Red Garland Trio - A Garland Of Red

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:46
Size: 141.4 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Piano jazz
Year: 1956/1991
Art: Front

[25:22] 1. A Foggy Day
[16:11] 2. Little Girl Blue
[ 3:16] 3. What Is This Thing Called Love
[ 3:11] 4. Makin Whoopee
[ 3:30] 5. September In The Rain
[ 3:26] 6. Little Girl Blue
[ 3:33] 7. Constellation
[ 3:14] 8. Blue Red

Thirty-three at the time of this, his first recording as a leader, pianist Red Garland already had his distinctive style fully formed and had been with the Miles Davis Quintet for a year. With the assistance of bassist Paul Chambers (also in Davis's group) and drummer Art Taylor, Garland is in superior form on six standards, Charlie Parker's "Constellation" (during which he shows that he could sound relaxed at the fastest tempos) and his own "Blue Red." Red Garland recorded frequently during the 1956-62 period and virtually all of his trio recordings are consistently enjoyable, this one being no exception. ~Scott Yanow

A Garland Of Red

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Merle Travis - Strictly Guitar

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 24:09
Size: 55.3 MB
Styles: Country, Americana
Year: 1969/2004
Art: Front

[2:12] 1. Heart Of My Heart
[2:21] 2. Lazy River
[2:11] 3. Guitar Rag
[2:14] 4. Dance Of The Goldenrod
[2:40] 5. Cuddle Up A Little Closer
[2:00] 6. Cannonball Rag
[1:54] 7. Ma (He's Making Eyes At Me)
[1:53] 8. I'll See You In My Dreams
[2:56] 9. I Gotta Have My Baby Back
[2:19] 10. Way Down In New Orleans
[1:22] 11. Fisher's Horn Pipe

The thumb- and index-finger guitar picking method Merle Travis learned as a kid in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky served him very well throughout his long career, and he developed into one of the most skilled and innovative guitar players on the country (or any other) scene, capable of making an electric guitar sound like a complete swing orchestra. Strictly Guitar was recorded in Nashville in 1968 with Kelso Herston producing, and saw Travis revisit some of the tunes he cut his teeth on when he was first starting out in the 1920s and '30s, as well as tackling slightly later pieces like Floyd Tillman's 1949 hit, "Gotta Have My Baby Back," which Travis turns into an elegant, dream-paced instrumental masterpiece. This CD version of Strictly Guitar reproduces the original Capitol LP's cover art and set sequence, which means it comes in at under 25-minutes in length, making it a good deal short by digital-era standards, and one wishes Sundazedhad added some bonus material, but what is here is pretty amazing, including the set closer, a blistering guitar rendition of the old fiddle reel called "Fishers Horn Pipe." ~Steve Leggett

Strictly Guitar

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Charlie Shavers - Gershwin, Shavers And Strings

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 30:55
Size: 70.8 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz, Easy Listening
Year: 1955/2015
Art: Front

[2:36] 1. I've Got A Crush On You
[3:05] 2. Someone To Watch Over Me
[2:45] 3. Somebody Loves Me
[3:08] 4. The Man I Love
[3:04] 5. It Ain't Necessarily So
[3:06] 6. Liza (All The Clouds'll Roll Away)
[3:10] 7. Embraceable You
[2:54] 8. I've Got Rhythm
[3:46] 9. Summertime
[3:17] 10. But Not For Me

The music of George Gershwin, but taken to some great late night territory by the trumpet of Charlie Shavers! The album's a sublime "with strings" date – one that has Charlie blowing beautifully over backdrops from Sy Oliver – charts that certainly use some string instruments, but often in a very spare, mellow way – so that once Shavers gets going, his trumpet is right out front – often with a beautifully moody tone! Titles include "I've Got A Crush On You", "Embraceable You", "Liza", "Summertime", "But Not For Me", and "It Ain't Necessarily So".

Gershwin, Shavers And Strings

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Madeline Bell & The Swingmates - Have You Met Miss Bell?

Styles: Vocal, Soul
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:50
Size: 127,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:01)  1. Where Or When
(3:50)  2. Honeysuckle Rose
(5:37)  3. September Song
(1:55)  4. Wonderful Day Like Today
(4:25)  5. Old Devil Moon
(6:20)  6. Someone To Watch Over Me
(2:35)  7. Just You, Just Me
(2:02)  8. Lemon Drop
(5:52)  9. Black Coffee
(3:04) 10. Let's Face The Music
(4:03) 11. Am I Blue
(2:52) 12. Making Whoopee
(5:17) 13. Willow Weep For Me
(3:53) 14. When The Saints Go Marching In

Madeline Bell (born July 23, 1942) is an American soul singer, who became famous as a performer in the UK during the 1960s, having arrived from the US in the gospel show Black Nativity in 1962, with vocal group the Bradford Singers. Bell was born in Newark, New Jersey, United States. She worked as a session singer, most notably backing for Dusty Springfield, and can be found on early Donna Summer material as well. Her first major solo hit was a cover version of Dee Dee Warwick's single "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me", which performed better on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart than the original.

Bell then joined contemporary pop combo Blue Mink, with whom she had a number of Top 20 hits with Philips Records in the UK, including "Melting Pot", "Our World", "Randy", "Banner Man", "Good Morning Freedom", "Sunday", "By The Devil I Was Tempted" and "Stay With Me". Before joining Blue Mink in late 1969 she sang solo, and her cover version of "Picture Me Gone" is still a Northern Soul favourite today, as is "What Am I Supposed To Do", from 1968, a two-minute B-side tune co-written with future Led Zeppelin member John Paul Jones, then working as one of London's most in-demand session bassists. (Bell also sang backup on Joe Cocker's "Bye Bye Blackbird" in 1969, which featured a guitar solo from another Led Zeppelin member, Jimmy Page.) Jones later arranged, produced and recorded Bell's 1973 RCA album Comin' Atcha. She contributed to the soundtrack of the romance film A Touch of Class (1973). She also sang backup for the Dave Clark Five's single release, "Everybody Get Together", and contributed backing vocals to Elton John's 1972 album, Honky Chateau.

Bell has also provided backing vocals on a number of other artists' recordings, notably Tom Parker's neo-classical arrangements, and in 1975 performed with Sunny and Sue (originally members of Brotherhood of Man) at the Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm, Sweden, providing backing vocals for the German entry "Ein Lied kann eine Brücke sein", performed by Joy Fleming. She worked with Kiki Dee and Lesley Duncan. In 1976 Bell sang backing vocals on We Can't Go on Meeting Like This, the second album by the band Hummingbird. In 1975 she appeared on Sunny Side of the Street for Bryn Haworth. She also joined the French disco group Space, providing lead vocals on two of their albums. One of the songs she provided lead vocals on was "Save Your Love For Me" from 1978, which charted high in many countries. She also provided backing vocals for another French artist; Cerrone. Madeline also appears on Giorgio Moroder's 1979 album, E=MC2.

Since the 1970s, Bell has continued singing solo and also performed in a number of stage shows. She continues to live in Spain since her husband, drummer Barry Reeves (once of the Ferris Wheel) died on February 6, 2010, from pneumonia. She regularly tours Europe singing jazz and popular songs. In 1982, she added background vocals to the fantasy film Alicja. She then again teamed up with John Paul Jones in 1985, contributing performances ("Take It or Leave It" and "Here I Am") to the soundtrack album Scream for Help. Bell was the voice behind the 1980s advertising campaign for Brooke Bond D, a brand of tea bag in the UK. The music was composed by Ronnie Bond. She also provided vocals on the jingles of another 1980s advertising campaign, British Gas's Wonderfuel Gas, which began in 1982. ~ Bio http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeline_Bell

Have You Met Miss Bell?

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Warren Vaché - The Warren Vaché Quintet Remembers Benny Carter

Styles: Cornet Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:47
Size: 146,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:35)  1. A Walking Thing
(2:34)  2. When Lights Are Low
(4:42)  3. Doozy
(3:54)  4. Key Largo
(5:34)  5. Evening Star
(6:52)  6. Boulevard Bounce
(5:38)  7. Summer Serenade
(4:08)  8. Only Trust Your Heart
(6:01)  9. Souvenir
(3:50) 10. Rock Me to Sleep
(4:44) 11. I'm Sorry
(4:45) 12. All That Jazz
(4:24) 13. The Romp

There's lots of life to this recording. Veteran trumpeter Warren Vache knows a thing or two about an old friend, mentor Benny Carter. With The Warren Vache Quintet Remembers Benny Carter we take a step back in time even as we venture forth into the present. A present that finds cornetist Vache's style and personage slightly at odds with that goofy-looking guy with the lid shaking hands with Carter for the cover of this release. It's a remarkable transformation for someone who, during Carter's life, was enthralled by the man's spirit as well as his humanity and substantial musical contributions. Then and now. That's what these kinds of recordings are all about, aren't they? 

The trick is to pull it off convincingly, which means you gotta inhabit that spirit and wonder with your whole heart and still have the means to convey it. In Vache's case, that's just what happens with this recording of 13 tunes associated with the multi-instrumental maven, whose career spanned a mind-boggling number of years and eras. To perhaps repeat, then and now is furthered along by the visual presentation of this CD. You get the younger, livelier Vache shaking hands with the master along with more recent photos which show a man weathered by the times since Carter's death in 2003 at age 95. Gone is that goofy smile of innocence, replaced by a more taciturn and wry grimace. Vache's seasoning no doubt has included some trials and disappointments in the intervening years. And that's just what seems to be so much a part of this recording: the sound of a man in love with his music and, in this case, the music of another, a more mature voice.

So, take all that in, and then listen to this music and discover a kind of transcendence that speaks to the music's ability to be ageless, Vache's formal treatments of these songs are true to the spirit of Carter's own muse and whatever Vache picked up by being associated with him. There is a joyous quality to everything here, except when "lights are low," but then it somehow remains surreptitiously buoyant. Take any tune and find a group cohesion fostered by the leader of this makeshift group and you'll hear something that's rare in today's marketplace of jazz recordings: an authentic embrace of ... then and now. With regular cohort Tardo Hammer at the keys, along with old friends and colleagues tenorist Houston Person, Nicki Parrott on bass and vocals and Leroy Williams on drums on selective cuts, the moods tend to be mellow when they aren't a tad bouncy. The transition between "Boulevard Bounce" and "Summer Serenade," for example, is the transition between that bounce featuring Vache playing a real cozy mute with tasteful brushwork from Williams to yet another example of Hammer's modest eloquence as he brings the serenade forward, Parrott's basslines and solo work simpatico all the way. 

"Summer Serenade" is that kind of rendition that certainly suggests what the song implies, a lazy river coursing through a nearby meadow, everything in its rightful place as the late-afternoon sun finds its way through the willows and the breezes are soft and reassuring. It's a trio piece, sans Vache, that serves as the midpoint to this collection, having followed what might be considered the overall mood of the album with "Boulevard Bounce," namely, a lighthearted party. And so, with Remembers Benny Carter (featuring incisive, Carter-centered liner notes from Carter biographer Ed Berger) there's the seemingly inevitable gesture that comes with age and the talent to deliver it: a bittersweet melancholy and a certain longing for what was, maybe best heard when Parrott's voice enters here and there, her feminine energy a vital ingredient here as she expands on her bassist role via a samba version of "Only Trust Your Heart" and the more rightfully easygoing "When Lights Are Low" (featuring some delicate muted-horn work from the leader). Her voice is intimate, relaxed, lilting, as she inhabits the words to these songs in ways that make her an ideal foil to Vache's sometimes more caustic yet generous spirit. A generous spirit that leaves others to carry the tune, so to speak, from time to time without him.

With the quiet eloquence of "Souvenir" Vache returns with a full-bodied open horn, cradling the song's melody in this gently delivered ballad, a certain highlight that could be adapted to any time of day, but especially when those lights are low. Tardo's piano is once again a voice that provides that rare mesmerizing balance to Vache's clear, recital-like tones. You can practically feel the love for Mr. Carter. "Rock Me To Sleep" kicks it up a notch, echoing not only Carter the trumpeter but an even earlier master of that instrument, Louis Armstrong, the song's medium-tempo swing a lure for anyone who loves to hit the dance floor anytime of day. And with "All That Jazz," Vache joining Parrott in the vocal department, we hear not only more up-tempo swinging but some real harmonizing between these two singers that makes you wish they'd done another. Ending with the up-tempo swinging blues "The Romp" may have you forgetting everything that came before, this quintet seemingly refusing to go out quietly, but instead opting for just a wee bit more fun. Vache's horn and leadership on this date should be a welcome treat for any music lover, regardless of age or taste. His ultimate compliment to Carter could be Vache's overt presence implied as well as stated and his subdued, age-appropriate enthusiasm for this music, and his hitting every note just right even as he also allows everyone in on the party, for everyone to come celebrate the wonder that Benny Carter will always represent. ~ John Ephland  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/warren-vache-quintet-remembers-benny-carter-by-john-ephland.php

Personnel: Warren Vache, cornet; Houston Person, tenor saxophone; Nicki Parrott, bass, vocals; Tardo Hammer, piano; Leroy Williams, drums.

The Warren Vaché Quintet Remembers Benny Carter

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Barney Kessel - Solo

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1983
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:38
Size: 81,9 MB
Art: Front

(2:35)  1. Brazil
(2:55)  2. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?
(3:21)  3. Happy Little Song
(3:25)  4. Everything Happens to Me
(4:56)  5. You Are the Sunshine of My Life
(4:13)  6. Manhã De Carnaval
(4:55)  7. People
(3:49)  8. Jellybeans
(5:25)  9. Alfie

This is an unusual set, the only full-length program of unaccompanied guitar solos recorded by Barney Kessel. Although Kessel was not as skilled in solo work as Joe Pass, the music is relaxed, melodic and tasteful. The interpretations are concise and highlighted by "Brazil," "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," and "Alfie," although "People" could have been skipped. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/solo-mw0000665062

Personnel: Barney Kessel (guitar).

Solo

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Monique Thomas & Jacki Berecochea - Can't We Be Friends - Combo!

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:59
Size: 127,4 MB
Art: Front

(2:08)  1. Can't We Be Friends?
(3:30)  2. Old Devil Moon
(3:23)  3. I Said No
(3:30)  4. Sweet Georgia Brown
(5:03)  5. Save Your Love for Me
(5:27)  6. Dolo Blues
(2:49)  7. Just You, Just Me
(3:20)  8. Speak Low
(2:26)  9. It's Love
(4:51) 10. I'm Old Fashioned
(3:56) 11. Indian Summer
(4:12) 12. Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most
(4:59) 13. Whisper Not
(5:18) 14. This Can't Be Love

It is said that young singers have this fresh passion envied all jazz musicians. That's the effect we've had by meeting Monique Thomas. She sang a version of "burning-hot" Cherokee full of promises for the hearing of vocal jazz department at William Paterson University. The music integrity of Monique, his talent and experience are evident in each piece. She swings while telling each sentence of the text she sings very personal way. His passion and sensuality in the ballads, like his spark and his swing in fast tempos are beautifully highlighted by brilliant musicians and very successful arrangements. This disc is a wonderful musical adventure. Translate by google  http://www.agorila.com/-combo-monique-thomas-et-berecochea-685.php

Can't We Be Friends - Combo!

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Coleman Hawkins - Blues Wail: Coleman Hawkins Plays The Blues

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:31
Size: 168.3 MB
Styles: Bop, Swing, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1996/2006
Art: Front

[11:15] 1. Juicy Fruit
[13:31] 2. Blues For Tomorrow
[ 6:43] 3. Blues Wail
[ 9:52] 4. Soul Blues
[ 5:57] 5. Skrouk
[ 4:29] 6. Stealin' The Bean
[ 8:50] 7. Foot Pattin'
[ 6:14] 8. Blues For Ron
[ 6:34] 9. Pedalin'

Tenor great Coleman Hawkins was usually bored with the blues, at least until the period covered by this CD sampler. A master at deciphering complex chord changes, Hawkins found the blues to be overly simple but around 1957 (after 35 years of major league activity) he began to explore the blues more seriously, at least on an occasional basis. This CD has nine performances from as many sessions. The music is consistently excellent (particularly "Juicy Fruit," the lengthy "Blues For Tomorrow" which also features John Coltrane, "Stealin' The Bean" with trumpeter Charlie Shavers and a pair of collaborations with fellow tenor Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis), but it is recommended that listeners (beginners and experts alike) instead acquire the complete sessions, since the blues were only a small aspect of the Coleman Hawkins story. ~Scott Yanow

Blues Wail:Coleman Hawkins Plays The Blues 

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Hope Levy - Menagerie

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:36
Size: 79.2 MB
Styles: Cabaret
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[2:07] 1. No Time For Love
[3:32] 2. Why Does A Dog Have More Rights Than I
[2:52] 3. My Blue Hawaii
[3:22] 4. Party At The Sneaker Store
[3:12] 5. Third Time Around
[2:48] 6. Gingie Boy
[3:22] 7. Blair Witch
[3:07] 8. Georgia O'Keeffe
[3:55] 9. Don't Explain
[2:35] 10. Where Did All The Phone Booths Go
[3:40] 11. 3rd Time Around

Hope Levy is a Los Angeles based Actress & Singer Songwriter. Hope Levy's debut CD, "Menagerie", is a compilation of material she has written including one cover of a Billie Holiday song. Hope's vocal stylings are deeply rooted in cabaret singing and her quirky catchy lyrics and music have similarities to that of Dory Previn, Blossom Deary, Jonathan Richman and Aimee Mann.

Menagerie

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BWB - Groovin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:38
Size: 138.8 MB
Styles: Crossover jazz
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[4:45] 1. Groovin'
[4:47] 2. Brown Sugar
[5:44] 3. Ruby Baby
[5:42] 4. A Woman's Worth
[7:26] 5. Hip Hug Her
[6:43] 6. Mercy Mercy Mercy
[7:20] 7. Let's Do It Again
[4:50] 8. It's Your Thing
[7:27] 9. Povo
[5:48] 10. Up for the Down Stroke

This concept sounds like the set-up for a joke: What do you get when you cross three smooth-jazzers with topnotch straight-ahead players? Turns out Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum, and Rick Braun have the last laugh and a damn good time. While they may be three of the most distinct stylists in smooth jazz, they had to turn up the pots to cook with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. Keyboardist Ricky Peterson, maybe the funkiest organist in contemporary jazz outside of Larry Goldings, plays a producing role and is probably the MVP of BWB. The players aren't the only stars. The impeccable choice of 10 well-known cover tunes adds to an unapologetically fun record that allows B, W, and B to stretch out much more than they do on other recordings. Braun quotes Freddie Hubbard on "Povo," while Whalum explores Cannonball Adderley on "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," and Brown pays back Wes Montgomery throughout the proceedings. From the sexually charged "Let's Do It Again," featuring a purring Dee Dee Bridgewater and a scatting Brown, to the inspired arrangements of Alicia Keys's "A Woman's Worth" and D'Angelo's "Brown Sugar," there are no holes in any of these grooves. ~Mark Ruffin

Groovin'

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The Cy Coleman Trio - Comin' Home

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:21
Size: 78.7 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1963/2005
Art: Front

[2:53] 1. But Not For Me
[2:21] 2. Green Dolphin Street
[2:49] 3. Fly Me To The Moon
[2:55] 4. Time After Time
[2:45] 5. Blue Grass Groove
[2:59] 6. Robin Hood
[1:58] 7. Mean To Me
[2:31] 8. For Heaven's Sake
[2:50] 9. Comin' Home Baby
[2:20] 10. There Will Never Be Another You
[2:36] 11. I've Got Your Number
[3:17] 12. Sweet Georgia Brown
[2:01] 13. It's A Wonderful World

Well known today as a composer for the stage, Cy Coleman was once a jazz pianist of some distinction, although he was more a melodic interpreter than a dazzling improviser. This 1963 release is a trio date, with Coleman putting his spin on venerable songs like "Green Dolphin Street" and "There Will Never Be Another You," backed by bassist Ben Tucker and drummer Grady Tate. ~Ron Wynn

Comin' Home

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Steve Turre - The Bones of Art

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:16
Size: 156,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:28)  1. Slides's Ride
(4:21)  2. Blue & Brown
(9:42)  3. Settegast Strut
(5:50)  4. Bird Bones
(8:20)  5. Sunset
(7:07)  6. 4 & 9
(6:02)  7. Fuller Beauty
(6:07)  8. Shorter Bu
(6:46)  9. Julian's Blues
(7:29) 10. Daylight

Steve Turre has made a career out of creating and realizing projects that are firmly grounded in the jazz traditions, even when he's playing his conch shells. The Bones of Art may indeed be a first for jazz. Back in 1954, trombonists J.J. Johnson (Turre's greatest influence on the instrument) and Kai Winding recorded the first of five albums with a bone duo in the frontline. Here, Turre goes one better and features three in the frontline with no other horns. His companions are the last three trombonists to play in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers: Robin Eubanks (on three tracks) Frank Lacy, and Peter Washington (who lay out on one cut each). The rhythm section is comprised of drummer Willie Jones III, pianist Xavier Davis, and bassist Peter Washington. Turre wrote just over half of the tunes here, while his bandmates contributed the remainder. The program is mostly straight-ahead, deeply rooted in blues. Opener "Slide's Ride," with its breezy, yet knotty head and hard-grooving accents, is driving hard bop. Lacy's "Settegast Strut" features Davis' piano prominently; it's a joyful celebration of gospel, bop, and blues.

The use of mutes on the funky soul jazz of Turre's "4 & 9," is contrasted beautifully by Rhodes piano and guest Kenny Davis on electric bass. The are tight melodic turns in the bridge and interludes, but it's a stone groover. Eubanks' "Shorter Bu" is modern post-bop in the intro, but its swing quotient is indomitable as the head opens up. The shimmering, nocturnal blues balladry in "Fuller Beauty" melds everything from cool jazz to Miles' early expressions of modal music in its seductive melody and tapestry of sounds. Closer "Daylight," by Steve Davis, is hard-driving Latin jazz, where everyone solos Turre takes his on the shells, the only place on the set they appear and guest Pedro Martinez plays congas bongos and campana; everyone pushes double time to send this one off on a way-up note. The Bones of Art might have been stilted or even gimmicky by a lesser musician, but in Turre's imagination and discipline, it becomes a welcome extension of the tradition; it's a reminder that there is still so much from the past that can and should inform the future. Dynamite! ~ Thom Jurek  http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-bones-of-art-mw0002556446

Personnel: Steve Turre (trombone); Xavier Davis (piano, Fender Rhodes piano); Willie Jones III (drums).

The Bones of Art

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Rachel Holder & Dan Musselman - Save Your Love for Me

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:00
Size: 127,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:14)  1. Save Your Love for Me
(3:36)  2. Deed I Do
(4:19)  3. Angel Eyes
(5:49)  4. Georgia
(3:19)  5. You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To
(3:36)  6. Baby, Baby All the Time
(4:06)  7. The More I See You
(4:25)  8. It's Alright With Me
(4:04)  9. But Not for Me
(5:34) 10. It Never Entered My Mind
(4:26) 11. Ain't Misbehavin'
(6:24) 12. Over the Rainbow

Rachel Holder and Dan Musselman’s new album, Save Your Love for Me, is one to remember. These two young musicians teamed up to create a stunning and creative album that is sure to delight any listener. Although they are fresh out of college, both Rachel and Dan are professional musicians in Minneapolis, performing as though they are twice their age. In addition to working with Dan, Rachel has worked with extremely well regarded musicians including: Clay Moore, Tanner Taylor, Michael Pilhofer, Gordy Knutson, Lori Dokken, Jay Young, Jay Epstein, Terry Burns, Greg Schutte, and Rick Carlson as well as groups such as Urban Stride, The Girls, The Jazz MN Big Band, The Clay Moore Trio, and the Frontera Jazz Quartet. Rachel is a first call vocalist in the Twin Cities and is quickly on her way up.

Dan certainly has an impressive resume as well. He studied with jazz legends Craig Taborn (pianist for Chris Potter) and Kenny Werner (author of Effortless Mastery) and has been a featured artist in Jazziz Magazine. In addition to appearing on many albums, he recently released his own solo album, Ruminations. Whether working with vocalists or instrumentalists, Dan adds just the right touch and energy to any musical situation. This album is a perfect representation two bright and on the rise stars in Minneapolis. Save Your Love For Me will immediately grab your attention as one of the best jazz recordings of 2009.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/holdermusselman

Save Your Love for Me

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Shelly Manne - 'The Three' & 'The Two'

Styles: Cool, Hard Bop
Year: 1954
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:32
Size: 111,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:00)  1. Flip
(4:31)  2. Autumn in New York
(4:38)  3. Pas de trois
(5:10)  4. Three on a row
(3:20)  5. Steeplechase
(3:36)  6. Abstract no. 1
(4:04)  7. The sound effects Manne
(4:19)  8. Everything happens to me
(4:11)  9. Billie's bounce
(3:51) 10. With a song in my heart
(3:26) 11. A slight minority
(4:21) 12. Speak easy

These two sets for the Contemporary label (reissued on CD by the OJC label) are a couple of the more unusual sessions led by drummer Shelly Manne in the 1950s. "The Three" feature trumpeter Shorty Rogers; Jimmy Giuffre alternating on clarinet, tenor, and baritone; and Manne there is no piano or bass. Some of the six performances (particularly the four originals) are quite free, particularly the completely improvised "Abstract No. 1." Although these selections were not influential, they rank second in chronological order (behind Lennie Tristano's performances of 1949) among free jazz records. The remainder of this set is a duet between pianist Russ Freeman and Manne ("the Two"), and is also quite advanced in spots, although in general it is a more swinging session while still being unpredictable. Overall, a very interesting reissue. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-three-and-the-two-mw0000276488

Personnel: Shelly Manne (drums); Jimmy Giuffre (clarinet, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Shorty Rogers (trumpet); Russ Freeman (piano).

'The Three' and 'The Two'

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Sofia Pettersson - That's Amore

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:38
Size: 86,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:13)  1. Nobody
(3:56)  2. When About To Leave
(3:59)  3. That's Amore
(3:07)  4. Miss You
(3:55)  5. He's All Right
(2:45)  6. Music! Music! Music!
(4:11)  7. It's Happening
(4:15)  8. Fool On The Hill
(4:07)  9. When You're Smiling
(3:07) 10. Never Can Say Goodbye

Sofia Pettersson is a singer with an extra ordinary presence. Gifted with a natural frasing technique and lyric interpretation, she has created a very personal and intimate style.The critics rave about her and states , among many things, that ”her talent includes timing as well as rythm”, ”her voice has a beautiful sound and capacity” and that ”the singing connects with a natural, unaffected musical talent. Very appealing!”Further more Sofia  has a ”artistic attidude which shows that she’s both a composer and artist” and ”a salute is in order for both lyrics and music” - ”Prophone have robbed the big record companys on something special”. Sofia´s 6th and latest album "Det Liknar Ingenting" was released in April 2011. All lyrics are in Swedish and the music is written by Sofia and some music in composed by Petter Bergander, pianoplayer.The album has got beautiful reviews aswell as the last years live conserts. Sofia began singing jazz in 1987 and in 1998 her first album ”Oasis” was released. Jacob Karlzon, Johan Leijonhufvud, Jonas Holgersson and Mathias Hjorth were in her band. By then she lived in Malmö. She has done conserts in Sweden, France, Luxemburg, Great Britain and Belgium. In 1999, Sofia moved to Stockholm.

She has, since then, done conserts at jazz clubs and churches etc all over Sweden, in addition to that she has received many different scholarships for her work. In 2002 she released her 2nd album ”Slow Down” which got a very positive reception. In 2004, her 3rd album ”Thats’ Amore” came out, and was critically acclaimed as well. Apart from Sofia’s own songs , it included some well known classics from the 60’s and 70’s. Sofia’s 4th album ”Still Here” was released in 2004 and got the most attention of all of her previous albums. She wrote all the lyrics as well as music, and it was produced and arranged by Magnus Lindgren. ”Slow Down”, ”That’s Amore” and ”Still Here” have also been realesed in Europe and in Asia. Sofia’s 5th album "In Another World" was released on April 2008. Sofia has written all the lyrics as well as music, and produced it together with Per Erik Domargård. Her inspirations has been jazz and the singersongwriter tradition, and the whole album has a new sound compared to Sofia’s earlier albums.One new addition is acoustic and electrical guitars by Erik Söderlind. Petter Bergander plays organ and Fender Rhodes in addition to acoustic piano. Ola Bothzén plays as always percussion apart from the drums and Tobias Grenholm on  bass. 

~ Bio  http://www.sofiapettersson.com/site/index.html

That's Amore

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Ranee Lee - Deep Song: A Tribute To Billie Holiday (Bonus Songs)

Size: 138,4 MB
Time: 60:00
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1989/2012
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. I Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone (5:30)
02. When A Woman Loves A Man (4:08)
03. Crazy He Calls Me (5:43)
04. What A Little Moonlight Can Do (3:23)
05. God Bless The Child (4:06)
06. Somebody's On My Mind (2:40)
07. Easy Livin (4:15)
08. Strange Fruit (2:29)
09. Ain't Nobody's Business (3:20)
10. Them There Eyes (4:41)
11. Don't Explain (5:35)
12. Deep Song (4:04)
13. Fine And Mellow (5:00)
14. I'll Wind (4:59)

On this excellent CD, one of Ranee Lee's earliest recordings, the singer pays tribute to Billie Holiday with renditions of a dozen songs associated with Lady Day. The Canadian release features Lee joined by pianist Oliver Jones, guitarist Richard Ring, Richard Beaudet on reeds, veteran bassist Milt Hinton, and drummer Archie Alleyne; the title cut also includes a string section. Lee manages to recapture Holiday's spirit without resorting to mimicry. This tasteful effort has among its highlights "When a Woman Loves a Man," "Crazy He Calls Me," "Easy Living," and "Them There Eyes." Recommended. ~Review by Scott Yanow

Deep Song

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John Petters Swing Band - Sing Sing Sing

Size: 113,6 MB
Time: 49:13
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz: Retro Swing, Big Band
Art: Front

01. Sing Sing Sing (3:53)
02. Special Delivery Stomp (3:21)
03. Blues At The Honky Tonk (4:43)
04. Seven Come Eleven (5:26)
05. Frim Fram Sauce (2:48)
06. Flyin' Home (4:11)
07. Vision On Gallery Theme (3:46)
08. One O' Clock Jump (4:00)
09. Magic Carpet (4:20)
10. Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby (3:45)
11. Blues En Mineur (4:18)
12. Airmail Special (4:36)

A stunningly good album of classic swing in the style of the 1930s & 40s. Feat. James Evans, David Blenkhorn, Charles Condy & Heather Birt.

John Petters has been a professional Jazz drummer for over 30 years. He has recorded with such American legends as Wild Bill Davison, Art Hodes, Kenny Davern, Yank Lawson & Al Casey. He appeared in concerts with Billy Butterfield and Slim Gaillard.
On the UK scene he recorded with Humphrey Lyttelton, George Chisholm OBE, Ken Colyer, Wally Fawkes, Alan Elsdon, Dick Charlesworth, Sammy Rimington & George Webb. He has worked with Acker Bilk, Terry Lightfoot, Kenny Ball, Georgie Fame, Monty Sunshine and Lonnie Donegan.

John Petters organised and performed on the 'Legends of American Dixieland Tour' with Davison & Hodes.
His hit theatre shows include, This Joint Is Jumpin' - the Life & Music of Fats Waller, 'Swinging Down Memory Lane' with George Chisholm OBE, Maxine Daniels, Swing - a Centenary Tribute to Gene Krupa & Benny Goodman, Bing - The Road to Rhythm & Romance, 'S Wonderful, the Music of George Gershwin, with Val Wiseman, Ragtime Revisited with Martin Litton & James Evans, & Hoagy The Old Music Master.

An expert of jazz drumming technique, he has had many thousands of hits on his drum tuition videos about playing traditional jazz and the styles of Gene Krupa and Baby Dodds. He is director of several highly successful jazz residential festivals in the UK. He has written a number of articles on the history of jazz drumming.

Sing Sing Sing

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Scott Eckers - The Deep End

Size: 144,7 MB
Time: 62:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals, Broadway
Art: Front

01. West Side Story Medley: Something's Coming/Tonight (3:31)
02. Optimistic Medley: Corner Of The Sky/Someday (4:26)
03. Yiddish Medley: Abi Gezunt/Tumbalalayke/Rozhinkes Mit Mandlen/Der Rebe Elimelekh (8:05)
04. Les Miserables Medley: Bring Him Home (The Prayer)/Do You Hear The People Sing (5:20)
05. This Is The Moment (3:47)
06. I Don't Know Why (I Just Do) (1:45)
07. All Of Me (3:35)
08. (Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 (3:21)
09. You Belong To Me (2:07)
10. To Where You Are (3:35)
11. South Pacific Medley: Younger Than Springtime/There Is Nothing Like A Dame/This Nearly Was Mine (5:46)
12. On The Street Where You Live (2:46)
13. Standards Medley: I've Got Rhythm/Lullaby Of Broadway (4:01)
14. Freylekhs In D-Bay Mir Bistu Sheyn/Sheyn Vi Di Levone - Di Grine Kuzine - Lebn Zol Kolumbus (3:15)
15. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime (3:44)
16. God Bless The U.S.A (2:51)

"A consummate performer!" raves Gloria Elliott, New York vocal critic, as she explains the style and sound of Scott Eckers, singer who easily transitions from Broadway to pops to jazz standards in his highly-acclaimed shows. Scott's trademark covers have taken him from classic Catskill hotels to the stage of Lincoln Center in Manhattan. Crowds cheer as Scott sustains high notes on power ballads or involves the audience in an uptempo dance. Having starred in many musicals, Scott is no stranger to the stage. He was recently featured in a new musical, Tess, which played at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity and the New York Musical Theatre Festival in Manhattan. An unusual mastery of theYiddish language brings smiles to audiences across the Catskills and Florida.

The Deep End

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John Valeri - Now

Size: 120,2 MB
Time: 52:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Lost In Traffic (5:04)
02. Sketches (5:44)
03. Now (6:01)
04. Closer (4:37)
05. Desert Girl (4:09)
06. Until Then (5:10)
07. Time (7:15)
08. Edge Noel (4:45)
09. South Of Spain (5:05)
10. Why (4:25)

Living currently in Orlando, FL . Working with my original band and on a different musical projects, performing at leading jazz venues throughout the country and internationally. Recent release of two personal Cd's.

Freelance Musician:
Featured Guitarist
Two instrumental CD' releases entitled: “Time” and “Holding back”
Performed for national television audience on CBS “This Morning”, BET network,(Jones Beach, NYC), WOODSTOCK '99 Rock Festival, Apollo Theatre,(The Bitter End, NYC),(Sweet Basil jazz club ,NYC),(Trumpets Montclair, NJ),(Kavehaz ,NYC), Downtown Brooklyn Series Jazz Festival and the Annual International Jamaica Jazz Festival.
Orlando, Florida performances:
Universal Studios,The Plaza Theatre,The Abbey,Maitland Art Center,Orlando Film Festival,Jazz Young Gun Showcase,Orlando Museum of Art,Crealde School of Art,Blue Martini,Casa Feliz, Jazz Tastings and teaching at the Music Lab,Sam Ash and a Jazz Camp at Valencia Community College.
Toured Europe and Scandinavia as guitarist for TANGRA, a premiere Bulgarian Rock Band (1984-1989). Featured guitarist on two nationally released records in Bulgaria (1982-1985).

Now

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Kaylene Peoples - My Man

Size: 151,4 MB
Time: 65:33
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Take Five (4:42)
02. Mon Homme (Feat. Mark Hammond) (4:06)
03. Spain (Feat. Bunny Brunel) (6:47)
04. Nature Boy (6:43)
05. So Nice (Summer Samba) (3:16)
06. Time Traveler (Feat. Bobby Lyle) (5:58)
07. Stormy Weather (4:55)
08. Giant Steps (Feat. Hubert Laws, Bobby Lyle & Bunny Brunel) (5:58)
09. The Man I Love (5:02)
10. Blue Rondo A La Turk (5:00)
11. Smile (Souris) (4:22)
12. Tisket A Tasket (4:08)
13. My Man (4:29)

What do Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, and Ella Fitzgerald all have in common? Songs they made popular are making an appearance on MY MAN, the new CD by jazz singer and flutist Kaylene Peoples. Peoples has done it again by taking well-known classics and breathing new life into them. She gives them brand new, modern day arrangements, while still keeping the tradition of an acoustic jazz quintet. There’s nothing new about this set up except the fact that Peoples impresses you with her broad range of vocal styles and unparalleled flute chops. But MY MAN doesn’t just stop there; a special guest performance by three-time Grammy nominee flutist Hubert Laws, Grammy nominee fusion bassist Bunny Brunel, and multi-Platinum selling and Emmy nominee pianist Bobby Lyle share the spotlight on Kaylene’s unique arrangement of John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” –a first-time recording together by the three legendary performers.

If you are a fan of Dave Valentin, Ian Anderson, or Herbie Mann, you’re going to love the flute on this album. Kaylene does a haunting rendition of “Nature Boy” as she plays a ritualistic solo instrumental opening, taking you back to native roots. The song is melancholy, just as Nat King Cole had intended it be when he did the first recording of the tune. “Nature Boy” is a classic that is one of the most recorded songs in history. It’s not easy to create new versions that can do it justice. Kaylene not only does it justice, but she enhances that beautiful melody (which has made this song famous) and takes us on a serious trip to the unknown with her unique version. Featured guitarist Mark Hammond does an answer/call with Kaylene’s flute in the instrumental section, creating a brilliant and sensitive moment. And it’s those types of moments that have become a trademark of MY MAN.

Care to be inspired? Check out “Spain,” featuring Bunny Brunel (who played with Chick Corea for almost ten years); Brunel plays a mind-blowing bass solo. More exciting tunes on MY MAN are “Take Five,” “Blue Rondo a la Turk,” and “Tisket a Tasket.” Bobby Lyle wrote a special song titled “Time Traveler,” especially for this album. It features Kaylene’s flute and crosses over to mainstream, while still being an acoustic creation. Kaylene does a tribute to Lena Horne with her version of “Stormy Weather.” She really shows her 5-octave vocal range on this tune. Smoldering vocals, lush, yet retro 50s-inspired string arrangements, and shredding guitar leads by Rich Mouser, makes this version of “Stormy Weather” the most unique yet.

KAYLENE PEOPLES MY MAN is a diverse musical novel. MY MAN promises to deliver that emotional satisfaction you crave as a listener. It promises to awaken your inner child, letting you escape from the day-to-day grind we all have to go through. MY MAN is thoughtful, exciting, inspiring, and addictive. From it’s beautiful versions of “Smile (Souris)” sung in English and French to the title track “My Man,” Kaylene Peoples incorporates her lush “live” string arrangements to bring these power ballads to life.

“MY MAN is all about inspirations and God-given talent. It’s delivering a performance that’s authentic and transparent; and doing it to your highest excitement. No fear. No reproach. No judgment! That is what I want to achieve with this album . . . an exposing experience that lets you peak into my world for 64 minutes, the duration of this CD. My wish is that you will be as inspired as I have been! I guess it’s no coincidence that on my first day of recording this album (over 3 years ago), I discovered Barbra Streisand was recording in the room next to mine. I took that as a sign that ‘my’ title MY MAN (a song made famous by Streisand) was meant to be!” –Kaylene Peoples (Quoted from the booklet inside the MY MAN CD).

Musicans who played on KAYLENE PEOPLES MY MAN: Mark Hammond, Del Atkins, Bunny Brunel, Bobby Lyle, Hubert Laws; Milen Kirov, Kevin Flournoy, Vernell Brown, Jr., Ryo Okumoto, Rich Mouser; Leon Bisquera, Nathan Brenton, Eric Brenton, Oscar Seaton, Cory Mason, Brandino, and Tony Moore.

My Man

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