Silky Denims

Monday, January 18, 2016

Archie Shepp, Just In Time Quartet - Chooldy Chooldy

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:30
Size: 136.2 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Progressive jazz, Saxophone jazz
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[9:05] 1. The Stars In Your Eyes
[6:33] 2. Deli Blues For Blakey
[5:33] 3. The Gypsy
[5:46] 4. Chooldy Chooldy
[4:16] 5. This Is Always
[9:39] 6. Stompin' At The Savoy
[5:03] 7. Tomorrow Will Be Another Day
[8:22] 8. Une Petite Surprise Pour Mam'selle
[5:10] 9. Tomorrow Will Be Another Day [live]

Archie Shepp will always be known as a fiery, stentorian saxophonist who helped starch the linen in John Coltrane's sheets of sound on Ascension, as well as for his unapologetically radical social politics via such classic albums as Fire Music and Attica Blues and plays like The Communist. But Chooldy Chooldy is a fine example of the less notorious, mellower Shepp (musically, at least) of the past quarter-century.

Shepp sings on more than half of these nine songs, including a florid rendition of “The Gypsy” — a favorite of Louis Armstrong's and a hit for Dinah Shore — that risks mockery for its glissando swoops and hyper-romantic fervor, yet unfolds like a bouquet of hothouse flowers. “This Is Always” (recorded by the Harry James Orchestra) and Shepp's own “Tomorrow Will Be Another Day” (reprised as a live instrumental at the end of the disc) are two other cocktail ballads from this erstwhile fire-breather. And the Shepp-penned title track is a funky blues-jazz shuffle in the vein of early Ray Charles. Those who pine for the skronk, shriek and moan of Sheep's tenor, check out his “The Stars in Your Eyes,” and a wonderfully woolly yet still faithful version of the classic “Stompin'at the Savoy.”

With the possible exception of pianist Massimo Farao, the other members of the Just In Time Quartet are merely adequate. But no matter. Rumors of Shepp's diminishment of saxophone tone and prowess are neatly rebutted, replaced by a clear picture of a 68-year old titan (Shepp's age when Chooldy Chooldy was originally released in 2005) doing exactly as he pleases. ~Britt Robson

Chooldy Chooldy

Otmar Stüber - Guitar In My Soul

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:45
Size: 93.3 MB
Styles: Pop/Jazz guitar
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[4:04] 1. Echo From My Heart
[4:55] 2. Rainmaker
[4:04] 3. Strings Of Spain
[3:03] 4. Romantica
[3:15] 5. Walking Strings
[4:02] 6. Silverland
[2:33] 7. My Guitar Never Walked Alone
[3:18] 8. Christina
[3:16] 9. Sweet And Heavy
[8:12] 10. Fukushima

Als Otmar mit 12 Jahren seine erste Gitarre bekam, ahnte er noch nicht, dass SIE sein ganzes Leben beeinflussen wird. Schon mit 14 zupft er bei seiner ersten Band - den legendären JET STRINGS - die Sologitarre. Damals waren Stücke von den Shadows, Spotnicks und natürlich der Beat in all seinen Facetten angesagt. Mit 17 Jahren, 1963 wechselte er dann mit dieser Band ins Profilager, und sie machten sich einen glänzenden Namen in ganz Deutschland.

Guitar In My Soul

Coletivo Samba Noir - Samba Noir

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:26
Size: 94.8 MB
Styles: Samba
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[4:38] 1. Chove La Fora
[3:28] 2. Imitacao
[4:27] 3. Meu Mondo E Hoje
[3:19] 4. Ninguem Me Ama
[4:15] 5. Tao So
[4:17] 6. Aves Dananhas
[4:16] 7. Risque
[3:09] 8. Pra Que Memtir
[4:41] 9. So Deixo Meu Coracao Na Mao De Quem Pode
[4:52] 10. Voita

It was between the two world wars that the cinema noir started to develop. Although a minimalistic film technique was used, the main characteristics of the movies were to be found in its sentiments. Melancholy, sadness, disappointment, pessimism,… And there’s the link with samba! There, too, lyrics often tell sad stories.

The Coletivo Samba Noir used this idea to create an own sound. The Coletivo was formed in Rio de Janeiro in 2014 around singer, actress, dancer, guitarist and composer Katia B, guitarist, arranger Luís Filipe de Lima, star percussionist Marcos Suzano and multi-instrumentalist Guilherme Gê. A perfect quartet to give new air to some of the great old samba classics. Luís Filipe de Lima plays the 7-string acoustic guitar on the CD. He stresses out the beauty of the samba in a nostalgic way. The, as always, flawless and soft voice of Katia Bronstein personifies the melancholy of the samba. Marcos Suzano knows as no one else how to lay down and break down the rhythm of the samba and Guilherme Gê is the one who guides the music into modern times (synth bass, samples, keyboards). It’s an unconventional way to perform the old sambas.

Samba Noir

Duke Jordan - Flight To Jordan

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:51
Size: 109,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:31) 1. Flight To Jordan
(7:47) 2. Starbright
(4:59) 3. Squawkin'
(8:41) 4. Deacon Joe
(5:11) 5. Split Quick
(6:43) 6. Si Joya
(5:04) 7. Diamond Stud
(3:50) 8. I Should Care

Duke Jordan, who played regularly with the Charlie Parker Quintet in 1947, was long known as a superior bebop pianist whose style was touched by the genius of Bud Powell's innovations. This quintet album, also featuring trumpeter Dizzy Reece and the young tenor Stanley Turrentine, gave Jordan an opportunity to record six of his originals and, although none became as well-known as his "Jordu," the music has plenty of strong melodies and variety. This is one of Duke Jordan's better recordings and is quite enjoyable. [Some reissues include "Diamond Stud" and "I Should Care" as bonus tracks.] ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/flight-to-jordan-mw0000578211

Personnel: Duke Jordan – piano; Dizzy Reece – trumpet; Stanley Turrentine - tenor saxophone; Reggie Workman – bass; Art Taylor - drums

Flight To Jordan

Alexis Cole - Someday My Prince Will Come

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:18
Size: 122,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:14) 1. For Now For Always
(2:41) 2. Home Is Where The Heart Is
(4:00) 3. If I Never Knew You
(3:50) 4. La La Lu
(4:47) 5. Let Me Be Good To You
(5:17) 6. Love Me
(3:03) 7. Once Upon a Dream
(5:35) 8. Remember When
(4:30) 9. So This Is Love
(5:04) 10. Someday My Prince Will Come
(5:37) 11. Second Star To The Right
(4:37) 12. When You Wish Upon a Star

Music from Disney films and cartoons has often drifted into jazz thanks to its rich harmonies and evergreen quality, but it is not every day that a vocalist makes an entire CD with personal renditions of these popular tunes. Such is the case of Alexis Cole's Someday My Prince Will Come, which features a collection of Disney tunes reread into a jazz format. Cole cleverly did not choose songs that might be too obvious, focusing mostly on more obscure numbers such as the opener, the beautiful "For Now For Always" (from The Parent Trap) and "Once Upon A Dream" (from Cinderella). Some tunes lend themselves naturally to a jazz format such as "Let Me Be Good To You," a bluesy tune that is used to showcase pianist Fred Hersch and bassist Steve LaSpina, who both contribute fluent solos, while Cole sings with a '50s Ella Fitzgerald-like style. The Lady And The Tramp's "La La Lu" appears as a soft ballad enhanced by Don Braden's fluid flute solo.

Another highlight is "If I Never Knew You," the most recently composed tune on the disc, which originally appeared on the end credits for Pocahontas. Cole's voice is inspired, and Gregoire Maret contributes a Toots Thielemans like harmonic response to her singing that enhance the tune's beauty. Maret appears again on the title track, arguably the most memorable tune from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs. His solo is followed by yet another great contribution from Hersch.

La Spina and drummer Matt Wilson, who provides great backup, responding to the pianist's accents with gusto. Someday My Prince Will Come is a great reminder of the timelessness of these songs and also a testament to Cole's talent. The New York-born vocalist makes each song her own. The only sad note is the fact that the disc was recorded before the soundtrack to The Princess and The Frog had been released. But maybe that could be included in a second volume along with tunes from The Aristocats. ~ Ernest Barteldes http://www.allaboutjazz.com/someday-my-prince-will-come-alexis-cole-venus-records-review-by-ernest-barteldes.php

Personnel: Alexis Cole: vocal; Fred Hersch: piano; Steve LaSpina: bass; Matt Wilson: drums; Gregoire Maret: harmonica; Don Braden: tenor, soprano, flute.

My Prince Will Come

Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra - Calling All Jitterbugs

Styles: Jazz, Swing, Big Band
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:37
Size: 96,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:50) 1. Streamliner
(3:43) 2. Mildred, Won't You Behave?
(3:01) 3. I'm Beginning To Like It
(3:09) 4. Sportsman's Mambo
(3:38) 5. Twelve Cylinders
(3:32) 6. I Dreamed About You
(3:03) 7. Bill's Bounce
(3:25) 8. The Guy I Met This Evening
(2:58) 9. Whisper Amor
(2:45) 10. On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe
(3:24) 11. Tonight I'm Goin' Out With You
(1:44) 12. We Tried To Reach For The Moon
(1:41) 13. Oh, Vicky!
(1:38) 14. My Baby Said She'd Marry Me

The Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra, fifteen musicians and four singers strong, plays exciting swing music in the styles of the '30s, '40s, and '50s, with a twist: much of the band's repertoire has been written in the '90s and 2000 by leader Bill Elliott, a composer and arranger whose songs have been prominently featured in many feature films and TV shows, including the recent HBO film Introducing Dorothy Dandridge and the current Disney Channel film Alley Cats Strike. Elliott began his career as a rock'n'roll piano player, touring and recording with such artists as Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks, and many others, before finding his calling as a swingmeister while writing and arranging songs for the 1989 film Dock Tracy. The Swing Orchestra, formed in 1993, was an outgrowth of Elliott's continuing success in writing original, vintage-sounding swing music for film, television, and commercials. He has assembled many of L.A.'s hottest musicians for his mission of recreating the authentic fire and style of big bands at their peak in the late '30s. The band also features Bill’s Luck Stars, a vocal quartet who sing in the close-harmony style of the Pied Pipers and the Modernaires, and glamorous lead singer Cassie Miller in featured solos as well. Playing a dominant role in southern California's current swing revival, Elliott's band is a favorite among the young jitterbug and Lindy Hop dancers whose vibrant new counterculture has been growing rapidly. Elliott's music is in the style of the great swing bands of the late '30s and early '40s - as hard-swinging as they come, with an emphasis on colorful arrangements, sophisticated and light-hearted lyrics, and danceability.

The BESO has repeatedly drawn crowds of over 1100 dancers at the Hollywood Palladium and the Satin Ballroom in Los Angeles. The band has appeared often at Merv Griffin's Coconut Club in Beverly Hills, and has played to large crowds at the Avalon Casino Ballroom on Catalina Island and at ballrooms in San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland, OR. In July '99 the BESO made its first east coast appearances, headlining at Lincoln Center Midsummer Night Swing in Manhattan, the Mann Center for Performing Arts in Philadelphia, and at swing dance events in Boston and Washington, DC. The band is also in demand for private and corporate events, and its resume includes Emmy Award balls, the Jonathan Club Centennial, America's Cup Ball, Junior Philharmonic Ball, and parties for most of the major Hollywood studios. The band's three CDs, Swing Fever, Calling All Jitterbugs!, and Swingin’ The Century, have made the band well-known at swing clubs and dances from Seattle to London, and also receive enthusiastic airplay on jazz and swing radio programs around the world. Elliott's arrangements and his band's recordings were featured both in the HBO film and the RCA soundtrack album for Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, and on John Lithgow's Sony-Wonder CD Singing in The Bathtub. Elliott's association with Mr. Lithgow also resulted in the recent Carnegie Hall premiere of a fifteen-minute piece for symphony orchestra, The Remarkable Farkle McBride, composed by Elliott as a setting of Lithgow's children's story which was released as a book by Simon & Shuster in the fall of 2000.

Elliott's career as a bandleader complements his activities in film and television. He and the band recently recorded both the orchestral score and the big band music for the Disney Channel film Alley Cats Strike which began airing in March 2000, and he has used his band as the core of a large orchestra when arranging the songs for Disney's sequels to Aladdin, The Return Of Jafar and Aladdin And The King Of Thieves, which make use of his distinctive swing style. Four of Elliott's songs appeared in the Oliver Stone film NIXON, and eight of his songs are in the film Killer starring James Woods. Elliott's swing music also appears in the films Contact, Independence Day, Disney's remake of That Darn Cat, and the animated feature Cats Don’t Dance. Bill and the band appeared as themselves (in 1939!) in the Disney TV movie Tower Of Terror. Bill also used his band in composing music for episodes of the TV shows Ellen and Drew Carey. Besides playing the original music of its leader, the band performs authentic arrangements from the golden years of swing, including music by Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Cab Calloway, Benny Goodman, Bunny Berigan, Jimmie Lunceford, Chick Webb, and Duke Ellington. Such classics as "King Porter Stomp", "Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe", "Carioca", "Blues In The Night", and many others come to life with a suave polish and authentic style that no other contemporary band can match. The Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra seems to have leaped out of a time machine, and performs with all the excitement, sophistication, and enthusiasm of the best bands of the first swing era. http://www.swingorchestra.com/band.html

Personnel: Bill Elliot, Frederick Hodges (vocals, piano); Amy Weston, Jeff Gilbert, Frederick Hodges, Cassie Miller, John O'Campo, Michael Lescault, Royce Reynolds (vocals); Don Shelton, Jay Mason (alto saxophone); Roger Neumann, Bill Liston (tenor saxophone); Bob Reitmeier, Chuck Erdahl, Gene Burkert, Ray Herman, John Reilly, Lemoyne Taylor (saxophone); Don Clarke, Wayne Bergeron, Darrel Gardner, Brian Atkinson (trumpet); Andy Martin, Alex Iles, Bill Tole, Bruce Otto, John Grab, Charlie Morillas, Jim Boltinghouse (trombone); John Brand (tuba); Bobby Bruce (violin); Barry Zweig (guitar); Brad Roth (banjo); Dave Stone, Simeon Pillich (bass); Gordon Peeke, Ray Templin (drums).

Calling All Jitterbugs

Sonny Greenwich & Ed Bickert - Days Gone By

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:44
Size: 179,3 MB
Art: Front

( 8:26) 1. With a Song in My Heart
( 3:58) 2. I Remember You
( 6:42) 3. Lily
(10:00) 4. Nica's Dream
( 8:57) 5. I'll Take Romance
( 7:46) 6. Oleo
( 8:25) 7. I Know Why
(12:26) 8. Gittar Blues

Canadian guitarist Sonny Greenwich has been on the jazz scene for a long time, but he isn't very well known outside of his native land due to the limited opportunities he's had to record for Americans labels. Bouts of ill health and periodical withdrawals from music have also proven to be a handicap. Greenwich had done quite a bit of recording in Canada prior to this 1979 session, including several albums with Don Thompson, the bassist on this occasion. This informal recording made at Thompson's studio features Greenwich predominately playing lead with seasoned guitarist Ed Bickert playing fills (though he also solos very effectively), as well as drummer Terry Clarke.

Liner note writer John Norris explains that the occasional distortion comes from the lack of having anyone at the control board, but it isn't a major distraction. All of the music is quite enjoyable even if it wasn't necessarily recorded with the intention of releasing it, as it didn't come out until 2000. The set consists of a heavy dose of standards ("With a Song in My Heart," "I Remember You," and "I'll Take Romance") and classic jazz compositions (Horace Silver's "Nica's Dream" and Sonny Rollins' "Oleo"), all of which are inspired. The lush ballad "I Know Why" (by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon) is a song that ought to be a standard, but has been for the most part overlooked. Greenwich also contributed the lyrical ballad "Lily" and the lengthy finale, "Gittar Blues," was likely created on the spot by the two guitarists. This is one of many fine releases put out by Sackville, a Canadian label well worth exploring as a whole. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/days-gone-by-mw0000100323

Personnel: Sonny Greenwich, Ed Bickert (guitar); Don Thompson (bass); Terry Clarke (drums).

Days Gone By

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Ornette Coleman - The Best Of Ornette Coleman

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:45
Size: 93.3 MB
Styles: Avant Garde jazz
Year: 1970/2005
Art: Front

[ 5:57] 1. Una Muy Bonita
[ 4:51] 2. Embraceable You
[ 5:15] 3. Blues Connotation
[ 4:57] 4. Lonely Woman
[ 6:33] 5. Ramblin'
[13:09] 6. C. & D

Released as part of the Atlantic Jazz Anthology series in the early '70s, this hodgepodge of Ornette Coleman Quartet tracks were recorded for the label between 1959 and 1961. This short disc, originally released on LP, is now unnecessary, as Coleman's career has been well-documented and given the respect it deserves in the digital age. As a side note, it's interesting that out of four tracks, the compilers would include "Embraceable You," from the pen of George and Ira Gershwin, instead of an entire program of Coleman's compositions. ~Al Campbell

The Best Of Ornette Coleman

Sarah King & The Smoke Rings - S/T

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:36
Size: 79.2 MB
Styles: Swing, Jazz vocals
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[4:08] 1. It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
[3:07] 2. Tea For Two
[3:01] 3. Jersey Bounce
[2:19] 4. I Won't Dance
[3:38] 5. Smoke Rings
[5:30] 6. Caravan
[3:52] 7. Some Other Spring
[3:32] 8. Our Love Is Here To Stay
[2:46] 9. I Don't Know Why
[2:38] 10. Lazy River

The Smoke Rings evoke the elegance and charm of the Swing Era. Anchored by the unique vocals of Sarah King, the group specializes in songs from The Great American Song Book. The rhythm section is comprised of Alex Levin (piano), Scott Ritchie (bass), and Ben Cliness (drums). Since its inception in 2010, The Smoke Rings have played to huge crowds at festivals in El Paso and Pennsylvania, and in more intimate settings at weddings and private parties across the country. For the past three years the band has been performing weekly at the iconic Top of The Standard -- aka "The Boom Boom Room" -- on the top floor of New York's storied and luxurious Standard Hotel. Furthermore, you might recognize Sarah from her role as Catherine Gray in the popular Off-Broadway production Sleep No More.

Sarah King & The Smoke Rings

Eric Le Lann, Martial Solal - Portrait In Black And White

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:33
Size: 138.6 MB
Styles: Post bop
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[7:14] 1. The Man I Love
[6:41] 2. Portrait In Black And White
[8:48] 3. Round About Midnight
[7:36] 4. Well You Needn't
[7:35] 5. Body And Soul
[4:20] 6. Le Bleu D'hortense
[5:25] 7. Que Reste T-Il De Nos Amours
[7:38] 8. Invitation
[5:10] 9. What Is This Thing Called Love

Éric Le Lann(born 1957 in Brittany) is a French jazz trumpeter. He moved to Paris in 1977 where he had his professional debut and gained notice in 1980. He has worked with Aldo Romano, Henri Salvador, and others. He also did music for films including those of Bertrand Tavernier. In 2005 he and guitarist Jean-Marie Ecay did an album in tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim. ~Wikipedia

One of the finest European jazz pianists of all time, Martial Solal (a unique stylist) has never received as much recognition in the U.S. as he deserves. Born in Algiers to French parents, Solal has been based in Paris since the late '40s. Although a modernist, he was flexible enough to record an album with Sidney Bechet in 1957 and make other records with Django Reinhardt, Don Byas, and Lucky Thompson. Solal has been primarily heard with his own trios through the years although he has recorded several notable albums with Lee Konitz. ~bio by Scott Yanow

Portrait In Black And White

Various - We're Swingin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:48
Size: 102.6 MB
Styles: Retro Swing
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[4:44] 1. Bellevue Cadillac - Prozac
[4:37] 2. Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums - Jumptown
[3:08] 3. Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88's - Straight Eight
[3:44] 4. The Swingtips - Checkbook Daddy-O
[3:42] 5. Bill Elliott - Mildred, Won't You Behave
[2:34] 6. Speak Easy Spies - Hey Kat
[5:32] 7. Lee Press-On & The Nails - Big Pants Dance
[4:01] 8. The Acme Swing Co. - Warm It Up
[3:58] 9. Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers - What's The Matter With You
[2:08] 10. Louis Prima - Lip
[3:49] 11. New York Jimmy & The Jive Five - She Won't Dance
[2:47] 12. New Morty Show - Knockin' At Your Door

As they say within, 'Jump, joy and swing your blues away'. ~Stephem Cramer

We're Swingin'

Bobby Solo - Greatest Hits (Re-Recordings)

Size: 100,8 MB
Time: 42:40
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2006
Styles: Pop Rock
Label: Azzurra Music
Art: Front

01. Una Lacrima Sul Viso (Re-Recording) (3:20)
02. Non Ce Piu Nienta Da Fare (Re-Recording) (2:48)
03. Christina (Re-Recording) (2:28)
04. Siesta (Re-Recording) (2:58)
05. Zingara (Re-Recording) (2:18)
06. Se Piangi, Se Ridi (Re-Recording) (2:47)
07. Non Posso Perderti (Re-Recording) (3:28)
08. Domenica D'agosto (Re-Recording) (1:52)
09. La Casa Del Signore (Crying In The Chapel - Re-Recording) (2:39)
10. Gelosia (Re-Recording) (3:26)
11. San Francisco (Re-Recording) (3:13)
12. Una Granita Di Limone (If You Can Put It In A Bottle - Re-Recording) (2:35)
13. Quello Sbagliato (Re-Recording) (2:54)
14. Credi A Me (Re-Recording) (2:23)
15. Canta Ragazzina (Re-Recording) (3:25)

Italian 1960s teen idol Bobby Solo made his debut while recording his first two singles in 1963, "Ora Che Sei Gia Una Donna" and "Blue é Blue." The artist's breakthrough came in 1964 after participating in San Remo's Festival, where he sang "Una Lacrima Sul Viso," which became an important episode in the Italian pop music history. A year later, Bobby Solo came in first place at the same event with "Se Piangi, Se Ridi" and one more time in 1969 after singing Gianni Morandi's "Zingara," later recorded by Connie Francis. The singer/songwriter's self-titled debut album was followed by Il Secondo LP and La Vie En Rose. In 1978, the disco version of "Una Lacrima Sul Viso" put his name back on local and European charts. ~by Drago Bonacich

Greatest Hits

Grover Washington Jr. - The Essential Grover Washington Jr.: The Columbia Years

Size: 174,2+172,6 MB
Time: 75:02+74:26
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2013
Styles: Jazz Soul, Crossover Jazz
Art: Front

CD 1:
01. Loran's Dance (Idris Muhammad) (10:32)
02. Strawberry Moon ( 4:21)
03. The Look Of Love ( 4:36)
04. Summer Nights ( 6:27)
05. Sacred Kind Of Love ( 5:37)
06. Time Out Of Mind ( 5:01)
07. Take Five (Take Another Five) ( 4:58)
08. Love Like This ( 4:49)
09. Next Exit ( 5:06)
10. Soulful Strut ( 4:14)
11. Poppin' ( 3:52)
12. The Christmas Song ( 4:28)
13. It's Too Late (Johnny 'Hammond' Smith) (10:55)

CD 2:
01. Work Song (Live) (Joey DeFrancesco) (9:21)
02. Every Day A Little Death (From A Little Night Music) (4:15)
03. Stolen Moments (7:20)
04. All My Tomorrow (6:14)
05. Lullaby For Shana Bly (6:08)
06. Ifrane (Randy Weston) (5:15)
07. Please Send Me Someone To Love (3:59)
08. My Man's Gone Now From 'Porgy & Bess' (5:33)
09. Flamingo - Instrumental (4:58)
10. Blues For D.P (8:25)
11. E Preciso Perdoar (One Must Forgive) (Instrumental) (8:53)
12. O Mio Babbino Caro From Gianni Schicchi (Instrumental) (3:58)

One of the most popular saxophonists of all time, Grover Washington, Jr. was long the pacesetter in his field. His roots were in R&B and soul-jazz organ combos, but he also fared very well on the infrequent occasions when he played straight-ahead jazz. A highly influential player, Washington pushed himself with the spontaneity and risk-taking of a masterful jazz musician.

Grover Washington, Jr.'s, father also played saxophone and was his first influence. The younger son started playing music when he was ten, and within two years was working in clubs. He picked up experience touring with the Four Clefs from 1959-1963 and freelancing during the next two years, before spending a couple years in the Army. He moved to Philadelphia in 1967, becoming closely identified with the city from then on, and worked with several organists, including Charles Earland and Johnny Hammond Smith, recording as a sideman for the Prestige label. His biggest break occurred in 1971, when Hank Crawford could not make it to a recording date for Creed Tasylor's Kudu label; Washington was picked as his replacement, and the result was Inner City Blues, a big seller. From then on he became a major name, particularly after recording 1975's Mister Magic and Feels So Good, and later 1980's Winelight; the latter included the Bill Withers hit "Just the Two of Us."

Although some of his recordings since then found him coasting a bit, Washington usually stretched himself in concert. He developed his own personal voices on soprano, tenor, alto, and even his infrequently-used baritone. Grover Washington Jr. recorded as a leader for Kudu, Motown, Elektra, and Columbia and made notable guest appearances on dozens of records ranging from pop to straightforward jazz. He died of a sudden heart attack on December 17, 1999 while taping an appearance on CBS television's The Saturday Early Show; Washington was 56. The posthumous Aria was issued early the following year. ~by Scott Yanow

The Essential Grover Washington Jr. CD 1
The Essential Grover Washington Jr. CD 2

Phyllis Blanford - Edgewalker

Size: 127,2 MB
Time: 54:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Blue Woman (6:30)
02. Throw It Away (4:50)
03. Save Your Love For Me (6:51)
04. Night And Day (4:32)
05. Good Morning Kiss (5:15)
06. Come Rain Or Come Shine (6:02)
07. When Sunny Gets Blue (5:18)
08. Speak Low (4:47)
09. How I Feel (4:37)
10. You Don't Know What Love Is (6:05)

EdgeWalker is the vehicle to propel me back onto the path that I was born to travel. EdgeWalker is my "constructive" free fall into dreams deferred. It's my first CD but with your love and support it won't be my last. EdgeWalker was arranged by Don Braden and produced and arranged by Kate Baker and Don Braden. The journey to bring you EdgeWalker has been long and arduous filled with laughter, buckets of tears, never ending self doubt, a few temper tantrums and a world of love!
The song How I Feel was arranged and performed by Lou Rainone. It's dedicated to those still sick and suffering from addiction, the homeless, the disenfranchised an anyone else whose ever felt lost. EdgeWalker is my gift of love to you, it's my story told through standards and some spoken word. Sending you love, peace, and light! ~Phyllis Blanford

Edgewalker

The Black Market Trust - II

Size: 101,8 MB
Time: 33:06
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals, Gipsy Jazz
Art: Front

01. Fly Me To The Moon (2:27)
02. Route 66 (3:10)
03. You Make Me Feel So Young (2:58)
04. Memories Are Made Of This (2:39)
05. Exactly Like You (3:02)
06. This Boy (2:41)
07. What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry (2:36)
08. L-O-V-E (2:22)
09. Dream A Little Dream Of Me (3:07)
10. My Baby Just Cares For Me (2:40)
11. Cheek To Cheek (2:55)
12. Lover, Come Back To Me (2:25)

II, the latest album from The Black Market Trust is full of new sounds, new energy, and new surprises. Since their groundbreaking debut album, The Black Market Trust has added 2 members and a new dimension to their sound: vocals.

Merging their love of everything from The Mills Brothers to The Beach Boys, Sinatra to Lennon/McCartney, The Black Market Trust sings original 4-part vocal arrangements to 12 of their favorite Great American Songbook standards.

With II, The Black Market Trust has created an organic new sound that is daring, fresh and exciting yet somehow still familiar and inviting. Combining old world romance with new world form, The Black Market Trust brings you a simple, elegant and well-defined classic sound.

Walter Sopicki - B3X3

Size: 129,4 MB
Time: 55:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Guitar, Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Iceland There Will Never Be Another You ( 5:56)
02. Once I Loved ( 6:41)
03. Sunny ( 9:29)
04. Blues For Alice ( 3:48)
05. The Boys From Syracuse Falling In Love With Love ( 5:26)
06. What Say, Wally ( 5:20)
07. Swingin' The Dream Darn That Dream ( 5:05)
08. Jippy's Dance ( 3:55)
09. Midnight Cowboys (10:07)

Walt Sopicki started playing guitar at the age of nine and studied with jazz guitarist Frank Gerard in the Buffalo, NY area. He started playing professionally at the age of 19. After listening to a Pat Martino recording of Coltrane's "Impressions", Walt began studying jazz.

Walt performs regularly in the Western New York area with various groups including David Kane's Them Jazzbeards, DKQ, Petit-Bal, and the Walt Sopicki Trio. He has recorded with Joey DeFrancesco, Bobby Jones, Doug Riley, Vito Rezza, and Jack Prybylski.

B3X3

Nancy Erickson - While Strolling Through The Park

Size: 101,8 MB
Time: 38:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. New Year's Eve (3:35)
02. While Strolling Through The Park (2:55)
03. If Music Be The Food Of Love (3:42)
04. Perdido (3:44)
05. Prelude To A Kiss (5:31)
06. Summer Day (3:57)
07. I Just Dropped By To Say Hello (Feat. Clipper Anderson) (3:42)
08. That Old Black Magic (3:49)
09. The Whippoorwill Song (4:14)
10. La Vie En Rose (3:34)

Nancy Erickson has established herself as a vocally creative force to be reckoned with! Following her performances in Kobe, Japan, Nancy Erickson hit her stride. Her 2011 debut CD, “Prelude” received positive reviews and she has become a staple in the Pacific Northwest Jazz scene. Her sophomore release, “While Strolling Through the Park” delivers mature vocals, three original songs, and some unexpected arrangements of jazz standards. With influences like Nancy Wilson, Frank Sinatra, Dianne Reeves, and Peggy Lee, Nancy’s rich, mellow alto voice has been compared to Karen Carpenter and Diana Krall.

In 2012, Nancy won the Seattle Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Competition. This resulted in well-received performances in Kobe, Japan, including Asahi Hall which was also broad-cast live online to over 5,000 viewers.

Nancy began her career in the late 80’s singing in a NW jazz band called After Hours. Nancy recorded and co-produced a Christmas CD entitled "Urban Christmas" in 1993 under the group name, 'Xebec'. Taking a break to raise children, she returned to public performing singing backup with the Northwest R&B band Freddy Pink. Nancy also did some backup work with the band Nearly Dan (a Steely Dan tribute band) and Bernadette Bascom.

In 2009 Nancy returned to her jazz roots; "I’d been singing other styles in various bands, but when I came back to jazz singing I remembered where my heart lies musically." Nancy Erickson’s passion for jazz music is apparent in her pin-drop ballads and the rapport she has with her band(s). Nancy's recent venues have included North City Bistro, Tula’s Jazz Club in Seattle, Eye of the Needle Winery in Woodinville, & Thumbnail Theater in Snohomish. Nancy is currently the Adjunct Professor/Director of Vocal Jazz at Northwest University in Kirkland, WA where she is also finishing her Masters in Teaching Degree.

While Strolling Through The Park

Meral Guneyman & Dick Hyman - Playful Virtuosity

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:47
Size: 137,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:10) 1. Seven Virtuoso Etudes & Improvisations-Embraceable You
(4:55) 2. Fascinating Rhythm
(5:46) 3. Oh , Lady Be Good
(6:02) 4. The Man I Love
(7:02) 5. Liza(All The Clouds´ll Roll Away)
(5:28) 6. Somebody Loves Me
(5:54) 7. I Got Rhythm
(2:02) 8. Indiana Variations -Back Home Again In Indiana
(0:59) 9. Ready Or Not
(1:23) 10. Escape From The Woojies
(1:13) 11. Big Finish
(6:03) 12. Django
(2:16) 13. Three Raps For Two Pianos - Moderato
(2:10) 14. Andante
(3:17) 15. Alegro

Pianist Meral Guneyman appeared to be slightly nervous when she took the stage recently at the 92nd Street Y's concert "Piano Players: New York Mix." But after a glowing introduction from the show's artistic director Dick Hyman, she launched into a powerful solo version of "The Clothed Woman," one of several Ellington classics she played that evening with strong emotion and arresting dexterity. Later Hyman sat at another piano and they reprised his challenging arrangement of "Solitude," skillfully filling in each other's spaces and ending with a touching flourish. Guneyman's discovery of some Gershwin tunes arranged by Earl Wild was a driving force behind Playful Virtuosity, a fine collection of duo piano between her and Hyman. With Guneyman's impressive symphonic resume and the classical elements present in Wild's arrangements, it's easy to see why she would embrace them so heartily. Guneyman's undulating arpeggios and cascading symphonic touches enhance such songs as "Embraceable You" and "The Man I Love," the latter of which recalls Rhapsody in Blue. Guneyman's range, however, is not confined to the recital hall. On her tour de force rendition of "I Got Rhythm," she boogie-woogies like the house player at a juke joint. At the Y concert she weaved the Wild and Hyman arrangements of "Rhythm" together brilliantly and played like a maenad, stamping her foot to keep time and giving the ivories a melodic forearm.

Guneyman sets the bar high but Hyman reaches it with his excellent improvisations off his own arrangements. His light-hearted take on "Oh Lady, Be Good" growls with deep block chords and his infectious playing on "Liza (All the Clouds'll Roll Away)" is a harmonic stroll in the park. Hyman's touch is nimble throughout, with varying moods and textures, but his sound is just as joyful. In the wake of the Gershwin block, though, their tandem playing on Hyman's compositions seems almost anticlimactic. His "Indiana Variations," a laconic trio of tunes, are well executed but seem like a series of compulsory four-handed exercise. The second triad, "Three Raps for Two Pianos," a condemnation of rap via an exploration of its rhythmic possibilities, is an interesting idea the "Allegro" section has an irresistible energy but it doesn't quite soar. Guneyman and Hyman play with stunning techniques that never subvert substance and styles that are complementary without clashing. It's this individual and collaborative piano mastery that makes Playful Virtuosity, despite being somewhat top heavy, an excellent disc.
~ Terrel Kent Holmes http://www.allaboutjazz.com/playful-virtuosity-ellen-winters-rykodisc-review-by-terrell-kent-holmes.php

Personnel: Meral Guneyman: piano; Dick Hyman: piano.

Playful Virtuosity

Svante Thuresson & Katrine Madsen - Box Of Pearls

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:51
Size: 115,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:35) 1. Let's Fall In Love
(3:30) 2. We'll Be Together Again
(4:07) 3. All The Things You Are
(3:55) 4. How Long Has This Been Going On?
(5:12) 5. Estate
(4:45) 6. Send In The Clowns
(3:54) 7. Kom Saet Dig Her
(4:07) 8. I Remember Bill
(3:16) 9. My Shining Hour
(4:21) 10. What A Difference A Day Made
(4:13) 11. I Fall In Love Too Easily
(3:50) 12. Surrey With The Fringe On Top

Vocal duos are not common in jazz, however there are several great examples: Ella Fiztgerald and Louis Armstrong, Sarah Vaughan and Joe Williams, Carmen McRay and Samy Davis - and of course Ray Charles and Betty Carter, with whom Danish Katrine Madsen and Swedish Svante Thuresson have been compared. Two kindred spirits, although a generation apart, Katrine and Svante are on the same musical wavelength. They have done quite a lot of touring together - especially in Sweden, where the critics called them “two world-class artists”, and enthusiastic public demand has made their performances a recurring event. Katrine Madsen is one of Denmark’s top female vocalists. Svante Thuresson is perhaps the very best jazz singer in Sweden. He started out on drums, performing with many of Sweden’s top bands. Later he joined the vocal group Gals & Pals. He has been a cherished entertainer for years.

So, here for your complete enjoyment, are two jazz vocalist involved in musical interplay.... fascinating, charming and full sweetness - this is a real ‘feel good’ recording. This Danish/Swedish duo has a good time on stage and they had a good time in the studio. The mood is catchy, so you may as well join the party now. http://www.sundance.dk/docs/pressrel/64-39.pdf

Personnel: Katrine Madsen and Svante Thuresson, vocals; Claes Crona, piano; Jesper Bodilsen, bass; Peter Östlund, drums.

Box Of Pearls

Ellis Marsalis, Branford Marsalis - Loved Ones

Styles: Piano And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:22
Size: 175,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:27) 1. Delilah (Delilah's Theme)
(6:12) 2. Maria
(4:57) 3. Lulu's Back In Town
(4:43) 4. Miss Otis Regrets (She's Unable To Have Lunch Today)
(6:01) 5. Angelica
(7:02) 6. Stella By Starlight
(4:16) 7. Louise
(8:04) 8. Bess You Is My Woman Now (from 'Porgy and Bess')
(2:37) 9. Liza
(2:12) 10. Nancy (With The Laughing Face)
(6:20) 11. Laura
(6:24) 12. Alice In Wonderland
(4:23) 13. Sweet Lorraine
(6:39) 14. Dear Dolores

On Loved Ones, a set of music on which each of the 14 selections include a woman's name in its title, Ellis Marsalis takes five piano solos and has nine duets with his son Branford Marsalis. With the exception of a brief cooking rendition of "Liza," all of the performances are taken at a relaxed and sometimes quite slow tempo. Ellis Marsalis mostly lets the melodies breathe, infusing them with his own personality (the reworking of "Stella by Starlight" is quite intriguing) and often giving the songs somber interpretations. One wishes that there was more variations in tempos and moods. Branford Marsalis' appearances on soprano and tenor are always an asset, sometimes livening up the selections although mostly playing a subsidiary role to his father. The overall results are pleasing and thoughtful if not quite essential. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/loved-ones-mw0000646914

Personnel: Ellis Marsalis (piano); Branford Marsalis (saxophone).

Loved Ones