Randy Newman - The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 2

Size: 90,9 MB
Time: 38:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: Contemporary Pop/Rock
Art: Front

01. Dixie Flyer (3:19)
02. Yellow Man (2:02)
03. Suzanne (2:45)
04. The Girls In My Life (Part 1) (1:46)
05. Kingfish (2:11)
06. Losing You (2:43)
07. Sandman's Coming (2:16)
08. My Life Is Good (3:24)
09. Birmingham (2:20)
10. Last Night I Had A Dream (1:54)
11. Same Girl (2:45)
12. Baltimore (3:02)
13. Laugh And Be Happy (2:19)
14. Lucinda (1:34)
15. Dayton, Ohio 1903 (1:51)
16. Cowboy (2:20)

Nearly eight years after releasing The Randy Newman Songbook, Vol. 1, in which one of America's finest and most distinctive songwriters revisited a handful of songs from his back catalog in elegant, austere new recordings, Newman has delivered the implied follow up, in which he revisits sixteen more tunes with just his own piano work accompanying his vocals. Unlike many veteran artists past official retirement age, Newman's skills as a performer haven't suffered a bit with the passage of time, and these new recordings sound fresh and immediate; while Newman has never had a traditionally "good" voice, his instrument sounds as strong as ever and he's even better at assuming his cast of often questionable characters than he was on his early LPs, while his piano playing, a remarkable fusion of traditional pop and New Orleans groove, is emotionally and technically dazzling and gives these songs all the form and color they need. As good as it is, The Randy Newman Songbook, Vol. 2 feels a bit like the second Greatest Hits album drawn from a career artist's catalog; so many great songs were pulled for Vol. 1 that the sophomore effort seems slightly weak in comparison, and though Newman certainly has enough great songs to come up with another Songbook installment as strong as the first, there are a few numbers here that aren't A-list, particularly "Sandman's Coming" from his fascinating but flawed musical Faust and "My Life Is Good," one of the rare examples of his venom not finding its target (it's also one of the only songs here that doesn't seem suited to this minimal arrangement). And while "Laugh And Be Happy" fares well, it also appeared on Newman's last pop effort, 2008's excellent Harps and Angels, and there are plenty of songs that better deserve a second look. The Randy Newman Songbook, Vol. 2 seems flawed compared to its sibling, but that's more a matter of the choice of material than any faults in Newman's performance or interpretation; he's the rare performer and songwriter who could undertake this sort of project and not only keep it from seeming redundant but make it revelatory and consistently pleasurable. Longtime fans will be pleased, and folks who only know Newman from his film scores will be startled at the depth of the man's body of work, even on a collection with a couple of (relative) ringers. ~Review by Mark Deming

The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 2

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Pat LaBarbera - Deep In A Dream

Size: 164,1 MB
Time: 70:46
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1999
Styles: Jazz: Straight-Ahead/Mainstream
Art: Front

01. Deep In A Dream (6:33)
02. Something To Live For (3:52)
03. There's A Lull In My Life (6:49)
04. It Shouldn't Happen To A Dream (5:38)
05. Maybe You'll Be There (4:54)
06. Here's To My Lady (4:12)
07. Moon And Sand (9:11)
08. What Good Would The Moon Be (5:57)
09. Why Try To Change Me Now (5:36)
10. Some Other Spring (5:38)
11. I Heard You Cried Last Night (7:19)
12. As Long As I Am Dreaming (5:01)

Last September tenor/soprano saxophonist Pat LaBarbera appeared at the Forest City Jazz Festival with the same rhythm section featured on this CD. At the time, he alluded to the fact that he had always wanted to record an all-ballads album. Thanks to Bill King and Greg Sutherland of RadioLand Jazz, Pat's dream has become a reality. Deep In A Dream is a 12-track collection of lovely, slow burners that is perfect for late-night listening. While some of the tunes are well-known standards (Something To Live For and There's A Lull In My Life), a number of Pat's hand-picked favourites are more obscure. Indeed, Pat states in the liner notes that master balladeer Frank Sinatra's early recordings, Maybe You'll Be There, Why Try To Change Me Now and Deep In A Dream, were the source for these song choices. Although Pat has always been known for his up-tempo, Coltrane-influenced screamers, Deep In A Dream shows that Stan Getz and Lester Young have also inspired him. Brother Joe LaBarbera's brush work is light and feathery, Neil Swainson pulls deep, rich tones from his bass and pianist Don Thompson's occasional solo spots are suitably restrained. Break out the candles and wine and enjoy! *** ~By John Sharpe

Deep In A Dream

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Mary Panacci - Her Perfume

Size: 107,0 MB
Time: 46:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. A Beautiful Friendship (3:20)
02. How About You (Feat. John Alcorn) (4:07)
03. Love Is Stronger Far Than We/Al Cuore Non Comandi Mai (5:11)
04. Double Rainbow (Chovendo Na Rosiera) (4:30)
05. Love Dance (6:02)
06. Tangerine (2:42)
07. I Wish You Love (Feat. Luis Mario Ochoa) (4:30)
08. Her Perfume (3:40)
09. A Child Is Born (4:12)
10. Some Other Time (3:27)
11. Almost Like Being In Love (Bonus Track) (Feat. Natalie Panacci) (4:19)

Long before Anthony Panacci sent me a copy of this record featuring his vocalist wife, Mary, he told me about the upcoming album he was producing for her. It was going to feature a lot of this country's top jazz players. In the end, that's precisely what happened. He didn't add that the record would be a gem. He didn't have to. Family, friends and colleagues each added their fingerprint. You can hear it. In fact, listening to this album, you can sense it and feel it.

Back then, I hadn't yet heard a note. Yet it sounded exciting. Anthony told me about the tunes, the players, the songs and the ups and downs of getting a record made. Over the years I have been privileged to know musicians, some have told me about the complexities of making records. They often describe the process as a labour of love. That is a bit of an understatement. It takes singers, arrangers, instrumentalists, engineers, artists, printers, manufacturers, time and money. Then add more time and more money. It takes patience, organization, perhaps a bit of plain old stubbornness.

I get excited when someone decides that something important has to get done and that they're the guys to get it done, and get it done well. But when it's all done satisfactorily, you and I get to hear their music and live in its acoustic cocoon. Mary, Anthony, their daughter Natalie, and everyone else whose work appears on this collection surely poured all their love into it. And to them I say, "Take a bow!" ~Terry McElligott

Her Perfume

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Frank Muschalle Trio - Sleigh Ride (Feat. Stephan Holstein & Travis Haddix)

Size: 135,6 MB
Time: 57:08
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Blues Jazz, Boogie Woogie
Art: Front

01. Straight Forward (2:36)
02. Sleigh Ride (2:51)
03. Two Funky People (2:46)
04. Red Light (2:24)
05. Chocolate Drop (2:55)
06. Glenn's Glide (2:53)
07. Key Shifter (2:18)
08. I'll Remember You/If You'll Remember Me (4:05)
09. You're A Fool (2:46)
10. Lady Be Good (4:12)
11. Nod To Wilson (3:55)
12. Clang Clang Clang (2:21)
13. Splashing Around With The Kids (2:43)
14. Pastry (3:52)
15. It's You I'm Thinking Of (2:11)
16. Sheik Of Araby (3:35)
17. Spooky And Blue (2:48)
18. Jungle Town Jubilee (2:54)
19. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You (2:54)

Frank Muschalle - piano, Dani Gugolz - string bass/voc, Peter Müller - drums, Stephan Holstein - clarinet/alto sax/tenor sax, except 1,13,18, Travis Haddix - voc on track 9.

Frank was born in 1969. After 11 years studying classical piano he discovered the joys of boogie woogie at the age of 19. Since then he has devoted himself entirely to this music. The boogie woogie trio Ammons, Johnson and Lewis as well as pianists like Axel Zwingenberger, Little Brother Montgomery or Cow Cow Davenport have deeply influenced his development. Within a short period of time Frank has acquired a fine reputation not only among insiders. Appearances on TV and radio have contributed to Frank´s remarkable success. As early as October 1995 his debut-CD,"Great Boogie Woogie News", was published by the Vienna label Document Records. Afterwards Frank gave performances in jazz clubs and festivals, on a tour of Austria with the Mojo Bluesband and Red Holloway, at concerts in the Jazzland and the Starclub (Vienna), and at concerts with Axel Zwingenberger, Vince Weber and Martin Pyrker. Quite soon Frank Muschalle outgrew his role as a local talent; invitations to concerts such as the "Stars of Boogie Woogie" - Festival in the Vienna Concert Hall speak for themselves. In March 1997 the second CD, "Battin´ The Boogie", came out, also published by Document Records. The production caused a sensation among international experts. In September 1998 Frank was invited on a two - week tour of South Carolina (USA) with the Mojo Bluesband. In the course of this tour, recordings with Jimmy McCracklin and Nappy Brown were made for Ripete Records (USA). In 2002 the "40 - Years American - Folk - Blues - Festival Jubilee" took place in Germany and Frank played on this Tour with Blues-Stars Hubert Sumlin, Carey Bell, Bob Stroger and Lousiana Red. Two Month later, Frank was invited to the "Jumpin´at the Flagships" - Tour through all parts of Switzerland. He played there with Red Holloway, Jimmy Coe, Carrie Smith and Rusty Zinn. The Swiss TV recorded a one hour TV - Show of this performance. At this point of time, Frank has recorded 7 different cds and his musical style is well-known for its superb technical fireworks and subtle nuances. Time and again he creates an expectant atmosphere in his audience which is constantly heightened by the skilful changes of musical mood. For all that, Frank Muschalle´s convincing and unaffected performances make dramatic stage effects superfluous - the music speaks for itself.

Sleigh Ride

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Marlene VerPlanck - I Give Up, I'm In Love

Size: 100,0 MB
Time: 41:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. I Give Up, I'm In Love (Feat. Warren Vache & Glen Francke's Big Band) (3:21)
02. Good Thing Going (3:12)
03. How Little We Know (Feat. Harry Allen) (2:36)
04. The Way You Look Tonight (Feat. Warren Vache & Glen Francke's Big Band) (3:46)
05. I Love The Way You Dance (4:40)
06. So Long My Love (Feat. Harry Allen) (3:08)
07. Sleigh Ride In July (2:26)
08. My Little Brown Book (Feat. Harry Allen) (3:00)
09. Where Can I Go Without You (Feat. Warren Vache) (5:24)
10. I Didn't Know What Time It Was (Feat. Glen Francke's Big Band) (3:04)
11. You're Really Someone To Write Home About (Feat. Harry Allen) (2:27)
12. So Many People (Feat. Warren Vache) (3:57)

Marlene VerPlanck is the type of vocal artists others can only aspire to become.

Aside from the somewhat old school looking cover art, there are a great many positives with I Give Up, I'm In Love. VerPlanck works more as a story teller than a true vocalist, combine this natural gift with a plethora of ensemble settings and an eclectic if not deep catalog few might be familiar with and you have a vocal jazz release with some muscle.

Guests such as tenor great Harry Allen drop by and Glenn Franke's Big Band provides the perfect background for an artist that has been working her vocal side of the jazz street about as long as I have been on the planet. Big band and trios are the wheelhouse for I Give Up, I'm In Love with each showcasing the various sides of the chameleon like ability that VerPlanck has to move effortlessly through a wide variety of lyrical ensembles while never missing a beat.

Those familiar with my work know I am at times brutal on female vocalists. Marlene VerPlanck is the embodiment of what a true vocal artist should embrace. Know the tunes, don't sing the words but instead make the music. 4 Stars. ~Brent Black

I Give Up, I'm In Love

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Oliver Nelson - More Blues And The Abstract Truth

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 47:08
Size: 107.9 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1964/1997
Art: Front

[5:11] 1. Blues And The Abstract Truth
[6:44] 2. Blues O'mighty
[5:42] 3. Theme From Mr. Broadway
[4:03] 4. Midnight Blue
[6:03] 5. One For Bob
[8:09] 6. Blues For Mr. Broadway
[4:33] 7. Goin' To Chicago Blues
[3:54] 8. One For Phil
[2:46] 9. Night Lights

Unlike the original classic Blues and the Abstract Truth set from three years earlier, Oliver Nelson does not play on this album. He did contribute three of the eight originals and all of the arrangements but his decision not to play is disappointing. However there are some strong moments from such all-stars as trumpeter Thad Jones, altoist Phil Woods, baritonist Pepper Adams, pianist Roger Kellaway and guest tenor Ben Webster (who is on two songs). The emphasis is on blues-based pieces and there are some strong moments even if the date falls short of its predecessor. ~Scott Yanow

More Blues And The Abstract Truth 

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Champian Fulton - Change Partners: Live At The Yardbird Suite

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 82:26
Size: 188.7 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[6:42] 1. You Made A Good Move
[6:55] 2. Change Partners
[5:43] 3. Lover, Come Back To Me
[5:03] 4. The Boy Next Door
[6:13] 5. Bring Enough Clothes
[9:20] 6. After You've Gone
[8:00] 7. Sin To Tell A Lie
[6:26] 8. Social Call
[7:52] 9. Get Out Of Town
[5:41] 10. Hallucinations
[6:09] 11. My Ideal
[8:16] 12. East Of The Sun

Champian Fulton (piano/voice), Cory Weeds (tenor sax), Julian MacDonough (drums), and Jodi Proznik (bass).

Born in Oklahoma, Champian Fulton has become a world class Jazz pianist and vocalist with international acclaim. She grew up with music in the home; her mother and father (Jazz trumpeter and educator Stephen Fulton) recognized her fascination with music at an early age. The presence of her father’s musician friends, including Clark Terry and Major Holley, inspired her focus on Jazz. Her first paid musical engagement was with her own band at Clark Terry’s 75th Birthday Party; she was 10 years old. Since then, her piano and voice skills have been recognized by peers and critics as distinctive and sophisticated. This young woman from Oklahoma captivates audiences in New York’s finest Jazz rooms and in concert halls around the world.

A mainstay on the vibrant New York Jazz scene, she has performed with musical royalty such as Lou Donaldson, Frank Wess, Eric Alexander, Buster Williams, and Louis Hayes. From New York to Barcelona, Champian’s swinging style and charismatic performances have made her a guardian of the legacy of Jazz. Champian’s heroes include Bud Powell, Red Garland, Erroll Garner, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington.

Champian’s fifth recording, Change Partners: Live at the Yardbird Suite (2014 Cellar Live), was recorded in front of a live audience while on tour in Canada.

Change Partners: Live At The Yardbird Suite  

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Havana Swing - Aqui Esta La Rumba

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 52:57
Size: 121.2 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[4:44] 1. Soy Guajiro
[4:03] 2. Termometro De Amor
[4:11] 3. El Breve Espacio
[4:22] 4. Si Yo Pudiera
[6:13] 5. Oigo Tu Voz
[6:05] 6. Baby I Love Your Way
[4:29] 7. Que Manera De Quererte
[4:00] 8. Se Fue
[4:51] 9. Pena
[5:26] 10. Una Cancion
[4:27] 11. Aqui Esta La Rumba

Aqui Esta La Rumba

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Kate Hammett-Vaughan - How My Heart Sings

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:36
Size: 148,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:37)  1. The Meaning Of The Blues
(7:01)  2. My Heart Belongs To Daddy
(6:08)  3. Everything I Love
(6:35)  4. How My Heart Sings
(7:22)  5. Alone Together
(6:35)  6. Something To Live For
(7:46)  7. I'm Gonna Go Fishin'
(4:31)  8. Monk's Dream
(4:18)  9. On The Street Where You Live
(6:39) 10. You've Changed

This album earned Kate Hammett-Vaughan a nomination for the Juno Award as Canada's best vocal jazz singer of the year. It is well-deserved recognition not only for the exciting vocal presentations, but also for the instrumentalists on the session. They work hand in glove with Hammett-Vaughan for almost an hour of artistic playing. Don't let the play list fool you. This is not another one of those albums routinely offering classic standards. Nothing is routine with this album. "Alone Together" opens with an off center Hammett-Vaughan chorus, then the musicians take over for a boppish excursion. Jim Pinchin on sax and Chris Gestrin on piano approach the bop small groups of the 1960's. The singer returns taking pleasant liberties with the melody line. 

Hammett-Vaughan's view of Monk's "Monk's Dream" recalls Jon Hendricks' Vocalese treatment of this classic. But not everything is grounded in the Bop mode. Forget about other renditions of Bobby Troup's "The Meaning of the Blues". Hammett-Vaughan's soulful interpretation is dirge like and a Pinchin soulful sax supports her position. But it's the modern, closing in on avant-garde, that prevails. The Duke Ellington/Peggy Lee standby, "I'm Gonna Go Fishin'". is treated like it was a modern classical composition by John Cage or Arnold Schoenberg. The way Hammett-Vaughan presents the lyrics recalls those poetry with jazz sessions of the Alan Ginsberg days. This fishing trip is not a pleasant, relaxed summer outing, but an adventure akin to climbing Mount Everest. 

Hammett-Vaughan's way with "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" would be downright incestuous if "Daddy" in the song was her biological father.For those who are looking for truly different and legitimately innovative expositions of familiar music, this album is for you. It's also for those whose musical ears are in need of significant cleaning. Recommended. Visit Kate at her Internet home, http:// vancouverjazz. com/kate/index.shtml. ~ Dave Nathan  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/how-my-heart-sings-kate-hammett-vaughan-review-by-dave-nathan.php#.VGtBQ8mHmtg
 

Personnel: Kate Hammett-Vaughan - Vocals; Chris Gestrin - Piano; Jim Pinchin - Saxes; 

How My Heart Sings

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Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet - Half-Past Swing

Styles: Vocal Jazz, Vocal Harmonies
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:27
Size: 84,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:52)  1. Bouncin' With Bud
(2:24)  2. It's Sand, Man
(5:44)  3. Close Your Eyes
(5:37)  4. Jouet
(4:39)  5. Jeannine
(4:41)  6. Lil' Darlin
(4:28)  7. What If I Told You?
(4:58)  8. Moten Swing

Oh! Hold on to those dancin' feet! From Merifield, Virginia comes the Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet accompanied by a great big band. The quartet is composed of Ginny Carr, Robert McBride, Lisanne Lyons and Roger Reynolds. These folks swing wildly on Bud Powell's "Bouncin' With Bud", Benny Moten's "Moten Swing" and Ed Lewis' "It's Sand Man". Ginny Carr composed a few for this session in the form of "Jouet", "Close Your Eyes" and "What If I Told You". "Jouet" is sung partially in French and I found it particularly enjoyable. Also included is Neal Hefti's "L'il Darlin" and Duke Pearson's swinging "Jeannine". As good as this vocal quartet is, one cannot avoid being impressed by the band, especially Joe Jackson's trombone on "Bouncin' With Bud" and the vibraphone of Chuck Redd on "Jouet". I guess all vocal jazz quartets have recorded "L'il Darlin" but none have done it quite like this. All said, this is very nice stuff! 

~ Richard Bourcier  http://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/jazz-vocals-cd-reviews/half-past-swing-by-uptown-vocal-jazz-quartet.html

Personnel:  Ginny Carr, Roger Reynolds , Robert McBride, Lisanne Lyons (vocals); Paul Wingo, Sean Purcell, Ramon Gonzalez (guitar); Chris Vadala (flute, alto saxophone); Don New (alto saxophone); Chip McNeill (tenor saxophone); Tim Leahey (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jack Wengrosky (trumpet); Joe Jackson (trombone); Dan Reynolds, Wade Beach, Dan La Maestra (piano); Chuck Redd (vibraphone); C.E. Askew, Alejandro Lucini (drums); Pat Shrieves (percussion).

Half-Past Swing

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Various Artists - Blue & Sentimental

Styles: Jazz, Swing, Big Band
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:21
Size: 169,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:09)  1. Count Basie - Blue & Sentimental
(3:20)  2. The Metronome All Star Band - Blue Lou
(3:08)  3. Benny Goodman - I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues
(2:50)  4. Benny Goodman's Boys - Blue (And Broken Hearted)
(3:00)  5. Maxine Sullivan And Her Orchestra - Blue Skies
(4:06)  6. Edmond Hall Celeste Quartet - Profoundly Blue
(2:55)  7. Billie Holiday - Under A Blue Jungle Moon
(3:19)  8. Bennie Moten And His Kansas City Orchestra - The Blue Room
(2:33)  9. Ziggy Elman and His Orchestra - Am I Blue?
(2:40) 10. Fats Waller & His Rhythm - Blues Eyes
(2:48) 11. Chick Webb & His Orchestra - Blue Minor
(3:12) 12. Bing Crosby - Blue Prelude
(3:13) 13. Duke Ellington - Blue Again
(2:53) 14. Al Bowlly - Blue Hawaii
(3:27) 15. Glenn Miller & His Orchestra - Serenade In Blue
(3:14) 16. Earl Hines And His Orchestra - Blue Because Of You
(2:40) 17. Teddy Hill and His Orchestra - Blue Rhythm Fantasy
(2:10) 18. Teddy Wilson - My Blue Heaven
(3:07) 19. Chick Webb & His Orchestra - Blue In My Heart
(2:34) 20. Various Artists - Nothing Blue But The Sky
(3:15) 21. Greta Keller - Blue Moon
(3:08) 22. Duke Ellington - Mood Indigo
(3:07) 23. Dinah Shore - Blues In The Night
(3:22) 24. The Chocolate Dandies Carter - Blue Interlude

Blue is the theme on this swing-era mix: not the color itself, mind you, but its namesake's many maudlin and low-down connotations. Beyond this bit of programmatic fun, the music provides a fine survey of '30s sides, albeit often on the more obscure side of things. Bookended by Basie's classic "Blue & Sentimental" and Teddy Hill's tasty "Blue Rhythm Fantasy," the mix takes in quality material from Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, the Chocolate Dandies, Benny Moten, and Chick Webb. Henry Allen, Maxine Sullivan, Fats Waller, and even Dinah Shore chime in with their own wistful confessions as well. A unique and very enjoyable collection. ~ Stephen Cook  http://www.allmusic.com/album/blue-sentimental-mw0000232566

Blue & Sentimental

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Willie Nelson - Spirit

Styles: Country
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:18
Size: 92,8 MB
Art: Front

(1:44)  1. Matador
(2:56)  2. She Is Gone
(3:29)  3. Your Memory Won't Die In My Grave
(3:53)  4. I'm Not Trying To Forget You Anymore
(2:40)  5. Too Sick To Pray
(2:08)  6. Mariachi
(3:10)  7. I'm Waiting Forever
(3:03)  8. We Don't Run
(3:37)  9. I Guess I've Come To Live Here In Your Eyes
(4:01) 10. It's A Dream Come True
(4:14) 11. I Thouht About You, Lord
(4:59) 12. Spirit Of E9
(0:18) 13. Matador

Of all the records Willie Nelson made in the 1990s and since that time, none is more misunderstood or ignored than Spirit. Coming as it did so quietly and unobtrusively in 1996, a year and a half before the celebrated Teatro, Spirit is Willie's most focused album of that decade. Self-produced and featuring the sparest of instrumental settings Willie and Jody Payne play guitars, Bobbie Nelson plays piano, and Johnny Gimble plays fiddle on certain tracks Nelson weaves a tapestry, a song cycle about brokenness, loneliness, heartbreak, spiritual destitution, and emerging on the other side. The set begins with the instrumental "Matador," which seems to usher in the atmospheric texture for this album. "She's Gone" tells its heartbreak story with as much lilt and pastoral grace as is possible without being sentimental. Willie's guitar soloing is gorgeous; he's deep in the groove of the washes of Bobbie's chords. Hearing a steel-string guitar play rhythm and a nylon-string guitar play lead is an interesting twist as well. 

But Nelson digs the notion of "She's Gone" deeper into the listener's consciousness with "Your Memory Won't Die in My Grave": "Been feelin' kinda free/But I'd rather feel your arms around me/Because you're takin' away/Everything I ever wanted..../It's a memory today, it'll be a memory tomorrow/I hope you're happy someday/"Your memory won't die in my grave...." And when Nelson moves to the full acceptance issue as he does on "I'm Not Trying to Forget You," the music is slightly off-kilter in the intro, as if the singer cannot come to grips with the song. Payne plays just behind Willie, stretching time, making it slip and shimmer all the way into "Too Sick to Pray," the most devastating country waltz to be recorded since Johnny Paycheck's Little Darlin' albums. 

On "I'm Waiting Forever" and "We Don't Run," the sun begins to rise out of the heart's bleak night and comes to the dawn of a new day in the life of love and spiritual connection. This is Nelson writing conceptually as he did early on with Phases and Stages and Red Headed Stranger, but he is at his understated best here, moving deeply into the skeleton of the song itself and what it chooses to reveal through the singer. And while Spirit is quiet, it's a tough, big record that makes you confront the roar of silence in your own heart. ~ Thom Jurek  http://www.allmusic.com/album/spirit-mw0000186424

Personnel: Willie Nelson (vocals, guitar); Jody Payne (guitar, background vocals); Johnny Gimble (fiddle); Bobbie Nelson (piano).

Spirit

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Paul Poulton Project - Words

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 45:59
Size: 105.3 MB
Styles: Blues-jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[5:33] 1. Get Back Temptation
[2:47] 2. Swing Low Sweet Chariot
[4:29] 3. Words Were Said
[3:40] 4. Wade In The Water
[4:38] 5. I Can't Stand The Sadness
[3:43] 6. Long Gone
[3:19] 7. Get In The Spirit (Single)
[4:16] 8. Since I Laid My Burden Down
[3:10] 9. Scorn Of Fools
[2:48] 10. What's Big
[3:32] 11. Get Back Temptation (Radio Edit)
[3:58] 12. Too Many Things To Worry About (Single)

The Paul Poulton Project tour across the UK and the US digging their own rhythmic furrow. You'll get some modern-blues with some deep meaningful lyrics to touch your soul, coupled with some reggae, gospel, swampy stuff and a whiff of funk. Musicianship comes high up their list of priorities. Denise J Thompson plays rock-solid drums with heaps of flair and Karine Graham shows her mastery on bass guitar with coolness and poise. Both girls sing exquisite backing vocals.

Words

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Renee Olstead - Without You EP

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 15:18
Size: 35.0 MB
Styles: Vocal, Easy Listening
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:13] 1. Blue Moon
[3:22] 2. Leaving On Your Mind
[3:13] 3. Without You
[4:29] 4. Everything

Born in Houston, on June 18,1989, to Rebecca Lynn Jeffries and Christopher Eric Olstead, Renee developed a great love for music at an early age and honed her voice by singing along with the radio. Before long she was entering talent contests and appearing in local musical productions. Her aspirations for stardom were documented on video and became the subject of two E! television documentaries, The Making of a Child Star and The Journey Continues.

Without You

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Walt Weiskopf & Andy Fusco - Tea For Two

Bitrate: 320K/s

Time: 54:43

Size: 125.3 MB

Styles: Saxophone jazz

Year: 2005

Art: Front

[5:34] 1. Tea For Two

[4:26] 2. Budo

[7:25] 3. So In Love

[8:11] 4. The Peacocks

[4:44] 5. Sweet Melissa

[6:19] 6. Waltz For Judy

[5:41] 7. Shades Of Jazz

[5:57] 8. Adios

[6:23] 9. Unison

A Criss Cross mainstay in every sense of the word, tenor saxophonist Walt Weiskopf has developed a distinguished catalog, varying ensembles and his writing so that each album is an event in and of itself. For his ninth release for the label, Weiskopf teams with alto man Andy Fusco, and the pair locks in tight for a nimble quintet date consisting of a handful of originals and a few standards, including transcendent performances of Jimmy Rowles' The Peacocks and Keith Jarrett's Shades of Jazz.

In the rhythm section: pianist Joel Weiskopf, bassist Paul Gill, and drummer Billy Drummond. Recorded October 15, 2004 in Brooklyn, NY, USA by Max Bolleman

Tea For Two

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Beverley Staunton - Here's To You

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:50
Size: 107,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:25)  1. All Night Long
(5:06)  2. The Things We Did Last Summer
(5:20)  3. Here's To You
(4:09)  4. Green Dolphin Street
(3:33)  5. Lush Life
(3:03)  6. I Caught A Touch Of Your Smile
(4:38)  7. Charade
(4:16)  8. The Look Of Love
(3:56)  9. The Shadow Of Your Smile
(4:34) 10. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(4:47) 11. My Foolish Heart

Beverley Staunton is one of the music industry’s most versatile and sought out vocalists. From radio to television, the big screen to small screen and everything in between, Beverley’s style is truly unique, mesmerizing and real. Whether she’s singing vocals on recordings with : Bette Midler, Michael Buble, Julio Iglesias, Michael Crawford, Jessica Simpson, Roch Voisine, Barry Manilow or taking the lead on various children’s CD’s for Disney Records, it’s easy to hear Beverley’s range, power and perfection. Not just limited to the studio, Beverley’s unassuming soulful style has elevated such artists as: Lionel Ritchie, Nelly Furtado, Martina McBride, Dionne Warwick, Angelique Kidjo and James Taylor. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Beverley’s magnetic performances started at an early age, where she essentially grew up on stage and television. By the time she was a young adult she had become one of Canada’s top live and session singers. 

Television audiences were treated to Beverley’s musical talents on such shows as: The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, Canada AM, Regis & Kelly, Top of the Pops, Extra , and Grease:You’re The One That I Want. You can also hear Beverley’s remarkable voice on animated shows like “The Emperor’s New School” (ABC), “Kimpossible” (Disney), Seth Green’s “Robot Chicken” (Cartoon Network), movies such as Norbit (Dreamworks), Blades of Glory (Dreamworks) and commercials for Chevy, McDonald’s and Subway. Now residing in Los Angeles, Beverley has quickly found her place among the city’s top vocalists. You can tune in to ABC’s Emmy nominated “Dancing With The Stars” where she lends her vocal abilities every season singing everything from Pop, Jazz and Classical, not only in English, but also in French, Spanish and Portuguese.

Beverley Staunton is incomparable in the entertainment industry. Her charisma is electrifying and vocal delivery sensational. Clearly this is a woman who will live up to her unparalleled reputation for years to come. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/staunton

Here's To You

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The Drummonds Feat. Renee Rosnes - Letter To Evans

Styles: Jazz, Post-Bop
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:16
Size: 115,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:12)  1. You and The Night and The Music
(5:17)  2. My Romance
(8:22)  3. Pas De Trois
(4:38)  4. Too Young To Go Steady
(4:50)  5. Emily
(4:25)  6. I Hear A Rhapsody
(4:31)  7. Haunted Heart
(6:14)  8. How My Heart Sings
(5:44)  9. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To

Pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Ray Drummond, and drummer Billy Drummond (her husband at the time), put together a fine tribute to the late pianist Bill Evans on these 2000 sessions, though they don't play any of his timeless compositions. Instead, they build upon his vast recorded legacy by interpreting standards and modern compositions that Evans enjoyed playing. While there is a touch of Evans' lyricism in Rosnes' playing, she is no mere copycat; while Ray Drummond's tasty, inventive basslines and Billy Drummond's light-handed percussion would have possibly been an excellent rhythm section for Evans. Rosnes' debt to Evans is most apparent in the upbeat treatment of Earl Zindars' "How My Heart Sings" and the brisk setting of "I Hear a Rhapsody." There are also a pair of tracks not associated with Evans. This CD was also issued by True Life as Pas de Trois, though with a slightly different track selection. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/letter-to-evans-mw0000775202

Personnel: Renee Rosnes (piano); Billy Drummond (bass instrument, drums); Ray Drummond (drums).

Letter To Evans

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Ramsey Lewis - Ramsey Lewis & His Gentle-Men Of Jazz

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:21
Size: 157,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:30)  1. Carmen
(5:22)  2. Delilah
(3:01)  3. I Get A Kick Out Of You
(4:03)  4. Please Send Me Someone To Love
(3:50)  5. Brother John
(4:48)  6. Black Is The Color
(2:47)  7. It Ain't Necessarily So
(5:27)  8. Seven Valleys
(3:39)  9. On The Street Where You Live
(4:12) 10. I'll Remember April
(4:03) 11. The Wind
(3:13) 12. Bie Mir Bist Du Schoen
(3:28) 13. My Funny Valentine
(5:45) 14. Fantasia For Drums
(2:58) 15. Dee's New Blues
(4:44) 16. Tres
(2:24) 17. Limelight

Pianist and composer Ramsey Lewis has been referred to as “the great performer,” a title reflecting his performance style and musical selections that display his early gospel roots and classical training. They are coupled with his love of jazz and other musical forms. A native Chicagoan, Mr. Lewis began taking piano lessons at the age of four, studying the basics. He is quoted as saying, “It wasn’t until I started studying with the late Dorothy Mendelson that I responded to some of the startling things she was teaching me, such as ‘Listen with your inner ear,’ and ‘Make the piano sing.’ These concepts were revelations!” Except for records his father played around the house Duke Ellington, Art Tatum, Mead Lux Lewis and others young Ramsey had no experience playing jazz. He was 15 years old when a fellow church musician, Wallace Burton, asked him to join his jazz band and took the time to coach and help the young musician learn the language of jazz.

Ramsey Lewis captivated fans with his first album “Ramsey Lewis and the Gentlemen of Swing” by the Ramsey Lewis Trio in 1956. By 1965, he was one of the nation’s most successful jazz pianists, topping the charts with “The In Crowd,” “Hang On Sloopy” and “Wade In The Water.” He has three Grammy Awards and seven gold records to his credit and he has been honored with three honorary doctorate degrees. He was “Person of the Week” on ABC Nightly News in February 1995 and received the NARAS Recording Governor’s Award in 2000. In 1996 Mr. Lewis performed at a State Dinner at the White House honoring the President of Brazil and was awarded the prestigious Lincoln Academy of Illinois “Laureate” Award in Springfield, IL in April 1997. He carried the Olympic torch, kicking off the Winter Olympics, on its route through Chicago in January 2002. Mr. Lewis’ most recent awards include the National Endowment for the Arts highest award in the field of music in the jazz category, the Jazz Master Award in January 2007 along with the Illinois honor of “Living Landmark” award in March 2007. Often called legendary, he concedes, “It’s a high honor when someone says so, but I don’t see myself that way. What keeps me enthusiastic and energizes me, is the realization that the more I learn, the more I find there is to know.”

In addition to recording albums and performing live, Mr. Lewis hosts WNUA-FM Chicago’s weekday morning drive-time radio show, “The Ramsey Lewis Morning Show,” for which he has been awarded R&R’s (Radio&Records) 1999 and 2000 Personality of the Year Award. “The Ramsey Lewis Morning Show” will also begin syndication nationwide in January 2007. He also hosts the syndicated “Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis,” a two-hour radio program that airs in over 75 cities throughout the U.S and also airs in London. In 2003, Mr. Lewis along with Larry Rosen (founder and former president of GRP Records) and Lee Rosenberg formed LRSmedia, the company that produced for the first time in forty years a series of thirteen one-half hour television programs. This acclaimed series “Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis” has aired on PBS featuring emerging and established jazz musicians. He is currently collaborating with the Joffrey Ballet Company, choreographer Donald Byrd and the Ravinia Festival to produce a ballet of original music that will premiere in June 2007 at the Ravinia Festival. Active in community affairs, especially on behalf of youth, he helped organize the Ravinia Festival’s Jazz Mentor Program and also serves not only as the Artistic Director for that festival’s jazz series but was elected Trustee in 2002. 

Mr. Lewis serves on the Board of Trustees of the Merit School of Music in Chicago as well. Early 2005 saw the formation of the Ramsey Lewis Foundation that will help provide youth with the opportunity to play musical instruments and develop those and other skills to enhance self-confidence and a sense of personal accomplishment. Mr. Lewis tours nationally and internationally in various musical configurations, but primarily performs with his trio composed of Larry Gray on bass and Leon Joyce on drums. His latest release is a gospel album on the Narada Jazz label entitled “With One Voice” (2005). Bio ~ Ted Kurland http://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/ramseylewis

Personnel: Ramsey Lewis (piano, keyboards); Redd Holt (drums).

Ramsey Lewis & His Gentle-Men Of Jazz

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Hoagy Carmichael - Stardust Melody

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:15
Size: 152,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:30)  1. Stardust
(3:12)  2. Rockin' Chair
(2:40)  3. March of the Hoodlums
(4:27)  4. Washboard Blues
(3:11)  5. Cosmics
(3:13)  6. Lazy River
(3:11)  7. Daybreak
(2:44)  8. Come Easy Go Easy Love
(2:50)  9. Sing It Way Down Low
(2:41) 10. Riverboat Shuffle
(2:23) 11. Sing Me A Swing Song (and Let Me Dance)
(3:27) 12. Georgia On My Mind
(2:59) 13. Rockin' Chair
(3:07) 14. Skylark
(2:54) 15. Bread and Gravy
(3:12) 16. Moon Country (Is Home To Me)
(2:58) 17. Judy
(5:07) 18. Rockin' Chair
(2:54) 19. Lazy Bones
(2:30) 20. Small Fry
(2:54) 21. Old Man Harlem

The definitive survey of songs from Hoagy's prime period, recorded by jazz stars and Hoagy himself! Includes his performances of Star Dust; Lazy River , and more (two unissued) plus Rockin' Chair Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden; Sing Me a Swing Song (and Let Me Dance) Benny Goodman; Old Man Harlem Ethel Waters; Georgia on My Mind Mildred Bailey, and more. 21 tracks! ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Stardust-Melody-Hoagy-Carmichael/dp/B0000640NS

Personnel: Hoagy Carmichael (vocals, piano); Hot Lips Page, Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Jack Teagarden (vocals, trombone); Ethel Waters, Helen Ward, Mildred Bailey, Red McKenzie, Billy Eckstine (vocals); Mike Pingatore (guitar, banjo); Danny Barker , Clifton Best, Wilbur Hall, Allan Reuss, Roy Smeck, Carl Kress (guitar); Matty Malneck (violin, viola); Charles Strickfaden (violin, alto saxophone, baritone saxophone); Mischa Russell, Eddie Wolfe, Kurt Dieterle, Joe Venuti, John Bowman (violin); Andy Secrest (cornemuse); Chester Hazlett (clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone); Jimmy Dorsey (clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet); Scoops Carey, Sidney Arodin (clarinet, alto saxophone); John Cordaro (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Ray McDermott, Castor McCord, Peanuts Hucko, Benny Goodman (clarinet); Ernie Powell, Ben Smith , Benny Waters, Benny Williams (saxophone); Frankie Trumbauer (alto saxophone, C-melody saxophone); George Dixon (alto saxophone, trumpet); Arnold Brillhardt, William DePew, Hymie Schertzer (alto saxophone); Arthur Rollini, William Randall, George Harper, Bud Freeman, Budd Johnson (tenor saxophone); Dick Dickerson (baritone saxophone); Chris Griffin , Manny Klein, Nate Kazebier, Nat Natoli, Bob Moore , Jesse Miller , Harry Jackson , Tommy Howell, Maurice McConnell, Harry Goldfield, Ray Lodwig (trumpet); Bix Beiderbecke, Bobby Hackett (cornet); Bill Rank, Gerald Valentine, Harry White, George Stevens, Jr., Boyce Cullen, Joe McLewis, Jack Fulton, Harold Matthews, George Hunt, Murray McEachern, Sunny Clapp, Tyree Glenn, Lee Howell (trombone); Irving Brodsky (piano, celesta); Dick Cary, George Marks, Reginald Beane, Jess Stacy, Roy Bargy, Earl Hines (piano); Harold McDonald (vibraphone, drums); Red Norvo (xylophone); Alfred Taylor, Herb Quigley, Gene Krupa, Rudolph Taylor , Joe Hudson, Big Sid Catlett (drums).

Stardust Melody

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Michiko Ogawa Trio - It's All About Love! (With Harry Allen)

Size: 157,4 MB
Time: 67:33
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2006
Styles: Jazz: Piano Jazz
Label: Arbors
Art: Front

01. You (5:50)
02. I Cover The Waterfront (5:46)
03. You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me (5:11)
04. Love Is Just Around The Corner (3:14)
05. All Of Me (3:06)
06. Body And Soul (6:35)
07. What Is This Thing Called Love (3:47)
08. 's Wonderful (3:18)
09. This Can't Be Love (4:27)
10. I Wish Those Days Were Back Again (6:47)
11. If Dreams Come True (3:20)
12. I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me (4:09)
13. This Is All I Ask (5:58)
14. Just One Of Those Things (6:00)

Arbors has become the home of a quality cadre of traditional-minded jazz musicians. While this has made the label ideal for older players like Ruby Braff and Bucky Pizzarelli, Arbors isn't just about nostalgia for traditional jazz. The Michiko Ogawa Trio, for instance, centers on a talented Japanese pianist who's fairly new to the scene. On her first album for the label, It's All About Love, she's joined by bassist Phil Flanigan and drummer Ed Metz Jr. The material is grounded in classic jazz with versions of familiar pieces like "I Cover the Waterfront," "All of Me," and "Body and Soul." The trio is occasionally augmented by tenor Harry Allen and the overall program is bolstered here and there with Ogawa's vocals. Indeed, it's the presence of Ogawa's vocals on a rhythm-friendly "All of Me" and the bass-heavy "What Is This Thing Called Love?" that work best here. Only a couple of cuts exceed the six-minute mark on It's All About Love, meaning that the arrangements are lean and tight. The variation of straight trio pieces with vocals and Allen's tenor also keeps the disc from falling into an overly familiar groove. Fans of modern jazz and the classic songbook will enjoy The Michiko Ogawa Trio. ~Review by Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.

It's All About Love!

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