, making music, telling our story, dancing our dance together, and on this night our music became immortal; Joshua Wolff passed away, May 19, 2013 of pancreatic cancer...." Nora McCarthy

This CD reminds that life is about embracing every moment, living to the fullest, squeezing every drop of delicious juice from it, taking chances, having no regrets, surrendering your all, touching hearts and leaving your mark with dignity and love.

A Time For Love

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Ferenc Nemeth & Attila Laszlo - Bridges Of Souls (Feat. Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante)

Size: 140,7 MB
Time: 60:17
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Contemporary Jazz
Label: Dreamers Collective Records
Art: Front

01. Bridge Of Souls (6:19)
02. Downhill (6:26)
03. The Untouchable Number (4:44)
04. It's Already That (6:23)
05. Sounds Of My Heart (5:37)
06. Dance (4:46)
07. Alone (Feat. Charlie Horvath) (4:50)
08. Magic City (6:40)
09. Little Heart (Feat. Lara Bello) (4:44)
10. Creep (6:06)
11. Missing You (3:36)

With a propensity for chord dynamics and ingenuity, Bridges of Souls features the versatility of drummer Ferenc Nemeth and guitarist Attila László. The pair's compositions establish a rhythm which keeps the music moving in a state of flux. Joining Nemeth and László are pianist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip, both longtime members of the Yellowjackets.

Atmospheric and melodically pleasing, the title track is finely finessed, introducing audiences to the duo's terms of synchronicity as they create flowing phrases which build effortlessly, moving along a lithesome rhythm. "Downhill" is clad with bopping grooves and chord dynamics penned in the language of jazz improvisation as the reggae beats of "Alone" buffer the raw, gravelly vocals of Hungarian singer Charlie Horvath.

The nimble movements of Ferrante's keys in "Magic City" quilt a pattern of trickling notes as László's guitar chords loop around the sparkling droplets. Ferrante's cruising keys sustain a contemplative feel in "Little Heart" as the soft vocals of Spanish singer Lara Bello weld a reflective vibe making for a bluesy pop fusion. The duo's performance of Radiohead's pop hit "Creep" takes liberties by infusing a bluesy funk texture into the melody, and switches to a relaxing meditative mood in "Missing You," which is kindled by soft sonic glimmers and ethereal-sounding chords.

Ferenc Nemeth and Attila László expand the breadth of jazz fusion, blending pop music with shades of blues, funk, and improvisation. Bridges of Souls is a product of Nemeth's and László's personalities, asserting their proclivity for honing chord dynamics and ingenuity. Their music embraces the principles of jazz, creating compositions that have a sparse script and depend on the musicians' ingenuity to fill in spaces. ~By Susan Francesny

Musicians:
Ferenc Nemeth - drums, Attila László - guitar, Russell Ferrante - piano and keyboards, Jimmy Haslip - bass, Charlie Horvath - vocals on "Alone," Lara Bello on "Little Heart"

Bridges Of Souls

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Jeff Wyatt - My Christmas Guitar

Size: 86,0 MB
Time: 36:41
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Contemporary Blues, Vocals, Holiday
Label: Cardboard Alley Music
Art: Front

01. Go Tell It On The Mountain (Instrumental) (4:04)
02. What Child Is This (3:34)
03. The First Noel (4:42)
04. Christmas Guitar Medley: Good King Wenceslas/Joy To The World/Jingle Bells/Silent Night (4:57)
05. Oh Holy Night (5:55)
06. Oh Christmas Tree (3:13)
07. Silent Night (4:18)
08. Auld Lang Syne (1:50)
09. Go Tell It On The Mountain (4:04)

My Christmas Guitar, Jeff’s November 2014 release, is a contemporary approach to traditional Christmas favorites, with an obvious emphasis on guitar as the featured instrument. Electric and acoustic, finger-style and slide; the guitar playing styles vary, but the BLUES influence is evident?

“My work has been described to me as an interesting mix of styles resembling that of artists like Ry Cooder, David Wilcox, Mark Knopfler, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, Gordon Lightfoot, Jeff Beck and others. Well,...I'm truly humbled at the mere thought of any such remote comparisons to these musical giants. Personally I just think I sound like me,... whatever that is,... however, all those personalities have certainly influenced my playing and writing.”

Jeff, originally from the Saskatchewan prairies (where he performed with the popular 70's prairie band EDEN), has been involved with the Canadian west coast music scene (writing, recording and performing live) since 1991, prior to his 24 year involvement with the Canadian prairie music scene.

My Christmas Guitar

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Harry Allen - For George, Cole And Duke

Size: 163,7 MB
Time: 70:04
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Mainstream Jazz
Art: Front

01. Always True To You In My Fashion (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (4:33)
02. In A Mellow Tone (Feat. Chuck Redd, Ehud Asherie & Nicki Parrott) (5:06)
03. Happy Reunion (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (4:40)
04. Silk Stockings (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (7:12)
05. Purple Gazelle (Angelica) [Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott, Chuck Redd & Little Johnny Rivero] (4:24)
06. How Long Has This Been Going On (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (6:30)
07. I Love You Samantha (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (6:07)
08. Shall We Dance (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (5:18)
09. By Strauss (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (4:58)
10. Love For Sale (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott, Chuck Redd & Little Johnny Rivero) (6:01)
11. They All Laughed (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (5:51)
12. Who Cares (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott & Chuck Redd) (6:08)
13. Mood Indigo (Feat. Ehud Asherie, Nicki Parrott, Chuck Redd & Little Johnny Rivero) (3:11)

Mainstream jazz at it's very finest with tenor saxophonist Harry Allen and drummer/vibraphonist Chuck Redd, pianist Ehud Asherie and bassist/vocalist Nicki Parrott with a touch of Latin fire on three tracks from "Little Johnny" Rivero.

Blue Heron Records LLC is proud to have produced, through the generous, unconditional support of many friends, this very first in a series of high quality recordings of America’s musical treaure, jazz. It is our intent to create and leave the planet a legacy, representative of the finest examples of jazz music available.

The guiding principle behind this endeavor is “Artistic Integrity First,” our label’s theme. When this concept is extended to the artists at a recording session, the music they make becomes magic! Such was the case in New York, March of 2014. The chemistry was absolutely incredible among players, engineer, artistic cordinator, and producers. The sessions were amazing. You will undoubtedly hear and feel the positive energy in this recording.

For George, Cole And Duke

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Joe Henderson - Lush Life: The Music Of Billy Strayhorn

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 61:48
Size: 141.5 MB
Styles: Post bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1992/2012
Art: Front

[5:58] 1. Isfahan
[6:30] 2. Johnny Come Lately
[7:19] 3. Blood Count
[5:49] 4. Rain Check
[4:31] 5. Lotus Blossom
[6:57] 6. A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing
[7:12] 7. Take The A Train
[7:33] 8. Drawing Room Blues
[4:59] 9. U.M.M.G. (Upper Manhattan Medical Group)
[4:56] 10. Lush Life

With the release of this CD, the executives at Verve and their marketing staff proved that yes, indeed, jazz can sell. The veteran tenor Joe Henderson has had a distinctive sound and style of his own ever since he first entered the jazz major leagues yet he has spent long periods in relative obscurity before reaching his current status as a jazz superstar. As for the music on his "comeback" disc, it does deserve all of the hype. Henderson performs ten of Billy Strayhorn's most enduring compositions in a variety of settings ranging from a full quintet with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and duets with pianist Stephen Scott, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson to an unaccompanied solo exploration of "Lush Life." This memorable outing succeeded both artistically and commercially and is highly recommended. ~Scott Yanow

Lush Life: The Music Of Billy Strayhorn

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New York Voices - Let It Snow

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 50:26
Size: 115.5 MB
Styles: Holiday
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[3:29] 1. Let It Snow
[4:58] 2. Christmas Time
[4:43] 3. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
[1:35] 4. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
[3:21] 5. We Three Kings
[2:29] 6. Holiday For Strings
[2:34] 7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
[2:59] 8. Sleepers, Wake!
[5:21] 9. O Come, All Ye Faithful
[5:45] 10. The Merry Medley (Man With The Bag, I'd Like You For Christmas, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town)
[6:38] 11. I Wonder As I Wander
[4:26] 12. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
[2:01] 13. Silent Night

New York Voices has fashioned a Christmas album that honors beloved traditional and sacred classics as well as secular favorites, while incorporating sophisticated jazz and swing elements. This highly anticipated recording features the highly acclaimed vocal quartet in a cappella, swinging big band, and lush studio orchestra settings, making this a must have for the holidays!

Peter Eldridge – Vocals; Lauren Kinhan – Vocals; Darmon Meader – Vocals, Soprano Sax; Kim Nazarian – Vocals.

Let It Snow

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Caribbean Jazz Project - Mosaic

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 58:30
Size: 133.9 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[6:59] 1. Nardis
[4:59] 2. St. Ogredol
[7:51] 3. Portraits Of Cuba
[5:40] 4. Afro Green
[8:47] 5. Wazo Dayzeel
[4:42] 6. Slow Dance
[4:38] 7. Spinnaker
[6:53] 8. Mambo De Luna (Para Cachao)
[7:58] 9. Dusk

Mosaic is the first studio album since 2003 by the Carribean Jazz Project, led by vibes/marimba specialist Dave Samuels. Drawing on a variety of Afro-Cuban, Venezuelan, Peruvian, Jamaican and other North American rhythms, this release features three different bands. On four tracks, Samuels leads a quintet with keyboardist Alain Mallet, bassist Boris Kozlov, drummer Dafnis Prieto and percussionist Roberto Quintero. Two other tracks feature violinist Christian Howes, and the remaining three selections find Samuels reunited with former CJP co-founders reedman Paquito D'Rivera and steel pan player Andy Narell.

Best known for his lengthy tenure with Spyro Gyra, Samuels' resume also lists stints with Gerry Mulligan and Frank Zappa. His mallet work, a key element in Spyro Gyra's sound, added a "tropical" feel and made the group's music more accessible in many ways. Jazz critics singled him out for praise, suggesting that if he were liberated from Spyro Gyra's somewhat formulaic "smooth jazz" recipe, something more creative might be forthcoming. However, after leaving the group, his solo recordings tended to be disappointing commercial offerings that fell into the soothing and vacuous world of airplay jazz—easy-listening, predictable music with light funk rhythms that are upbeat but instantly forgettable.

Samuels has an original voice on vibes—not an easy thing to accomplish—and he leaves his stamp on any project with which he's involved. This certainly applies to the CJP, which is, for all practical purposes, the Dave Samuels Project. This album's subtitle ("featuring Dave Samuels") is an understatement: he not only led the session, he produced the recording. Always a prolific songwriter, he penned four of the tunes on Mosaic, and the overall sound evokes the best and worst of Spyro Gyra: the brilliant musicianship and the highly polished—over-refined to some ears—production. Samuels seems aware of a general perception of his music as often more pleasant than challenging. Discussing his decision to record a live album (Here and Now, 2005), he noted that ..." in the studio is where you can get this kind of veneer/urethane coating ... that sometimes can disguise the intent and intensity of the music." Some critics viewed the CJP as a slightly threadworn outfit in need of new blood, and another Samuels comment suggests he knew it, too. "I realized that as the personnel started to change... things were re-invigorated," he said in a 2005 interview. "There was a rebirth of sorts...."

With Mosaic, however, Samuels and the CJP are back in the studio, and the urethane coating is all too evident. Indeed, the album's glossy sheen can make it difficult, for purists at least, to appreciate its good points. Certainly, there is no faulting the musicianship. Mallet, in particular, contributes strong solos, and Prieto adds an infusion of energy throughout. The arrangements are strong, notably a sophisticated reinterpretation of Miles Davis' "Nardis." But for better or worse (depending on one's taste), all the rough edges are smoothed and buffed, and despite the band's name and its tropical ambience, listeners looking for some real heat will probably be a bit disappointed. ~Victor Verney

Dave Samuels: vibraphone, marimba; Alain Mallet: piano, organ (1, 2, 4, 6-8); Boris Kozlov: acoustic bass (1,2,4,6-8); Dafnis Prieto: drums (1, 2, 4, 6-8); Roberto Quintero: percussion (1, 2, 4, 6-8); Christian Howes: violin (6, 7); Andy Narell: steel pans (3, 5, 9); Paquito D'Rivera: alto sax, clarinet (3, 5, 9); Alon Yavnai: piano (3, 5, 9); Oscar Stagnaro: electric bass (3, 5, 9); Mark Walker: drums (3, 5, 9); Pernell Saturnino: percussion (3, 5, 9).

Mosaic

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John Paiva - Cut The Sheet

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 34:08
Size: 78.2 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[3:06] 1. One At A Time
[3:19] 2. B Kuz Ov U
[2:23] 3. My September Song
[3:20] 4. A Cool One
[3:32] 5. November
[2:59] 6. Looper
[2:21] 7. Cut The Sheet
[2:32] 8. Anything Funky For You
[3:56] 9. Before I Start To Cry
[2:09] 10. Expert
[2:57] 11. Phant
[1:28] 12. Not This Time

Born in Bristol, Rhode Island. Learned first chords at 14 on guitar from his father. Turned professional musician at 21 after military service. Worked the Boston music scene till 1970 playing with The Platters, Freddy Cannon, Bobby Rydel and Bostons "Everett and the Screamers (Skeemers)"... Joined hit group The Happenings, (Mammy, I Got Rhythm, See You In September), 1973 joined Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. John earned two platinum and three gold records. Moved to Germany in 1980 after touring Europe with Fats Domino. Has worked successfully in Europe since then with various artists and in the studio.

Cut The Sheet

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Bill Easley - Love Stories

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:03
Size: 142,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:41)  1. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(4:10)  2. Hey There
(5:27)  3. Love With a Proper Stranger
(5:47)  4. You Go To My Head
(4:29)  5. The End of a Love Affair
(4:13)  6. Almost Like Being In Love
(4:24)  7. My Foolish Heart
(5:23)  8. Where Do I Begin (Theme From Love Story)
(4:36)  9. Don't You Know That I Care
(4:41) 10. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
(4:05) 11. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You
(5:18) 12. Falling In Love With Love
(3:45) 13. I'll Take Romance

Though the word “virtuoso” is almost as overused as “genius” when applied to musicians, Bill Easley’s abilities on multiple saxophones and clarinets, in styles extending from swing and hard bop to R&B and pop, have proven that designation accurate. But on his sixth session as a leader, Easley opts for a more conventional, thematically conservative menu, a 13-track date of show tunes and romantic standards. He also limits himself to tenor sax, and is the key soloist in a group that includes pianist Tommy James, bassist Hassan Shakur, drummer Willie Martinez and percussionist Chembo Corniel. Easley’s command and tone are impressive, his interpretations engaging. He’ll take chances on occasion, transforming “Where Do I Begin (Theme From Love Story)” into a more urgent, energetic romp. He’s appropriately tender on such numbers as “Falling in Love With Love” and “Hey There,” but provides soul and passion during his treatments of “Don’t You Know That I Care” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” 

James proves a fine second soloist and accompanist, while Shakur’s bass is expertly recorded, bringing a deep, rich bottom presence to every arrangement. The decision to include a drummer and percussionist was also a smart one. The secondary textures that Corniel’s congas add to Martinez’s primary beats give Easley valuable additional support, and he operates nicely atop their foundations. ~ Ron Wynn  http://jazztimes.com/articles/27354-love-stories-bill-easley

Personnel: Bill Easley (tenor saxophone); Tommy James (piano); Willie Martinez (drums); Chembo Corniel (congas, percussion).

Love Stories

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Alex Pangman With Bucky Pizzarelli - Have A Little Fun

Styles: Vocal And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:13
Size: 109,8 MB
Scans:

(2:17)  1. Some Of These Days
(2:23)  2. Are You Having Any Fun
(4:15)  3. The Fog Song
(3:36)  4. The Panic Is On
(3:01)  5. I’m Confessin’ That I Love You
(3:51)  6. If Felt So Good To Be So Bad
(3:07)  7. Just One More Chance
(4:11)  8. Shanghai Lil
(4:26)  9. Out Of Nowhere
(3:55) 10. Stardust
(3:24) 11. Melancholy Lullaby
(3:22) 12. Topsy Turvy
(2:48) 13. Undecided
(0:30) 14. Intro Some Of These Days

For years Alex Pangman has, alongside her slick Alleycats, been indulging her predilection for tunes that predate the 36-year-old Canadian chanteuse by at least four decades. But unlike the vast majority of contemporary vocalists whose approach to such material sounds patently artificial, Pangman is startlingly authentic in her interpretations. In other words, she’s not a poseur but a peer to Ruth Etting or the great Connee Boswell, with whom she shares an intense stylistic kinship. Two years ago, Pangman, fresh from double lung transplant surgery, shaped the sterling 33, focusing on standards that gained their first flush of popularity in 1933. 

For two-thirds of the tracks on Have a Little Fun she strays slightly from that date, inching back to 1926 for the Sophie Tucker showstopper “Some of These Days” and as far forward as 1939 for “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?” Joining her band is 87-year-old Bucky Pizzarelli, who can claim more immediate familiarity with the vintage playlist yet performs with more vigor than most guitarists a third his age. Terrific as it is to hear them tiptoe through “I’m Confessin’,” slink through “Shanghai Lil” or cut loose on Fats Waller’s fevered “The Panic Is On,” the biggest delight is in discovering Pangman’s eerie ability to write new songs that seem genuinely sepia-tinted. The four included here are top-flight compositions, particularly her dreamily contemplative “The Fog Song” and sly, saucy “It Feels So Good to Be So Bad.” ~ Christopher Loudon  http://jazztimes.com/articles/87242-have-a-little-fun-alex-pangman-bucky-pizzarelli

Personnel: Alex Pangman: vocals; Bucky Pizzarelli: guitar (1,2,5,7,9,10,11); Drew Jurecka: violin (1,2,5,7,9,10,11); Brigham Phillips: trumpet (4,6,8,12,13); Ross Woodbridge: clarinet and tenor sax (4,6,8,12,13); Laurie Bower: trombone (3); Peter Hill: piano (3,4,6,8,12,13); Jesse Barksdale: guitar (3,4,6,12,13); Chris Banks: bass (3,4,6,8,12,13); Glen Anderson: drums (3,4); Michael Herring: bass (1,2,5,7,9,10,11); Chris Lamont: drums (6,8,12,13).

Have A Little Fun

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David Leonhardt - Jazz For Dancers

Styles: Straight ahead Jazz, Mainstream Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:45
Size: 121,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:12)  1. Blues In The Night
(3:28)  2. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(3:27)  3. Jammin' Slow Blues
(3:33)  4. Somewhere Over The Rainbow
(5:00)  5. Strike Up The Band
(5:15)  6. Cheek To Cheek
(3:58)  7. When I Fall In Love
(3:31)  8. That's All
(3:30)  9. Fly Me To The Moon
(3:35) 10. Georgia On My Mind
(4:30) 11. In A Mellow Tone
(4:22) 12. Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars
(4:18) 13. Late Night Blues

If there is one word to describe the musical qualities of David Leonhardt, besides being talented, it's multicolored. This man is adept at all ways of presenting jazz music, running from small combo presentations of his own interesting compositions to Music Minus One-like training sessions for tap dancers, with the taps to be provided instead of an instrument. On this 2000 release, Leonhardt and his trio turn their attention to what they believe to be one of the original purposes of jazz music, dancing. Certainly that was true during the dark days of the Depression when people on the down and out could go to cheap halls and dance their woes away either in marathon dance contests or just for the fun of it. 

The music is designed to lure people to the dancefloor for three to five minutes of music that encourages tripping to the light fantastic in a civilized manner. There are tunes for slow, body-to-body dancing, such as "Cheek to Cheek," others calling for a little more individual expression such as a dancehall version of "Blues in the Night," as well as opportunities to show off Latin dancing skills with "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars." All of this fine music is provided by the trio in a relaxed, elegant, non-threatening manner with Leonhardt getting solid support from Bruce Cox on drums and Lee Hudson on bass. One does not to be a Fred Astaire or a Michael Jackson to get up and weave to these lovely classic standards flawlessly performed. If one doesn't have the wherewithal to purchase a lot of albums, but is interested in hearing as many of the different types of jazz as possible, turning to Leonhardt's comprehensive discography is a reasonable option. ~ Dave Nathan  http://www.allmusic.com/album/jazz-for-dancers-mw0000018769

Jazz For Dancers

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Betty Bryant - Iteration +

Size: 167,9 MB
Time: 72:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz/Blues Vocals
Art: Front

01. Black Coffee (4:50)
02. Where Did Tomorrow Go (4:02)
03. Scratch (2:49)
04. St. Louis Blues (6:56)
05. When Did You Leave Heaven (4:05)
06. No Regrets (5:20)
07. The Very Thought Of You (4:32)
08. The Breeze And I (4:29)
09. Soon It's Gonna Rain (4:10)
10. Let Me Love You (4:11)
11. You're My Thrill (3:20)
12. Keep Him Away From Me (4:15)
13. I'm Just A Lucky So And So (4:04)
14. Come And Laugh With Me (2:33)
15. Grease In My Gravy (5:13)
16. Until The Real Thing Comes Along (4:12)
17. It's Hard To Say Goodbye (3:08)

Born in Kansas City, Betty Bryant began playing the piano when she was four. After graduating from college in the early 1950s, she began playing and singing jazz and standards professionally in Topeka and Kansas City. She has been a fixture in Los Angeles clubs since she moved out here in 1955 and is still playing regularly.

Iteration + consists of 14 songs drawn from her previous recordings Come Laugh With Me, What’s The Point, No Regrets and Together plus three recently recorded selections. Ms. Bryant is joined by bassist Tomas Gargano, several different drummers (including Kenny Elliot and James Gadson) and, on some of the tunes, Robert Kyle (who produced this reissue) on tenor or soprano.

The music is a consistent delight.

Whether sounding bluesy, joyful, sassy or all three, Betty Bryant is heard throughout at the top of her form. She makes such songs as “Black Coffee” “St. Louis Blues,” “When Did .You Leave Heaven,’ “You’re My Thrill”. and “Until The Real Thing’ Comes Alorig” sound fresh and lively. In ,addition to the well-known songs, she also performs such obscurities as “Scratch,” “Keep Him Away From Me,” and “Grease In My Gravy” plus her “Where Did Tomorrow Go,” “Come And Laugh With Me” and “It’s Hard To Say Goodbye.” Everything works well.

Iteration + serves as a perfect introduction to Betty Bryant’s music; which is always swinging, soulful and. quite enjoyable. Be sure to see the ageless and legendary Betty Bryant when she appears in local clubs. ~Scott Yanow

Iteration +

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Big Dani Perez - Back & Live In Bcn

Size: 123,5 MB
Time: 53:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz, Blues
Art: Front

01. Back In Bcn ( 3:25)
02. Fever ( 3:16)
03. Bye Bye Baby ( 4:45)
04. Mellow Me ( 3:22)
05. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams ( 3:20)
06. Night And Day ( 4:24)
07. Mellow Saxophone ( 3:11)
08. Real Gone ( 8:12)
09. Bim Bam ( 3:06)
10. Sway ( 4:42)
11. Jump, Jive & Wail (11:31)

Born in Barcelona in 1979, Dani Pérez is one of the most renowned saxophonists of the scene in the field of Jump Blues, Rock & Roll, Rhythm & Blues and Boogie-Woogie. His apprenticeship began studying classical music career until he discovers the saxophonists of the 1940s, in the wake of Illinois Jacquet and tradition "honker", an intense, incendiary style which is considered the prelude to the explosion of Rock & Roll and that influence sharply his musical development. Big Jay MacNeely, Sam Butera and Louis Jordan are some of the most important exponents of this sound and represent some of the more important benchmarks of Dani Pérez. Its incorporation in the mid-1990s to a new Chevy & The Hot Wheels, now refounded as The Big Jamboree, does begin a career that stretches up to today, sharing the stage and recordings with this band exclusively dedicated to the revitalization of the legacy of Rhythm & Blues and Rock & Roll most visceral of the 1950s. The years along with this and the legend of his devastating performances live make it a reference in this style in the Spanish scene, a local talent, the feeling of the SAX able to distill pure Rhythm & Blues without sweetening as if he had been born in the same Mississippi, what arouses the admiration of their peers and professional colleagues as well as the interest of musicians enshrined within and beyond our borders.

Personnel:
Big Dani Pérez - Sax & Vocals
Marc Ferrer - Piano
Carles Pérez - Double bass
Pau Ruiz - Guitar
Marc Ruiz - Drums

Back & Live In Bcn

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Shakatak - Snowflakes & Jazzamatazz

Size: 103,6+102,2 MB
Time: 43:47+43:17
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz, Holiday, Easy Listening
Art: Front

CD 1:
01. Happy Christmas From Shakatak (0:05)
02. Happy Christmas To Ya! (3:29)
03. Jingle Bells (3:44)
04. Silent Night (4:14)
05. Sing (Little One) (3:39)
06. The Christmas Song (3:34)
07. When You Wish Upon A Star (3:16)
08. Winter Wonderland (3:04)
09. A Christmas Dream (3:32)
10. Auld Lang Syne (4:34)
11. Away In A Manger (3:06)
12. Blue Christmas (3:56)
13. Christmas Eve (3:28)

CD 2:
01. White Christmas (3:09)
02. Christmas Time Again (4:34)
03. Christmas With You (3:54)
04. Christmas In Rio (4:27)
05. Merry Christmas In Summer (4:47)
06. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (4:06)
07. Good King Wenceslas (3:53)
08. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (3:10)
09. Lonely On Christmas Day (3:02)
10. O Little Town Of Bethlehem (3:36)
11. Silent Eve (4:17)
12. Happy Christmas From Shakatak (Jill's Christmas Message) (0:14)

Shakatak have enjoyed a level of success and career longevity rarely paralleled in contemporary music – but then Shakatak is a particularly unusual group.

Because of the nature of their music, their fan base is one that is far reaching while always retaining an ‘underground element’. This paradox sees the band, who are known primarily as serious jazz/funk musicians, enjoying both high ‘cult’ status and instant recognition as a household name.

After a number of successful top-twenty singles in the UK, the band went on to score unprecedented international success with the release of the classic ‘Nightbirds” recording and the title track has now become a standard in the popular music repertoire. This success was repeated with the top-ten hit “Down on the Street and the award-winning video established the band’s personnel of Jill Saward(lead vocs), Bill Sharpe(keys),Keith Winter(gtr), George Anderson(bass) and Roger Odell(drums). With the magic Al Jarreau/Shakatak combination,the group went on to record the track ‘Day by Day’ to further international acclaim.

Along with this successful recording career, Shakatak had firmly established themselves as a vibrant live act, combining astute musicianship with a sense of fun that communicated strongly with world-wide audiences. Their performance in Japan’s Budoken Hall won them a Silver Award at the Tokyo International Song Festival-other awards include the “Best Instrumental Album’ for 6 consecutive years-and other live concerts of note have been the East meets the West Border Concert at the time of German re-unificationin 1989 and the open air concert in Cape Town for the Millennium Celebrations 2000 where they played in front of 250,000 people.

The long run of continuous success was brought to a halt when guitarist Keith Winter became seriously ill and was forced to stop playing. It took Keith a long while to redirect his energies but he is now a very successful website designer and remains very much a part of the Shakatak team by designing and maintaining the website. Eventually the band re-organised and the remaining four members now augment their live shows with Jacqui Hicks (b.vocs,sax&flute) or Debby Bracknell (b.vocs&flute) and Alan Wormald (gtr&b.vocs).

Shakatak - Snowflakes & Jazzamatazz CD 1, CD 2

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The West End Trio - When You're Smiling

Size: 70,0 MB
Time: 30:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Summertime (5:26)
02. Gravy Waltz (5:32)
03. Ant Dance (4:51)
04. All Too Soon (6:07)
05. When You're Smiling (4:51)
06. The Good Life (3:16)

Three french jazz musicians gathered within a new Organ Jazz Trio!

Personnel:
Jean-Christophe Renvoyer : Electric Guitar
Marc Leseyeux : Organ
Rudy Bonin : Drums

When You're Smiling

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Dara Tucker - The Sun Season

Size: 119,7 MB
Time: 51:08
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Time Is On Our Side (3:48)
02. Sometimes Love (3:16)
03. See It Always (3:14)
04. Naive (3:13)
05. Beautiful Sun (4:44)
06. The Morning Sun (3:02)
07. Giants (3:01)
08. Waiting For The Sun (4:47)
09. Sun, See Through Me (4:06)
10. Over The Rainbow (6:27)
11. The Sun Suite (See You In The Sun) (5:14)
12. The Nearness Of You (6:11)

The Sun Season is an enormously uplifting album. At first blush it might give the impression that the recurrence of the sun motif might be a little overdone, but in actuality the metaphor never tires and much—if not all—of this has to do with the breathtaking voice of Dara Tucker. Hers is a husky, sensuous voice that captivates time after time, song after time—most memorably beautifully on Harold Arlen and “Yip” Harburg’s “Over The Rainbow,” but exquisitely throughout as well. Hers is a light, floating voice that seems cut out for breathy vocals as well as those songs where the lyric calls for a soaring sensibility. This is because Dara Tucker steps into her songs with personality and strength of character. This is rare for someone this young and relatively experienced and might be a result of a producer who takes the pressure off the star by shouldering much of the responsibility of the music on the record. However, Ms. Tucker seems to have much more gall than that and her maturity comes from having a firm notion of who she is and where she stands in the greater order of things. This too is a sign of maturity and confidence; something that Ms. Tucker has oodles of.

There is also a lounge-like intimacy on this recording. That is largely Ms. Tucker’s doing, but here is also a recording with a sextet that listens with very large ear, to a man and a woman. The soli here are short and unpretentious and never overshadow the star of this recording—in this case, Ms. Tucker. However, the musicians are just short of the spotlight near enough to make a huge impression with their virtuosity and yet stay out of the limelight so that Ms. Tucker can shine bright. There are not many recordings today that do this and do it well. Kudos must also go the producer of this date, bassist Greg Bryant. Mr. Bryant is a fine bassist as well. And then there are the performers themselves. Helen Sung is called upon the shadow of Ms. Tucker and she does so magnificently, with consummate piano skills and musicality too. For this reason Ms. Sung has to have the biggest ears on the date and this she surely has, while also showing off her pianism. Guitarist Peter Bernstein also plays magnificently in a quiet and unassuming manner as do reeds and winds player, John Ellis and trombonist Alan Ferber.

This is one of the most spacious sounding records heard in a long time too. Most of all it is a record on which Dara Tucker sounds positively luminous throughout. There is also the small matter of her being a good composer and she shows a penchant for thematic work with interesting motifs and vocal gesture that seems to be unpretentious yet full of secret melismas that seem to break through when least expected. Much more is expected of this talented musician and it is more than likely that she will not disappoint.

Personnel: Helen Sung: piano; Donald Edwards: drums; Greg Bryant: bass; Peter Bernstein: guitar; John Ellis: tenor saxophone and bass clarinet; Alan Ferber: trombone; Dara Tucker: vocals

The Sun Season

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Eric Alexander - Solid!

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 60:06
Size: 137.6 MB
Styles: Post bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1998
Art: Front

[7:52] 1. Solid
[8:32] 2. Little Melonae
[7:36] 3. Theme For Ernie
[5:55] 4. Fire Waltz
[6:50] 5. Four
[4:53] 6. The Star-Crossed Lovers
[6:54] 7. My Conception
[4:57] 8. Light Blue
[6:32] 9. Straight Street

A relaxed session firmly rooted in the old freewheeling Prestige "leaderless" albums of the late 1950s and early '60s. Here John Hicks, bassist George Mraz and drummer Idris Muhammad join forces with saxophonist Eric Alexander on a brace of classic tunes that deserve a wider hearing. On "Little Melonae" and "Straight Street," Alexander and Hicks' trio are joined by trumpeter Jim Rotondi. On Mal Waldron's "Fire Waltz" Alexander is replaced with vibraphonist Joe Locke. Other highlights of this inspired session include "Theme for Ernie," Monk's "Light Blue," "My Conception," Miles Davis' "Four" and Sonny Rollins' title track. ~Cub Koda

Solid!

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Holly Hofmann - Low Life

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 49:00
Size: 112.2 MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz, Flute jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[5:00] 1. Jack Of Hearts
[6:45] 2. Touch The Fog
[4:14] 3. Grow (For Dick Oatts)
[5:44] 4. Lumiere De La Vie
[5:47] 5. Cedar Would
[5:44] 6. The Very Thought Of You
[5:05] 7. Make Me Rainbows
[5:46] 8. Soul-Leo
[4:51] 9. Farmer's Trust

Holly Hofmann, one of the jazz world's premier flutists, explores a deeper-toned territory with Low Life: The Alto Flute Project. Primarily a conventional C flautist—with an impressive discography—Hofmann has broken out the lower tone of the alto flute in her concerts, and occasionally on record. Now it's time for a full length CD featuring her expertise on the instrument.

The range of the alto flute is limited, requiring an artist to say more with less. Hofmann and her band—headed up by her husband, pianist Mike Wofford—are up to the challenge. The group reigns in the extended soloing and lays down a sound that is sweet and elegant, in a mode that explores the simple beauty, without fanfare, of some familiar (and some not so familiar) tunes. It's a way of working that can get shoved aside in a music world that encourages challenging and pushing the boundaries.

The tone of the alto flute is rich and creamy, with a little blur around the edges. It is a less sharp sound that of the C flute, and is less penetrating. It's this inviting tone that Hofmann uses to explore the Great American Songbook jewel, "The Very Thought of You," making it sound as if the tune with written with the alto flute in mind. John Williams' "Make Me Rainbows, from the 1967 Dick Van Dyke comedy, Fitzwilly, seems to swing down the street with a jaunty aplomb, a testament to the light touch, the superb understatement of the band.

Hofmann's lone writing contribution to the set, "Lumeiere de la Vie," is a five minute long gold nugget of a tune, a smooth and gorgeous masterpiece, and the CD's closer, guitarist Pat Metheny's "Farmer's Trust" blossoms like spring flower, a sweet and unpretentious ballad, so delicate and lovely in the hands of this band and flutist Hofmann that it can make a grown man cry. ~Dan McClenaghan

Holy Hofmann: alto flute; Mike Wofford: piano; John Clayton: bass; Jeff Hamilton: drums; Anthony Wilson: guitar.

Low Life

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Various - Tiny Grimes & Friends

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 40:08
Size: 91.9 MB
Styles: R&B, Jazz-blues
Year: 1990
Art: Front

[2:39] 1. The Cats & The Fiddle - Movin' Out Today
[2:22] 2. The Dixieaires - Things Got Tough Again
[2:32] 3. The Dixieaires - Long Lean And Lanky
[2:51] 4. The Dixieaires - Keep Me With You
[2:37] 5. Haji Baba - I'm In Love With You Baby (Previously Unreleased)
[3:25] 6. The Cats & The Fiddle - Do You Really Love Me
[3:22] 7. The Cats & The Fiddle - Start Talking Baby (Previously Unreleased)
[2:58] 8. The Cats & The Fiddle - Start Talking Baby (Take 2)
[2:52] 9. The Cats & The Fiddle - I'll Never Ley You Go (Previously Unreleased)
[2:54] 10. Johnny Davis - I'm A Wine Drinker
[2:29] 11. Johnny Davis - I Love To Make Love To You (Previously Unreleased)
[2:32] 12. J.B. Summers - I Want A Present For Christmas
[3:27] 13. Lionel Robinson - I Can't Go On Without Your Love
[3:02] 14. The Cats & The Fiddle - Call Of The Wild (Previously Unreleased)

An interesting collection of early Tiny, working with Cats & The Fiddle on five of the 14 collected tracks on this hodgepodge compilation. The rest of it is Grimes backing everyone from gospel group the Dixieaires to R&B singers Johnny Davis, Lionel Robinson, J.B. Summers and George Grant (recorded here for Gotham Records under the pseudonym of Haji Baba), along with an unissued and much wilder take of his own "Call of the Wild." Not the place to start a Tiny Grimes collection, but a nice one to add to the collection along the way. ~Cub Koda

Tiny Grimes & Friends

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Sofia Rei Koutsovitis - Sube Azul

Styles: Vocal, World
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:41
Size: 125,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:44)  1. Coplera
(5:25)  2. Imaginaria
(4:33)  3. Jardines De Asfalto
(4:33)  4. Entre Paredes
(5:53)  5. Sube Azul
(5:56)  6. Cardo O Ceniza
(4:19)  7. Instante De Vos
(3:18)  8. El Lío
(3:34)  9. Las Cáscaras
(3:10) 10. El Mayoral
(4:40) 11. Segundo Final
(6:30) 12. La Chongoyapana

Argentinean-born singer Sofia Rei Koutsovitis is considered one of New York's most passionate, charismatic and inventive vocalists. On Sube Azul, her World Village debut, the listener is treated not only to the depth and fullness of a riveting voice, but also to her formidable skills as a songwriter and arranger. The album is a collection of mostly original Spanish-language songs that reflect Koutsovitis' immersion in modern and progressive jazz while also responding to the pull of ancestry and the appeal of organic, pan-musical connections. She brings to bear the folkloric traditions of Argentina and its regional neighbors, tying together diverse influences in a program full of complexity, melody and romance. Just as Sube Azul reconciles the artist's worlds, her North and South American homes, the album strikes other balances in turn the polish and professionalism of a seasoned artist, the hunger and wide-eyed energy of youth and the simple, sensual qualities that can spring only from the heart. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Sube-Azul-Sofia-Rei-Koutsovitis/dp/B002S5N066

“As the Argentine singer Sofa Rei Koutsovitis led her multinational band,(...) the passion and clarity with which she assayed a tricky mix of South American rhythms and jazz-inflected harmonies made clear why she has been embraced by New York City audiences from Carnegie Hall to the hippest downtown haunts."
~ Phil Lutz, New York Times

“Sofia has a lovely sound that is human and earthy all at once. She creates such a broad spectrum of colors and sounds. Sofia is so creative..."
~  Maria Schneider

“one of the most versatile and in-demand singers on the New York music scene",
~ Simon Calle, All About Jazz

“One of the most memorable performers I have ever encountered...
a superb and original songwriter."
~ Curtis Fuller

“Koutsovitis sings a varied, engaging set, with plenty to dance to, plenty to get down with, and plenty to think about. She's going for an ambitious goal: original, creative, and technically challenging music that's as exciting to a Bacchanalian crowd as to the ivory tower listener. “
~ The Live Music Report (Canada)

Sube Azul , the vibrant sophomore release from Argentine vocalist and composer Sofia Rei Koutsovitis, proves why she's been called “one of the most versatile and in-demand performers on the New York music scene" (All About Jazz).

Her acclaimed multilingual debut, Ojal was chosen as a top-10 release of 2006 by the Jazz Journalists Association. Now, in a departure, Sofia serves as Sube Azul 's composer, arranger, lyricist and - with bassist Jorge Roeder - producer. The result is a stirring collection of mostly original Spanish-language songs.

“[Sube Azul is] a fully formed synthesis, reflecting Sofia's immersion in modern and progressive jazz while also responding to the pull of ancestry and the appeal of organic, pan-musical connections" writes David R. Adler in his liner notes.

“A native of Buenos Aires, Sofia brings to bear the folkloric traditions of Argentina and its regional neighbors (Peru, Colombia, Uruguay), tying together diverse influences in a program full of complexity, melody and romance. The songs speak of heartbreak, individuality, special characters in Sofia's life, and the challenges of life abroad. There are tributes to Argentina's copleras (female folkloric singers), and comments on what Sofia terms 'the end of the utopia of the upcoming Latin American revolution.'"

Sofia fills out Sube Azul with an impressive and wildly diverse cast of musicians: Jorge Roeder on bass; Anat Cohen on clarinet; Geoffrey Keezer and Leo Genovese on piano; Dana Leong on cello and trombone; Eric Kurimski and Juancho Herrera on guitars; Yayo Serka on drums; Celso Duarte on harp; Dan Blake on soprano saxophone; Diego Obregn on tres; and Samuel Torres, Juan Medrano Cotito, Jorge Prez Albela, Morris Caate, Ronald Polo and Nestor Gmez on assorted percussion.

After immersing herself in modern and progressive jazz during graduate studies at Boston's New England Conservatory, Sofia relocated to New York in 2005 and began working in an array of projects, including the 12-piece Colombian unit Folklore Urbano and the Afro-Peruvian quintet Alcatraz, along with more straightforwardly jazz-related groups like Geoffrey Keezer's Aurea, whose self-titled 2009 release received a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album.

Sofia has also recorded, performed and collaborated with renowned artists and bands such as Lionel Loueke, Danilo Perez, John Scofield, Bob Moses, Russ Ferrante (Yellowjackets),Pavel Urkiza (Gema y Pavel), Avantango (Pablo Aslan), Aquiles Baez, and the Pedro Martinez Project. She toured Europe with the Grammy-winning Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra and premiered Schneider's “Cerulean Skies" in Vienna. She was also recently featured with vocal giant Bobby McFerrin in “Instant Opera" at Carnegie Hall. In December 2009 she will be one of four featured vocalists chosen to premiere newly commissioned work as part of The Jazz Gallery's “New Voices" concert series. In early 2010, John Zorn's Book of Angels: Masada Book 2 will come out on Tzadik Records, featuring Sofia alongside Ayelet Gottlieb (Israel), Malika Zarra (Morocco) and Basya Shechter (USA).

Sube Azul ties together Sofia's myriad of influences into an album that brings to life her transit between hemispheres and highlights a focused and unified musical identity. Sube Azul spans the continents, transcends its origins and gathers force as a self-contained narrative, more than the sum of its parts.  

http://news.allaboutjazz.com/sofia-rei-koutsovitis-releases-sube-azul-january-12.php#.VGO498mHmtg

Personnel: Celso Duarte (harp); Dana Leong (cello, trombone, background vocals); Leo Genovese (melodica, piano); Anat Cohen (clarinet); Dan Blake (soprano saxophone); Geoff Keezer (piano); Yayo Serka (drums, bombo); Samuel Torres (congas, bongos, kalimba, maracas, shaker, caxixi, percussion, background vocals); Nestor Gomez (maracas); Ronald Polo (tambora).

Sube Azul

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