Chuck Mangione - The Milleniuim Collection: The Best Of Chuck Mangione

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:44
Size: 177.9 MB
Styles: Crossover jazz
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[12:06] 1. Land Of Make Believe
[ 6:27] 2. Bellavia
[ 5:29] 3. Main Squeeze
[ 4:51] 4. Chase The Clouds Away
[ 9:37] 5. Feels So Good
[ 6:23] 6. Hide & Seek (Ready Or Not Here I Come)
[14:06] 7. Children Of Sanchez
[ 5:21] 8. Hill Where The Lord Hides
[ 7:11] 9. Fun And Games
[ 6:09] 10. Give It All You Got

20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection - Chuck Mangione gathers ten of the jazz-pop maestro's best-known performances, including "Land of Make Believe," "Feels So Good," "Chase the Clouds Away," and "Children of Sanchez." As with the other Mangione compilations available, 20th Century Masters focuses on his '70s heyday, and while this collection doesn't offer anything particularly different, it's also a good starting point for anyone interested in one of crossover jazz's pioneering, and most successful, artists. ~Heather Phares

The Milleniuim Collection: The Best Of Chuck Mangione

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Jo Lawry - I Want To Be Happy

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 61:39

Size: 141.1 MB

Styles: Jazz vocals

Year: 2009

Art: Front

[5:35] 1. The Water Is Wide

[1:37] 2. Prelude To Happiness

[3:25] 3. I Want To Be Happy

[4:46] 4. February

[5:04] 5. I Only Have Eyes For You

[2:27] 6. Small House

[2:04] 7. I Could Have Danced All Night

[5:52] 8. Until

[2:29] 9. I'm Old Fashioned

[6:27] 10. Can't Smile Without You

[3:27] 11. In A Spin

[1:35] 12. Love Is Now (Memoria E Fado)

[5:53] 13. Loro

[6:02] 14. I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry

[4:49] 15. Tried And Tried

Australian vocalist Jo Lawry is quickly establishing herself among the top tier of current jazz vocalists. And she's doing it—at least some of the time—by being a sideman. Lawry hails from Adelaide, Australia. She's been in the U.S. for several years now pursuing advanced degrees in jazz, but she hasn't spent all her time studying. She's also managed to collect an impressive list of resume credits as a performer, including performing and recording with Kate McGarry, Fred Hersch, Donny McCaslin and others.

Lawry's debut album, I Want To Be Happy (Fleurieu, 2008), features original compositions and creatively reworked tunes from the jazz and pop songbooks. Lawry stands out from the pack because of her clear melodic and harmonic ideas and her incredible intonation.

I Want To Be Happy

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Art Tatum - The Collection

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:59
Size: 100.7 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[2:49] 1. Blue Skies
[3:07] 2. Tea For Two
[2:29] 3. I Cover The Waterfront
[3:17] 4. In A Sentimental Mood
[3:09] 5. Stormy Weather
[2:12] 6. Tiger Rag
[3:06] 7. Tenderly
[2:14] 8. I Got Rhythm
[2:47] 9. Dardanella
[2:39] 10. Begin The Beguine
[2:44] 11. Somebody Loves Me
[3:34] 12. Body And Soul
[3:15] 13. Deep Purple
[3:55] 14. Mine
[2:34] 15. Sweet Lorraine

Art Tatum was a highly influential 20th century jazz pianist known for his ornate arrangements and radical reinventions of pop standards.

Born on October 13, 1909, in Toledo, Ohio, Art Tatum was largely self-taught as a pianist despite being legally blind. He became a star in New York City in the 1930s, winning fans with his versions of pop favorites and wowing peers with his technique. After cutting a series of solo and group recordings late in his career, Tatum died from kidney disease in Los Angeles, California, on November 5, 1956.

The Collection

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Classics IV - The Very Best Of Classics IV

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 26:18
Size: 60.2 MB
Styles: AM Pop
Year: 1989
Art: Front

[2:53] 1. Spooky
[2:08] 2. Mary, Mary Row Your Boat
[2:33] 3. Everyday With You Girl
[2:58] 4. Change Of Heart
[2:45] 5. Traces
[2:49] 6. Stormy
[2:06] 7. 24 Hours Of Loneliness
[2:33] 8. Something I'll Remember
[2:44] 9. Soul Train
[2:44] 10. Sunny

This band (members of which later formed the Atlanta Rhythm Section) scored big on the late-'60s/'70s charts with their soul-inflected soft rock. Here are their top hits Spooky; Stormy; Traces; Everyday with You Girl; Change of Heart; Soul Train , and more!

The Very Best Of Classics IV

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Helen Schneider - Dream A Little Dream

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:11
Size: 105,4 MB
Art: Front

(2:52)  1. Dream A Little Dream
(4:34)  2. The Man I Love
(3:58)  3. Girl Talk
(4:21)  4. In My Solitude
(3:19)  5. Only You
(3:55)  6. Where Or When
(2:53)  7. You Go To My Head
(3:43)  8. Everybody Loves My Baby
(2:51)  9. My Heart Belongs To Daddy
(3:56) 10. Sway
(2:47) 11. I Only Have Eyes For You
(3:56) 12. Love For Sale

Helen Schneider has spread herself out during her career, studying classical piano in her youth; singing blues, rock, and pop; performing in various musicals; and finally turning to standards a few years prior to the making of this CD. There's little doubt that she is a trained singer, as she always hits her notes and enunciates clearly, yet this album leaves little lasting impression, compared to many singers who have covered these well-known works. 

Approaching these selections from a cabaret viewpoint, Schneider is a bit too breathy on slower ballads like "Dream a Little Dream" and "You Go to My Head," sometimes adding annoying little comments at the end of a line. She proves more appealing in the sparse setting of "In My Solitude," with pianist Frank Chastenier as her sole accompanist. Also adding to the dullness of the CD are the arrangements (by Till Bronner, Christian von Kaphengst, and Christoph Adams), which rarely give the instrumentalists a chance to solo with any feeling. Schneider's fans will probably enjoy this disc, though she is likely to win few new ones with this bland effort. ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/dream-a-little-dream-mw0000807926

Personnel: Helen Schneider (vocals); Daniel Stelter (guitar, acoustic guitar); Torsten Goods (guitar, electric guitar); Jo Ambros (acoustic guitar); Gregoire Peters (flute); Felix Wahnschaffe (saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Lutz Häfner (saxophone, tenor saxophone); Till Brönner (trumpet, brass, Fender Rhodes piano, programming); Christoph Adams, Frank Chastenier (piano); Christian VonKaphengst (acoustic bass); Peter Lubke (drums); Rolo Rodriguez (percussion).

Dream A Little Dream

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Jimmy Mcgriff - The Big Band: A Tribute To Basie

Styles: Hard Bop, Soul Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:31
Size: 83,9 MB
Art: Front

(2:26)  1. Hob Nail Boogie
(3:55)  2. Cherry Point
(3:45)  3. Swingin' The Blues
(3:29)  4. Cute
(4:04)  5. Every Day I Have The Blues
(3:32)  6. Blues Go Away
(2:55)  7. Avenue C
(4:30)  8. L'il Darlin'
(3:14)  9. Splanky
(4:36) 10. Slow But Sure

Organist Jimmy McGriff's debut recording for the Solid State label (which has been reissued on a 1996 Laserlight CD) was also his first of many with a big band. McGriff pays tribute to the Count Basie Orchestra by performing ten songs from the Basie book (both of the 1940s and '50s) with a large group that includes many Basie veterans. The orchestra is mostly used as a prop, however, for McGriff is generally the main soloist on such tunes as Buster Harding's "Hob Nail Boogie," "Swingin' the Blues," "Cute," "Avenue C" and "L'il Darlin.'" Matching the leader's powerful organ with a big band was a logical idea and one that would be successfully repeated quite a few times in the future. This budget CD gives one a good sampling of Jimmy McGriff's playing. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/big-band-a-tribute-to-basie-mw0000611109

Personnel: Jimmy McGriff (organ); Kenny Burrell, Barry Galbraith (guitar); Frank Wess, Jerome Richardson (alto saxophone); Frank Foster , Billy Mitchell , Budd Johnson (tenor saxophone); Seldon Powell (baritone saxophone); Richard Gene Williams , Ernie Royal, Irvin "Marky" Markowitz, Joe Newman Quartet , Thad Jones, Jimmy Nottingham, Burt Collins (trumpet); Eddie Bert, Dick Hixson, J. Alan Johnson , Tom McIntosh, Wayne Andre, Paul Faulise (trombone); Tony Studd (bass trombone); Grady Tate, Mel Lewis (drums).

The Big Band:  A Tribute To Basie

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Mary Coughlan - Long Honeymoon

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:11
Size: 101,4 MB
Art: Front

(2:53)  1. It Never Entered My Mind
(3:55)  2. Blues Got the World
(4:03)  3. I Cover the Waterfront
(3:08)  4. Lucky Day
(4:19)  5. The Thrill Is Gone
(3:41)  6. Long Honeymoon
(4:06)  7. Detour Ahead
(2:58)  8. Charlie
(2:53)  9. I Don't Want to Play in Your Yard
(3:57) 10. These Boots Are Made for Walking
(3:44) 11. Dark Clouds
(3:28) 12. Maybe You'll Be There

Irish torch singer Mary Coughlan was born in Galway in 1956; after enduring a painful adolescence that included bouts with drugs and alcohol as well as a stay in a mental hospital, she relocated to London at the age of 19, living in a hippie squat. After several lean years of waitressing and sweeping streets, Coughlan returned to Ireland in 1974, where a chance encounter with Dutch musician Erik Visser helped point her towards a singing career; specializing in jazz and blues, she began slowly earning a reputation on the pub circuit, which resulted in a handful of television appearances. From there, she and Visser moved on to sold-out concert dates, and in 1985 Coughlan finally recorded her debut LP, Tired and Emotional, a major hit in her native land. 

A number of other records followed in the years to come, and she became a critical favorite throughout much of Europe; with 1997's After the Fall, Coughlan made her U.S. debut, soon earning a devoted following on American shores as well. Three years later, Coughlan issued the vibrant tribute album Sings Billie Holiday. Long Honeymoon appeared in spring 2001. ~ Bio  https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/mary-coughlan/id68546525#fullText

Personnel:  Mary Coughlan – Vocals;  Greg Cohen - double bass;  Joel Helleny – trombone;  Robert Malone - acoustic guitar;  Conor Brady - guitar, kora;  Wayne P. Sheehy - drums, percussion
Louis Stewart – guitar;  Peter O'Brien – piano.

Long Honeymoon

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Danny Grissett - Stride

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:13
Size: 140,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:29)  1. Stride
(7:15)  2. Viennese Summer
(8:45)  3. Etude Opus 10: No. 6 In E-Flat Minor
(6:36)  4. Two Sleepy People
(8:25)  5. Close Quarters
(8:05)  6. Scene
(6:50)  7. It Takes Two To Know One
(8:44)  8. Some Other Time

Danny Grissett gets under your skin...I mean that in a good way! While I was familiar with Danny, I had not really "listened" to Grissett until I heard some of his Fendor Rhodes work on Tom Harrell's Roman Nights. Danny Grissett also turned in some captivating work on the Jeremy Pelt release, "The Talented Mr. Pelt." There is something truly unique to Grissett's piano work not to mention his compositions. Grissett wields a deft hand of sensitivity but can unleash a brilliant sonic attack on your senses at a moments notice.  "Stride" is the fourth release on the Criss Cross label for Grissett as a leader where he is joined by bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Marcus Gilmore. "Stride" is a unique fusion of the American songbook with European overtones carefully placed among three Grissett originals and works from Nicholas Peyton and the legendary Tom Harrell. This is a lyrically driven trio with a sense of purpose and swing yet with intriguing hints of melancholy and introspection allowing the release to have depth of musical character not often heard from younger players such as Grissett. There have been some tremendous piano trio recordings released this year. "Stride" is a sleeper...Artistically gifted and technically proficient Grissett is the future of jazz piano. 

~ Brent Black  http://www.criticaljazz.com/2011/07/danny-grissett-stride-criss-cross-2011.html

Personnel: Danny Grissett (piano); Marcus Gilmore (drums).

Stride

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The Red Norvo Trio - The Savoy Sessions

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:02
Size: 144.3 MB
Styles: Bop, Vibraphone jazz
Year: 1995/2010
Art: Front

[2:51] 1. I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me
[2:31] 2. Time And Tide
[3:43] 3. Little White Lies
[4:02] 4. Prelude To A Kiss
[2:35] 5. Move
[3:30] 6. September Song
[4:01] 7. I'm Yours
[2:24] 8. I Get A Kick Out Of You
[3:25] 9. Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart
[2:38] 10. Cheek To Cheek
[4:05] 11. Night And Day
[4:08] 12. Godchild
[3:29] 13. Mood Indigo
[4:06] 14. If I Had You
[1:50] 15. Deed I Do
[3:18] 16. I'll Remember April
[2:28] 17. This Can't Be Love
[2:21] 18. I've Got You Under My Skin
[2:25] 19. Swedish Pastry
[3:01] 20. Have You Met Miss Jones

One of the first great improvisers on the xylophone and marimba, Red Norvo was also one of the few swing-era stars to make a successful transition to the harmonic and rhythmic challenges of bebop (he recorded with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie in 1945). By that time he had switched up to a vibraphone--a more versatile instrument with its amplified sound and sustain pedal--but his steely rhythmic articulation always reflected his experiences as an acoustic mallet player.

THE RED NORVO TRIO WITH TAL FARLOW AND CHARLES MINGUS chronicles his 1950-51 recordings with the innovative guitarist and bass player, and are among the most influential examples of what has come to be known as chamber jazz. When economic conditions made touring with a sextet impossible, Norvo decided to dispense with a rhythm section. In Farlow and Mingus he found players who shared his fascination with sophisticated harmonies, and were able to hang with him at the brisk tempos he favored.

Thanks to their elaborately crafted arrangements, the trio created a full orchestral dimension and a powerful rhythmic thrust. On "Prelude To A Kiss," Mingus' rich arco work triggers several cunning thematic variations, while Norvo's tart dissonances behind Farlow's solo create a harmonic tension which is only resolved during his own improvisation--together, they create a series of fanciful motifs behind Mingus' solo. Denzel Best's "Move" is driven along by Mingus' articulate, up-tempo melodic variations, as Norvo and Farlow navigate his equestrian changes with imperturbable refinement. Farlow's witty percussive effects on "Night And Day" and Mingus' flamboyant bowing on "Time And Tide" make it seem as if the musicians are playing with roses between their teeth. From the classical grandeur of "I'll Remember April" to the boppish drive "Godchild" and "Swedish Pastry," the wit and technical range of this band is phenomenal.

Recording Date: October 31, 1950 - April 13, 1951

The Savoy Sessions

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Various - Crazy: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:28
Size: 111.0 MB
Styles: Soundtrack, Country
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[0:11] 1. Larry Klein - Opening Riff
[1:27] 2. Dean Parks - Sugarfoot Rag
[2:48] 3. Madeleine Peyroux - Crazy
[2:14] 4. Stacy Earl - Honky Tonk Blues
[2:48] 5. Larry Koonse - Angel Eyes
[0:47] 6. Soundtrack - Rock-A-Billy Baby
[2:30] 7. Roy Orbison - Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)
[1:51] 8. Shawn Colvin - I Can't Stop Loving You
[2:13] 9. Kip Lennon - Jingle Bell Rock
[2:47] 10. Shawn Colvin - Tennessee Waltz
[3:03] 11. Larry Klein - Voom
[1:38] 12. Larry Klein - Lazy
[1:59] 13. Mandy Barnett - Walking After Midnight
[3:08] 14. Madeleine Peyroux - Lonesome Road
[1:35] 15. Dean Parks - Hank's Dream
[1:29] 16. Soundtrack - Dreams In G
[2:54] 17. Mandy Barnett - I Fall To Pieces
[2:47] 18. Larry Klein - Nothing That You Were
[1:37] 19. Larry Klein - Larry's Lament
[4:23] 20. Larry Klein - Jam At The Gate
[2:19] 21. Larry Klein - Hank's Shuffle
[1:47] 22. Dean Parks - Sugarfoot Boogie

Inspired by the tragic life of legendary 1950's-era guitarist Hank Garland, this soundtrack features songs performed by Roy Orbison, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Shawn Colvin, Mandy Barnett, Madeleine Peyroux, Stacy Earl, and Kip Lennon. Produced by multiple Grammy-winning producer Larry Klein, Favored Nations CEO/guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, and former Guitar Center-owner Ray Scherr, CRAZY features beautiful vocal renditions by Shawn Colvin, and Madeleine Peyroux as well as blazing instrumentals by Larry Koonse, Dean Parks and many other brilliant artists.

Crazy: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

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Martin Denny - The Versatile Martin Denny

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 30:10
Size: 69.1 MB
Styles: Exotica, Easy Listening
Year: 1963/2013
Art: Front

[2:42] 1. Theme From Mondo Cane
[2:15] 2. Exotique Bossa Nova
[2:31] 3. Our Day Will Come
[2:43] 4. Scarlet Mist
[2:26] 5. The End Of The World
[2:31] 6. Little Boat
[2:36] 7. Sukiyaki
[2:16] 8. Quiet Village Bossa Nova
[2:42] 9. Losing You
[2:42] 10. Strawberry Tree
[2:33] 11. Little Bird
[2:07] 12. Night In Tunisia

The unfortunate trend in light piano jazz continues. Three tracks on this record are quite worthwhile: "Exotique Bossa Nova," "Night in Tunisia, " and the very interesting reworking, "Quiet Village Bossa Nova." ~Tony Wilds

The Versatile Martin Denny

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Carol Sloane - Carol Sings

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1985
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:45
Size: 95,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:19)  1. Cheek to Cheek
(6:25)  2. Morning Star
(4:35)  3. An Older Man (Is Like an Elegant Wine)
(4:53)  4. Frasier (The Sensuous Lion)
(3:36)  5. Medley: If Dreams Come True/ Don't Be That Way
(4:20)  6. Prelude to a Kiss
(5:46)  7. Looking Back
(5:21)  8. Checkered Hat
(3:28)  9. My Leopard (Isfanhan)

Originally released by Progressive, this Carol Sloane album is quite definitive. After 15 years of neglect, the appealing jazz singer began to emerge on records again in 1977. On her effort, Sloane performs ten superior songs, which range from swing standards such as "Cheek to Cheek" and "Prelude to a Kiss" to lesser-known numbers such as a pair of Johnny Mercer-Jimmy Rowles collaborations ("Morning Star" and "Frasier the Sensuous Lion"), Norris Turney's "Checkered Hat" and "An Older Man Is Like an Elegant Wine." The singer is ably assisted by pianist Rowles (who also arranged the tunes), tenor saxophonist Frank Wess, altoist Norris Turney (who guests on his composition), bassist George Mraz and drummer Joe LaBarbera. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/carol-sings-mw0000120233

Carol Sings

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Jack Jezzro - Gershwin On Guitar

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:02
Size: 108,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:25)  1. Love Is Here To Stay Feat. Beegie Adair
(3:20)  2. Who Cares Feat. Beegie Adair
(4:35)  3. It Ain't Necessarily So
(3:22)  4. I Got Rhythm
(4:18)  5. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(5:11)  6. A Foggy Day Feat. Beegie Adair
(3:49)  7. How Long Has This Been Going On
(3:19)  8. They All Laughed Feat. Beegie Adair
(3:48)  9. But Not For Me
(3:29) 10. Love Walked In Feat. Beegie Adair
(4:26) 11. Embraceable You Feat. Beegie Adair
(3:56) 12. Soon

An internationally recognized guitarist and composer, Jack Jezzro is a multifaceted and successful studio musician. He has produced over 100 albums, earned a Grammy nomination and five Dove award nominations. Starting out as a member of Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and attending the Eastman School of Music, Jezzro eventually moved to Nashville where he now resides. Also an accomplished double bassist, Jezzro performs regularly with Nashville String Machine, an in-demand studio group recording with many top artists. As a studio musician, Jezzro's recording credits include work with Faith Hill, Matchbox Twenty, Randy Travis, and many others.His work can also be heard on numerous motion picture soundtracks including Con Air, Pocahontas, and The Green Mile. Bio ~ https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/jack-jezzro/id200096162#fullText

Personnel: Jack Jezzro (nylon-string guitar); Mary Alice Hoepfinger (harp); Cate Meyer, Cathy Umstead, Mary Kathryn Van Osdale, Carl Gorodetzky, Pamela Sixfin, David Davidson , Lee Larrison, Alan Umstead, David Angell (violin); Jim Grossjean, Kristin Wilkinson, Monisa Angell, Gary VanOsdale (viola); The Nashville String Machine.

Gershwin On Guitar

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Eric Felten - Gratitude

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:41
Size: 132,5 MB
Art: Front

(9:27)  1. Jeep's Blues
(5:19)  2. Pretty Lies
(5:56)  3. Gratitude
(3:43)  4. Paul's Interlude
(6:17)  5. Fat Chance
(6:57)  6. I Fall In Love Too Easily
(8:39)  7. The King In Yellow
(7:07)  8. Pie Eye
(4:12)  9. Gratitude (reprise)

Gratitude, Eric Felten's second CD as a leader, finds the young trombonist in the company of some seasoned veterans, but his confident playing doesn't give away his age. Brent Wallarab contributed the arrangements, which start with a stunning take of Johnny Hodges' "Jeep's Blues." Though trumpeter Randy Brecker, tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano, and the leader each produce a great solo, it is bass clarinetist Bob Mintzer (who sounds somewhat inspired by Eric Dolphy) who steals the show with his adventurous solo. Felten's lyrical tone in the ballad "I Fall in Love Too Easily" has a vocal quality to it. The remainder of the session is devoted to Felten's originals. His fat-toned solo leads off the brisk-paced "Pretty Lies," while it is the richly textured harmony of the unison passages in the ballad "Gratitude" that stay with the listener. 

"Pie-Eye" (the name of the character Duke Ellington played in the film Anatomy of a Murder) is not a swing composition but very heavily post-bop, though one could imagine Ellington tilting his earlobe and snapping on the afterbeat in approval. The rhythm section, consisting of pianist Jonny King, bassist Ira Coleman (with Paul Henry subbing on one track), and drummer Billy Drummond, is first-rate. The only surprise is that Felten didn't release another CD as a leader until 2003, eight years after this excellent disc. 

~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allmusic.com/album/gratitude-mw0000181064

Personnel: Eric Felten (trombone); Bob Mintzer (bass clarinet); Joe Lovano (tenor saxophone); Randy Brecker (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jonathan King , Jonny King (piano); Billy Drummond (drums).

Gratitude

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Ray Charles - My World

Styles: Vocal, Soul
Year: 1993
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 44:44
Size: 82,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:01)  1. My World
(4:12)  2. A Song For You
(4:59)  3. None Of Us Are Free
(3:59)  4. So Help Me God
(5:25)  5. Let Me Take You Over
(4:22)  6. One Drop Of Love
(4:52)  7. If I Could
(4:06)  8. Love Has A Mind Of Its Own
(3:48)  9. I'll Be There
(4:57) 10. Still Crazy After All These Years

My World marked an attempt to somewhat "modernize" Ray Charles by incorporating elements of hip-hop and New Jack swing into his trademark sound. As a result, the record has aged poorly; the highlights are the songs done in Charles' usual inimitable style, including a reading of Leon Russell's "A Song for You" and a soulful rendition of Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years." ~ Jason Ankeny  

http://www.allmusic.com/album/my-world-mw0000094264

Personnel: Ray Charles (vocals, guitar, synthesizer); Rose Stone (vocals, background vocals); Randy Waldman (guitar, synthesizer); Tommy Organ, Eric Clapton, Thomas Organ, James Harrah, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Doug Norwine (saxophone, horns); Lee Thornburg (horns); James Cox, Greg Phillinganes, Jimmy Cox (piano); Billy Preston (Clavinet, organ); Shaun LaBelle (Clavinet, keyboards, synthesizer, drums, drum programming); Steve Lindsey, Randy Kerber (organ, synthesizer); Jud J. Friedman (keyboards, synthesizer); Dan Farrow (keyboards); John Levy (synthesizer, drums, percussion, drum programming); Chuckii Booker, Guy Moon, Robert Thiele, Bob Thiele Jr., Khris Kellow, Tom Snow, Barry Mann (synthesizer); Portia Griffin (vibraphone, background vocals); Carl King (drums, percussion, programming); Donny Nguyen (drums, percussion, drum programming); Rob Chiarelli (drums, drum programming); Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd , Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (congas, tambourine); Enrico DePaoli (percussion, drum programming); Maxayn Lewis, Valerie Pinkston-Mayo, Maxine Anderson, Karen Grant, Arnold McCutler, Carmen Twittie, Sharon Wallace, Joey Diggs, June Pointer, Lisa Frazier, Alex Brown, Alfie Silas, Mavis Staples, Maxi Anderson, Monalisa Young, Oren Waters, Phil Perry, Phil Roy, Arnold McCuller, Tata Vega, Terry Young, Billy Valentine, Jean McClain, Yvonne Williams, Brenda Russell , Carmen Twillie (background vocals).

My World

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MaryJo Mundy - Halfway To Heaven

Size: 182,7 MB
Time: 78:25
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2007
Styles: Jazz/Pop/Blues Vocals
Art: Front

01. I'm Miss Mundy (Live) (3:20)
02. It's A Wonderful World (Live) (4:53)
03. Everything Must Change - I Can See Clearly Now (Live) (8:19)
04. Other Eyes (Live) (4:13)
05. Halfway To Heaven (Live) (4:35)
06. I Feel Pretty (Live) (4:29)
07. Old Devil Moon (Live) (6:02)
08. Bein' Green (Live) (Feat. Todd Schroeder) (3:43)
09. When You Are Old And Gray (Live) (2:13)
10. Delichious (Live) (7:42)
11. I'm Gonna Eat (Live) (2:56)
12. Fat Girl (Live) (5:17)
13. Both Sides Now (Live) (4:35)
14. There Is Always One More Time (Live) (7:34)
15. Am I Lucky Or What (Live) (4:30)
16. The Girl Who Used To Be Me (Live) (Bonus Track) (3:58)

MaryJo Mundy was born and raised in Tuscon, AZ. She attended the University of Arizona studying Musical Theatre and the arts. After a stop in Chicago she moved with her husband, comic Jim Bruce, to LA.

Many of you know Maryjo for her open mic "Mundy on Tuesdays" which she produced for many years at the Gardenia.

With her debut CD "Halfway to Heaven" MaryJo Mundy is telling you a story of struggle, and redemption. Despite the title, it’s a decidedly Earth bound redemption, steeped in feelings of inadequacy and ultimately self-acceptance. Listening, you get that it isn't just an artist's idea of struggle. This is no conceptual musing on life, this is life being lived.

One of the composers of the track "There’s Always One More Time", Ken Hirsch, called this his favorite version of the song. First performed by Ray Charles, that's not a light compliment. The track is a stand-out among many gems, including a touching rendition of “Both Sides Now.” Mundy has a voice you must hear.

Halfway To Heaven

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Brian Simpson - Out Of A Dream

Size: 104,2 MB
Time: 42:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz, Vocals
Art: Front

01. One Of A Kind (Feat. Grace Kelly) (4:22)
02. Out Of A Dream (Feat. Najee) (3:55)
03. When I Say Your Name (Feat. Dave Koz) (3:49)
04. Sky Watcher (3:59)
05. Just One Wish (Feat. Norman Brown) (4:10)
06. San Lorenzo (Feat. Marc Antoine) (4:44)
07. Let's Get Away (4:06)
08. Rio Sway (Feat. Maysa) (3:49)
09. Her Eyes (4:54)
10. Nightfall (Feat. Maurice Brown) (4:15)

Whether playing keyboards for Contemporary Jazz superstar Dave Koz, or producing and writing hits for other artists or creating hits on his own solo recordings, Brian Simpson is a force in Contemporary Jazz.

2015 promises to be a banner year for Smooth Jazz keyboardist Brian Simpson. A proven hit maker, Brian's previous Shanachie release garnered Top 10 singles, including 2 #1s. And now, "Skywatcher," the first single
from his forthcoming album, Out Of A Dream, is one of the fastest rising songs on the Smooth Jazz Airplay charts and a lock to be Top 5 on the charts at the time of the album's release.

Both as a solo performer and as the featured keyboardist and music director of the Dave Koz Band, Brian performs in front of an incredibly large number of Smooth Jazz fans on a non-stop basis. And as winner of the American Smooth Jazz Keyboardist of the Year Award, frequent guest on nationally syndicated radio shows and music director of The Smooth Jazz Cruise, his visibility is tremendous.

Out Of A Dream

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Lucas Pino - No Net Nonet

Size: 157,1 MB
Time: 67:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz
Art: Front

01. The Fox (5:58)
02. On The Road (4:44)
03. Orange (7:56)
04. Strange Breakfast (6:04)
05. Intro To Bankenstein (1:30)
06. Bankenstein (6:43)
07. Sunday Play (6:32)
08. Where You Need To Be (5:30)
09. Homage A'mitch (8:41)
10. A Morning Walk (6:35)
11. Three Old Men From The Land Of Aran (7:16)

Members: Mat Jodrell - trumpet Alex LoRe - alto sax Andrew Gutauskas - bari sax Nick Finzer - trombone Rafal Sarnecki - guitar Glenn Zaleski - piano Desmond White - bass Colin Stranahan - drums

Multi-instrumentalist, composer and bandleader Lucas Pino has quickly established himself as one of the most sought after voices of his generation. Pino has been called a “...high wire act of musical textures and technique...” - Carmel DeSoto, jazzpolice.com; and “...all huge range, controlled ferocity, fleet notes and articulate expression” - Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star.

Pino composes for and leads the No Net Nonet, his own ensemble featuring a selection of New York City’s best young musicians. The nonet’s debut record is due out late 2014.The No Net Nonet can be seen regularly at Smalls Jazz Club, New York City’s premiere jazz club, where they have held a residency since June 2013.

A featured sideman in many groups, Lucas records and tours with acts Rafal Sarnecki, Gideon van Gelder and Jeremy Siskind among many others. Emusic.com named Siskind’s “Finger-Songwriter” one 2012’s best Albums. “On sax, Lucas Pino is drifting smoke, and on clarinet, a brooding melancholia” - Dave Sumner

No Net Nonet

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Max Wellman - Just In Time

Size: 89,4 MB
Time: 38:17
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Just In Time (2:49)
02. Left Behind (4:55)
03. I Don't Need No Doctor (Feat. Tina Haase Findlay) (2:15)
04. Gentle Rain (4:03)
05. Time After Time (3:52)
06. I Can't Give You Anything But Love (1:46)
07. Feeling Good (3:26)
08. A Sunday Kind Of Love (4:36)
09. Don't Get Around Much Anymore (2:42)
10. My Foolish Heart (Feat. Gary Walters) (3:57)
11. Alright, Okay, You Win (Feat. Tina Haase Findlay) (3:51)

Jazz vocalist Max Wellman is enticing music lovers across the country by evoking his own fusion of the vintage stylings of legends Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald with the modern twists of Harry Connick Jr. and Michael Buble. His latest endeavor, You Must Believe in Spring (December 2013), brings these influences to a new level with a unique collaboration featuring a string quartet led by the talented arrangements of renowned composer Sam Wells. The album showcases a refreshing mix of jazz with the romantic and classical musical traditions of the Great American Songbook.

This young showman from Des Moines doesn’t balk at you calling him an “old soul.” And, he didn’t become the polished performer he is overnight. In fact, it’s the Renaissance Man aspect of Wellman – elbow grease and a thirst for knowledge in spades – that makes him a sound and sight to behold. He’s a vocalist. An arranger. A writer. An entrepreneur. His musicianship is a vehicle for the entire package.

Just In Time

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Paula Atherton - Ear Candy

Size: 107,2 MB
Time: 46:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Funk, Smooth Jazz, Vocals
Art: Front

01. Pocket Full Of Funk (4:49)
02. Without You (4:34)
03. Remember When (4:14)
04. Between You & Me (5:07)
05. Bee To A Flower (3:57)
06. Carnivale (5:05)
07. Someone's Gonna Break My Heart (4:02)
08. Breakdown (4:49)
09. Getaway (4:48)
10. Without You - Instrumental (4:34)

Kalimba Music is the recently re-launched label by Earth, Wind & Fire founder member Maurice White and, in making the decision to break into the contemporary jazz market, the first artist on its roster was rising keyboard star Greg Manning. Now it has added that New York based vocalist and powerhouse saxophonist Paula Atherton.

Indeed Atherton has been on the radar of Smooth Jazz Therapy since 2009 and the release of the album ‘Groove With Me’ which at the time was described as “a sensational collection that features eleven of her original compositions plus one well chosen cover.” It provided the perfect blend of instrumental and vocal cuts and paved the way for ‘Enjoy The Ride’ that followed in 2013. Now, heavily influenced by classic funk and Philly soul, she is back with the excellent ‘Ear Candy’. With a combination of vocals, flute and sax, and very much in keeping with her previous projects, it finds her in outstanding form while featured guest performances from Nick Colionne, Cindy Bradley, and Gail Jhonson are simply the icing on a very tasty cake.

Ear Candy

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