Maya Nova - Open

Size: 120,2 MB
Time: 51:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2010
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Groovin' High (3:19)
02. Upside Down A.K.A. Flor De Lis (4:58)
03. Polegnala E Todora Blues (5:55)
04. Speak Low (5:21)
05. My Shining Hour (5:23)
06. I'm Old Fashioned (3:13)
07. Dindi (5:58)
08. You And The Night And The Music (5:30)
09. Wild Is The Wind (5:23)
10. Open (6:33)

Bulgarian singer Maya Nova cut her teeth in pop, funk and jazz bands in her native Sofia, before relocating to Singapore in 2002. There, she successfully established her presence on the local jazz scene, in addition to holding the post of Main Study Voice Lecturer at the prestigious La Salle College of the Arts. Open, her debut recording, sees Nova wrapping her vocal chords around a selection of mostly standards, extracting the most out of familiar tunes with her surprising vocal range and uninhibited improvisations.

Nova scats breezily through "Groovin' High," one of trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie's most popular tunes, ably supported by Tan Wei Xiang on Fender Rhodes and the swinging rhythm team of double-bassist Andrew Klein and drummer Tan Boon Gee. Xiang's touch on Rhodes is refreshingly light and the perfect accompaniment to Nova's relaxed delivery on "Upside Down" and Antonio Carlos Jobim's lovely "Dinde."

The singer returns to her roots on "Polegnala E Todora Blues," with an enchanting but all too short snatch of traditional Bulgarian folk song, which segues into an extended blues workout. Nova's strong runs, punctuated by striking high notes, have the excitement of the unexpected, yet flow naturally and melodically, suggesting the influence of Gillespie. Not for nothing did Nova make the semifinals of the Shure Montreux Voice Competition at the 43rd Montreux Jazz festival, in 2009. Nova's scat on Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer's "My Shining Hour" exudes the same boppish freedom, accompanied solely by Klein's plunging, walking bass. ~Ian Patterson

"I'm Old Fashioned," with full trio backing, has much the same feel as "My Shining Hour," perhaps because Mercer's lyrics left their stamp on both songs. The change in combinations, from quartet to duos, with either bass or keyboard, nicely alters the music's texture. Xiang plays something more than a comping role, and steals the show on Kurt Weill's "Speak Low" with a dark-hued, snaking solo.

An original intro of vocals and snare drum colors "You and the Night and the Music," and features telling work from Xiang and Klein. Elsewhere, Nova brings great intimacy and nuance to Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington's ballad, "Wild is the Wind." The title track—the only self-penned number—is effectively an instrumental, with Nova's wordless vocals tracing a melody which could almost have been written for a two- or three-piece brass section.

Open succeeds in being simultaneously tuneful and technically absorbing. It will be interesting to see if Nova develops her own songwriting abilities or if she opts for a more left-field choice of material in the future. In the meantime, this satisfying recording will hopefully introduce a singer of notable skill and natural flair to a wider audience.

Personnel: Maya Nova: vocals; Tan Wei Xiang: Fender Rhodes; Andrew Klein: double-bass; Tan Boon Gee: drums.

Open

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Pete Levin - Certified Organic

Size: 139,2 MB
Time: 59:59
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2008
Styles: Jazz: Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. I'm Falling (5:54)
02. Nana (7:19)
03. Love For Sale (6:02)
04. Patience (5:00)
05. Teen Town (4:38)
06. Where Flamingo's Fly (6:04)
07. Out Of Darkness (5:23)
08. When I Was Young (7:53)
09. The Question Of U (6:06)
10. The Face In The Mirror (5:36)

Pete Levin is sometimes overshadowed by his brother Tony, an in-demand player in the art-rock world (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson), who also built serious jazz cred in his youth with vibraphonist Gary Burton and pianist Warren Bernhardt. But keyboardist Pete Levin has built a fine discography of his own more closely linked to the jazz world. A lengthy stint with composer/arranger Gil Evans, and session work with guitarist John Scofield and trumpeter/composer Terence Blanchard helped spread his name, but it's his recent solo work that's most worth visiting. Drawing from the same organ jazz roots that defined Deacon Blues (Motema, 2007), on Certified Organic Levin recruits a larger cast of characters for an album high on groove but broad in reach, with elements of swing, soul-jazz, funk, fusion and more.

Mike DeMicco is back from Deacon on Levin's modal fusion workout, "Patience," where the guitarist's grungy tone turns a potentially ethereal track more visceral, and "When I Was Young," a lithely swinging tune that updates guitar icon Wes Montgomery's early '60s organ trios. Joe Beck, who sadly passed away in July 2008, also returns for a dark take of the Kennedy/Spolansky ballad, "Where Flamingos Fly" and Levin's "The Face in the Mirror," its slightly countrified waltz time a reminder of just how versatile this sadly undervalued guitarist was, despite leaving a significant recorded legacy.

Levin's own multifaceted nature drives the record, starting from the get-go with his funkified "I'm Falling," where guitarist John Carridi's chunky rhythm playing locks hand-in-glove with drummer Harvey Sorgen's in-the-pocket groove. Levin solos with the organ-equivalent of Scofield's uncanny ability to take things out just enough to create a palpable release when he brings it back in, while Carridi's overdriven solo is bop- inflected but blues-centric. Moacir Santos and Mani Telles' "Nana" is equally funk-driven, but percussionist Ernie Colon provides a link to its Latin roots, while Levin winds his way through a potent vamp and some more challenging changes.

While grabbing a larger chunk of compositional credit this time around, Levin also finds new approaches to popular tunes. "Love 4 Sale" takes Cole Porter's classic to unexpected places with a combination of some surprising re-harmonization, shifting feels and, after Levin's extended and dynamically building solo, a clean-toned turn from Cariddi that again blends bop with plenty of blues edge.

But it's Levin's arrangement of Jaco Pastorius' often-covered "Teen Town" that's Certified Organic's biggest surprise. Usually a bass workout, this time the knotty but singable theme isn't its primary focus; it's a steadily-building trade-off between Levin and saxophonist Erik Lawrence. With it, as with all of Certified Organic, Levin ups the ante and aims to increase his visibility as a leader. Demonstrating undeniably fine skills as composer, arranger and performer whose reach goes well beyond Certified Organic's groove-happy veneer, it's an album that easily places Levin in the same company as Larry Goldings, Gary Versace and Dan Wall. ~By John Kelman

Personnel: Pete Levin: Nord Clavia keyboards; John Cariddi: guitar (1-3, 7); Mike DeMicco: guitar (4, 8); Joe Beck: guitar (6, 10); Jesse Gress: guitar (5, 9); Erik Lawrence: saxophone (5-7); Harvey Sorgen; drums; Ernie Colon: percussion (1-3, 5); Ken Lovelett: percussion (4, 6).

Certified Organic

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Perry Beekman - 'S Wonderful: Perry Beekman Sings And Plays Gershwin

Size: 152,5 MB
Time: 65:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Oh Lady Be Good (4:48)
02. Nice Work If You Can Get It (5:13)
03. Fascinating Rhythm (4:28)
04. How Long Has This Been Going On (4:30)
05. They All Laughed (4:15)
06. I've Got A Crush On You (3:36)
07. Soon (4:06)
08. Love Is Here To Stay (5:43)
09. Liza (3:17)
10. But Not For Me (5:21)
11. 'S Wonderful (2:52)
12. Love Walked In (5:00)
13. Someone To Watch Over Me (4:54)
14. I Got Rhythm (3:27)
15. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off (3:57)

The songs of George and Ira Gershwin are not only vastly important underpinnings of my own musical world, but many years after George’s passing in 1937, still a vibrant part of our larger cultural heritage:

- On a recent United Airlines flight, I really enjoyed the soundtrack of their new inflight safety video. It was “Rhapsody in Blue.”

- This coming April, theatergoers will be treated to the opening of “An American in Paris” on Broadway. It’s a new musical based on the 1951 Vincent Minnelli film, featuring the songs of George and Ira. How’s that for Au courant!

As with my previous releases, the music on this CD is a combination of carefully planned, well-rehearsed arrangements, along with some good old fashioned “blowing.” (As we jazz folk like to call improvisation.) My goal has been to create a setting for each tune that helps express its essential nature. Here are some examples of what I mean:

- “Oh Lady Be Good” has been a staple of the jazz player’s repertoire for decades. To herald its classic status, I quoted a bit of “Rhapsody in Blue” in the introduction. Then, I updated the chord structure to freshen things up a bit while still keeping the tune recognizable. Check out the “Soli” section at 3:04. I like to try to make the trio sound like a little big band!

- What makes “Fascinating Rhythm” particularly “fascinating” for me is George’s use of syncopation, a musical technique that places accents on the weak beats of the measure. Peter’s piano part evolves into a counter melody with the guitar to enhance the sense of the unexpected. Lou’s solid walking keeps it all swinging.

- I thought that a stripped down guitar/voice treatment of “I’ve Got a Crush on You” would be an effective way to perform this classic love song. The Gershwin’s originally wrote it as an up-tempo dance number. Lee Wiley was the first vocalist to slow it down and sing it as a ballad. After first playing an instrumental chorus in the classic chord-melody style, so do I.

- In addition to inspiring countless choruses of improvisation, jazz musicians have written innumerable melodies that fit over the chord changes of “I Got Rhythm”. I first sing the original melody, including the seldom-heard introductory verse. After the guitar solo, we play a melody I wrote as my small contribution to the creative tradition of “Rhythm Changes.”

Once again, I have the privilege of recording with my working trio, featuring Peter Tomlinson on piano and Lou Pappas on bass. I am deeply indebted to these two masterful musicians for their inestimable contributions and commitment.

For me, there’s nothing quite as “'S Wonderful” as a Gershwin tune. I hope that as you listen to these tracks, you’ll agree.

Best wishes,

Perry Beekman

'S Wonderful

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Sylvie Vartan - Live A Pleyel: The 50th Anniversary Concert

Size: 129,0+187,6 MB
Time: 55:01+80:26
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: French Pop, Chanson
Art: Front

CD 1:
01. La Plus Belle Pour Aller Danser (Live) (4:50)
02. Des Heures De Desir (Live) (4:14)
03. Tape Tape (Live) (4:38)
04. Par Amour Par Pitie (Live) (3:26)
05. Deux Mains (Live) (2:54)
06. Oblatche Le Bialo (Live) (3:32)
07. Moya Goro (Live) (3:58)
08. On Entre En Scene (Live) (3:43)
09. Moi (Live) (3:22)
10. L'amour C'est Comme Les Bateaux (Live) (3:54)
11. Mon Enfance (Live) (5:29)
12. Je Croyais (Live) (4:06)
13. Sous Ordonnance Des Etoiles (Live) (3:11)
14. Aimer (Live) (3:39)

CD 2:
01. La Maritza (Live) ( 5:39)
02. La Drole De Fin (Live) ( 3:08)
03. Pour Lui Je Reviens (Live) ( 2:55)
04. Medley (Live) (11:14)
05. Blanches Nuits De Satin (Live) ( 5:09)
06. Moi Je Pense Encore A Toi (Live) ( 3:07)
07. Je Viens Vers Vous (Live) ( 3:46)
08. Mon Pere (Live) ( 3:09)
09. Personne (Live) ( 5:06)
10. Medley (Live) (10:51)
11. Quand On A Que L'amour (Live) ( 5:45)
12. Ma Vie C'est Moi Qui L'ai Choisie (Live) ( 5:13)
13. Je Viens Vers Vous (Bonus Studio) ( 4:00)
14. On Entre En Scene (Bonus Studio) ( 3:20)
15. Blanches Nuits De Satin (Bonus Studio) ( 4:42)
16. Moi (Bonus Studio) ( 3:13)

Although actor/pop singer Sylvie Vartan is Bulgarian, she would eventually receive recognition from the French, usually singing entirely in the language of her adopted homeland. Born August 15, 1944, in Iskretz, Bulgaria, Vartan showed great talent for both acting and singing at an early age, resulting in an appearance in the Bulgarian film Under the Yoke in 1950. Two years later (while only ten years old), Vartan and her family relocated to France. 1961 would prove to be an important year for Vartan's career, as she entered a recording studio for the first time, picked up some TV work, and appeared at the famed Olympia Theater. The early '60s saw the release of a steady stream of singles, EPs, and albums (such as 1962's Sylvie), in addition to further appearances in European movies -- including A Moonlight in Maubeuge and Just for Fun.

Other impressive accomplishments for Vartan in the early '60s included recording a pair of songs ("If I Sing" and "Most Beautiful to Go to Dance") with famed country artists Chet Atkins and Ray Stevens, and playing on the same bill as the Beatles at the Olympia in January of 1964. During the mid-'60s, Vartan concentrated on making inroads to the American music market, as she appeared on such TV shows as The Ed Sullivan Show, Hullaballooh, and Shindig, while one of her best singles, "2'35 de Bonheur," hit the charts in early 1967. Subsequently, Vartan kept on issuing albums and touring at a steady rate right up to the 21st century, as 2001 saw the release of the 14-track career overview L'Essential. ~by Greg Prato

Live A Pleyel CD 1
Live A Pleyel CD 2

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Michael Blum & Jim Stinnett - Commitment

Size: 113,3 MB
Time: 48:50
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Guitar Jazz, Vocals
Art: Front

01. Pick Yourself Up (4:12)
02. Here's That Rainy Day (3:57)
03. Dark Snow (5:36)
04. Houston (6:18)
05. Kim (3:54)
06. How Deep Is The Ocean (4:11)
07. Redwood (6:47)
08. Like Someone In Love (5:34)
09. Stutter Step (5:08)
10. Mr. P.C (3:08)

“Michael Blum plays with seemingly flawless technique, whose musical style and driving ambition, may one day carry him to elite status.” ~All About Jazz

Michael Blum is a jazz guitarist based out of Hanover, NH. At the age of 21 years old, Michael has already released his debut album, Initiation, which All About Jazz calls, “a stellar debut,” and author Scott Yanow calls, “a strong debut from Michael Blum, a guitarist who will clearly have an important future in jazz.”

In November 2014, Blum received a rave review in DownBeat Magazine, which compares him favorably to, “Kenny Burrell, Charlie Byrd, Jim Hall, Johnny Smith, Emily Remler…or Columbia-era George Benson.” DownBeat calls Blum “an articulate player who executes with clarity…[and] shows unusual maturity.”

Vintage Guitar Magazine says, “Hope for jazz guitar’s future abounds in this release [Initiation] by the 20-year-old Blum and his quartet…[it's] the perfect debut for a player who seems wise beyond his years.”

Initiation features The Michael Blum Quartet, with Michael Blum on guitar, Brad Smith on piano, Jim Stinnett on bass, and Dom Moio on drums.

Michael has performed and studied with world-renowned jazz educator and Berklee School of Music professor Jim Stinnett. Over the past few years, Blum has performed extensively at a diverse selection of venues, including Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Hopkins Center for the Arts. He has also performed with musicians such as John Clayton, Jeffrey Clayton, Joe Hunt, Michael Manring and Fred Haas.

MC
Ziddu

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Naoko Kuroda - Gentle Eyes

Size: 146,5 MB
Time: 62:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Skindo Le Le (3:59)
02. After You've Gone (2:17)
03. My Heart Belongs To Daddy (3:53)
04. The Man I Love (5:25)
05. All Or Nothing At All (3:52)
06. Poinciana (4:54)
07. The Good Life (4:37)
08. The Girl From Ipanema (4:00)
09. Dark Eyes (5:47)
10. How Insensitive (4:21)
11. Let's Fall In Love (3:45)
12. Gentle Rain (4:42)
13. Come Rain Or Come Shine (4:37)
14. Shiny Stockings (4:01)
15. Smile (2:32)

Three pianists representing Japan, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Hirotake Aoki, it became a Hakuei Kim, and celebrated the name drummer Osumi Toshio, supported the gently rhythmic singing voice of Kuroda in each trio Naoko, a vocal album with a sense of unity to have. Base also jumbo Ono is a veteran team of jazz, Ken Kaneko to groove The rhythm that takes advantage of individuality.
This recording members, came mainly played in the past of a typical live performances of Kuroda, and only to some in the so-called congenial may had every one, was recorded Omotte peaceful and pleasant feeling of tension. The number of masterpieces, each of pianist and rhythm with a sharp of Osumi Toshio was support, even though there is a nostalgia feel came home the history of jazz, and it is intertwined with the vocal with pleasant presence, it emits a fresh appeal start. Exactly along with the enjoyment of exquisite rhythm, it was finished in stunning to one that also provides a gentle peace. All of the standard number is, the music selection that Kuroda Naoko and the band members have played in the past live. Soredakeni each song, strike a natural fusion and oneness.

The album, along with the recording of the trio, also is within one song vocals and of each pianist duo. Can enjoy from various directions, it has become a very tasty all 15 songs. ~online translation

Gentle Eyes

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Deborah Dixon & Angel Sucheras - Live In Concert

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:20
Size: 126.7 MB
Styles: Jazz-soul vocals
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[2:59] 1. Rock Me Baby
[5:17] 2. God Bless The Child
[4:59] 3. Orchestra Wives / At Last
[3:26] 4. Honeysuckle Rose
[3:09] 5. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You
[3:02] 6. Before You Accuse Me
[2:52] 7. I Thought About You
[5:34] 8. The Nearness Of You
[5:15] 9. Les Feulles Mortes (Autumn Leaves)
[2:45] 10. Sweet Home Chicago
[4:11] 11. Where Or When / Babes In Arms / My Funny Valentine
[3:35] 12. I Wish You Love
[3:46] 13. Route 66
[4:23] 14. Trouble In Mind

La reconocida cantante Debora Dixon (voz principal de Las Blacanblus) presenta su primer y tan esperado disco solista, en colaboración con el histórico pianista de Jazz, Ángel Sucheras. Un trabajo grabado en Vivo con un formato tan despojado como efectivo, piano y voz. Recorren a lo largo del concierto, inolvidables hitos del Jazz, el Pop y el Soul con la solvencia de aquellos que más allá de sus orígenes, se emparentan naturalmente a través la buena música.

Clásicos como “At last”, “Route 66”, “God bless de child ”, “Autumn Leaves” o “Rock me baby” forman parte de una suerte de caleidoscopio coherente y contundente a la vez.

Live In Concert

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Joe Temperley - With Every Breath...

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:09
Size: 176.6 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1998
Art: Front

[4:45] 1. Three Little Words
[5:39] 2. When Lights Are Low
[4:12] 3. Skylark
[5:54] 4. Riverside Drive
[6:54] 5. Close To You
[8:05] 6. Blue Monk
[5:31] 7. Long Ago & Faraway
[4:53] 8. The Very Thought Of You
[5:29] 9. Skye Boat Song
[4:43] 10. In A Sentimental Mood
[7:12] 11. With Every Breath I Take
[4:50] 12. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
[4:54] 13. Ow
[4:05] 14. I Hear The Shadows Dancing

Although he rarely showed up that high in jazz polls, Joe Temperley was one of the top baritone saxophonists of the 1990s. He has often taken Harry Carney's role when he performs with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra during their Duke Ellington re-creations, but Temperley normally has a lighter sound that is slightly reminiscent of Lars Gullin and Gerry Mulligan. His fluidity on the heavy horn is quite impressive, and he improvises in a style open to both swing and bop. On his 1998 Hep CD, Temperley not only plays baritone but does a fine job on both soprano sax and bass clarinet. Assisted on the London sessions by pianist John Pearce and/or guitarist Jim Mullen, bassist Dave Green and drummer Martin Drew, Temperley alternates standards (such as "Three Little Words," a tender "Skylark" and Dizzy Gillespie's "Ow") with lesser-known material (including his own "Riverside Drive," "Skye Boat Song" and Mulligan's "I Hear the Shadows Dancing"). Throughout, Temperley plays quite beautifully, coming up with consistently creative ideas within the straight-ahead tradition. This is one of his finest recordings to date. ~Scott Yanow

With Every Breath...

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Willie Bobo - Hell Of An Act To Follow

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 36:19

Size: 83.2 MB

Styles: Latin jazz, Funk

Year: 1978

Art: Front

[5:08] 1. Always There

[5:11] 2. Keep That Same Old Feeling

[3:42] 3. Together

[3:50] 4. Pisces

[6:18] 5. Dindi

[4:23] 6. Snort Of Green

[4:21] 7. Fairy Tales For Two

[3:23] 8. Sixty-Two Fifty

Keyboards – Bobby Lyle, Stuart Elster; Percussion – Victor Pantoja, Willie Bobo; Saxophone, Flute – Ernie Watts, Gary Herbig; Bass – Donny Beck, Nathaniel Phillips; Drums – Steven Guiterrez; Guitar – Roland Bautista; Trombone – Thurman Green; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Oscar Brashear, Ronald King; Vocals – Alex Brown, Alicia M. Howard, August Johnson, Deborah D.Thomas, Mortonette M.Jenkins, Sylvia St. James, Willie Bobo.

Hell Of An Act To Follow was produced by Wayne Henderson. The album featured some great musicians including Bobby Lyle and Conga/Latin percussionist Victor Pantoja. Henderson gave Bobo a more sophisticated production style and the album has become a Jazz Funk classic.

Hell Of An Act To Follow

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Paul Gonsalves - Gettin' Together

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:36
Size: 90.6 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1967/1991/2007
Art: Front

[3:32] 1. Yesterdays
[4:58] 2. J And B Blues
[4:22] 3. I Surrendear Dear
[4:58] 4. Hard Groove
[7:52] 5. Low Gravy
[4:06] 6. I Cover The Waterfront
[4:55] 7. Gettin' Together
[4:47] 8. Walkin'

The most easily available of tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves' in frequent sessions as a leader, this CD is a straight reissue of his original Jazzland LP. Three songs (including two ballads) showcase Gonsalves in a quartet with pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Jimmy Cobb, while five other pieces add cornetist Nat Adderley (in his prime during the era) to the band. The music is straight-ahead and shows that Gonsalves was quite capable of playing with younger "modernists." ~Scott Yanow

Gettin' Together

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Pat Peterson - Do It Now

Styles: Vocal, R&B
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:49
Size: 82,2 MB
Art: Front

(9:30)  1. I'm In Love With Love
(8:15)  2. Without You
(6:14)  3. Satisfied
(6:07)  4. No Beginning No End
(5:42)  5. Do It Now

Recorded in 1982 and released as Introducing Pat Peterson, then issued on CD in 2004, pianist and singer Pat Peterson's debut as a leader was reissued in 2011. Those to whom her name is unfamiliar may be tempted to pick it up just for the sidemen, who include guitar legend John Scofield, tenor saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman, and drummer Billy Hart. Unfortunately and against all odds the album ends up disappointing. Peterson writes well, in a jazz-soul mode, and has a gorgeous voice. But when she really gets into it, her pitch gets unreliable; on the title track and "No Beginning No End" she goes especially flat on the high notes, and on "I'm in Love with Love" and "Without You" the grooves are strangely anemic. Her A-list sidemen ought to be able to help, but Scofield seems to be phoning it in (his solo on "I'm in Love with Love" is downright desultory and frankly sounds like someone else), and it's only Newman's soloing that generates real musical interest; he's especially brilliant on "I'm in Love with Love" and "Without You." The album's best track is a nicely rolling midtempo R&B number titled "Satisfied." Everything else falls rather flat. ~ Rick Anderson  http://www.allmusic.com/album/do-it-now-mw0001472820

Personnel: Pat Peterson (vocals, piano); John Scofield (guitar); David "Fathead" Newman (tenor saxophone); Billy Hart (drums).

Do It Now

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The Dutch Swing College Band - The Dutch Swing College Band 1558-59 Disc 1 And Disc 2

Lake Records are usefully working their way through the recordings of the Dutch Swing College Band, and have now reached the late 1950s with this double album. The DSC must be one of the longest-running trad bands in the world, having been formed in 1945 and, as far as I know, still going strong.The first CD is a concert recorded in April 1958 at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. At this time the band was led by pianist Joop Schrier, and it was a tight little outfit which played an interesting mixture of Dixieland favourites, jazz standards and even such originals as Schrier's Jubileum Blues. The band's eclecticism is shown by their inclusion of Sandy Brown's African Queen.

Wybe Burna was a strong lead trumpeter and Wim Kolstee supplied a thrusting tailgate style of trombone, but the star for me is clarinettist Jan Morks, who displayed his versatility by sounding like numerous different clarinettists according to the tune being played: all the way from chalumeau to top-of-the-range. In the ensembles he provided the necessary athletic twinkle but in solos he could encompass numerous different styles. In South Rampart Street Parade, he contributes a high-flying solo, but his tone is darker on Creole Love Call before wailing with passion. On African Queen, he emulates the tune's composer, Sandy Brown, while his solo in Squeeze Me reaches the heights without squeaking. His feature on It's All Right With Me displays his wide range and well-constructed playing at a demandingly fast tempo. Buddy's Habit is also up-tempo but Jan negotiates it with no sense of strain. Neva Raphaello adds vocals to tracks 3, 6, 8 and 11, reminding me of Ottilie Patterson in her delivery.

The second CD consists of studio recordings from 1959, which are unaccountably not given in chronological order. The ambiguous personnel details are difficult to negotiate, so I have amalgamated them in the listings above. By this time, founder member Peter Schilperoort had returned to the band, which continues its eclectic approach, including the original March of the Indians by bassist Bob van Oven and even a rocking version of Tennessee Waltz. This CD lacks some of the excitement of the live recordings on the previous disc. The CD opens with Wybe Burna doing a vocal on Ice Cream with different lyrics from what listeners may be used to. Memphis Blues benefits from a clear lead by trumpeter Oscar Klein and an outspoken trombone solo by Dick Kaart.

Take Your Pick is a feature for the banjo of Arie Ligthart, whose dexterity makes him sound like a couple of banjoists, giving us melody and harmony at the same time. Just a Closer Walk with Thee spotlights the dual clarinets of Peter Schilperoort and Jan Morks. Black and Tan Fantasy is rather heavy-handed: I know it's a sort of funeral march but the clarinet (Jan Morks or Dim Kesber?) demonstrates how it can be handled lightly. The clarinet (definitely Jan Morks this time) is also radiant in the poignant You Don't Know How Much You Can Suffer, backed simply by guitar, bass and drums.

The last four tracks on this CD are bonuses from a quartet led by Dim Kesber on soprano sax. He plays with almost as much vibrato as Sidney Bechet but with the same sort of lyricism. Ecclecticxism is again in evidence - from the jazz standard The Song is You to the blues-based original Pavilion Rock, and from a fairly fast The Glory of Love to the Latin tinge of St Louis Blues. All these recordings evince the DSC Band's devotion to traditional styles without their being constrained by tradition. ~ Tony Augarde
http://www.musicweb-international.com/jazz/2011/Dutch_Swing_College_Band_LACD292.htm

Personnel:Wybe Burna - Trumpet, vocals;  Wim Kolstee - Trombone, piano;  Jan Morks – Clarinet; Joop Schrier – Piano; Arie Ligthart - Banjo, guitar; Bob van Oven – Bass; Martien Beenen - Drums, trumpet; Neva Raphaello – Vocals; Dim Kesber - Clarinet, soprano sax; Peter Schilperoort - Baritone sax, clarinet; Dick Kaart – Trombone; Oscar Klein - Trumpet

Disc 1
Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:01
Size: 122,2 MB
Art: Front

(1:21)  1. Way Down Yonder In New Orleans
(3:37)  2. South Rampart Street Parade
(4:11)  3. The Lonesome Road
(2:42)  4. Sixty-Nine Blues
(5:53)  5. Creole Love Call
(3:00)  6. Deed I Do
(4:33)  7. African Queen
(3:01)  8. When You're Smiling
(4:54)  9. Squeeze Me
(3:35) 10. It's All Right With Me
(4:01) 11. Old Fashioned Love
(3:55) 12. Jubileum Blues
(6:48) 13. Buddy's Habbit
(1:23) 14. Way Down Yonder In New Orleans

The Dutch Swing College Band  1558-59  Disc 1

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Disc 2
Time: 50:17
Size: 116,1 MB
Art: Front

(2:53)  1. Ice Cream
(3:07)  2. Memphis Blues
(2:22)  3. Take Your Pick
(3:22)  4. Just A Closer Walk With Thee
(2:59)  5. Tennessee Waltz Rock
(3:26)  6. March Of The Indians
(3:11)  7. Marina
(2:56)  8. I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None Of My Jelly Roll
(3:45)  9. Black & Tan Fantasy
(3:05) 10. Tiger Rag
(3:22) 11. You Don't Know How Much You Can Suffer
(3:09) 12. High Society
(3:34) 13. The Song Is Ended
(2:30) 14. Pavillion Rock
(2:57) 15. The Glory of Love
(3:29) 16. St Louis Blues

The Dutch Swing College Band  1958-59  Disc 2

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The Corey Christiansen Quartet - Awakening

Styles: Guitar Jazz, Straight-ahead/Mainstream
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:45
Size: 123,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:20)  1. Awakening
(5:26)  2. Little Hands, Big Dreams
(6:56)  3. Roads
(6:24)  4. All the Things You Are
(7:26)  5. Beatrice
(2:25)  6. Dialogue
(4:56)  7. Darn That Dream
(6:35)  8. Last Night In Manhattan
(6:13)  9. Alone Together

Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. Take guitarist Corey Christiansen, whose début record on the nascent Mel Bay Guitar Sessions label, Awakening , is filled with spirited playing and an engaging mix of original and standard compositions. Christiansen is the senior music editor and guitar clinician for Mel Bay publications, a leading supplier of instructional material on a number of instruments. His job would demand that he has formidable technique and a broad musical knowledge, and he does. But the problem is that his admirable skills often overwhelm the music; while his assertive and deft style is quick to energize, it sometimes lacks in overall musicality. In some ways Christiansen is like a young Larry Coryell, who suffered the same problems of excess in his early days. Blinding runs and a certain kinetic excitement draw one into the record, but it ultimately becomes more a little wearisome, as flurries of notes are used in exchange for a more subtle lyricism. Coryell has, through the course of his career, matured and learned the meaning of space, and this is clearly something that Christiansen should aspire to as well. Musicians of note usually learn that music is as much about what you leave out as what you play, and Christiansen clearly needs to master that skill.

That being said, there is no question that Christiansen has all the raw materials. While his soloing is often excessive, his compositions are attractive, with pleasant melodies and interesting rhythmic hooks. The title track is a swinging 6/8 romp that gives Christiansen and pianist Per Danielsson the chance to demonstrate both their abilities to play modally and through changes. “All The Things You Are” opens and closes with an interesting vamp that gives the group a chance to settle in and get comfortable before hitting the main body of the tune. “Darn That Dream” is played as a light bossa, and Christiansen demonstrates a solid ability as a chordal player. But throughout Christiansen quite simply plays more than truly necessarily, often substituting a flurry of notes when one or two would do. Drummer Danny Gottlieb and bassist Mark Neuenschwander provide firm support, with Gottlieb getting the chance to contribute some of his characteristically fine cymbal work on “Roads.” Gottlieb, a drummer who deserves more due than he usually receives, is also empathic, quickly catching some of the motifs that Christiansen and Danielsson throw at him. All in all Awakening is an enjoyable début from a guitarist who, while an established educator, is relatively new to the scene. Possibly he spends too much time wood-shedding and not enough time out actively playing to develop a more restrained approach. But there is no doubt that Christiansen has all the raw materials to be a notable player; he just needs to relax a little more and let the music breathe. ~ John Kelman  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/awakening-corey-christiansen-review-by-john-kelman.php

Personnel: Corey Christiansen (guitar), Danny Gottlieb (drums), Per Danielsson (piano), Mark Neuenschwander (bass)

Awakening

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The Bill Warfield Big Band - The City Never Sleeps

Styles: Trumpet Jazz, Big Band
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:53
Size: 114,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:29)  1. Sonnyside of the Street
(4:53)  2. Samba de Loves Me
(6:19)  3. City Prelude
(8:45)  4. The City Never Sleeps
(6:14)  5. A Little Circus Music
(5:45)  6. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
(4:37)  7. Salsa en Mi Alma
(3:46)  8. Tentigo
(5:00)  9. Daahoud

Warfield, Bill [William Leonard Warfield Jr.], trumpet, composer, arranger, educator; b. Baltimore, MD, 2 March 1952. His mother is Margaret Annabelle Baublitz Warfield (birthdate: 1/30/1921, place of birth: Owings Mills, Maryland). His father is William Leonard Warfield (birthdate 5/3/1919, place of birth, Hudson, Maryland).

His brother is John Cleveland Warfield (born 7/7/1959,Baltimore,Maryland). Bill studied trumpet with the following:  Lee Cutair 1961-64, Fred Frey 1962-63, Richard Mooreland 1964, Richard Daniel 1965-70, Allen Chambers 1965-67, Raymond Moore 1966-74, Rob Roy McGregor 1974-75, Jimmy Maxwell 1982-83, Lew Soloff 1990-94, Vince Penzarella 2000-2001.  He studied composition with Hank Levy 1970-74, Ray Wright 1986, Bob Brookmeyer 1989, and ear training with Caris Liebman, 2001-present. He's attended  Owings Mills Elementary School, Franklin Jr. High School, Franklin High School, Peabody Conservatory, Towson State University, University of Maryland Baltimore, Manhattan School of Music, and the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop. At the Manhattan School of Music, he got his M.M., Jazz Commercial performance, Trumpet, and his Jazz Commercial performance, Trumpet. He has taught from 1996-present at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, as an Assistant Professor, Music and at the University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL as an Assistant Professor, Jazz Trumpet. From 1992-1999, he taught at Towson University, Towson, MD, as an Adjunct Professor, Graduate and Undergraduate Divisions, Jazz Trumpet. He also taught at Brooklyn College, The City University of New York asDirector, Jazz Ensemble and The Dalton School, New York, NY, at Jazz Studies Director. In the fall of 2000,  Bill Warfield composed and conducted a concert with the The Yellow Jackets entitled "Beneath the Stacks, Second Line of the Industrial Revolution," which was performed at Lehigh University and featured the Lehigh Valley Jazz Repertory Orchestra.

Among his other accomplishments is a commission by the government of Spain to arrange and produce Hollywood Jazz, a musical review for the 1992 Olympic year, and a commission by the Berlin Radio Orchestra to write two works for big band.  He has been commissioned by the US Air Force Airmen of Note, and has appeared with the United States Navy Commodores as a clinician.  Warfield has performed with many well known jazz and commercial artists including Ornette Coleman, The American Jazz Orchestra directed by John Lewis, Mel Lewis, Paul Anka, Mel Torme, Randy Brecker, David Sanborn, Sonny Stitt, Sheila Jordan and Lester Bowie, among others.  He was an NBC staff musician for the 1995 VIDA awards and has been an orchestrator for Eddie Palmieri and Lester Bowie.  Early in his career, Warfield was a performer and contributing writer for the Bill Kirchner Nonet on Seabreeze Records.  

Presently, he is on the advisory board of the Baltimore Jazz Orchestra, where he plays lead trumpet.  In 1996 and 1997, The Bill Warfield Big Band was featured at Birdland in New York City as part of the Apple Band Cavalcade.  The Bill Warfield Big Band was featured at the International Association of Jazz Educators conference in 1994 and 1998, and at the New York City Brass Conference 1991, 95, 97, 98, and 99.In addition to his professional career as an international performer, recording artist, bandleader and producer, Bill Warfield is currently Assistant Professor in the Lehigh University music department.  In 1997 he founded The Lehigh Valley Jazz Repertory Orchestra, a non-profit organization dedicated to the recreation of classic jazz performances as well as the creation of new works for jazz orchestra.His spouse is Carol Heft, born in Philladelphia PA 3/11/1954, an artist. ~ Bio  http://www.jazz.com/encyclopedia/warfield-bill-william-leonard-warfield-jr

Personnel: Bill Warfield (trumpet, leader), Andy Fusco, Walt Weiskopf, Bob Hanlon, Tom Olin, Rich Perry, Chris Potter, Alex Stewart (saxophones), David Diggs (oboe, clarinet, piccolo, tenor saxophone), Bob Millikan, Lew Soloff, John Eckert, Jeff Parke, Tony Kadieck (trumpets), Herb Besson, Conrad Herwig, Larry Farrell, Matt Finders, George Flynn (trombones), Greg Cogan (piano), Chris Rosenberg, Dave Stryker (guitars), Mike Richmond, Jeff Fuller (acoustic bass), Tim Horner, Alan Bates (drums), Emedin Rivera (percussion).

The City Never Sleeps

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Heather Keizur - Under My Skin

Size: 114,2 MB
Time: 48:20
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. That Sunday, That Summer (Feat. Steve Christofferson) (3:30)
02. Nature Boy (Feat. Steve Christofferson, Dennis Caiazza & Ron Steen) (3:39)
03. J'ai Vu (Feat. Dennis Caiazza, Steve Christofferson & Ron Steen) (5:04)
04. 's Wonderful (Feat. Dennis Caiazza, Ron Steen & Steve Christofferson) (2:05)
05. Dance Me To The End Of Love (Feat. Ron Steen, Dennis Caiazza & Steve Christofferson) (5:13)
06. I've Got You Under My Skin (Feat. Steve Christofferson, Ron Steen & Dennis Caiazza) (5:10)
07. Embraceable You (Feat. Dennis Caiazza, Ron Steen & Steve Christofferson) (5:28)
08. Boum (Feat. Steve Christofferson, Dennis Caiazza & Ron Steen) (3:05)
09. The Touch Of Your Lips (Feat. Ron Steen, Steve Christofferson & Dennis Caiazza) (2:25)
10. Jardin D'hiver (Feat. Dennis Caiazza, Ron Steen & Steve Christofferson) (4:18)
11. Estate (Feat. Steve Christofferson) (3:34)
12. Avec Le Temps (Feat. Steve Christofferson) (4:44)

Heather Keizur, a jazz vocalist who sings in both English and French, is emerging as one of the most unique and gifted singers on the Northwest Jazz scene.

When asked what draws her to songs, Heather says, "Passion. In order for me to be drawn to a song, it needs to have a certain element of passion to it. That way when I sing it, I can feel it and pass the story of the song on to those who are listening."

Heather recorded her first full length CD in August of 2010. Heather Keizur has a lot of love and life in her voice. Her beautiful voice is joined on this romantic album by some world class players: Steve Christofferson on piano and melodica, David K Mathews on piano, Michael Zisman on bass and mandolin, Akira Tana on drums, Joe Cohen on sax, Jeremy Cohen on violin, Philip Santos on violin, Keith Lawrence on viola, and Joseph Hebert on cello. Heather also recorded a demo CD in August of 2008 with jazz recording artist Tom Grant and one of Portland's top bassists, Dave Captein.

She has performed with some of the Northwest's premier jazz musicians, including Tom Grant, Steve Christofferson, Vince Frates, Dave Captein, Dennis Caiazza, and Alan Tarpinian, as well as bay area pianist David K Mathews who is currently touring with Santana.

Born in San Jose, California, Heather grew up in British Columbia, Canada. Very early on she developed a love of performing as a vocalist and a love of the French language.

Heather first performed as a solo vocalist at the age of eleven singing for her school's talent contest. Throughout her high school years she sang in the school concert band, for weddings and other special occasions. At 17 singing jazz became her passion when she became the vocalist in a local jazz band. Over the years Heather has sung with a variety of jazz bands, pop music duos, and in churches. Some of Heather's greatest influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Edith Piaf.

Heather earned an honor's degree in French at Portland State University in 1992. When asked why the French songs, Heather says, "Not only do the French songs have an exquisite sound to them lyrically, but these beautiful songs are passionate in a way that compels me to sing them."

Under My Skin

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Eirinn Abu - Ten Love Stories

Size: 100,9 MB
Time: 41:12
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz, Easy Listening
Art: Front

01. Unchained Melody (3:56)
02. The Way We Were (3:22)
03. Lara's Theme (3:03)
04. A Time For Us (4:06)
05. My Heart Will Go On (4:00)
06. Look What You've Done To Me (3:46)
07. Where Do I Begin (4:09)
08. Can't Help Falling In Love (3:16)
09. Moon River (3:49)
10. Strangers In The Night (3:30)
11. Over The Rainbow (4:09)

Eirinn Abu gives the saxophone a new voice and sound. His peers call him the instrumental version of Josh Groban or Andrea Bocelli.

His new CD “Ten Love Stories,” a series of theme songs from the top ten classic love movies of all time.

Ten Love Stories

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Lou Rawls - Super Love

Size: 178,0 MB
Time: 76:23
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Blues/Jazz/R&B Vocals
Art: Front

01. How Long Blues (4:20)
02. Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do (2:41)
03. Black And Blue (3:27)
04. Willow Weep For Me (5:54)
05. Stormy Weather (3:00)
06. I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town (3:56)
07. Summertime (3:31)
08. Trouble In Mind (3:50)
09. In The Evening When The Sun Goes Down (3:25)
10. St. James Infirmary (4:40)
11. Every Day I Have The Blues (2:29)
12. Gloomy Sunday (3:04)
13. See See Rider (3:08)
14. Sentimental Journey (3:17)
15. God Bless The Child (4:26)
16. Georgia On My Mind (3:17)
17. Ol' Man River (3:47)
18. Lost And Lookin' (3:07)
19. When It's Sleepy Time Down South (3:04)
20. I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water (3:52)
21. Tobacco Road (3:59)

Louis Allen "Lou" Rawls (December 1, 1933 – January 6, 2006) was an American recording artist, voice actor, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his singing ability: Frank Sinatra once said that Rawls had "the classiest singing and silkiest chops in the singing game". Rawls released more than 60 albums, sold more than 40 million records, and had numerous charting singles, most notably his song "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine". He worked as a television, motion picture, and voice actor. He was also a three-time Grammy-winner, all for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

Super Love

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Charenee Wade - Offering: The Music Of Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson

Size: 144,0 MB
Time: 61:42
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Offering (Feat. Stefon Harris) (4:29)
02. Song Of The Wind (Feat. Stefon Harris) (7:38)
03. A Toast To The People (6:33)
04. Home Is Where The Hatred Is (Feat. Stefon Harris) (4:29)
05. Ain’t No Such Thing As Superman (Feat. Marcus Miller, Malcolm-Jamal Warner) (5:47)
06. Essex Martin, Grant, Byrd & Till (8:43)
07. Western Sunrise (5:10)
08. The Vulture (Your Soul And Mine) (6:26)
09. Peace Go With You Brother (Intro) (0:42)
10. Peace Go With You Brother (Feat. Stefon Harris) (7:03)
11. I Think I'll Call It Morning (4:36)

As it often happens with many artists so in tune with the times that they are actually ahead of their time, the immense contribution of musical/cultural revolutionary Gil Scott-Heron continues to be revealed and acknowledged. Albeit, there has been a perpetual cult surrounding this enigmatic figure which defied any sort of categorization both in music and personality, but judging by the posthumous releases of his catalog and continuing tributes, his legacy has taken on the iconic qualities it deserves. His musical partner throughout his most productive phase, pianist Brian Jackson, provided the catalyst for much of Gil Scott-Heron's best work, and is recognized as an innovator in jazz and modern urban music.

Charenee Wade is a singer, composer, arranger and educator, noted for her self-produced "Love Walked In," in 2011. Previous to this release, she honed her vocalizing skills as featured guest on releases by Tia Fuller, Eric Reed, and the Eyal Vilner Big Band, among others. Armed with unfathomable passion and assurance, Wade introduces Offering—The Music of Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson. Utilizing the lyrics and music of the gifted duo as a launching pad, she takes her innovative arrangements into another dimension, conveying the intended message with her singular and assertive vocal textures, evolving, while honoring the spirit of the original source.

Gleaning from the songwriters' peak prolific period of the 1970's, Wade chose an interesting set list with the title track setting the conceptual tone of the record. "Song Of The Wind," shows the dynamic emotional range that Wade can cover, accompanied by vibraphonist Stefon Harris, the song becomes the transporter of the skies. The pace is slightly quickened with "A Toast to the People," with its timeless salutation to those who were lost in the struggle. There is the straight ahead version of "Home Is Where The Hatred Is," this being one of Scott-Heron's masterpieces, Wade cleverly takes it into a tailspin, building into almost frenetic phrasing with her horn like voice that portrays the song with all its dark poignancy and despair. "Ain't No Such Thing As Superman," is set up superbly by bassist Lonnie Plaxico, who authenticates the tempo with that inner city feel, allowing Wade to stretch and scat her way through the other side. "Western Sunrise," featuring Plaxico and guitarist Dave Stryker, is an enthusiastic number, greeting the coming of a new day.

Gil Scott-Heron was also highly regarded as a New Black Poet, a title he both relished and rejected, he liked to call himself a messenger of his people, a modern throwback to the African griots. To fully capture his poetic essence, Malcolm-Jamal Warner on "Essex/Martin, Grant, Byrd & Till," and Christian McBride on "Peace Go With You Brother," take on the lead roles representing the spoken word. These are critical participants in these songs, for the poetry, with its bare knuckle frankness, lies at the root of this music. Wade picks up on the peace missive, softening the tone, bringing it down to almost a plea, for there has to be a way out of the madness.

If there was ever a perfect song for this record's closure "I Think I'll Call It Morning," is it. The Music of Gil-Scott Heron and Brian Jackson, though identified with political, cultural and racial references of revolution and change, also depicted an immense sense of optimism. This final song portrays just that, that no matter what happens, the sun will rise tomorrow, and with it another opportunity to make the changes and choices necessary for our collective peace of mind.

With this production, Charenee Wade has proven that she possesses courageous talent, and is a singer whose time has come. Choosing to interpret this material was not an easy route, but in the true spirit of a jazz improviser, she absolutely made these songs her own. She recorded much more than a tribute to two exemplary musician/songwriters, it is a resolution that the work continues, it is an Offering. ~James Nadal

Personnel: Charenee Wade: vocals, arrangements; Brandon McCune: piano; Dave Stryker: guitar; Lonnie Plaxico: bass; Alvester Garnett: drums; Stefon Harris: vibes; Lakecia Benjamin: alto sax (6); Malcolm-Jamal Warner: spoken word (6); Marcus Miller: bass clarinet (6); Christian McBride: spoken word (9).

Offering

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Larry Newcomb Quartet - Live Intentionally!

Size: 102,3 MB
Time: 43:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Guitar Jazz
Art: Front

01. Be My Love (Live) (4:06)
02. All The Things You Are (Live) (4:28)
03. Thanks Jack! (Live) (4:06)
04. Sure Thing (Live) (4:56)
05. Instant Water (Live) (5:12)
06. Olhos De Gato (Live) (4:54)
07. Au Privave (Live) (4:08)
08. Stardust (Live) (6:18)
09. Have You Met Miss Jones? (Live) (5:38)

LIVE INTENTIONALLY! was recorded live. I wanted to capture the spontaneous intensity and energy of playing jazz without a safety net. I also wanted to test my own performance and improvisatory skills in real time. I wanted to “walk the walk” without relying on overdubbing solos later or “fixes-in-the-mix.”

Pianist Eric Olsen, bassist Dmitri Kolesnik, drummer Jimmy Madison and I set up together at Tedesco Studios. I counted off my three originals and six standards and the result is this recording.

The message of the title is the same whether LIVE INTENTIONALLY! strikes you as “intentinally
recorded live!” or “live your life with intentionality!” This is our genuine, spontaneous playing, reaching for all
the joy and beauty we could capture in each moment.

I ’d like to express my gratitude for the brilliant contributions Jack Wilkins, Bucky Pizzarrelli, Tom Tedesco, Luis Guell and my outstanding collaborators Eric Olsen, Dmitri Kolesnik and Jimmy Madison. Sincerely hoping you enjoy it, Larry Newcomb

Guitarist Larry Newcomb performs classic and original jazz and blues both as a soloist and in duo, trio and quartet ensembles. Larry has contributed a wealth of electric and acoustic guitar stylings in performances and on recordings with Bucky Pizzarelli, Jack Wilkins, Seleno Clarke, Billy Kaye, Jon Weiss, Mike Camoia, Larry Newcomb Trio, his duo Jonaitis & Newcomb, the band Wolfgang’s Revenge and with Babs Winn & the Kickin’ Boogie Band. Newcomb has studied with guitar masters Bucky Pizzarelli, Mark Elf, Pat Martino, Howard Roberts and Randy Johnston. His affable performing style is informed by a PhD in Music History and a seasoned master’s understanding of the jazz idiom.

The path to jazz mastery is long, challenging, rewarding, and never-ending. I started out transcribing then quoting great blues guitarists including B. B. King, Albert King, Freddie King, Eric Clapton, and Duane Allman. In my early 20s, I heard Jim Hall, George Benson, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis and Kenny Burrell. My direction was established. I slowly developed a repertoire of standard tunes; and, by transposing the work of the masters, I learned to address each harmonic element of a tune in its own rite--especially the creation and resolution of tension from each dominant chord to the temporary or permanent tonic. Throughout my musical journey, I've strived to play what I hear, and to make each note ring with colorful, clear and heartfelt beauty.

“Larry Newcomb is a master guitar player and a life-long student of the instrument.” ~Bucky Pizzarelli (Renowned Jazz Guitar Innovator)

“You manage to get a great tone consistently and that isn’t easy. You have a wonderful sound. You have mastered the guitar.” ~Larry Lucie (Guitarist with Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and Cab Calloway)

“Exceptionally beautiful guitar tone and facility.” ~Grady Tate (Legendary Jazz Drummer and Vocalist)

“Larry Newcomb is one of the best all-around jazz guitarists performing today. Larry projects an unselfconscious ease in everything he plays. His skill is always at the service of heartfelt music. Larry’s tone is in the Grant Green–Peter Bernstein vein, very up-front and easy to relate to.” ~Peter Arnold (Manhattan Jazz Guitarist)

Live Intentionally!

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Marlena - My Heart to Yours

Size: 133,9 MB
Time: 57:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Art: Front

01. I Just Want To Make Love To You (3:10)
02. Smooth Operator (5:12)
03. Good Morning Heartache (3:28)
04. I've Got To See You Again (4:10)
05. I Put A Spell On You (4:28)
06. Why Don't You Do Right (3:12)
07. Cry Me A River (2:58)
08. Smile (3:34)
09. Our Day Will Come (2:55)
10. Stormy (3:15)
11. Back To Black (3:59)
12. Eyes Without A Face (4:05)
13. The Look Of Love (4:42)
14. Dream A Little Dream Of Me (4:05)
15. The Best Is Yet To Come (3:46)

Marlena’s musical influences, in part, arose from her early life growing up in the “melting pot” of Jamaica Queens, NY (the same neighborhood of Fifty Cent’s youth). As a young child, she would hear, late into the summer evenings, the soulful sounds of Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Donna Summer, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Etta James, as they wafted through her bedroom window, from the nearby park. Marlena irritated her sister as she would pick up a hairbrush and sing at the top of her lungs – the beginnings of her soulful sound and her desire to perform. Starting at the age of 10, Marlena, the daughter of a minister, sang gospel in church, and on Saturdays performed a cappella versions of the same on the streets of New York, drawing a crowd to whom her father preached. These experiences honed her voice, enabling her to emote and greatly connect with all that have the pleasure to hear her sing. She attended the prestigious School of Art and Design in Manhattan. Eventually, she worked, modeled, and sang, while living in the artistic community of Soho, NY. This is where she developed her great versatility as a female vocalist, singing in multiple bands in and around New York City, ranging in style from garage, to funk, to torch and at venues as diverse as sticky dive bars and the famed Studio 54. With her impressive vocal range and her signature growl, Marlena can easily transition from jazz, blues, country, rock, and torch. Her life experiences are reflected in the songs selected for this CD as each song has a personal significance. There is an emotional connection and intimacy in every song that she sings. This Album “My Heart to Yours” is a rare combination of flash and class.

My Heart to Yours

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