Saturday, June 6, 2015

Lola Haag - Good Morning Heartache: A Tribute To Billie Holiday (2002)

Size: 122,5 MB
Time: 52:22
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2002
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Lover Man (4:20)
02. He's Funny That Way (3:27)
03. Am I Blue (2:43)
04. (I Don't Stand) A Ghost Of A Chance (3:19)
05. Good Morning Heartache (2:16)
06. Darn That Dream (2:51)
07. In A Sentimental Mood (2:37)
08. Crazy He Calls Me (3:58)
09. Just One More Chance (3:47)
10. You Don't Know What Love Is (3:51)
11. Come Rain Or Come Shine (4:23)
12. (I'm Afraid) The Masquerade Is Over (4:02)
13. Travelin' Light (2:58)
14. I'm Glad There Is You (3:26)
15. God Bless The Child (4:19)

Big Chair Records recently released Lola Haag's third CD entitled "Good Morning Heartache, a Tribute to Billie Holiday". Containing 15 classic jazz tunes identified with Lady Day, the CD delights the ear with Lola's unique interpretations of songs familiar to the jazz world. Lola has an unusual ability to get inside of a lyric and transform it into a very personal expression. Her version of "He's Funny That Way" illustrates clearly how Lola finds the core of the song and makes it her own. The playful style she delivers in "Darn That Dream" and "Am I Blue?" contrast effectively with the reflective soulful renditions of "Lover Man" and "You Don't Know What Love Is". Particularly delightful is Ms. Haag's sexy version of "Come Rain Or Come Shine". She does save the best for last when she closes the CD with a moving version of Billie Holiday's composition "God Bless The Child".

Lola grew up singing with her family along to the records of Bing Crosby and The Mills Brothers and there is a little Bing in her style. She caresses the lyric with relaxed, delicate buoyancy and with rich, sensual low tones that are uncharacteristic of many singers of contemporary jazz, especially female singers. It is not unusual during one of her performances to see couples make eye contact, take each other hands and move their chairs a little closer together. Her live performances seamlessly blend hot swinging jazz with sensual ballads and bluesy melodies and remind one of the intimate mood reminiscent of an after hour's club.

In a recent interview, Lola was questioned about her approach to her music. She responded, "I attempt to get inside the head and the heart of the woman telling her story through the song. The lyrics are the most important thing for me. I try to be true to them. The melody seems to just fall into place when I focus on the message of the words and the woman's story becomes my story." Lola laughed when asked what personally drew her to the blues of Billie Holiday. "Email me privately and we'll talk", she said with a smile.

Good Morning Heartache

Markusphilippe - Saxnbass

Size: 129,2 MB
Time: 55:54
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Angel Eyes (4:55)
02. Hey Joe (3:27)
03. Invitation (5:01)
04. One For My Baby (4:08)
05. Moonglow (5:11)
06. Cold, Cold Heart (3:52)
07. The Look Of Love (5:26)
08. Pink Panther (3:24)
09. Body And Soul (5:01)
10. Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me (4:28)
11. Round Midnight (4:27)
12. Wet Willie (2:55)
13. Mo Better Blues (3:34)

What started out as a practice project, with the aim of avoiding the isolation of solo rehearsal, quickly developed an astounding momentum of its own. Early recordings were received with such enthusiasm that it was decided to launch markusphilippe officially, and record the duo's first album, saxnbass. A very extrordinary project indeed.

Philippe Chrétien,
trained in piano and trumpet by Chester Gill, found his way to his preferred instrument, the tenor saxophone, in 1979.

He gathered international performing experience with highly acclaimed musicians and DJs exploring a vast musical diversity, all of which contributed to the evolution of his particular, very personal style.

In his solo project he also proves to be an accomplished composer, producer and DJ. Elegantly understated, his gala performances are all about creating a relaxed and sensual atmosphere.

Philippe Chrétien is immediately recognisable by his soulful sound and feeling. In the words of Jack Kreisberg (Blue Note, New York): "He's got a killer sound!".

With markusphilippe, he comes just that bit closer to his sound ideal of reduction and transparency.

Markus Fritzsche,
gave up his medical studies half way through for a career in music. He's never regretted it for a minute.

A self taught musician, he won a silver medal at the 1985 Cannes Film Festival for his music to the "Canada Dry Tough in the West" TV advert, his break-through in the film business. From then on he wrote the music for countless cinema films and TV advertisments, some of which were seen by half the world. His best known work in Switzerland: the Migros jingle.

His "alter-ego" has always been as a bass player. It got him out of the studio into the wide world, to contact with people, to new challenges, and particularly to teamwork. Over the years he's played with many Swiss and international stars in every style imaginable, with highlights including the main stage at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

With Philippe Chrétien as his ideal partner, he's now reached a high point with saxnbass. In his typical, highly musical style.

Saxnbass

Esther Kaiser - Learning How To Listen: The Music Of Abbey Lincoln

Size: 146,3 MB
Time: 62:47
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Learning How To Listen (5:49)
02. Blue Monk, Pt. 1 (0:52)
03. The Music Is The Magic (4:09)
04. First Song/Conversation With A Baby (9:11)
05. Avec Le Temps (5:53)
06. And It's Supposed To Be Love (5:03)
07. Blue Monk, Pt. 2 (0:48)
08. Throw It Away (7:35)
09. A Turtle's Dream (7:12)
10. Love Has Gone Away (5:51)
11. Storywise (5:37)
12. Blue Monk, Pt. 3 (0:52)
13. Being Me (3:50)

"Esther Kaiser’s artistry lies in her ability to make something grave sound light and playful." (Nürnberger Nachrichten)
"As soon as she enters the stage, the sun comes up. Vocalist Esther Kaiser has the kind of charisma that can brighten gloomy days." (Hessische Niedersächsische Allgemeine
Zeitung)

Esther Kaiser, born in Freiburg i. Br. (Germany) in 1975, has been one of the country’s most versatile and genre-bending representatives of contemporary German vocal jazz for several years. As a recording artist, jazz professor and live performer who is involved in a variety of projects, she constantly seeks to merge jazz and improvisation with different musical styles.

Esther Kaiser sees herself as a singer of jazz songs and a storyteller.

This philosophy connects her deeply to jazz vocalist and composer Abbey Lincoln, who inspired Esther Kaiser to finally dedicate a full album to her "spiritual sister" after being immersed in a multitude of projects as a songwriter and lyricist.
The album "Learning How To Listen - the Music of Abbey Lincoln" (to be released in January 2015) was deemed as a grant-worthy studio project by RBB (Berlin-Brandenburg Radio Broadcasting) jazz authority Ulf Drechsel. It was subsequently recorded and produced by the RBB.

On this album Esther Kaiser approaches the music of the exceptional Abbey Lincoln, who passed away in 2010, in her own, unapologetically unique way. Effortlessly transcending categories and displaying a great deal of freshness and creativity, her heartfelt respect and admiration for the grande dame of American jazz is palpable.

Learning How To Listen

Le Bang Bang & Martin Kalberer - In Our Blood

Size: 126,7 MB
Time: 54:31
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Don't Give Up (5:10)
02. The First Day Of Your Life (4:29)
03. In Your Blood (3:56)
04. Soothe Me Blue (5:21)
05. I Want You Back (5:27)
06. Shape Of A Cloud (3:28)
07. Our Castle Turns To Sand (5:02)
08. Undream A Dream (3:37)
09. Fall Forward (3:55)
10. Here Comes The Sun (4:52)
11. Time Stood Still (4:10)
12. Follow Me Home (5:01)

LE BANG BANG don’t beat their heads against the wall but use their brains to open new doors. A singer and a bass player – bang. Stefanie Boltz and Sven Faller master the power and epic grandeur of rock classics by AC/DC, Radiohead, Yes, Bowie or Metallica just as effortless as the multi faceted shades of the more subtle music of Joni Mitchell or Michel Legrand. Neither headless nor lofty, „HEADBANG“ is music for the soul, feet and mind.

A voice and a bass can be more than enough to magically create an evening’s program that can compete with a philharmonic orchestra in richness of colors and dynamic range. LE BANG BANG have proven this ability in countless exciting concerts since the premiere of their debut „BANG BANG“

STEFANIE BOLTZ / Voice
Since being discovered as a teenager while singing in the bathtub, she has permeated all means of expression with her voice from beat-boxing to reciting poetry. She has been part of the award-winning a cappella formation ‘Stouxingers’, worked as a D-jane and was sought after as singer and speaker for TV and film. She is a member of the renowned 30’s vocal girl group ‘Croonettes’ and the critically acclaimed Jazz duo ‘Boltz & Stauber’ with guitarist Philipp Stauber.

SVEN FALLER / Bass
Sven Faller is internationally acclaimed for his unique style on the acoustic bass. Between 1994 and 2000 he lived in New York and received his degree from The Mannes College of Music in 1997. He has performed with a variety of artists including Scott Hamilton, Robbie Ameen, Arlo Guthrie, Charlie Mariano, Don Menza, Chico Freeman, Bobby Watson, Konstantin Wecker and Trio Elf, whose latest CD ‚Elfland’ features Brazilian star vocalist Milton Nascimento.

In Our Blood

Charlie Parker - Best Of The Complete Savoy & Dial Studio Recordings

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:58
Size: 137.3 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[2:52] 1. Tiny's Tempo
[2:53] 2. Koko [original Take 2]
[3:01] 3. Moose The Mooche
[2:53] 4. Yardbird Suite
[2:58] 5. Ornithology
[3:03] 6. A Night In Tunisia
[3:04] 7. Cool Blues
[3:00] 8. Relaxin' At Camarillo
[2:43] 9. Chasing The Bird [new Take 2]
[2:58] 10. Cheryl
[2:34] 11. Milestones [original Take 1]
[3:40] 12. Embraceable You
[2:53] 13. Scrapple From The Apple
[3:47] 14. Out Of Nowhere
[2:56] 15. Quasimodo
[3:01] 16. Bird Feathers
[2:53] 17. Barbados
[2:52] 18. Merry-Go-Round
[3:23] 19. Marmaduke
[2:24] 20. Merry-Go-Round

This compilation whittles Charlie Parker's output on the Savoy and Dial labels down to 20 essential tracks. The booklet is certainly impressive for a best-of item; producer Orrin Keepnews offers a complete sessionography, richly informative track-by-track annotation, and an introductory essay. Interestingly, he includes several originally unissued takes as representative of Parker's best and elects to scrap the 1946 Dial session that yielded a notoriously smacked-out reading of "Lover Man" and ended with Parker being institutionalized. Listeners who can't be bothered with endless alternate takes won't find any here, but devotees will want to seek out the full set, The Complete Savoy and Dial Studio Recordings 1944-1948, also brought forth by Savoy in 2002. ~David R. Adler

Best Of The Complete Savoy & Dial Studio Recordings

Annie Kozuch - Here With You

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:09
Size: 89.6 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[3:40] 1. Chega De Saudade
[2:48] 2. I Love Being Here With You
[2:56] 3. How Deep Is The Ocean
[5:03] 4. Corcovado Quiet Nights
[4:03] 5. You've Changed
[3:43] 6. I'm Through With Love
[3:27] 7. Nosotros
[4:09] 8. Carinhoso
[2:27] 9. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
[4:01] 10. Who Can I Turn To
[2:47] 11. Somos Novios

Trilingual Annie Kozuch was raised in Mexico City and took to show business early. A subject of screen as well as song, it is a surprise that Here With You is her first disc. She sings in all her languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese) on this recording, with the Portuguese song, Jobim's "Chega De Saudade" ("No More Blues") being the pick of the bunch. "Chega De Saudade" is considered, by many, to be the first Bossa Nova composition, having been recorded by Joao Gilberto in 1958.

Guitarist Richard Padron and flautist Cecilia Tenconi make this a fully Bossa Nova experience. Breezy and sexy, Jobim's music could have only come from Southern Hemispheric climes, and Kozuch knows how to tap into the humidity. The gentle, swaying rhythm established by the band enables Kozuch to draw from the song all of the longing held in the lyrics,"Que ela regresse, porque eu não posso Mais sofrer" (..."let him come back; I can suffer no more"). ~C. Michael Bailey

Annie Kozuch: vocals; Frank Ponzio: piano; Saadi Zain: bass; Vito Lesczak: drums; Samuel Torres: percussion; Richard padron: guitar; Cecilia Tenconi: flute and saxophone; Jose Gallegos: electric piano.

Here With You

Charlie Shaffer - Serenata

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:25
Size: 122.3 MB
Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 2001
Art: Front

[2:41] 1. Serenata
[3:33] 2. What A Difference A Day Makes
[3:18] 3. Here's That Rainy Day
[3:53] 4. Gentle Rain
[3:01] 5. La Paloma
[2:58] 6. Morning Of The Carnival (Manha De Carnival)
[3:20] 7. You Are Always In My Heart
[2:43] 8. I Go To Rio
[3:03] 9. Betwitched, Bothered & Bewildered
[3:10] 10. A Man And A Woman
[3:31] 11. Once I Loved
[3:12] 12. Without You (Tres Palabros)
[2:39] 13. The Coffee Song
[3:06] 14. Invitation
[3:10] 15. Be True To Me (Sabor A Mi)
[2:51] 16. Samba De Orfeo
[3:06] 17. Someone To Light Up My Life

Charlie was born and raised in Houston, Texas. His family was a music loving one, although no one in it (at that time) was a trained musician. His mother, father, and sister all had a natural ability to find the right harmonies to sing when they engaged in impromptu barbershop style sing-a-longs. His parents social group came to the house frequently and the usual activity was to put on the records and dance.

This was a perfect environment in which to develop a great love of music, and to observe the positive effect it could have on people. His younger sister Carol (Koock) was also affected and she became an award winning pianist who is currently active in the music and theater scene in Austin, Texas. At a young age, Charlie had memorized many songs. He studied classical and popular music privately from the age of five, and upon reaching high school age, added French horn and cornet to his arsenal of instruments. It had been assumed that he would follow his dad into the oil business, but by the time Charlie entered the University of Houston on a trumpet scholarship, music had become his first love, and the direction his life would take was becoming obvious.

Serenata

Modern Jazz Quartet - Django

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:23
Size: 87.9 MB
Styles: Post bop
Year: 1955/1987/2014
Art: Front

[7:01] 1. Django
[2:58] 2. One Bass Hit
[9:34] 3. M. La Ronde Suite
[3:11] 4. The Queen's Fancy
[3:56] 5. Delaunay's Dilemma
[3:38] 6. Autumn In New York
[3:42] 7. But Not For Me
[4:20] 8. Milano

Hailing from a trio of Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) sessions, Django (1955) contains some of the earliest sides that Milt Jackson (vibraphone), John Lewis (piano), Percy Heath (bass) and Kenny Clarke (drums) recorded for Prestige Records. Initially, the combo was part of Dizzy Gillespie's influential backing band and after a change in drummers (to Connie Kay), they continued as one of the more sophisticated aggregates of the post-bop era. The album commences with Lewis' sublime and serene title track "Django," dedicated to the memory of guitarist extraordinaire Django Reinhardt. This musical paean aptly recaptures the essence of Reinhardt's enigmatic gypsy-like nature, especially evident within Jackson's leads, which emerge from the thoughtful opening dirge with a refined, warm tone throughout. Reinhardt's playfulness is recalled in Lewis' well-placed interjections between and beneath Jackson's lines. "One Bass Hit" is an homage to Gillespie with Heath taking charge of the intricate melody, showing off his often criminally underutilized skills. From the same December 1954 gathering comes the moody Lewis-penned ballad "Milano." There is a notable Mediterranean feel resounding in the opulence of MJQ's unassuming interaction. The centerpiece is the lengthy four-movement showcase "La Ronde Suite" circa January of 1955. The MJQ maneuver with unquestionable grace, alternately supporting and soloing, each taking the reigns as the others construct their contributions around the respective soloist. The remaining four selections date back to June of 1953 and are highlighted by "The Queen's Fancy," a simple and refined fugue that carries a distinct air of nobility. "Delaunay's Dilemma" is a definite contrast as it allows the players to cut loose with some frisky and fun exchanges that perfectly demonstrate their ability to glide through the sinuous syncopation. Both the understated splendor of "Autumn in New York" and the equally sublime cover of "But Not for Me" provide some familiar backdrops for the MJQ to collaborate and perhaps more directly display their essential improvisational abilities. In terms of seminal Modern Jazz Quartet entries, it is hard to exceed the variety of styles and performances gathered on Django. ~Lindsay Planer

Django

Stan Kenton - Sophisticated Approach

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:36
Size: 139,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:19)  1. But Beautiful
(2:15)  2. Darn That Dream
(5:16)  3. It Might As Well Be Spring
(3:53)  4. Moonlight Becomes You
(2:53)  5. How Do I Look in Blue
(2:55)  6. You Stepped Out a Dream
(4:35)  7. How Long Has This Been Going On
(2:52)  8. Memoirs Of A Lady
(4:20)  9. Time After Time
(3:03) 10. Easy to Love
(2:39) 11. My One And Only Love
(4:39) 12. Like Someone In Love
(3:30) 13. Some Enchanted Evening
(3:12) 14. Make Someone Happy
(2:32) 15. Come Rain Or Come Shine
(3:00) 16. Gigi
(2:37) 17. Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered
(2:57) 18. Magic Moment

There have been few jazz musicians as consistently controversial as Stan Kenton. Dismissed by purists of various genres while loved by many others, Kenton ranks up there with Chet Baker and Sun Ra as jazz's top cult figure. He led a succession of highly original bands that often emphasized emotion, power, and advanced harmonies over swing, and this upset listeners who felt that all big bands should aim to sound like Count Basie. Kenton always had a different vision. Kenton played in the 1930s in the dance bands of Vido Musso and Gus Arnheim, but he was born to be a leader. In 1941 he formed his first orchestra, which later was named after his theme song "Artistry in Rhythm." A decent Earl Hines-influenced pianist, Kenton was much more important in the early days as an arranger and inspiration for his loyal sidemen. Although there were no major names in his first band (bassist Howard Rumsey and trumpeter Chico Alvarez come the closest), Kenton spent the summer of 1941 playing regularly before a very appreciative audience at the Rendezvous Ballroom in Balboa Beach, CA. Influenced by Jimmie Lunceford (who, like Kenton, enjoyed high-note trumpeters and thick-toned tenors), the Stan Kenton Orchestra struggled a bit after its initial success. Its Decca recordings were not big sellers and a stint as Bob Hope's backup radio band was an unhappy experience; Les Brown permanently took Kenton's place.

By late 1943 with a Capitol contract, a popular record in "Eager Beaver," and growing recognition, the Stan Kenton Orchestra was gradually catching on. Its soloists during the war years included Art Pepper, briefly Stan Getz, altoist Boots Mussulli, and singer Anita O'Day. By 1945 the band had evolved quite a bit. Pete Rugolo became the chief arranger (extending Kenton's ideas), Bob Cooper and Vido Musso offered very different tenor styles, and June Christy was Kenton's new singer; her popular hits (including "Tampico" and "Across the Alley From the Alamo") made it possible for Kenton to finance his more ambitious projects. Calling his music "progressive jazz," Kenton sought to lead a concert orchestra as opposed to a dance band at a time when most big bands were starting to break up. By 1947 Kai Winding was greatly influencing the sound of Kenton's trombonists, the trumpet section included such screamers as Buddy Childers, Ray Wetzel, and Al Porcino, Jack Costanzo's bongos were bringing Latin rhythms into Kenton's sound, and a riotous version of "The Peanut Vendor" contrasted with the somber "Elegy for Alto." Kenton had succeeded in forming a radical and very original band that gained its own audience. In 1949 Kenton took a year off. 

In 1950 he put together his most advanced band, the 39-piece Innovations in Modern Music Orchestra that included 16 strings, a woodwind section, and two French horns. Its music ranged from the unique and very dense modern classical charts of Bob Graettinger to works that somehow swung despite the weight. Such major players as Maynard Ferguson (whose high-note acrobatics set new standards), Shorty Rogers, Milt Bernhart, John Graas, Art Pepper, Bud Shank, Bob Cooper, Laurindo Almeida, Shelly Manne, and June Christy were part of this remarkable project, but from a commercial standpoint, it was really impossible. Kenton managed two tours during 1950-1951 but soon reverted to his usual 19-piece lineup. Then quite unexpectedly, Kenton went through a swinging period. The charts of such arrangers as Shorty Rogers, Gerry Mulligan, Lennie Niehaus, Marty Paich, Johnny Richards, and particularly Bill Holman and Bill Russo began to dominate the repertoire. Such talented players (in addition to the ones already named) as Lee Konitz, Conte Candoli, Sal Salvador, Stan Levey, Frank Rosolino, Richie Kamuca, Zoot Sims, Sam Noto, Bill Perkins, Charlie Mariano, Mel Lewis, Pete Candoli, Lucky Thompson, Carl Fontana, Pepper Adams, and Jack Sheldon made strong contributions. The music was never predictable and could get quite bombastic, but it managed to swing while still keeping the Kenton sound.

Kenton's last successful experiment was his mellophonium band of 1960-1963. Despite the difficulties in keeping the four mellophoniums (which formed their own separate section) in tune, this particular Kenton orchestra had its exciting moments. However from 1963 on, the flavor of the Kenton big band began to change. Rather than using talented soloists, Kenton emphasized relatively inexpensive youth at the cost of originality. While the arrangements (including those of Hank Levy) continued to be quite challenging, after Gabe Baltazar's "graduation" in 1965, there were few new important Kenton alumni (other than Peter Erskine and Tim Hagans). For many of the young players, touring with Kenton would be the high point of their careers rather than just an important early step. Kenton Plays Wagner (1964) was an important project, but by then the bandleader's attention was on jazz education. By conducting a countless number of clinics and making his charts available to college and high-school stage bands, Kenton insured that there would be many bands that sounded like his, and the inverse result was that his own young orchestra sounded like a professional college band! Kenton continued leading and touring with his big band up until his death in 1979. Kenton recorded for Capitol for 25 years (1943-1968) and in the 1970s formed his Creative World label to reissue most of his Capitol output and record his current band. In recent times Capitol has begun reissuing Kenton's legacy on CD and there have been two impressive Mosaic box sets. ~ Bio  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/stan-kenton/id1207983#fullText

Personnel: Tracks 1-12: Dalton Smith, Bud Brisbois, Bob Behendt, Marvin Stamm, Bob Rolfe: trumpets; Bob Fitzpatrick, Jack Spurlock, Bud Parker: trombones; Jim Amlotte: bass trombone; Dave Wheeler: bass trombone, tuba; Dwight Carver, Gene Roland, Carl Saunders, Keith LaMotte: mellophoniums; Gabe Baltazar: alto saxophone; Sam Donahue, Paul Renzi: tenor saxophones; Marvin Holladay: baritone saxophone; Wayne Dunstan: baritone saxophone, bass saxophone; Stan Kenton: piano; Red Mitchell: bass; Jerry Lestock McKenzie: drums. Tracks 13-18: Dalton Smith, Bob Behendt, Marvin Stamm, Bob Rolfe, Norman Baltazar: trumpets; Bob Fitzpatrick, Dee Barton, Bud Parker: trombones; Jim Amlotte: bass trombone; Dave Wheeler: bass trombone, tuba; Ray Starling, Dwight Carver, Carl Saunders, Keith LaMotte: mellophoniums; Gabe Baltazar: alto saxophone; Buddy Arnold, Paul Renzi: tenor saxophones; Allan Beutler: baritone saxophone; Joel Kaye: baritone saxophone, bass saxophone; Stan Kenton: piano; Pat Senatore: bass; Jerry Lestock McKenzie: drums.

Sophisticated Approach

Sue Matthews & Camilo Carrara - Foolish Hearts

Styles: Guitar And Vocal Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:39
Size: 125,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:47)  1. The Very Thought Of You
(5:03)  2. Someone To Watch Over Me
(4:15)  3. But Not for Me
(2:53)  4. I'll Be Seeing You
(2:58)  5. Everytime We Say Goodbye
(3:01)  6. I Got Lost In His Arms
(4:54)  7. Someone To Light Up My Life
(2:42)  8. A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes/Once Upon a Dream
(3:35)  9. Let's Fall In Love
(4:06) 10. What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life
(4:58) 11. My Foolish Heart
(4:21) 12. All My Tomorrows
(2:53) 13. What'll I Do
(5:07) 14. Cheek To Cheek

Magically reinvented at every turn, this charming collection of love songs from the Great American Songbook are brought to life by the delightful pairing of a Brazilian guitarist's poetic caress and an American vocalist's velvet crooning artistry.http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/suematthewscamilocarrara

Denny Zeitlin - Cathexis

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1964
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:27
Size: 122,8 MB
Art: Front

( 3:20)  1. Repeat
( 5:58)  2. I-Thou
( 5:18)  3. Stonehenge
( 5:14)  4. Soon
( 5:58)  5. Nica's Tempo
( 2:27)  6. Cathexis
( 5:37)  7. 'Round Midnight
( 4:04)  8. Little Children, Don't Go Near That House
(15:26)  9. Blue Phoenix

This used to be one of my favorite albums. In listening to it again to write about it, I realize that I almost exclusively listened to the A-side. It’s a great side. I got this album when I was doing time in Chanute, Kansas.  I was the news director at a little radio station there. There was a bit of fun to be had; it’s what you make it after all. But I still refer to that time in my life as the dark days. I was a 23-year-old man in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere where my extremely low paying job was to come up with 15-minutes of news about the middle of nowhere every day. One of the bright moments of this existence was coming upon a big box of jazz and blues albums that the station was throwing out. At that time the station mostly played music, music that came preprogrammed on these giant reels of tape. Throughout most of the day these giant reels spun playing the mildest and most popular songs of the previous decade or two, pausing occasionally for commercials or a time check or news. I asked if anyone was interested in this box of jazz and blues records. Of course they weren’t. So back to my furnished top floor of a crappy old house they went. Of that box of albums, Denny Zeitlin was the one I liked best and listened to most. I love the opening track, Repeat, and it’s  repeated opening phrase. I’ve sung along with it dozens of times. It makes me happy, and I’m sure that it’s uplifting quality is one of the reasons it got so much play in Chanute.

The rest of side one, continues to be joyful, if not so bouncy and sing-along as that first tune. Any jazz album, I suppose, can be enjoyed in the background while you’re doing something else. (I know there are those that are less musical, and more, is there something wrong with the sound system, but for the most part I’m saying.) And Zeitlin’s record is fine for that. And most days it may be best for that. For it seems to me that Zeitlin’s music has a lot in common with classical music. Maybe this is true for most, or at least a lot of jazz, but I really noticed it here. Now bear with me. I had one required music appreciation class (and for years after I had repeated dreams about sleeping through the final of that class). But in the same way that a novice music lover might say to himself while listening to classical music, hmmm, what’s that little phrase quietly making it’s way from the background and slowing taking control of the piece, or, oh, that’s the tune from earlier, only now it’s sad and slow; you find those kinds of things going on throughout this album. This makes listening to this record, really listening to it, which I try it do before writing about a record, a bit of work. There’s a lot to miss if one is making dinner or playing words with friends while this album is on. I guess I’m saying this was an easier album to enjoy back in Chanute when I had little else to do other than sit and listen.  http://therealmattshow.com/denny-zeitlin-cathexis/

Personnel:  Denny Zeitlin- Piano; Cecil McBee - Bass;  Frederick Waits – Drums.

Steve Kuhn - Childhood Is Forever

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:18
Size: 85,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:04)  1. The Night Has A Thousand Eyes
(6:52)  2. Spring Can Really Hang You The Most
(5:06)  3. Baubles, Bangles and Beads
(3:45)  4. The Meaning Of The Blues
(5:52)  5. All That's Left
(5:10)  6. I Waited For You
(4:26)  7. Eiderdown

Steve Kuhn has had an interesting career. A talented jazz pianist, he has worked in many types of settings through the years. He began classical piano lessons when he was five, studied with Madame Chaloff, and accompanied her son, baritonist Serge Chaloff, on some gigs when the pianist was 14. He freelanced in Boston as a teenager, graduated from Harvard, and moved to New York where he worked with Kenny Dorham's group (1959-1960). Kuhn was the original pianist in John Coltrane's Quartet, playing for two months before McCoy Tyner succeeded him. He was with the bands of Stan Getz (1961-1963) and Art Farmer (1964-1966), lived in Europe (1967-1970), and then returned to the U.S. in 1971. Kuhn doubled on electric piano in the 1970s, recorded for ECM, and co-led a group with Sheila Jordan in the latter part of the decade. After a period playing commercial music, he formed an acoustic trio in the mid-'80s, which has been his main vehicle ever since. Steve Kuhn has recorded as a leader for Impulse (1966), Contact, MPS, BYG, Muse, ECM, Blackhawk, New World, Owl, Concord, and Postcards. ~ Bio  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/steve-kuhn/id994171#fullText

Personnel:  Steve Kuhn – Piano;  Steve Swallow – Bass;  Aldo Romano - Drums

Childhood Is Forever

The Gypsy Queens - Lost In The Music

Styles: Vocal, Big Band
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:46
Size: 75,7 MB
Art: Front

(2:30)  1. Do You Saint-Tropez
(3:21)  2. Losing Myself In the Music
(4:22)  3. Parole Parole
(3:53)  4. Only Trying To Fall In Love
(3:11)  5. Sunny
(3:05)  6. Jamaica Farewell
(2:53)  7. I Wonder
(2:57)  8. Almost Like Being In Love
(3:14)  9. O'Sarracino
(3:16) 10. Mi Mundo

Formed in 2001 by Italian-born busker Didier Casnati, the Gypsy Queens originally eked out their living by performing in bars, cafés, and squares in Southern France. It wasn't until the outfit started playing at the prestigious La Petite Maison restaurant in Nice that they would become noticed by the music industry. A popular haunt of the stars Rod Stewart, Elton John, and Bono being regular customers the group started playing private parties thrown by the restaurant’s A-list clientele. 

While playing their usual slot at La Petite Maison in 2010, the group now made up of Manuel Polin (drums), Jay Metcalf (saxophone), Jason King (contrabass), and Anders Klunderud (guitar), with Casnati leading on vocals and guitar caught the ear of London Records boss Nick Raphael, who was on holiday with his wife. Signing to London, the group headed off to Los Angeles to record its debut album with producer Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell). The self-titled album was released at the end of 2012 and featured guest appearances from Madeleine Peyroux, Graham Nash, and Booker T. Jones. ~ Bio  https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/the-gypsy-queens/id564841403#fullText

Friday, June 5, 2015

Ella Fitzgerald - Rhythm Is My Business

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:35
Size: 95.2 MB
Styles: Standards, Vocal jazz
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[2:49] 1. Rough Ridin'
[2:42] 2. Broadway
[3:31] 3. You Can Depend On Me
[2:39] 4. Runnin' Wild
[2:41] 5. Show Me The Way To Get Out Of This World
[2:49] 6. I'll Always Be In Love With You
[2:33] 7. Hallelujah, I Love Him So
[4:59] 8. I Can't Face The Music
[2:35] 9. No Moon At All
[4:52] 10. Laughin' On The Outside (Crying On The Inside)
[4:07] 11. After You've Gone
[2:34] 12. Taking A Chance On Love
[2:38] 13. If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight)

Organist Bill Doggett had a rare chance on this album to write swinging charts for a big band. Ella Fitzgerald is in the spotlight throughout, mostly singing swing-era songs along with a couple of newer pieces, such as "Hallelujah I Love Him So" and "No Moon at All." "I Can't Face the Music" is the longest performance at 5:01, and all but three of the other selections are under three minutes, so there is no real stretching out. However, Ella's voice was in its prime, and the charts are excellent. ~Scott Yanow

Rhythm Is My Business

Benny Carter, Bill Coleman, Henri Chaix Orchestra & Quintet - The Three C's

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:23
Size: 165.7 MB
Styles: Swing, Saxophone jazz, Piano jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[5:06] 1. Swingin' In November
[6:54] 2. Easy Money
[7:04] 3. I Can't Get Started
[5:53] 4. Titmouse
[6:10] 5. Body And Soul
[8:05] 6. 's Wonderful
[3:46] 7. March Wind
[4:31] 8. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
[3:45] 9. N'embrassez Pas Ma Femme
[3:11] 10. Idaho
[3:43] 11. Blue Turning Grey Over You
[3:30] 12. Caravan
[3:03] 13. When My Sugar Walks Down The Street
[3:35] 14. Honeysuckle Rose
[4:00] 15. I've Found A New Baby

Musical archeology is fascinating, especially if you dig what's dug from long-forgotten archives. Thanks to Canadian label Sackville, three sessions that took place in Switzerland in the '50s and '60s shed some enjoyable light on world traveler Benny Carter, expatriate Bill Coleman and Swiss native Henri Chaix (pronounced "shecks"), a first-rate stride pianist who obviously idolized Fats Waller. Behold The Three C's, nearly 73 minutes of nostalgic swing, divided evenly between the two Americans: Chaix's nine-piece band backing Carter's alto sax and Chaix's quintet supporting Coleman's trumpet and vocals.

Notes are sparse and vignettes are few. Considering the material at hand, the album literally cries out for more historical background. Not surprisingly, Carter is the elegant standout in four originals and three standards, the highlight being "'S Wonderful," not only for Chaix's paean to Fats with a wonderful solo, but the organic way an "arrangement" takes shape after Carter exchanges fours with (apparently) tenor Michel Pilet. Coleman flexes his chops (muted trumpet and vocal) most effectively on "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams" and "I've Found a New Baby." ~Harvey Siders

The Three C's

Daniel Smith - Smokin' Hot Bassoon Blues

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:34
Size: 111.2 MB
Styles: Jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:10] 1. Night Train
[4:55] 2. Hummin'
[4:11] 3. Better Get Hit In Your Soul
[4:14] 4. Back At The Chicken Shack
[4:10] 5. What'd I Say
[4:16] 6. Blue Seven
[4:08] 7. Señor Blues
[3:55] 8. Hallelujah I Love Her So
[2:42] 9. C Jam Blues
[2:54] 10. Eddie's Blues
[5:37] 11. Moanin'
[3:18] 12. Mamacita

Recorded by Grammy Award winning Tom Lazarus, this recording brings the cutting edge, critically acclaimed “greatest bassoon player of the generation” (New York Daily News) into a plethora of tasty tunes arranged perfectly for him and an extremely talented lineup of musicians…

One of today’s leading pioneers of the bassoon with many critically acclaimed award winning recordings and live performances, Daniel Smith’s repertoire spans music ranging from Baroque concerti to jazz, ragtime and crossover. He is the only bassoon soloist who has performed and recorded over the years in both the jazz and classical fields. Daniel Smith’s unique career has been profiled in numerous publications. In the USA, his career was highlighted on PBS’s “All Things Considered” while in the UK, BBC 4 showcased his career along with BBC2 featuring his music for their ‘signature tune’.

JazzWeekly says: ”…Incredible Chops….a force to be reckoned with!”

Smokin' Hot Bassoon Blues

Jimmy McGriff - Blue To The Bone

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:18
Size: 101.4 MB
Styles: Soul-jazz-blues
Year: 1988
Art: Front

[ 6:26] 1. Ain't That Funk For You
[ 5:11] 2. For All We Know
[10:18] 3. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
[ 9:03] 4. Secret Love
[ 7:43] 5. Hangin' In
[ 5:34] 6. After The Dark

Bill Easley »» Saxophone; Al Grey »» Trombone; Jimmy McGriff »» Hammond B3; Bernard Purdie »» Drums; Melvin Sparks »» Guitar.

McGriff with Bill Easley on sax, Melvin Sparks on guitar, Bernard Purdie on drums, and Al Grey on trombone. The trombone is not that often found in the small-organ combo format and may not appeal to everyone. Smooth, yet funky. ~Michael Erlewine

Blue To The Bone

Joyce Hurley - Off The Record

Styles: Vocal, Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:56
Size: 119,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:19)  1. A Night In Tunisia
(4:55)  2. That's All
(3:00)  3. Sometimes I'm Happy
(5:44)  4. September In the Rain
(2:47)  5. What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?
(4:08)  6. Shaker Song
(5:01)  7. Fine and Mellow
(3:27)  8. Thou Swell
(2:56)  9. Peel Me a Grape
(2:50) 10. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
(1:35) 11. Blues for Mr. Smirnoff
(4:44) 12. Ode To Billy Joe
(5:23) 13. Fast Car

I've been described as "a multi-talented musician with wide performing experience as a singer, pianist and composer." My eclectic musical styles are based firmly in classical training, and offer audiences a range from jazz standards through smooth jazz through Latin to pop. More recently I have been touring with several groups in Europe.  In Bulgaria, I have done several tours with Ivan Iankov and a chamber orchestra, promoting his composition of music set to Shakespeare sonnets.  We have performed at concerts all over Bulgaria, recorded at the Bulgarian National Television, Radio and Recording House, ( the biggest studio I have ever seen ), and completed a CD, “How Like a Winter”. I also had the opportunity to perform with this constellation in the Oslo Concert Hall for hundreds of world diplomats honouring the welcome of Bulgaria into the European Union. I have also toured extensively in the Czech Republic, with a jazz trio I frequently perform with all over Europe.  It is the “Joe After Trio”, and I began performing with them on the Color Cruise Line, out of Norway.  We have also recorded a CD, “From Chicago to Ostrava”. We have performed on Czech National TV and radio, and continue to work regularly together.

I also work closely with a Stockholm based group, the DreemTeem.  Zak Kieth, guitar, Derek January, bass, and Fredrik Hellberg, drums, are all a vital part of the Stockholm music scene. Recently I have had the honour of performing a series of gospel concerts with the Halmstad Gospel Choir.  That honour was magnified when they performed one of my original compositions. I have also been writing the music for a stage musical, which I hope one day will come to life on the stage. As for the piano bar scene my main gig for me  it is mainly centered in Norway, Sweden (Stockholm Grand Hotel and Casino Cosmopol), and the Costa Cruise Lines. Travelling with Costa, I am on my way to fulfilling one of my goals to see the world. From basic piano studies at the Detroit Art Center Music School, I went on to obtain a Bachelor of Music Degree in piano performance from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Music Degree in theory and composition from the University of South Carolina in conjunction with the University of Sydney in Australia. I also completed other post-graduate studies at the Conservatory of New South Wales, Australia.

I've entertained as a solo pianist and vocalist all over the world, beginning in Chicago, where I played in some of the city’s finest hotels and restaurants such as the Hilton, Radisson and Marriott, as well as Eugene’s and Sage’s, among others, before entering the international circuit.Since then, I've performed widely in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, France, Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. I've also played on a variety of cruise ships including the Birka Princess and those of the Silja, Viking, Color Line and Stena lines. I've performed with various groups in jazz clubs and festivals throughout Scandinavia, France, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Russia and the United States. In 1996, I performed with Phil Collins and Ray Glover in Zermatt and Geneva, Switzerland, as well as with Glover at a series of pre-Montreux Jazz Festival galas in Bern, Geneva and Zurich. In 1999, I performed at Summerfest in Milwaukee. Other notable collaborations include drummer Ed Thigpen, bassist Mads Winding and percussionist Master Henry Gibson.

And, in January 2001, Deep Purple's Jon Lord and The Spencer Davis Group's Pete York sat in with my trio when we performed in Zermatt. I've had extensive TV and radio coverage. In Sweden, I provided the music for a Channel 1 documentary about Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison, and I've been a featured guest on Hasse Andersson’s program on Channel 2 and on Channel 4’s morning talk show. You may also have heard me on one of many radio programs in Europe and the United States. In 1996, I served as music consultant for the movie, “Sånt är Livet,” from British producer Colin Nutley, and provided vocal coaching to his wife, Swedish actress Helena Bergstrom. And, in May 2002, I shot a scene with internationally known classical pianist Per Tengstrand for his upcoming documentary film, "The Big and the Small World." http://joycehurley.com/index.php/en/menu/bio

Rebecca Parris - My Foolish Heart

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:30
Size: 141,1 MB
Art: Front

(7:33)  1. My Foolish Heart
(8:37)  2. The Shadow of Your Smile
(5:36)  3. Lover Man
(6:04)  4. Yesterday I Heard the Rain
(5:33)  5. Never Let Me Go
(6:00)  6. When October Goes
(7:50)  7. Body and Soul
(8:18)  8. Crazy He Calls Me
(5:54)  9. If You Could See Me Now

Rebecca Parris gives a masters class in singing ballads very slow and very well. Miles Davis once heard Shirley Horn perform a ballad that had been in his band's book for many years. He said in that sandpaper voice of his, "Man, you sing that so slow." On My Foolish Heart, Boston-native Rebecca Parris, provides nine studies in the slow ballad, all sung with a voice that is quite unforgettable.  Ms. Parris' voice is deep, not unlike that of actress Kathleen Turner (whom she also physically resembles). It is smoothly resonant reminding me of Johnny Hodges playing alto in the low register. In the jazz vocals realm, her voice most closely resembles Shirley Horn's, sans the cigarettes and 40 years experience (not implying that Ms. Parris is any kind of vocal slouch). Ms. Parris' selection of ballads is predictable, but her capability and delivery are not. She basically deconstructs and then reconstructs "Lover Man" and her "Body and Soul" reveals what Coleman Hawkin's must have been thinking during his solo of his 1939 recording of the same.

Ms. Parris' phrasing is perfectly elastic without being brassy. Her dynamic range and ear are sure. "Crazy He Calls Me" is taken at a very slow tempo, effectively conveying a tired sardonic sarcasm rather than defeat. The disc highlight is the closer, Tadd Dameron's "If Your could See Me Now." This piece death-defying in its tempo and is sung by Ms. Parris beautifully. Her support is tasteful with little soloing, choosing instead to showcase her considerable talent. John Mayall once remarked that the hardest music to play was a slow blues. I amend that to include the slow jazz ballad and Rebecca Parris performs them effortlessly. ~ C.Michael Bailey  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/my-foolish-heart-rebecca-parris-koch-international-jazz-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php 
 
Personnel:  Rebecca Parris: Vocals;  George Mesterhazy: Guitar, Keyboards;  Scott Steed: Bass; Matt Gordy: Drums;  Paul McWilliams: Piano.

Sadao Watanabe - Sadao Watanabe Plays Ballads

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:47
Size: 102,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:01)  1. Here's That Rainy Day
(4:10)  2. My Foolish Heart
(4:10)  3. I Thought About You
(4:08)  4. Old Folks
(1:48)  5. Spring Is Here
(2:45)  6. Little Girl Blue
(2:25)  7. That's All
(3:13)  8. They Say It's Wonderful
(3:51)  9. My Romance
(5:11) 10. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
(3:11) 11. Once Upon A Summertime
(2:34) 12. A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square
(4:14) 13. It's Easy to Remember

Sadao Watanabe has long had a split musical personality. He alternates excellent bebop dates with pop albums. Watanabe learned clarinet and alto in high school, and in the 1950s he moved to Tokyo, joining Toshiko Akiyoshi's bop-oriented group in 1953. When the pianist moved to the U.S. in 1956, Watanabe took over the band. He attended Berklee during 1962-1965 and had the opportunity to work with Gary McFarland, Chico Hamilton, and Gabor Szabo. However, throughout his career Watanabe has remained mostly based in Japan, where he is a major influence on younger players. He has recorded steadily through the years, most notably with Chick Corea in New York (1970) and with the Galaxy All-Stars (1978). Watanabe's bop records are inspired by Charlie Parker, and his pop dates by Brazilian-flavored music. Bio ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/artist/sadao-watanabe-mn0000282544/biography

Personnel: Sadao Watanabe (alto saxophone), Masabumi Kikuchi (piano), Masanaga Harada (bass), Masahiko Togashi (drums).