Orrin Evans - Flip The Script

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:30
Size: 101.9 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[4:25] 1. Question
[4:44] 2. Clean House
[3:11] 3. Flip The Script
[3:27] 4. When
[5:28] 5. Big Small
[2:54] 6. A Brand New Day
[5:43] 7. Tc's Blues
[6:01] 8. Someday My Prince Will Come
[4:08] 9. The Answer
[4:26] 10. The Sound Of Philadelphia

Orrin Evans: piano; Ben Wolfe: bass; Donald Edwards: drums.

In the wrong hands, the contemporary piano trio can sound like a retread of piano trios since the dawn of popular music. In the right hands it remains a potent force: exciting, engaging, full of imagination and capable of flights of invention. The hands of Orrin Evans are the right hands. The Philadelphia-born pianist is approaching 20 years as a recording artist and, by the sound of Flip The Script, he's in one of his most creative periods to date. Much of the music on Flip The Script is characterized by a high-energy drive, with tunes such as "Clean House" and "Flip The Script" utilizing a fast-paced, aggressive and breathtaking approach. "The Answer" shares the drive of the faster numbers, thanks especially to Edwards' drums, but the pace is reduced a little on this swinging tune.

The slower tunes are equally inspiring: speed and strength give way to control and emotional engagement from all three players to form a set of resonant and powerful melodies. "Big Small" is a very slow blues on which Evans' percussive lines and Wolfe's fat, lowdown, tones contrast with Edwards' lighter patterns. "When" is more downbeat—a romantic, flowing, ballad.Evans includes four contrasting cover versions. The slightly fractured rhythms and repeated phrases of "Question," by Tarbaby bassist Eric Revis, give the tune a strong bebop feel as well as a sense of fun. Evans invests "Someday My Prince Will Come" with a bluesy mood, an air of uncertainty that eschews the swing and optimism of Dave Brubeck or Bill Evans' versions to hark back to the tune's first appearance on the soundtrack of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (1937). Two soul tunes also put in an appearance. Luther Vandross' "A Brand New Day" swings strongly, Edwards and Wolfe driving the rhythm as Evans opens up with hard-hitting but melodic piano. Evan's solo performance of Gamble and Huff's "The Sound Of Philadelphia" (the theme tune to Soul Train) is exquisite. Another slow, almost funereal, tempo finds Evans exploring new avenues within the song, drawing out a reflective melancholy, a longing for times past, that is genuinely affecting.

Evans already has an exceptionally strong discography, so to describe Flip The Script as one of his finest is to give it high praise indeed, which is exactly what it deserves. It's going to take a lot of pushing and shoving to get Flip The Script out of the 2012 Best Of lists. ~Bruce Evans

Flip The Script

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Blue Mitchell & Orchestra - A Sure Thing

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:49
Size: 79.7 MB
Styles: Bop, Trumpet jazz
Year: 1963/2013
Art: Front

[5:37] 1. West Coast Blues
[4:44] 2. Blue On Blue
[4:30] 3. A Sure Thing
[5:20] 4. Hootie Blues
[3:45] 5. I Can't Get Started
[4:54] 6. Hip To It
[5:55] 7. Gone With The Wind

Blue Mitchell, Clark Terry (tp), Jerome Richardson, Jimmy Heath, Pepper Adams (saxes), Wynton Kelly (p), Sam Jones (b), Albert Heath (d). Recorded at Plaza Sound Studios in New York City on March 7 (tracks 2 & 5), March 8 (tracks 3 & 4), and March 28 (tracks 1, 6 & 7), 1962

This album presents Mitchell in a vigorous and well-balanced set of arrangements scored and conducted by Jimmy Heath. Apart from Mitchell, one of the most melodic trumpeters of his generation, Heath (on tenor) is the other main soloist, in virile and inventive form throughout. Baritonists Pepper Adams on Blue on Blue, and Pat Patrick on Hip to It, also contribute a couple of tough, passionate solos, while Wynton Kelly is the personification of self-assurance, good taste, and unabated swing throughout.

A Sure Thing

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Alison Burns - Kissing Bug

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:33
Size: 118.0 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:16] 1. Kissing Bug
[3:00] 2. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
[4:48] 3. The Good Life
[3:31] 4. But Not For Me
[4:51] 5. Love Me Or Leave Me
[4:56] 6. Cry Me A River
[4:09] 7. No Moon At All
[2:51] 8. By Myself
[3:23] 9. Too Good To Be True
[3:58] 10. Shadow Of Your Smile
[4:35] 11. Can't Help Loving That Man
[5:08] 12. The Thrill Is Gone
[3:01] 13. The Way You Look Tonight

Acclaimed by the Glasgow Herald as "One of Scotland's foremost jazz singers," the sensual, supple voiced Alison Burns made a promising case for success on a more global scale on this impressive standards-driven debut that was produced by her father-in-law, famed jazz guitarist Martin Taylor. Based on her formidable talent and casually elegant way with songs like "Cry Me a River," "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," and "But Not for Me," it's clear that the singer could have emerged much sooner than she has. But her background is fascinating, from singing in the school choir to becoming one of the first female mechanical engineers in Scotland to acting, doing voice-overs, to working as an entertainment lawyer. All of that life experience adds gravitas to the often heartbreaking emotion she brings to these 13 songs, whose restrained arrangements allow her smoky voice to stand out and feature Martin Taylor's breezy guitar harmony lines, and his son James Taylor on drums and brushes. Though contemplative ballads seem to be her forte, Burns shows spirited range on pieces like "By Myself" and "Too Good to Be True," which find her jaunting over much brisker rhythms. This disc plays like an infectious bug that should create a cool epidemic among jazz listeners with great taste as the 2000s progress. ~Jonathan Widran

Kissing Bug

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Ignaz Dinné, Ron Carter - The Next Level

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:10
Size: 122,0 MB
Art: Front

(7:34)  1. The Next Level
(6:13)  2. Think Again
(4:22)  3. Three's a Crowd
(6:17)  4. Petes Place
(6:22)  5. Ask Me Now
(4:51)  6. I'll Be Seeing You
(6:59)  7. Pannonica
(5:40)  8. The Twisting Path
(4:48)  9. Come Sunday

The year 2004 marked the anniversary of the series, Jazz Thing Next Generation“, and Ignaz Dinné was the first instrumentalist of the series following two vocalists. His debut triggered unrestricted enthusiasm among listeners and the media: Dinné plays with composure and serenity, which you otherwise are only accustomed to hear from older players. Every tone is played consciously, no words too many are said. Great!“ (FonoForum, highest rating)

Ignaz Dinné impresses with his breathing power and his very own sound, which never just sounds smooth, but instead spreads productive unease.“ (Rolf Thomas, Jazzthetik)

“A great talent is making his way there!” (stereoplay)

Now Ignaz Dinné is moving up to the next level. Still in his mid-30s, he is still sufficiently young and fond of discovery to deal with new songs and people with curiosity without prejudices. But at the same time, he has further expanded and solidified the maturity he demonstrated in his debut. This becomes clear in his own compositions, which already sound like standards (e.g., “Pete’s Place”) the first time we hear them, but also in his interpretations of Monk classics, of which there are two on “The Next Level”, certainly also in remembrance of his studies at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (by the way, as the first European and first saxophonist!). Dinné also relies on the two New Yorkers Pete Rende and Jochen Rueckert on piano and drums in his second CD, a group that has played together well for six years in the meantime. In addition, there is mentor and friend Ron Carter on the bass, who is one of the few living real giants of jazz history. But this is nothing unusual for Dinné; born in Bremen in 1971 as son of the known trombonist Ed Kröger, the naturally talented alto saxophonist studied under and played with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Jackie McLean, Jimmy Heath, Curtis Fuller and many others. They all predict a great career for him, because he is rooted with convincing naturalness in the tradition of (modern) jazz and he has already achieved a lot at a young age, which many only succeed in doing (or don’t succeed) much later: an unmistakable sound, musical expression that cannot be copied, and aloof but captivating aesthetics. http://www.doublemoon.de/en/cddetails/dmchr71067.shtml

Personnel:  Alto Saxophone – Ignaz Dinné;  Bass – Ron Carter;  Drums – Jochen Rückert;  Piano – Pete Rende

The Next Level

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Bonnie Bramlett - I'm Still The Same

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:56
Size: 107,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:40)  1. Hurt
(3:26)  2. What If
(4:59)  3. No Man's Land
(3:56)  4. Made A Believer Out Of Me
(5:55)  5. Superstar
(4:22)  6. Give It Time
(4:41)  7. Closer To You
(4:31)  8. You Belong To Me
(2:57)  9. Sure Sign Of Something
(4:16) 10. Cry Me A River
(4:07) 11. I'm Still The Same

The most recent memory I have of Bonnie Bramlett dates to the summer of 1971, when Delaney and Bonnie's light-hearted "Never Ending Song of Love" was battling Carol King's "It's Too Late," James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend" and the Stones' "Brown Sugar" for airplay. Since then, Bramlett, whose deep jazz roots include youthful appearances alongside Stan Getz, Maynard Ferguson, Dexter Gordon and Miles Davis, has remained largely in the shadows, jamming occasionally with A-list pals like Eric Clapton and George Harrison, singing back-up for others, raising her kids and stepping briefly into the prime-time arena for a memorable series of guest spots on Roseanne. 

Now, after far too long a wait, Bramlett is back in the spotlight with the archly titled I'm Still the Same (Audium/Koch). While in absentia, her voice has matured magnificently, approximating the sandpaper sass of Elaine Stritch crossed with the self-assured growl of Tina Turner. Several years in the making, this musical autobiography traces four decades of hard knocks and heartache through a clever combination of covers and original compositions. The songs tend, it seems, to work in pairs. Bramlett's "Made a Believer Out of Me," a salty paean to survivalism is, for instance, balanced by an extraordinary version of Leon Russell's "Superstar" that lays bare the lyric's remorseful self-delusion better than any other rendition I've heard. Similarly, Bramlett explores the sweet fear that accompanies a promising but unproven romance in the cautiously cheerful "Give It Time," then abandons herself to the intense fires of desire in "Closer to You." Most satisfying of all is her jumpin' "Sure Sign of Something," a finger-poppin' dissertation on romantic suspicion that clearly owes a debt to "Hit the Road Jack," teamed with a refreshingly cynical treatment of "Cry Me a River" that sidesteps self-pity in favor of stirring self-empowerment. ~ Christopher Loudon  http://jazztimes.com/articles/13353-i-m-still-the-same-bonnie-bramlett

Personnel: Bonnie Bramlett (vocals, background vocals); Reggie Young , Tom Bukovac (guitar); The Nashville String Machine (strings); Mickey Raphael (harmonica); Denis Solee, Bobby Keys (saxophone); Sam Lavine (soprano saxophone); Nashville Horns (horns); John Jonethis (piano); Clayton Ivey, Jon Jarvis, John Jarvis, Jason Webb (keyboards); Glenn Worf, Kevin Grantt, Don Barrett (electric bass); Elijah Holt, Randy Hardison, Eddie Bayers, Vince Barranco, Shannon Forrest (drums); Eric Darken (percussion); Carolyn Corlew (background vocals).

I'm Still The Same

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Warren Vaché, John Allred Quintet - Jubilation: Live in Bern Switzerland at Marians Jazzroom

Styles: Cornet And Trombone Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:21
Size: 159,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:31)  1. Old Devil Moon
(7:48)  2. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(6:48)  3. Song For My Father
(6:25)  4. My One and Only Love
(8:08)  5. Change Partners
(7:40)  6. Strollin'
(4:14)  7. Sweet Hunk O' Trash
(7:01)  8. Jubilation
(6:34)  9. Strike Up the Band
(6:02) 10. Caravan
(3:05) 11. We'll Be Together Again

Warren Vache is one of just a few active cornet players, though he proves to be a lot more wide-ranging in his choice of songs than the late great Ruby Braff (while also possessing a greater sense of humor). Having studied with Pee Wee Erwin, Vache gained early experience playing with Benny Goodman, Vic Dickenson and Bob Wilber. He has recorded over three dozen albums as a leader and is a regular on the jazz party circuit. These 2007 performances at the renowned Marians Jazzroom in Bern, Switzerland pair the cornetist with trombonist John Allred, a jazz party favorite who has had surprisingly few chances to record as a leader. Rounding out the group is the Manhattan favorite Tardo Hammer on piano, Australian bassist Nicki Parrott (another jazz party regular) and drummer Leroy Williams. In spite of his reputation as a mainstream performer with an emphasis on swing and standards, Vache mixes in quite a bit more. The breezy setting of Horace Silver's "Song For My Father" showcases Allred rather well, while the sauntering pace of Silver's "Strollin'" features tight harmony by the two horn players. 

Vache and Parrott enjoy a playful vocal duet of James P. Johnson's obscure "Sweet Hunk O' Trash," with the leader answering Parrott's vocals with hilarious spoken commentary until they switch roles. Of course, they are on the money in their interpretations of standards, especially on the sparkling "Strike Up the Band" and the remarkably subtle treatment of "Caravan." ~ Ken Dryden  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/jubilation-live-in-bern-switzerland-at-marians-jazzroom-warren-vache-arbors-records-review-by-ken-dryden.php
 

Personnel: Warren Vache: cornet, vocal (7, 11); John Allred: trombone; Tardo Hammer: piano; Nicki Parrott: bass, vocal (7); Leroy Williams: drums.

Jubilation:  Live in Bern Switzerland at Marians Jazzroom

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Sandra King & Richard Rodney Bennett - Making Beautiful Music Together

Size: 129,6 MB
Time: 55:16
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1997
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Love Of My Life (2:39)
02. Blame It On My Youth (4:19)
03. Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me (3:04)
04. There Is No Music (2:53)
05. Medley: A Beautiful Friendship/We Could Make Such Beautiful Music Together (2:54)
06. Second Chance (3:27)
07. I'm Way Ahead Of The Game (3:41)
08. On Second Thought (3:07)
09. I Never Know When (To Say When) (3:52)
10. I Haven't Got Anything Better To Do (3:58)
11. Early To Bed (3:09)
12. Empty Space (3:41)
13. Boy Wanted (3:21)
14. If You Never Come To Me (4:03)
15. I Have The Feeling I've Been Here Before (3:20)
16. I'll Always Leave The Door A Little Open (3:41)

Personnel: Sandra King vocals, Richard Rodney Bennett piano, Greg Cohen bass.

Sandra King treasures the memory of a day in the mid-1970s when she came to Ronnie Scott's jazz club in London to rehearse for an engagement. As she and her accompanist Pat Smythe ran through Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood," King noticed a man watching her from the back. He came closer, and she found herself face to face with Stan Getz. He proceeded to tell her how much he admired her singing. "Stan was finishing a two-week booking there that night," she recalls. "He asked me if I'd like to join him on stage to sing a couple of songs. I was terrified, but I went down there and sang while he played behind me. It's an experience I'll never forget."

Making Beautiful Music Together

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Dani Felber Big Band Explosion - Live At Langenthal

Size: 144,4 MB
Time: 62:13
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Big Band, Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Ya Gotta Try ... Harder (6:23)
02. Trip To Sammy (3:57)
03. Lisette (4:23)
04. Honeysockle Rose (Feat. Carmen Bradford) (3:12)
05. I'll Wind (Feat. Carmen Bradford) (4:10)
06. Papa Fos! (Feat. Carmen Bradford) (3:43)
07. This Is For My Friend Andrea (4:43)
08. Magic Flea (3:37)
09. Hay Burner (4:22)
10. Sina's Dream (5:53)
11. Alright, Ok, You Win (Feat. Chris Murell) (3:08)
12. Skylark (Feat. Chris Murell) (5:50)
13. Little Mama (Feat. Chris Murell) (3:18)
14. How Do You Keep The Music (Feat. Carmen Bradford & Chris Murell) (5:29)

Internationally renowned bandleader, composer, arranger and flugelhorn player Dani Felber keeps surprising our sensibilities with every new musical creation that springs from his fertile mind.

Dani's warm and soulful flugelhorn sound allows him to effortlessly glide between swinging jazz and groovy pop.

The charismatic bandleader has achieved great success with all of his various line-ups - Jazz Quartet, Big Band as well as his orchestra – enlisting the services of only the most qualified musicians from all over the world.

Throughout his long career he has performed alongside such Jazz luminaries as Clark Terry, Eric Marienthal, Brad Leali, Butch Miles, Carmen Bradford, Bob Mintzer, John Lewis, Phil Woods, Andrea Tofanelli, Peter Herbolzheimer, Paul Kuhn and Benny Golson, to name but a few.

All of Dani's different formations regularly perform at well known festivals and big events and are thus constantly in demand. They also enjoy fairly busy touring schedules.

He is the recipient of the Rotary Culture Award, the Swiss Jazz Award and has been named 'Ambassador of Big Band Music'. He's been featured in various magazines and journals.

To date, Dani Felber has ten albums under his own name. He's a tireless and prolific composer who creates multiple works encompassing a wide range of styles and genres. As an artist, Dani Felber has come of age and the stage is where he feels most at home.

Live At Langenthal

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Colin Trusedell Trio - It's All About The Hustle

Size: 109,0 MB
Time: 46:42
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Mainstream Jazz
Art: Front

01. Scotty B (4:11)
02. Hot Night (5:05)
03. Smokin' (5:33)
04. Only Love For You (4:11)
05. 2/15 Blues (4:01)
06. All In Bloom (4:25)
07. Camile (4:15)
08. A Candlelit Waltz (5:07)
09. Mon (4:45)
10. It's All About The Hustle (5:05)

Bassist Colin Trusedell is making quite the name for himself. His previous recordings, Colin Trusedell Trio: Some Of My Best Friends Are... Divas (Self Produced, 2013) and Colin Trusedell: Quartet Of Jazz Death (Self Produced, 2014) were well received within these electronic pages. The former was a most excellent acoustic affair featuring some of Trusedell's singing colleagues from the US Air Force. The latter is an electric smorgasbord showing that Trusedell is capable of ramping up the funk as in cooling down the standards.

Trusedell opts for the traditional jazz trio approach on It's All About the Hustle, an assembly of 10 original compositions that swing right down the middle of the mainstream. On the eclectic "2:15 Blues," Trusedell sets a brisk pace for the band over a clever 12-bar statement. Pianist Shawn Hanlon demonstrates both fists of his muscular and precise playing. Trusedell allows himself plenty of time for an elastic pizzacatto solo that walks right out the door. Drummer Paul Shaw trades eights with Hanlon in a by-the-book blowing- session blues. Grace and sophistication. ~C. Michael Bailey

Personnel: Shawn Hanlon: piano; Colin Trusedell: bass; Paul Shaw: drums.

It's All About The Hustle

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Luke Maxim - Stay

Size: 106,3 MB
Time: 45:37
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals, Swing
Art: Front

01. Sunshine (3:53)
02. Stay (4:57)
03. Tonight We Fly (3:32)
04. I Can't Give You Anything (2:44)
05. Slow Down (4:36)
06. I Can't Help It (3:59)
07. Everlong (4:44)
08. More Than A Dream (4:56)
09. Young And Beautiful (5:01)
10. Tu Vuo Fa L'americano (2:48)
11. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams (4:22)

If you’re looking for an album that will make you melt, Luke Maxim’s Stay is it. For the majority, the album is comprised of covers, which just adds to his “Buble-esque” style. However, with original tracks like the upbeat “Sunshine,” Maxim brings jazz back in a whole new way. His vocals are smooth like honey, and the gorgeous instrumentals behind him only add to this stunning track. It’s so refreshing to hear music like this again.

The title track of the album, “Stay,” is a subtly beautiful track, and each line just oozes this hypnotizing power. If you don’t melt listening to this, I have no hope for you. It’s a plea, an expression of restless fear, and the start of the madness love can cause. The track builds, and I find myself holding my breath waiting for the each verse, and the rich, lush instrumentals that encompass the song with this spine-tingling power. The theme of the madness of love seems to pop up a few times, with a cover of Michael Jackson’s “I Can’t Help It,” and a duet, “More Than a Dream.” On the latter, the two vocalists match with raw power, which only builds alongside the music.

Each of Maxim’s covers presented on Stay add a whole new love to the songs that are already pretty much worshipped, like The Divine Comedy’s “Tonight We Fly” or the classics like “Tu Vuò Fà L’Americano,” and “I Can’t Give You Anything.” Maxim’s vocals are, for lack of a better phrase, on point. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is just as stunning as the Tony Bennet tune has always been, but it is his rendition of the Foo Fighters’ “Everlong,” and his male-version of Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful” that stand out as the strongest covers. They are truly magical, and add a whole other dimension to Maxim’s versatility. If you already love these songs, Maxim’s cover will only add to the adoration.

“Slow Down” is the ballad of a heartbroken man, who tried to fight for a love that wasn’t going to last, and who’s upset that his lover moved on so quickly. Maxim’s inflection on the chorus, backed by gorgeous harmonies, adds a truly magical depth to the track. Luke Maxim will hit the big time before you know it; this song instills that feeling. His versatility and talent are both showcased wonderfully on this album, although it would be nice to hear a fully original album. Whether or not that comes later, I guess we’ll see.

Stay

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Christine Corvisier 5tet - Reconnaissance

Size: 142,4 MB
Time: 61:00
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Contemporary Jazz
Art: Front

01. The Path (5:09)
02. Ayema (6:31)
03. Groove In Den Mai (5:05)
04. La Foule (Que Nadie Sepa Mi Sufrir) (5:31)
05. Follow 6 (5:15)
06. Reconnaissance (3:58)
07. Wait To Be Home (5:56)
08. Nights At Smalls (5:16)
09. Trip To Cheek (6:00)
10. Bankrupt (7:09)
11. Found It! (5:05)

The Christine Corvisier 5tet is a French-German Band from Cologne (Germany) that leaves a unique footprint in the contemporary european jazz scene. The modern jazz tunes and arrangements composed by the young saxophone player perfectly combine lyricism and high energy; with the particularity that this music is as much enjoyable for jazz insiders as it is for anybody else.

Barely taller than her Saxophone, Christine Corvisier that originally comes from Nice (France), regulary surprises her audience with her big tenor sound and her virtuosity, while still adding a feminine touch to her music which makes it attractively special.

The album "Reconnaissance" stands out by the presence of 2 polyphonic instruments played by Sebastian Scobel (piano) and Martin Schulte (guitar). Both musicians perfectly understand each other musically and manage to shape a refreshing and creative atmosphere as much for the improvisations as for the compositions of the leader.

The drummer Thomas Sauerborn always serves the music, with his constant subtle interaction with the soloist as well as in company with David Andres, who adds drive to the band with his sophisticated bass lines.

One more particular thing of "Reconnaissance" is the use of vocal counterpoint arrangements, sung by the great Filippa Gojo (winner of the renowned Neuer Deutscher Jazzpreis 2015) that brings an additional colour to the compositions.

Christine Corvisier makes a wink to her country by arranging the famous french song "La Foule" from Edith Piaf that she reharmonised and recreated for a perfect adaptation of the band's style.

Reconnaissance

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Laurie Antonioli & Richie Beirach - Varuna

Size: 126,0 MB
Time: 53:33
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Varuna (3:16)
02. You're An Angel Now (4:40)
03. Summer Night (4:29)
04. Prelude In E-Flat Minor/My Funny Valentine (5:42)
05. Gentle Rain (6:00)
06. Revelation (1:38)
07. Transformation (1:30)
08. Exaltation (2:58)
09. My Love (2:56)
10. Inside My Dreams (4:43)
11. Haunted Heart (5:30)
12. Impressions (4:55)
13. Over The Rainbow (5:09)

There is a tuneful Constellation in the West and her name is Laurie Antonioli. Returning to her native Bay Area in 2006 after an expatriate period in Europe where she served as professor of voice at Austria's Kug University, she formed her "American Dreams" band recording, most recently, the well critically well-received albums, American Dreams (Intrinsic Music, 2010) and what is considered her breakout, the excellent Songs of Shadow, Songs of Light: the Music of Joni Mitchell (Origin Records, 2014)

Antonioli returns in an anticipated paring with pianist and composer Richie Beirach on the intense and introspective Varuna. Antonioli's association with Beirach dates to the early 1990s when the two recorded(and released in 2005) The Duo Session (Nabel Records). This release demonstrated an already established report between the two artists that manifested in a mutual understanding and respect readily heard on the recording. The two picked up where they left off, in 2006, recording six pieces in Leipzig, Germany (while both were teaching there) and then in again 2012, recording seven pieces in Berkeley, CA.

After this lengthy maturation, Antonioli was ready to release these recordings, intelligently programmed as only she could do. Part of the recording focuses on the aesthetic beauty of Antonioli's durable alto which she employs in the wordless songs like, "Varuna" and the three pieces of the "Resolution Suite." She and Beirach reach a rarefied interface between instrument and voice and between heart and mind. They tie this foray into a nice bundle with an almost spiritual take on John Coltrane's "Impressions." This is where Beirach fully cuts loose and shows off his famous chops.

Antonioli uses an inspired collection of standards that perfectly meld with the originals. The two artists allow Alexander Scriabin's "Prelude in E-flat Minor" to carefully dissolve into "My Funny Valentine." Long relegated to the stack of standards that should no longer be covered, "Valentine" is daunting. Only the most original and creative interpretations need be tried with this piece of music. Gladly, the two transmogrify the piece into something delicate and special. They take "Valentine," "Haunted Heart," and "Over the Rainbow" and define the modern art song as if they breathed the same air as Schubert and Wolf. ~C. Michael Bailey

Personnel: Laurie Antonioli: vocals; Richie Beirach: piano; Pepe Bernes: bass (5-8).

Varuna

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Frank Wess & Thad Jones - Opus De Blues

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:53
Size: 130.2 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1959/1991/2012
Art: Front

[ 4:09] 1. I Hear Ya Talkin'
[ 3:32] 2. Liz
[ 8:39] 3. Boop-Pe-Doop
[10:55] 4. Opus De Blues
[ 5:35] 5. Struttin' Down His Broadway
[ 3:55] 6. Subtle Rebuttal
[ 3:29] 7. Tip Toe
[ 9:46] 8. H & T Blues
[ 6:49] 9. Friday The 13th

Previously unreleased until 1991, this 1959 date features Frank Wess leading a septet of players mainly associated with Count Basie, pianist Hank Jones the only one not from some version of the Count's organization. Unlike some of the other Savoy releases in the Opus De series, this is not chamber jazz, but a relaxed, blowing session. The five blues-based themes are pleasant, easygoing vehicles, familiar ground for any Basie associate. The playing is skillful, although unremarkable. The exceptions, typical for a Wess session, occur when the leader switches to flute, giving listeners a taste of the most interesting aspect of his musicianship: a satisfying blend of fluid grace and breathy impertinence.

Besides the leaders' flute work, the Jones brothers, Hank and Thad, contribute the session's more original blues interpretations. There is also some tight ensemble work from the horns on Wess's "I hear Ya Talkin'" and Thad Jones' "Struttin' Down Broadway." Not essential listening, but of possible interest to Basiephiles. The sound recording is good, accurately capturing the horns, rhythm section, and ensemble parts. ~Jim Todd

Opus De Blues

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Ben Sidran, Clementine - Going Uptown: Clementine Meets Ben Sidran

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 37:19

Size: 85.5 MB

Styles: Jazz vocals

Year: 2011

Art: Front

[2:47] 1. I Fall In Love Too Easily

[3:09] 2. At Least We Got To The Race

[3:45] 3. You're Looking At Me

[3:00] 4. Solar

[3:05] 5. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off

[2:43] 6. Tea For Two

[2:51] 7. Fullness Of Time

[3:21] 8. Lately

[3:05] 9. When I Fall In Love

[2:25] 10. Doop Doop Song

[4:15] 11. Searching

[2:49] 12. What A Wonderful World

Clémentine Mitz is a French jazz singer who is best known in Japan. Also briefly signed to Go Jazz Records, releasing two albums (one recorded in the U.S.), and collaborated with Taro Hakase and French DJ Stéphane Pompougnac.

Ben Sidran is widely recognized as the host of National Public Radio’s landmark jazz series “Jazz Alive”, which received a Peabody Award, and as the host of VH-1 television’s “New Visions” series, which received the Ace Award for best music series. A pianist, producer, singer and composer, he has recorded more than thirty solo albums, including the Grammy nominated Concert for Garcia Lorca, and produced recordings for such noted artists as Van Morrison, Diana Ross, Michael Franks, Rickie Lee Jones, Mose Allison and Steve Miller (with whom he co-wrote the hit song “Space Cowboy”). He is the composer of the soundtrack for the acclaimed film Hoop Dreams, and scored the documentary Vietnam: Long Time Coming, which won both the Aspen Film Festival audience award and an Emmy. Sidran has authored two books on the subject of jazz, Black Talk, a cultural history of the music, and Talking Jazz, a series of conversations with inspirational musicians. He holds a PhD. in American Studies from Sussex University, Brighton, England, but has studiously avoided the academic life, preferring instead to spend his time performing, producing and writing. His latest works include the memoir, A Life in the Music and the groundbreaking text There Was a Fire: Jews, Music and the American Dream, along with the recordings Dylan Different and Don’t Cry For No Hipster.

Clementine Meets Ben Sidran

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Michael Fix - Two Timing

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:13
Size: 110.4 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[3:33] 1. Guanches (Feat. Andrea Valeri)
[3:00] 2. Mas Que Nada (Feat. Stephen Bennett)
[3:42] 3. My Sweet Baby (Feat. Nick Charles)
[3:49] 4. Martina (Feat. Tommy Emmanuel)
[3:08] 5. Two Guitars (Feat. Justin Mccoy)
[3:09] 6. All My Loving (Feat. Adam Rafferty)
[3:52] 7. Every Little Thing Is Magic (Feat. Bruce Mathiske)
[2:57] 8. Demolition Derby (Feat. Brendan Radford)
[2:15] 9. Baby's Coming Home (Feat. Tommy Emmanuel)
[2:44] 10. Happy To Be Happy (Feat. Jason Mcgregor)
[3:48] 11. Old Guitar Blues (Feat. Paul R. Burton & Andrew Toner)
[2:45] 12. When I Fall In Love (Feat. Louie Shelton)
[2:51] 13. Optimystical (Feat. Sam Shepherd)
[2:52] 14. Victory Rag-Doc's Guitar
[3:39] 15. Danny Boy Ashokan Farewell (Feat. Paul R. Burton & Andrew Toner)

Some of the world's great guitar players duet with Michael on this delightful album. Fifteen tracks cover a wide range of emotions and styles, and throughout, there is the spontaneity and joy of friends engaging in musical conversations.

"Recording this album has been a total delight for me – sitting face to face with some of my favourite guitar players. My intention was to make each track a musical conversation – swapping lead lines, playing harmony lines, counter-melodies, back and forth like two people chatting. I truly hope you enjoy the dialogue."

Features duets with: Tommy Emmanuel, Adam Rafferty, Stephen Bennett, Bruce Mathiske, Nick Charles, Andrea Valeri...and many more!

Two Timing

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Vincent Herring - The Days Of Wine And Roses

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:41
Size: 121,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:58)  1. Star Eyes
(7:40)  2. Body And Soul
(4:58)  3. Dearly Beloved
(6:26)  4. Here's That Rainy Day
(5:22)  5. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
(4:58)  6. Come Rain Or Come Shine
(6:42)  7. Days Of Wine And Roses
(5:35)  8. Triste
(5:59)  9. We'll Be Together Again

Altoist Vincent Herring gained his initial recognition for his ability to emulate Cannonball Adderley while a member of Nat Adderley's quintet. On this CD, a 1994 date made for the Japanese Alfa label and released for the first time in the U.S. in 1997, the emphasis is on slower tempos with just a few moments of heat (particularly Jobim's "Triste"). Pianist Cyrus Chestnut often gains one's attention with both his creative accompaniment and solos; bassist Jesse Murphy and drummer Billy Drummond are fine in support. 

Herring is in worthwhile form but does not stretch himself much in this setting, playing unadventurous solos on nine very familiar standards, most of which do not need to be revived again (such as "Star Eyes," "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "We'll Be Together Again"). ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/days-of-wine-and-roses-mw0000613521

Personnel: Vincent Herring (soprano & alto saxophones); Cyrus Chestnut (piano); Jesse Yusef Murphy (bass); Billy Drummond (drums); Daniel Sadownick (percussion).

The Days Of Wine And Roses

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Sarah McKenzie - Close Your Eyes

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:51
Size: 135,1 MB
Art: Front

(2:28)  1. Close Your Eyes
(5:44)  2. Too Young
(5:44)  3. The Way You Look Tonight
(5:04)  4. The Lovers Tune
(6:46)  5. Big Yellow Taxi
(5:14)  6. Got To Be This Way
(5:55)  7. I Remember You
(4:14)  8. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
(6:08)  9. At Last
(5:24) 10. Blue Skies
(6:03) 11. I Should Care

In her mid-20s, pianist, vocalist, and composer Sarah McKenzie is one of Australia up-and coming jazz musicians.

Since graduating from WAAPA after completing a Bachelor of Jazz (Composition), Sarah has won the Jack Bendat Scholarship, the Hawaiian Award for Most Outstanding Jazz Graduate, and the Perth Jazz Society s Award for Most Outstanding Group of the Year 2008. 

Sarah made her television debut performing with David Campbell at the L Oreal Paris AFI Awards, and sang backing vocals for Michael Bublé on the multi-platinum artist s Call Me Irresponsible tour. ~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/Close-Your-Eyes-Sarah-Mckenzie/dp/B008Q8M1A0

Personnel: Sarah McKenzie (vocals, piano); Hugh Stuckey (guitar); Julien Wilson (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Lachlan Davidson (tenor saxophone); Shane Gillard, Eamon McNelis (trumpet); Ian Bell (trombone); Craig Simon (drums); Javier Fredes (percussion).

Close Your Eyes

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Rick Fay & Friends - Oh Baby

Styles: Jazz, Dixieland
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:44
Size: 141,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:47)  1. Oh Baby
(6:22)  2. Tin Roof Blues
(4:12)  3. Sunday
(6:15)  4. Emaline / It All Depends On You/Lazy Mood
(5:36)  5. Goodnight, Little Girl, Goodnight
(3:36)  6. If You Were the Only Girl
(4:47)  7. As Long As I Live
(4:02)  8. Chinatown, My Chinatown
(4:59)  9. New Orleans
(5:03) 10. Lou-Easy-An-I-A
(4:16) 11. If You See My Mother
(3:05) 12. Sandy
(4:39) 13. 'Deed I Do

This early release from the Arbors label (a company which in the 1990s became one of jazz's best at documenting the current small-group swing scene) features the underrated Rick Fay on clarinet, tenor and soprano interacting with trombonist Dan Barrett (who is responsible for many of the arranged spots) and cornetist Ernie Carson. The music is unabashed dixieland with a few swing standards thrown in. 

The playing is consistently creative and exciting within the style with the highlights including "Oh Baby," a three-song ballad medley (particularly Barrett's Jack Teagarden-inspired playing on "Emaline"), "As Long As I Live" and a spirited "Lou-Easy-An-I-A." Ernie Carson's solos in particular are a constant joy. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/oh-baby/id151653910

Personnel: Rick Fay (vocals, clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Bob Leary (vocals, guitar, banjo); Ernie Carson (vocals, cornet); Dan Barrett (trombone); Lee Richardson (saxophone); Tom Baldwin (piano); Pat Doyle (drums).

Oh Baby

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Sandi Thom - The Covers Collection

Styles: Vocal, Pop/Rock
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:53
Size: 109,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:42)  1. Alone
(3:44)  2. Hurt
(5:00)  3. November Rain
(4:14)  4. I Can't Make You Love Me
(5:31)  5. Dream On
(3:15)  6. River
(2:57)  7. Times Like These
(2:55)  8. More Than Words
(4:21)  9. Black Velvet
(3:53) 10. Songbird
(6:14) 11. The Rain Song

Sandi Thom's 'The Covers Collection' has Stevie Nicks’ smouldering angst running right through it, which shouldn’t be a surprise given the Scottish singer-songwriter’s ‘obsessive’ devotion to Fleetwood Mac. It's a simple, timeless collection that feels like being wrapped in multiple layers of silk, producing flashes of joy even in moments of sorrow. Blurring the lines between blues, rock, folk, pop, Americana and country, ‘The Covers Collection’ houses Thom’s take on Nine Inch Nails’ Hurt, Guns N’ Roses November Rain, More Than Words by Extreme and Eva Cassidy's Songbird, not to mention versions of Bonnie Raitt's I Can't Make You Love Me, Alannah Myles' Black Velvet and Aerosmith's Dream On.This record is as close to a page-turning best seller as you'll get, maintaining original twists on the source material and highlighting the honest, raw nature of Thom’s voice. The more she reveals of herself through her choices, the more in tune she becomes. With five albums now strapped to her belt and forthcoming tour dates in the UK, Europe and the US, ‘The Covers Collection’ could be a pivotal moment in Thom’s musical development. http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/182656/9

The Covers Collection

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Beegie Adair & David Davidson - Christmas Elegance

Size: 115,7 MB
Time: 49:24
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012/2015
Styles: Jazz, Easy Listening, Holidays
Art: Front

01. The Christmas Song (4:08)
02. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow (2:58)
03. Christmas Time Is Here (4:07)
04. Good Christian Men Rejoice/Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella (2:16)
05. Toyland/O Christmas Tree (3:49)
06. Home For The Holidays (3:20)
07. I'll Be Home For Christmas (3:52)
08. Deck The Halls/Jingle Bells (2:38)
09. White Christmas (4:06)
10. The Christmas Waltz (3:11)
11. Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming/What Child Is This (4:03)
12. Jolly Old St. Nicholas/Up On The Housetop (3:19)
13. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (4:25)
14. Silent Night (3:05)

BEEGIE ADAIR was born in Kentucky and began piano lessons when she was five. She continued studying piano through college at Western State University in Bowling Green where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education and played jazz professionally every weekend. Adair credits as her main influences Jimmy Jones, Teddy Wilson, Tommy Flanagan, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Red Garland and Russ Freeman (the pianist who played with Chet Baker in the Fifties). Beegie’s first main gig was with the Hank Garland Quartet. She moved to Nashville and landed in the house band at radio station WSM for a decade. That led to being the in-house pianist for The Johnny Cash Show on ABC-TV for three years where she performed for millions of viewers not only with Cash, but also guests such as Neil Diamond, Mama Cass Elliot and Peggy Lee.

DAVID DAVIDSON is a member of a rare group of musicians whose artistry crosses the traditional boundaries of musical styles by combining the worlds of classical, pop and commercial music with equal success. It would be far too simplistic to define David as a country music session violinist, or as an arranger, or even as a composer or orchestral concertmaster. He is all of these things and he approaches each of his many facets with equal amounts of joy, exquisite artistry and technical mastery. He often refers to Nashville as “the Vienna of the 21st century” and he lives that vision.

Christmas Elegance

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