Dinah Washington - The Fats Waller Songbook

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 30:41
Size: 70.3 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1984
Art: Front

[2:47] 1. Christopher Columbus
[3:25] 2. Tain't Nobody's Biz-Ness If I Do
[1:46] 3. Jitterbug Waltz
[1:59] 4. Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat
[2:45] 5. Ain't Cha Glad
[2:09] 6. Squeeze Me
[2:34] 7. Ain't Misbehavin'
[2:55] 8. Black And Blue
[2:38] 9. Everybody Loves My Baby (But My Baby Don't Love Nobody But Me)
[2:25] 10. I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling
[2:36] 11. Honeysuckle Rose
[2:37] 12. Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now

Dinah Washington makes the most of Ernie Wilkins' charts as she explores a dozen songs written by or associated with Fats Waller. Recorded over several sessions in the fall of 1957, Wilkins' all-star orchestra includes Charlie Shavers, Benny Golson, Jimmy Cleveland, Ernie Royal, Clark Terry, and Sahib Shihab, to name just a few of the players, though the arrangements are brief and to the point, without much space dedicated to instrumental solos. Washington picks up on the generally playful attitude of the music and has no trouble with the downcast "Black and Blue," though she changed the lyrics somewhat. Another interesting facet of this record is the premiere of a vocal version of "Jitterbug Waltz," with lyrics by Maxine Manners and Charles Grean. Tenor saxophonist Eddie Chamblee does a great job sharing the vocal duties with Washington in the swinging "Everybody Loves My Baby" and a laid-back interpretation of "Honeysuckle Rose." Originally released by EmArcy and reissued a few years later on Mercury, this long out of print LP will be difficult to acquire. ~ Ken Dryden

The Fats Waller Songbook

---

Marcus Roberts - Alone With Three Giants

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:28
Size: 140.7 MB
Styles: Post bop, Piano jazz
Year: 1991
Art: Front

[5:22] 1. Jungle Blues
[4:13] 2. Mood Indigo
[4:04] 3. Solitude
[3:32] 4. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
[4:57] 5. Trinkle Tinkle
[4:32] 6. Misterioso
[4:08] 7. Pannonica
[3:33] 8. New Orleans Blues
[3:04] 9. Prelude To A Kiss
[5:35] 10. Shout 'em Aunt Tillie
[3:50] 11. Black And Tan Fantasy
[3:37] 12. Monk's Mood
[4:16] 13. In Walked Bud
[3:05] 14. Crepuscule With Nellie
[3:32] 15. The Crave

This set of unaccompanied piano solos features Marcus Roberts interpreting three Jelly Roll Morton, six Duke Ellington and six Thelonious Monk songs. Morton gets a bit shortchanged, with "Jungle Blues," "New Orleans Blues" and "The Crave" emphasizing the Spanish tinge in his music, but only certain aspects of his style. However, Roberts has Ellington (best is "Shout 'Em Aunt Tillie") and Monk (mostly lesser-known songs) down quite well. Already at this early stage, Marcus Roberts had a fairly encyclopedic style, updating older idioms with his own voice, displaying an eccentric stride style and using some modern harmonies. Excellent music. ~Scott Yanow

Alone With Three Giants

---

Clemens VandeVen - Is It You

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:27
Size: 90.3 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[3:48] 1. Give Me the Woman I Want
[4:30] 2. Pot the Piece Pipe
[4:29] 3. Shape for It
[4:25] 4. I Need Love
[3:53] 5. Moonlight
[3:43] 6. Is It You
[2:55] 7. Rainbow
[3:50] 8. Rastaman
[4:09] 9. February in Bottendaal
[3:41] 10. La Concha

Clemens van de Ven (1950) plays his music the same way he lives and loves life…straightforward and passionately. His talent is as unique as his career. He is a completely self-taught musician, who started playing the piano at the age of seven.

He studied philosophy at the university of Nijmegen and after his graduation, he packed his bag and finally became what he really wanted to be…a music-minded travelmaniac! Clemens has seen every corner of the world and absorbed all the different influences and impressions. His songs reveal all these different cultures, but the backbone of his music is still straightforward Rhythm ‘n Blues. He turns every night into “Such a Night”, one of the key songs on his repertoire.. His powerful pianobeat and his charismatic vocals have turned many a gig into a party, with Clemens giving the audience all he’s got. Because that’s the essence of his playing….all the way and straight from the heart!

Is It You

---

Eddie Henderson - Inspiration

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:32
Size: 164,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:57)  1. Surrey with the Fringe on Top
(7:05)  2. I Remember Clifford
(5:58)  3. Jinriksha
(9:27)  4. Oliloqui Valley
(5:54)  5. When You Wish Upon a Star
(9:14)  6. Phantoms
(5:13)  7. On Green Dolphin Street
(7:32)  8. If One Could Only See
(5:51)  9. Little B's Poem
(8:18) 10. Peresina

After being so impressed with Eddie Henderson's trumpet work on Billy Harper's 1990 album Destiny Is Yours, I wanted to hear him as a leader. Little did I know that he'd also played with Herbie Hancock, Pharoah Sanders, Joe Henderson, Art Blakey, Kenny Barron and McCoy Tyner. The result of those experiences is strongly in evidence on Inspiration. While the influences of Miles and Freddie Hubbard are demonstrated, Henderson is definitely his own man and a master at that. The ensemble work is strong and swinging throughout. Each member's solo chops are also formidable (don't be impatient, Lewis Nash gets his turn in the final song). 

The song choices were excellent. In addition to the standards, Kenny Barron,Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson and Billy Harper are represented (this is particularly gratifying, since Harper does not get enough recognition, in my opinion. The album also has excellent sound quality and balance of instruments.There are only two minor disappointments here: that we only get to hear Grover Washington, Jr. on two cuts and that we don't get more trumpet/vibes combinations (which really sparkle on the opening Surrey with the Fringe on Top). 

If you're looking for an album which breaks new ground this isn't it. Otherwise "Inspiration" satisfies on every level. ~ Bob Jacobson  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/inspiration-eddie-henderson-fantasy-jazz-review-by-bob-jacobson.php
 

Personnel : Eddie Henderson, trumpet, flugelhorn; Kevin Hays, piano; Joe Locke, vibes; Ed Howard, bass; Lewis Nash, drums; Grover Washington, Jr., soprano saxophone (cuts 2 & 4).

Inspiration

---

Ed Cherry - It's All Good

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:05
Size: 153,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:58)  1. You Don't Know What Love Is
(6:15)  2. Mogadishu
(6:05)  3. Edda
(5:52)  4. In a Sentimental Mood
(7:32)  5. Chitlins Con Carne
(4:43)  6. Maiden Voyage
(6:17)  7. Deluge
(6:58)  8. Christo Redentor
(4:12)  9. Something for Charlie
(6:15) 10. Blue in Green
(5:53) 11. Epistrophy

Guitarist Ed Cherry is best known for his lengthy, decade-plus tenure with trumpet titan Dizzy Gillespie, but his work with another heavyweight of a different ilk organist Big John Patton is a more obvious influence on It's All Good. Cherry played the important role of Patton's guitar-playing foil during some of the legend's '90s comeback sessions and he acquired a deep understanding of the organ group dynamic through osmosis during this period. Patton's '90s work dealt with some outlying ideals courtesy of musicians like saxophone maverick John Zorn blended with a more straightforward approach, but Cherry doesn't flirt with far-reaching thoughts like his former employer. Instead, he puts his Grant Green-influenced guitar to good use on a program of relatively laid back material that emphasizes soul and groove in centrist fashion. Cherry's slick-cum-sizzling finger work is ever-impressive throughout this program of smartly reworked covers and originals. He brings a sly sound to "You Don't Know What Love Is," delivers a Brazilian-tinged take on "Blue In Green," gives Thelonious Monk's "Epistrophy" a smoking, streamlined reading and turns Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" into a mid-tempo swinger. 

Elsewhere, Cherry hits a Wes Montgomery-like stride ("Something For Charlie") and revels in the warm beauty of Duke Ellington ("In A Sentimental Mood"). His comrades organist Pat Bianchi and drummer Byron Landham both prove to be well-suited for this session, as they're willing to lead or follow and able to go wherever the moment takes them. Bianchi is capable of extreme subtlety, as demonstrated with his gentle backing on "In A Sentimental Mood," but his skills don't stop there. He can cook with the best of them ("Something For Charlie") and he has a penchant for cut-to-the-core melodic delivery that's exhibited during a pair of Wayne Shorter tunes ("Deluge" and "Edda"). Landham, who earned his organ group stripes with Joey DeFrancesco and several other high profile players, is the consummate groove maker here, delivering waltz time wonders ("Edda"), Brazilian beats ("Blue In Green"), über-slow funk ("Chitlins Con Carne") and right-down-the-middle swing with equal skill. His solo trading, on display in several places, is crisp, classy and highly entertaining. Cherry and company don't distinguish themselves by doing anything bold or new on It's All Good, but they make this a memorable outing through the sheer force of musicality and taste; the title doesn't lie on this one. ~ Dan Bilawsky  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/its-all-good-ed-cherry-posi-tone-records-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php

Personnel: Ed Cherry: guitar; Pat Bianchi: organ; Byron Landham: drums.

It's All Good

---

Doc Cheatham - Hey Doc!

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1975
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:51
Size: 138,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:59)  1. Rosetta
(3:42)  2. I Cover The Waterfront
(6:19)  3. Blues In My Heart
(4:19)  4. What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry
(4:49)  5. Saint James Infirmary
(6:42)  6. Sugar
(3:55)  7. If I Could Be With You
(6:01)  8. Rose Room
(3:38)  9. I Want A little Girl
(4:16) 10. Ain't Misbehavin'
(5:20) 11. Sugar (alt. take)
(3:45) 12. I Cover The Waterfront (alt. take)

Doc Cheatham maintained a strong sound on trumpet into his nineties; this series of French studio sessions dates from May 1975, just prior to his 70th birthday. The veteran is accompanied by veteran drummer J.C. Heard and pianist Sammy Price, while the rest of the supporting cast, including trombonist Gene Conners, alto saxophonist Ted Buckner, and bassist Carl Pruitt are less widely known but solid performers. The group's superb interplay is fascinating within the swinging opener, "Rosetta," while the mediocre quality of the piano tuning somewhat mars an otherwise enjoyable "Blues in My Heart." In addition to his fine trumpet playing throughout the CD, he sings in a warm, friendly during the tender ballad "If I Could Be With You" and a sprightly "What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry?" Fans of swing trumpet will definitely want to search for this rewarding CD. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/hey-doc!-mw0000675349

Hey Doc!

---

Malene Mortensen - Can't Help It

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:56
Size: 112,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:40)  1. Honeysuckle Rose
(6:10)  2. Alone Together - Sweet Solitude
(5:15)  3. Alfie
(4:44)  4. I Can't Help It
(3:47)  5. Beneath the Endless Blue
(4:38)  6. The Rest of Mine
(4:27)  7. The Heat and Flames
(5:28)  8. Every Day
(5:47)  9. My Favorite Things
(4:56) 10. Summer Haze

Malene Mortensen who represented Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2002 has just released her eigth album. The latest is titled Can't Help It, and has been recorded in New York in collaboration with well known American jazz musician Christian Sands. It is nearly 13 years ago since she represented Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song Tell Me Who You Are, which receieved only seven points, and ended last. A lot has happened for Malene Mortensen since then. Gone is the young and insecure girl we saw on stage that night. She has been replaced by a mature jazz performer, who knows herself and her strengths.  The 8th album from Malena which was released today, the 19th of January 2015, is titled Can't Help It. 

It is recorded in Systems 3 Studio in Brooklyn, New York and it is the first time Malene records outside Scandinavia. The album is recorded with Christian Sands, Burniss Earl Travis II, Terreon Gully and Paul Banks as musicians. In partular Christian Sands will be a well known name to many jazz lovers. They met during Copenhagen Jazz Festival in 2013. Can't Help It features 10 tracks. Most written by Malene and Sands, but there are also tracks by Paul Banks and Stevie Wonder. Malene is also working as a Church singer and from time to time she sings with a pop cover band. She is also thinking about taking a masseur education. As she puts it to newspaper BT, "I need some more economical stability. The word stability came into my life when I turned 30 ;-)" ~ Charlotte Jensen  http://www.eurovisionary.com/eurovision-news/new-album-released-malene-mortensen

Can't Help It

---

Steps Ahead - Smokin' In The Pit

Size: 168,4+175,7 MB
Time: 72:55+76:10
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1980/1999
Styles: Jazz: Fusion, Post-Bop
Art: Front

CD 1:
01. Tee Bag (13:44)
02. Uncle Bob (Bonus Track) (10:48)
03. Fawlty Tenors (10:46)
04. Lover Man ( 8:38)
05. Fawlty Tenors (Alternate Take) (13:00)
06. Song To Seth (13:02)
07. Momento (Bonus Track) ( 2:54)

CD 2:
01. Young And Fine (16:32)
02. Not Ethiopia (10:58)
03. Soul Eyes (12:15)
04. Recordame (Bonus Track) (10:01)
05. Not Ethiopia (Alternate Take) (12:23)
06. Saras Touch (13:59)

This 1980 Steps release with the band configuration preceding Steps Ahead is a freewheeling live romp, recorded at Japan's Pit Inn, and an exciting showcase for drummer Steve Gadd, saxophonist Michael Brecker, bassist Eddie Gomez, and the late, great pianist Don Grolnick, as well as Mainieri himself. Lovingly re-assembled by Mainieri, the 2-CD set includes several alternate takes and unreleased tracks for hard-core fans to discover. For many, however, Smokin' will appeal as a document of its time, and a chance to look in on the early days of some of today's legends. The content itself highlights the sheer joy of a tight band in wild improv heaven: Grolnick's keyboards spiraling wickedly in a mad, exhausting dance with Gadd on "Fawlty Tenors," and Brecker's swaggering lead on the unreleased swinging timing piece "Uncle Bob" are just a couple of the many highlights. Although the fusion feel of the time, as well as '70s rock flavors (as on the fusion-meets-the-Doobies "Tee Bag") are in evidence here, the level of exploration is also key. Where "Lover Man" showcases Mainieri in a dark take on straightahead jazz longing, "Song to Seth" pulls bluesy emotion into its light, music box texture. ~By Hilarie Grey

Smokin' In The Pit CD 1
Smokin' In The Pit CD 2

---

Maxine Sullivan - We Just Couldn't Say Goodbye

Size: 174,6 MB
Time: 74:00
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1995/2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. We Just Couldn't Say Goodbye (2:44)
02. Someday Sweetheart (2:24)
03. Exactly Like You (2:50)
04. That Old Feeling (2:49)
05. Miss Otis Regrets (2:34)
06. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter (2:44)
07. It's The Talk Of The Town (3:58)
08. I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues (2:44)
09. She's Funny That Way (2:48)
10. St. Louis Blues (2:32)
11. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea (2:53)
12. Legalize My Name (2:09)
13. You Were Meant For Me (2:22)
14. I'm Beginning To See The Light (3:26)
15. I Thought About You (4:04)
16. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea #2 (2:36)
17. I Got It Bad, And That Ain't Good (4:11)
18. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime (3:55)
19. Georgia On My Mind (4:14)
20. Don't Get Around Much Any More (3:22)
21. Skylark (2:19)
22. What Is There To Say (2:57)
23. I Didn't Know About You (3:33)
24. Just One Of Those Things (3:43)

Two former LPs are combined on this single CD. The subtle but always swinging singer Maxine Sullivan is heard on a very pleasing 1983 session in which she is joined by trumpeter Doc Cheatham (who sounds quite lyrical), the underrated clarinetist Herb Hall, pianist Red Richards, bassist Ike Isaacs and drummer Tom Martin. But good as that date is, it is the first half of this CD that is most memorable. Sullivan sounds exuberant while being inspired by the great cornetist Ernie Carson, Spencer Clark on baritone, pianist Art Hodes, bassist Johnny Haynes and drummer Martin. Carson takes many heated solos; Hodes is often rollicking, and Sullivan's voice is heard throughout in prime form -- she even takes a valve trombone solo on one song. Highlights include definitive versions of "We Just Couldn't say Goodbye," "Someday Sweetheart," "That Old Feeling" and "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea." In addition, there is a previously unreleased version of "It's the Talk of the Town" from Feb. 8, 1978, a very spontaneous performance with Hodes' band during an otherwise instrumental session. Highly recommended. ~Review by Scott Yanow

We Just Couldn't Say Goodbye

---

Chet Baker - Lost Tapes: Early Chet Baker In Germany 1955-1959

Size: 112,8 MB
Time: 48:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front & Back

01. Bockhanal (3:06)
02. Cool Blues (3:27)
03. Brash (4:37)
04. Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be ) (5:31)
05. Sweet Georgia Brown (3:16)
06. Lullaby In Rhythm (3:07)
07. Everytime We Say Goodbye (3:10)
08. Everything Happens To Me (4:04)
09. I'll Remember April (2:48)
10. Baker 56 (2:12)
11. Higher And Higher/It Never Entered My Mind (3:20)
12. I Should Care (2:37)
13. Lover/Love Me Tonight/Isn't It Romantic (3:05)
14. Polka Dots And Moonbeams (3:53)

The gentle poet of the trumpet that was his image. So it came as something of a surprise for European audiences to hear the Chet Baker they discovered at his live concerts: a trumpeter with a decisive attacca style and lively boppy lines, accompanied by a pianist who combined innovative harmonies with bizarre rhythms and a drummer who propelled the band with a hard, driving beat. No one was prepared for this Chet Baker Quartet, featuring pianist Dick Twardzik, bassist Jimmy Bond and drummer Peter Littman. Bockhanal gives us a chance to experience the same sense of surprise: the Chet Baker Quartet with the Kurt Edelhagen Orchestra in what is possibly their only joint concert. Full of energy and melodic wit, Chet Baker flies through the piece written by his friend Jack Montrose, in a new interpretation by the Edelhagen band. Bockhanal is the earliest number on Early Chet and a particularly valuable rarity: just four weeks after this concert, the quartet no longer existed.

Lost Tapes

---

Michael Steinman - Current Residence

Size: 101,1 MB
Time: 39:50
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals, New Orleans Jazz
Art: Front

01. Struttin' With Some Barbecue (3:33)
02. Darktown Strutter's Ball (3:54)
03. Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby (4:00)
04. After You've Gone (4:43)
05. On The Sunny Side Of The Street (4:40)
06. Big Butter And Egg Man (5:41)
07. I Diddle (3:06)
08. Jack, You're Dead (2:59)
09. Jumpin' With Symphony Sid (2:32)
10. Just A Gigolo (4:38)

This is a really fun album of classic and traditional jazz with a contemporary flair. The mellow, swinging sound of the trombone and Michael's voice and the excellent accompaniment of the back up band and the guest soloists all contribute to a fine first album by this deracinated artist...

"The CD is a wonderful collection of songs. The vocals are smooth and the songs complement one another well in terms of tempo and balance. I am not a music expert, but my husband has a deep passion for various types of music and he had nothing but compliments for the CD." - Megan

"I have really enjoyed this CD. Steinman and Co. have created a collection that people of all ages and walks of life will appreciate. The tunes are very upbeat and entertaining, an instant fog lifter for your mood. Well done!"

"I'm so happy to have bought this new CD. Love the trombone and vocals. Actually, everything sounds great. My favorite is "Jack, You're Dead". That's worth the cost of the CD right there." - Lynn

"Some beautifully played jazz standards by Steinman and company. With cool vocals like Chet Baker, and tasteful jazz trombone as well, this is a great addition to any CD collection." - Jay

"Love the Jazz sounds of this CD.. The vocals and music flow so well together. What a great CD to relax to. Well done Michael!!"

Current Residence

---

Lynn Lewis - At Long Last Love

Size: 123,1 MB
Time: 53:28
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. When In Rome (3:23)
02. Easy To Love (4:28)
03. Invitation (4:03)
04. Autumn Nocturne (4:33)
05. Cinnamon And Clove (4:14)
06. It's Alright With Me (3:29)
07. Dindi (5:24)
08. Midnight Sun (4:42)
09. You Must Believe In Spring (5:16)
10. Out Of This World (4:59)
11. At Long Last Love (4:29)
12. Time Remembered (4:23)

Lynn's voice captivates you from the first note......Duffy Jackson

This collection of songs, beautifully arranged and pristinely played is the work of a singer who truly loves the music and knows how to present it. I am honored to have played even a small part in this production, and I recommend this recording to everyone who loves jazz and the Great American Songbook. A musical marriage of singer, song, and arrangements, it brings together all the elements needed to make you smile when you hear it. And smile you will. Beegie Adair

This album is a collection of standard tunes with fresh arrangements yet stays true to the beauty of the original compositions. You'll love the warmth of the vocals reminiscent of the likes of Peggy Lee and Rosemary Clooney. You will hear anything from the soft nylon stringed guitar accompaniment on Dindi, sung in Portuguese to a killer big band chart that is the title cut of the album and a bit of everything in between.

At Long Last Love

---

Chantale Gagne - The Left Side Of The Moon

Size: 144,6 MB
Time: 62:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Mystere (5:46)
02. After You (5:28)
03. The Left Side Of The Moon (6:39)
04. Moon Gazing (6:23)
05. In Time (5:16)
06. Your Blues Is My Blues (4:32)
07. A La Claire Fontaine (5:40)
08. Just A Dream (5:48)
09. Up Again (6:53)
10. Echoes (8:38)
11. Roach Rag (1:28)

There is a spiritual strength and feeling of humanity within the compositions and playing of Chantale Gagne, and The Left Side Of The Moon is further confirmation of this Quebec native’s impressive talent. This is Ms. Gagne’s third release, following Silent Strength (2008) and Wisdom Of The Water (2010), and as on her previous recordings, the commanding rhythm team of bassist Peter Washington and drummer Lewis Nash are featured. The quartet is rounded out with saxophone virtuoso Steve Wilson, whom the pianist met at the New York City jazz club, Small’s, back in 2009. As Steve commented during the recording session, “Her music appeals to both the head and the heart,” and the end result is very rewarding for the listener. ~Renee Rosnes

The Left Side Of The Moon

---

Carlos Barbosa-Lima - Siboney

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:49
Size: 150.7 MB
Styles: Brazilian jazz, Easy Listening
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[3:50] 1. Mambo No 5
[3:20] 2. Drume Negrita
[2:02] 3. Perdido
[1:57] 4. Ojos Brujos
[4:37] 5. Siboney
[2:26] 6. Tico Tico
[3:51] 7. Guantanamera
[3:08] 8. Siempre En Mi Corazon
[1:54] 9. La Comparsa
[3:09] 10. Lamento Borincano
[4:18] 11. Bahia
[3:47] 12. Solamente Una Vez
[3:04] 13. El Cumbancherito
[3:23] 14. Aquarela Do Brasil
[2:49] 15. Cachita
[5:18] 16. Maria La O
[2:40] 17. Danza Lucumi
[3:24] 18. Perfidia
[3:22] 19. El Viento
[3:20] 20. Danza Negra

Carlos Barbosa-Lima's second outing for Zoho Music, entitled Siboney, bears the mark of a master. The playlist is primarily solo guitar adaptations of Latin American favorites such as "Guantanamera," "Drume Negrita," and the title cut, "Siboney." There are, however, a number of delightfully spirited ensemble pieces, including "Mambo No. 5," "Tico Tico," and "Cachita." Barbosa-Lima's expert ensemble consists of New York Latin jazz greats and Zoho labelmates such as drummer Dafnis Prieto, Latin piano legend Oscar Hernandez, bass player Eddie Gómez, and conguero Pepe Torres. It is clear that the guitar hero does best when on his own, as he is often either smothered or lost in the shuffle of a larger ensemble. His solo arrangements are well thought out, sensitive, and often deliciously minimalist. The disc is sonically warm and present, especially in solo or duo format. When Barbosa-Lima is joined by more than one other musician, however, the mix becomes clumsy. Though Siboney is hit or miss, at 20 tracks there are plenty of winners to outweigh the occasional awkward moment. ~Evan C. Gutierrez

Siboney

---

Kurt Rosenwinkel Trio - East Coast Love Affair

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:02
Size: 110.0 MB
Styles: Post bop, Straight ahead jazz
Year: 1996
Art: Front

[8:13] 1. East Coast Love Affair
[6:18] 2. All Or Nothin' At All
[5:20] 3. Turn Out The Stars
[3:30] 4. Pannonica
[4:26] 5. Lazy Bird
[9:05] 6. 'round About Midnight
[3:54] 7. Little White Lies
[7:12] 8. B Blues

Recorded at Small's Club in N.Y.C., July 10 & 24, 1996. Bass – Avishai Cohen; Drums, Producer – Jorge Rossy; Guitar – Kurt Rosenwinkel;

This little-known gem captures Rosenwinkel live at Smalls, the famous New York jazz club, with Avishai Cohen on bass and Jorge Rossy on drums. Rosenwinkel's guitar style is distinctive and highly developed at this stage. Only two originals appear -- "East Coast Love Affair" and "B Blues" -- and both are mesmerizing, though quite similar in tempo and mood. The remainder of the program consists of standards and jazz classics, all interpreted with gusto and originality. Rosenwinkel's chordal mastery is especially evident on the two Thelonious Monk selections, "Pannonica" and "'Round Midnight." His Latin reading of "All or Nothing at All", like Mark Turner's version on Ballad Session, takes its cue from Coltrane's 1961 version. It's quite a shame that East Coast Love Affair is so hard to find, for the album showcases some of Rosenwinkel's finest playing. `david R. Adler

East Coast Love Affair

---

Gabriela Anders - Bossa Beleza

Styles: Brazilian Jazz, Bossa Nova
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:52
Size: 107,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:06)  1. September
(3:23)  2. Aqua De Beber
(3:38)  3. Samba De Verao
(4:44)  4. Samba De Uma Nota So
(5:25)  5. (I can't get no) Satisfaction
(3:17)  6. Amapola
(5:03)  7. Dindi
(4:20)  8. Folhas Secas
(5:15)  9. Fantasia
(3:13) 10. Siempre Asi
(4:23) 11. Sexy Ride

Influenced by Brazilian pop and the music of her native Argentina, Gabriela Anders spent much time in America soaking up jazz and R&B sensibilities, all of which inform her singing. The daughter of a jazz saxophone player, Anders studied classical guitar while a child but moved to piano study at a Buenos Aires conservatory. She spent much time in New York as well, soaking up the music of tenor specialists John Coltrane, Stan Getz and Dexter Gordon. She also studied with Don Sebesky and began singing with Grover Washington, Jr. and Tito Puente while going to college. A brief time in Japan resulted in her first album, 1996's Fantasia (recorded as Beleza), though she had returned to New York by 1997. After sending a demo tape into Warner Jazz, Anders signed a contract and released Wanting in August 1998. ~ Bio  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/gabriela-anders/id500320#fullText

Personnel: Gabriela Anders (vocals, background vocals); Jair Coelho (guitar, cavaquinho); Pancho Navarro, Romero Lubambo, Sandro Albert, Wayne Krantz (guitar); Aaron Heick (flute); Tito Castro (bandoneon); Jorge Anders (saxophone); Hélio Alves (piano, keyboards); Hector Martignon (piano); Sean Wayland (keyboards); Chris Dingman (vibraphone); Adriano Santos, Portinho (drums, percussion); Sophia Ramos (background vocals).

Bossa Beleza

---

Chris Standring - Love and Paragraphs

Styles: Jazz Funk
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:18
Size: 104,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:16)  1. Qwertyuiop
(3:51)  2. Love & Paragraphs
(3:58)  3. As Luck Would Have It
(4:03)  4. Have Your Cake And Eat It
(6:07)  5. Liquid Soul
(5:35)  6. Ooh Bop
(4:11)  7. C.S. In The Sunshine
(4:21)  8. That's What I Thought You Said
(4:36)  9. Qu'est-ce Que Tu Fais?
(4:16) 10. Reflection

Once upon a time Wes Montgomery plugged in his guitar and changed the way the world listened to jazz. Since then the guitar pick has been passed on to artists including George Benson, Earl Klugh, John Scofield and Pat Metheny, and each and every one has pushed the genre just a little bit further. With Love and Paragraphs, guitarist Chris Standring makes a fair bid to push it the next step forward. This is as close to being a perfect album as any released in 2008. The production values of a recording usually aren't considered among its key selling points, but they are here; the album sounds terrific. Whether heard in a car, on a computer or a stereo system, the work of Standring and co-producer Rodney Lee (who also plays keyboards in Standring's band) just dazzles. Lee's mix features Standring's guitar but, unlike too many recordings where the featured instrument gets pushed up front to the point where the rhythm section barely buzzes in the background, the bass isn't lost in the mix, the keyboards absolutely sparkle and the drums vary from up front and kicking to deftly keeping time. Standring isn't so much the star of the show as the leader of the band, encouraging terrific performances from all the contributors, especially bassists Rico Belled and Andre Berry, drummers Eric Valentine and Dave Karasony, and Lee's tastefully restrained keyboard embellishments. Guest performances from keyboardist Jeff Lorber and saxophonist Everette Harp are perfectly at home in the cool groove established. 

There are ten tracks on Love and Paragraphs and all ten of them are winners. From the stomping opener, "Qwertyuiop," to the meditative closer, "Reflection," there isn't a single throwaway moment on the album. Some artists go into the studio with 45 minutes worth of record to fill and only 30 minutes worth of good music. Standring doesn't bring anything less than his best to the entire session. The title track is based on Standring's e-mail encounters with fans frustrated by his brief one-liner replies, leading one woman to chastise the guitarist upon meeting him, declaring, "You owe me paragraphs!" That somewhat cheeky fan should be very pleased to know she inspired Standring to deliver his most fully accomplished album yet and simply one of the most listenable and outstanding albums of the first half of 2008. ~ Jeff Winbush  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/love-and-paragraphs-chris-standring-ultimate-vibe-review-by-jeff-winbush.php
 

Personnel: Chris Standring: guitars, keyboards, programming, talk box, vocals; Rodney Lee: keyboards, organ, programming; Andre Berry: bass; Rico Belled: bass; Larry Steen: bass (8); Eric Valentine: drums; Dave Karasony: drums; Everette Harp: tenor sax (1); Jeff Lorber: Fender Rhodes solo (9): Jeff Robinson: vocal; Mary Cassidy: vocal (2).

Love and Paragraphs

---

Laura Baron - Scenes From The Avenue

Size: 142,9 MB
Time: 61:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2008
Styles: Jazz/Blues Vocals
Art: Front

01. Scenes From The Avenue (4:45)
02. Drivin' (4:19)
03. No Easy Way To Say Goodbye (4:33)
04. Butterfly (5:18)
05. Kindness Don't Rest Easy (6:07)
06. Open The Window (3:36)
07. North Star (5:57)
08. Winter Don't Own Me (5:55)
09. Skylark (3:28)
10. Laundry Man Blues (5:05)
11. No More Blues (3:25)
12. This Ain't Love (4:10)
13. Best Things In Life (4:23)

"Singer-songwriter Laura Baron lives in DC, but her latest CD would make you think she is from New Orleans or Paris. She belts out the blues in a primal, earthy way. But don't be fooled. As often as not, her voice is delicate, reed-thin, pleading, vulnerable -- breathtakingly beautiful. --Pam Rigaux, Frederick News Post, May 2008

‘‘Scenes from the Avenue” has a distinct, in-the-moment feel, as though recorded on the fly, surrounded by diners and dreamers, burning cigarettes and clinking glasses. And from a fan of all crooners, from Dino to Ella — yes, that’s a compliment.

I’m not accustomed to writing music reviews, favoring film as the medium most suited to my misguided opinions. But it’s possible Laura Baron could change my mind.

Most recently I received her latest CD, ‘‘Scenes From the Avenue,” and a note to take a listen. So I did.

Baron has an easy way with a lyric — she penned most of the songs, here, save for three tracks co-written with frequent collaborator Pat Quinn, and two covers — and an elusive voice. It’s easygoing, reminiscent of Keely Smith, but with the bite of Natalie Merchant by way of Sheryl Crow, all held together by a harmony best described as haunting – not a far cry from Sarah McLaughlin.

Baron and Company have certainly nailed the jazz element — upon playing the CD on my car stereo, images of an intimate, underground club filled with smoke and song were conjured." --Nathan Oravec, Frederick Gazette

Scenes From The Avenue

---

James Morrison Trio - Three's Company

Size: 138,5 MB
Time: 59:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2010
Styles: Jazz: Trumpet Jazz
Art: Front

01. I've Never Been In Love Before (4:52)
02. I'll Remember April (6:22)
03. The Way You Look Tonight (6:51)
04. Air (Bach) (5:17)
05. Every Time We Say Goodbye (6:02)
06. Greensleeves (5:50)
07. In Your Own Sweet Way (6:57)
08. My One And Only Love (6:41)
09. Prelude (Chopin) (4:14)
10. Blue Bolivar Blues (6:29)

James Morrison is, by anybody’s standard, a virtuoso in the true sense of the word. Besides the trumpet, this multi-instrumentalist also plays piano, all the brass, saxophones, and double bass.

At the age of six he began on piano, at seven, he was given his first brass instrument, at nine he formed his first band and at thirteen he was playing professionally in nightclubs. His international career developed just as quickly. At only age sixteen James debuted in the USA with a breathtaking concert at the Monterey Jazz Festival.

Following this were performances at the major festivals of Europe including Montreux, Pori and the North Sea, playing with many of the legends of jazz; Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Cab Calloway, Woody Shaw, Red Rodney, George Benson, Ray Charles, B.B. King and Wynton Marsalis to name a few. There were also gigs in the world’s most famous jazz clubs – The Blue Note and Village Vanguard in New York, the New Morning in Paris, The Tokyo Blue Note and Ronnie Scotts in London.

Now 51, James Morrison’s career thus far has been diverse and perhaps not typical of most jazz musicians. He recorded Jazz Meets the Symphony with The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lalo Schifrin, performed concerts at the Royal Albert Hall with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden for Princess Anne. Royal command performances on two occasions for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and for US Presidents Bush & Clinton at Parliament House in Australia. James has also performed his own ‘Concerto for Euphonium’ with the Tonkünstler Orchestra at the Muskverein in Vienna.

Other highlights include performing at the Hollywood Bowl with Bill Cosby’s All Stars and Dave Brubeck and guesting with artists as diverse as Phil Collins, Chaka Khan and rock legends INXS. In 2000 James composed and performed the opening fanfare for the Olympic Games in Sydney.

James was also the artistic advisor to the Sydney Symphony’s “Kaleidoscope” series, which has included performances by Chick Corea, Dianne Reeves, Gary Burton and Kristjan Jarvi.

James spends much time in education, doing master classes and workshops all over the world and presenting the James Morrison Jazz Scholarship at Generations in Jazz.

When not writing film scores, composing or being patron of several youth orchestras, James relaxes in some fairly unconventional ways for a musician – flying his private plane or driving in a rally championship. His love of cars is well known, as he was a host on the TV program Top Gear Australia.

In 2012 James was appointed Artistic Director of the Queensland Music Festival, a State-wide music initiative whose vision is to “transform lives through unforgettable musical experiences.”

In 2013 James conducted the World’s Largest Orchestra, breaking a Guinness World Record with 7,224 musicians at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

In 2014 James presented ‘A Tribute to Oscar Peterson’ at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival as part of the Commonwealth Games celebrations.

James has been recognized for his service to the arts in Australia by being awarded a medal of The Order of Australia by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with particular mention of his contribution to music education. He is a Doctor of the University at Queensland Conservatorium of Music and has received a Doctor of Music from the Edith Cowan University Western Australia. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Australia and Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow.

The latest chapter in his diverse career sees James in Mount Gambier, South Australia, establishing the James Morrison Academy of Music, an innovative school dedicated to teaching jazz and offering an Associate Degree in Music. This exciting initiative involves educators from all over the world, transforming young musicians’ lives with inspiration and a love of jazz.

With interests so broad and a career so filled with highlights it seems that James Morrison must have done just about everything he could want to do – but not so…

When asked, “What is there left to do?” James’ reply is typically “This is just the warm up!”

Three's Company

---

Ronald Baker Quintet - Celebrating Nat King Cole

Size: 148,5 MB
Time: 64:28
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. I'm Lost - Five Brothers (4:04)
02. That Ain't Right (Feat. China Moses) (5:05)
03. Walkin' My Baby Back Home - Swingin' My Baby Back Home (Feat. Michele Hendricks) (7:54)
04. L-O-V-E (Feat. Jesse Davis) (7:02)
05. Suite For Nat, Pt. 1 (Smile) (Feat. Jesse Davis) (4:06)
06. Suite For Nat, Pt. 2 (I Love You For Sentimental Reasons) (Feat. Jesse Davis) (4:15)
07. Suite For Nat, Pt. 3 (Nature Boy) (Feat. Jesse Davis) (5:10)
08. Suite For Nat, Pt. 4 (I'm Thru With Love) (Feat. Jesse Davis) (3:31)
09. Suite For Nat, Pt. 5 (The Christmas Song) (Feat. Jesse Davis) (3:38)
10. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You (Feat. China Moses) (4:06)
11. Come Along With Me (3:21)
12. Quizas, Quizas, Quizas (5:08)
13. Straighten Up And Fly Right (7:02)

It's pretty obvious that Ronald Baker belongs "body and soul" to the prestigious family of the trumpet singers. Just like Louis Armstrong (the pioneer), nearly a century ago. With a natural gift, influenced by Eddie Jefferson and Jon Hendricks, this amazing jazzman knows what he owes to the great Nat King Cole: the unrivaled crooner of all times. This was bound to happen, the quintet directed by Ronald Baker had to pay him a vibrating tribute. With his long-time sidemen, and the presence of the great drummer Mario Gonzi and prestigious guests(the alto player Jesse Davis, the singers Michele Hendricks and China Moses), Ronald Baker has made it a beautiful jazz session with the Strings of the Alhambra Colbert Orchestra. Nat King Cole is still alive!

Celebrating Nat King Cole

---