Sarah Vaughan - How Long Has This Been Going On?

Styles: Vocal Jazz

Year: 1978

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 49:00

Size: 157,3 MB

Art: Front

(5:38)  1. I've Got the World on a String

(4:40)  2. Midnight Sun

(6:03)  3. How Long Has This Been Going On?

(5:10)  4. You're Blase

(4:40)  5. Easy Living

(6:46)  6. More Than You Know

(6:14)  7. My Old Flame

(3:06)  8. Teach Me Tonight

(3:43)  9. Body and Soul

(2:54) 10. When Your Lover Has Gone

This set features the great Sarah Vaughan in a typically spontaneous Norman Granz production for Pablo with pianist Oscar Peterson, guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Louie Bellson. Sassy sounds wonderful stretching out on such songs as "Midnight Sun," "More Than You Know," "Teach Me Tonight," and "Body and Soul," among others. All ten of the melodies are veteran standards that she knew backwards but still greeted with enthusiasm. A very good example of late-period Sarah Vaughan.~Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/how-long-has-this-been-going-on-mw0000032467

Personnel: Sarah Vaughan (vocals); Oscar Peterson (piano); Joe Pass (guitar); Ray Brown (bass); Louis Bellson (drums).

How Long Has This Been Going On?

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David Linx, Maria João & Brussels Jazz Orchestra - A Different Porgy & Another Bess

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:24
Size: 166,2 MB
Art: Front

(7:06)  1. A red-headed woman
(4:59)  2. A woman is a sometime thing
(6:00)  3. I love you, Porgy
(7:16)  4. Buzzard song
(8:09)  5. My man is gone now
(6:32)  6. Oh Lord, I'm on my way
(6:53)  7. Clara, Clara, don't be downhearted
(5:48)  8. Bess you are my woman now
(7:04)  9. Oh, doctor Jesus
(7:04) 10. I've got plenty of nothing
(5:28) 11. Summertime

The French classical label Naive has made a successful foray into jazz with recordings like Mina Agossi's Red Eyes (2012); and Tania Maria's Tempo (2012). A Different Porgy and Another Bess is the first thematic big-band offering from the label. Drawing from the George Gershwin/DuBose Heyward opera, Porgy and Bess (1935), A Different Porgy highlights eleven vocal pieces from the book. The music performed by the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, under the direction Frank Vaganee, features David Linx in the role of Porgy and Maria Joao as Bess. The arrangements are bright and progressive, courtesy of a wide swath of people in and outside the band. A portion of the eleven pieces chosen for recital are expected. "I Love You Porgy," "My Man is Gone Now," "I Got Plenty of Nothing" and "Summertime" are all present and accounted for. But there are also Lesser-heard songs here: "A Red-Headed Woman," "Oh Lord, I'm On My Way" and "Oh, Dr. Jesus" are included to great effect in breaking up preconceptions and expectations that might cloud a Porgy and Bess-based disc. That said, there is actually no danger in this simply being one more interpretation of an over-interpreted collection of songs; the songs' arrangers and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra see to that.

A first listen sounds like a wild ride in one of those hover-cars from Luc Besson's 1997 film, The Fifth Element. Songs that should be familiar sound about as foreign as they possibly can: think playing "The Maple Leaf Rag" backwards in the Star Wars (1977) bar scene. Well, maybe not that jarring, but certainly provocative. Subsequent listens bear out the relationships of these songs with those Gershwin penned. This is where the invention of arrangement and free spirit benefit the old book, making it new again. This, coupled with a crack and very big band, makes A Different Porgy and Another Bess a valuable contribution to understanding the evolution of jazz.~C.Michael Bailey http://www.allaboutjazz.com/a-different-porgy-and-another-bess-david-linx-naive-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php
 

Personnel: David Linx: vocals; Maria Joao: vocals; Frank Vaganee: artistic director, lead alto and soprano saxophones, flute; Dieter Limbourg: alto and soprano saxophones, clarinet, flute; Kurk Van Herck: tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet; Bart Defoort: tenor saxophone, clarinet; Bo Van Der Werf: baritone saxophone; bass clarinet; Serge Plume: lead trumpet, flugelhorn; Nico Schepers: trumpet, flugelhorn; Pierre Drevet: trumpet, flugelhorn; Jeroen Van Malderen: trumpet, flugelhorn; Marc Godfroid: lead trombone; Lode Mertens: trombone; Ben Fleerakkers: trombone; Laurent Hendrick: bass trombone; Hendrick Braeckman: guitar; Nathalie Loriers: piano, Fender Rhodes; Jos Machtel: double bass; Martijn Vink: drums; Chris Joris: congas; Carlo Willems: glockenspiel, tam tam gong.

A Different Porgy & Another Bess

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George Coleman - Amsterdam After Dark

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1979
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:52
Size: 103,5 MB
Art: Front

( 8:29)  1. Amsterdam After Dark
( 7:21)  2. New Arrival
( 4:58)  3. Lo-Joe
(10:17)  4. Autumn In New York
( 7:54)  5. Apache Dance
( 5:50)  6. Blondie's Waltz

Legendary tenor saxophonist blows up a storm with the Hilton Ruiz Trio. This has been reissued on CD. Best cut is "New Arrival." ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi

George Coleman's highest visibility occurred when he was a member of the Miles Davis Quintet (1963-1964), playing alongside Davis, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams. His decision to leave the group after several notable recordings cut short his potential fame (his eventual replacement was Wayne Shorter), but Coleman has created a great deal of rewarding music since. Part of the rich Memphis jazz scene of the early '50s, he started playing in blues bands in the South (including with B.B. King in 1952 and 1955-1956). He moved to Chicago in 1957 (where he played with the MJT+3), and to New York the following year. Coleman was with the Max Roach Quintet (1958-1959), Slide Hampton's octet (1959-1961), and Wild Bill Davis (1962), before joining Davis. Following that association, he was with Lionel Hampton, Elvin Jones, and Charles McPherson. Since the mid-'70s, George Coleman has mostly led his own groups, and has recorded both as a leader (for Timeless, Theresa, and Verve) and as a sideman quite frequently; one of his more notable appearances from earlier years was on Herbie Hancock's 1964 classic Maiden Voyage. ~ Scott Yanow https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/george-coleman/id4833395#fullText

Personnel: George Coleman (tenor saxophone); Hilton Ruiz (piano); Billy Higgins (drums).

Amsterdam After Dark

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The John Webber Quartet - Down for the Count

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:42
Size: 156,7 MB
Art: Front

( 5:26)  1. Look Love Away
( 5:14)  2. Down for the Count
( 5:44)  3. Lulu's Hope
( 6:33)  4. The Thrill Is Gone
( 8:00)  5. This Love of Mine
( 9:40)  6. Big G Blues
( 6:58)  7. Twilight in Seville
( 6:45)  8. Minor March
(10:17)  9. Make Someone Happy

Recorded live before a studio audience at New York City s Unity Center, Down for the Count, named for an actual Italian Count and Bologna benefactor to many in NYC s straight-ahead jazz scene, fulfills the expectations of the bandleader; I got the guys I was comfortable working with, because I know that with them, it s always going to be swinging. And swing it does! Featuring a mixed program of originals: Lulu s Lope (named for Webber s daughter), Twilight in Seville (reflective of the guitarist s time spent listening to Andrés Segovia and one of the few pieces contained here in which Webber lays down a beautiful chordal introduction utilizing Spanish harmony or was the true inspiration behind the tune a night spent in a Spanish Bodega while on tour when, after buying drinks for the local musicians, Webber found himself down for the count when the sunrise rolled in) and Minor March; George Coleman s blues line Big G Blues; and obscure jazz standards that Webber has creatively reimagined and arranged, Down for the Count is a loose, swinging affair. Clear communicative phrasing, effervescent rhythmic interplay, complete mastery of the jazz language and a bright Gibson ES-330 tone (Grant Green s 1960s guitar of choice) that soars hornlike above the blue chip rhythm section of Mabern, Farnsworth and Nat Reeves (a veteran of the bands of Jackie MacLean and Mabern and, as evidenced by the tremendous synchronization between bass and drums, a long time musical running mate of drummer Farnsworth), all coalesce to, as the title of the final tune trumpets (a favourite of Coleman s and a song which this rhythm section with Webber on bass perform regularly in Big G s band) Make Someone Happy. This recording does just that.~Editorial Reviews http://www.amazon.com/Down-Count-John-Webber-Quartet/dp/B00L4X49A4

Personnel: John Webber (guitar); Harold Mabern (piano); Nat Reeves (acoustic bass); Joe Farnsworth (drums).

Down for the Count

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Roy Eldridge - Little Jazz And The Jimmy Ryan All-Stars

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1975
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:50
Size: 133,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:48)  1. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
(5:18)  2. St. James Infirmary
(5:09)  3. Beale Street Blues
(4:52)  4. Black And Blue
(3:33)  5. Sing Sing Sing (With A Swing)
(7:43)  6. Wynola
(2:15)  7. Cute
(2:46)  8. Bourbon Street Parade
(2:33)  9. All Of Me
(4:58) 10. Last Call At Jimmy Ryan's
(5:55) 11. Black And Blue [Alternate Take]/Alternate Take
(4:49) 12. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea [Alternate Take]/Alternate Take
(5:04) 13. Last Call At Jimmy Ryan's [Alternate Take]/Alternate Take

During the 1970s, Roy Eldridge had a regular gig at Jimmy Ryan's in New York playing music that fell between swing and Dixieland. For this Pablo LP, he sought to play a program with his regular group (Joe Muranyi on clarinet and soprano, trombonist Bobby Pratt, pianist Dick Katz, bassist Major Holley and drummer Eddie Locke) that, although recorded in the studio, would sound like one of the Jimmy Ryan sets. 

So, in addition to such standards as "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" and "All of Me," Eldridge also performs (and takes occasional vocals on) some older tunes like "St. James Infirmary," "Beale Street Blues" and "Bourbon Street Parade." The music is quite joyful and spirited, with Eldridge in exuberant form. This LP is recommended and well-deserving of being reissued on CD.~Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/little-jazz-the-jimmy-ryan-all-stars-mw0000006337

Personnel: Roy Eldridge (vocals, trumpet); Joe Muranyi (saxophone); Bobby Pratt (trombone); Dick Katz (piano); Major Holley (bass); Eddie Locke (drums).

Little Jazz And The Jimmy Ryan All-Stars

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Clark Terry with Thelonious Monk - In Orbit

Styles: Jazz, Bop
Year: 1958
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:29
Size: 112,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:43)  1. In Orbit
(7:22)  2. One Foot In The Gutter
(4:33)  3. Trust In Me
(4:56)  4. Let's Cool One
(4:31)  5. Pea-Eye
(6:15)  6. Argentia
(2:36)  7. Moonlight Fiesta
(3:26)  8. Buck's Business
(3:04)  9. Very Near Blue
(7:00) 10. Flugelin' The Blues

One of Thelonious Monk's rare appearances as a sideman is on this quartet set led by flügelhornist Clark Terry. 

With bassist Sam Jones and drummer Philly Joe Jones, Terry and pianist Monk perform a set that surprisingly has only one Monk song ("Let's Cool One"). Among the high points of this spirited, boppish date are Terry's "One Foot in the Gutter" and "Argentia."~Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/in-orbit-mw0000198803

Personnel:  Clark Terry – flugelhorn;  Thelonious Monk – piano;  Sam Jones – bass;  Philly Joe Jones – drums

In Orbit

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Horace Parlan - Pannonica

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1981
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:08
Size: 87,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:34)  1. No Greater Love
(6:22)  2. Pannonica
(7:04)  3. C-Jam Blues
(9:18)  4. Hi-Fly
(9:48)  5. Who Cares

Good early '80s trio session with pianist Horace Parlan working alongside bassist Reggie Johnson and drummer Alvin Queen. The material, mostly standards with some originals and ballads, isn't overly ambitious, but Parlan's dense, strong blues-influenced solos and good interaction among the three principals keeps things moving.~Ron Wynn http://www.allmusic.com/album/pannonica-mw0000077164

Horace Parlan Trio: Horace Parlan (piano), Reggie Johnson (bass), Alvin Queen (drums).

Pannonica

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Chris Barber Jazz Band & Sweet Substitute - British Bash: Live In New Orleans

Size: 125,1 MB
Time: 53:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: New Orleans Jazz, Vocals
Art: Front

01. Take Me Back To New Orleans (Live) (1:35)
02. Mary Had A Little Lamb (Live) (6:28)
03. When You Wore A Tulip (Live) (5:29)
04. Big Bass Drum (Live) (4:18)
05. I Got An Uncle In Harlem (Live) (2:46)
06. Sing Sing Sing/Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (Live) (4:07)
07. Smoke Rings (Live) (3:28)
08. Twisted (Live) (2:21)
09. Basin Street Blues (Live) (2:30)
10. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans (Live) (4:06)
11. Choo Choo Ch'boogie (Live) (2:52)
12. Ride On (Live) (6:01)
13. Chris Barber Outro (Live) (7:31)

British trombonist Chris Barber was born in 1930 and actually began the British invasion of musicians in the 1960's with his transatlantic hit "Petite fleur" in 1959 followed by another hit, "Rock Island Line", which sparked young musicians like Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones.

In the spring of 1982, he brought over his band along with a cappella, jazz fusion, swing trio of three young ladies, Angie Masterson, Teri Leggett and Kate McNab, AKA "Sweet Substitute.

Backed up by Chris Barber and his seven piece swing band, including blues guitarist Roger Hill, this one hour show was taped before a live audience at DUKES PLACE, high atop the Monteleone Hotel in New Orleans French Quarter.

Chris Barber Jazz Band:
Trombone - Chris Barber
Trumpet- Pat Halcox
Reeds - Ian Wheeler & John Crocker Banjo/Guitar - Johnny McCallum Electric Guitar - Roger Hill

British Bash:
Bass - Vic Pitt
Drums - Norman Emberson

Sweet Substitute:
Vocals - Teri Leggett, Kate McNabe

A British Bash: Live In New Orleans

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Jane Monheit - The Songbook Sessions: Ella Fitzgerald

Size: 135,7 MB
Time: 58:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. All Too Soon (4:00)
02. Somebody Loves Me (3:49)
03. Chelsea Mood (6:27)
04. Something's Gotta Give (4:53)
05. I Was Doing All Right - Know You Now (7:57)
06. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye (4:56)
07. Where Or When (3:56)
08. I'll Wind (You're Blowing Me No Good) (4:08)
09. All Of You (4:18)
10. I Used To Be Colorblind (3:55)
11. I've Got You Under My Skin (5:47)
12. This Time The Dream's On Me (4:08)

Songbook Sessions: Ella Fitzgerald is a tale of two titans, Monheit and Nicholas Payton, who arranged and played trumpet on a majority of the selections. Payton, through is svelte arranging, created an accurate picture of what jazz is supposed to sound like in the near future. Compare the 1960s television show Lost in Space to Ridley Scott's Blade Runner (Warner Brothers, 1982). Lost in Space's vision of the future was foolish hyperbole to the point of being campy. The "futuristic" clothing and technology was overwrought and inaccurate. In Blade Runner, there existed remnants of things that would have been familiar to anyone living 100 years before (Harrison Ford's noir trench coat, fedora, earth tone shirt and tie, for example). Payton's deft touch is similar to that of Scott's in that he makes the songs performed here sound out of the present ordinary while not jettisoning them into unrecognizability.

Monheit's elastic voice is comparable only to that of Betty Carter. A contemporary specialist with the Great American Songbook, Monheit is an aural encyclopedia of singing styles blended into her own vision. In the same way that Payton quotes Sonny Rollin's "Sonnymoon for Two" on "All of You," Monheit quotes the style of Phoebe Snow from 1975's "Poetry Man." There are examples of this synergy between Monheit and Payton throughout this recording. On the lengthy medley "I Was Doing All Right/Know Your Now," Payton quotes "he Girl from Ipanema" and "If I Only Had a Brain" in the same solo phrase. Monheit, for her part, combines the diction of Fitzgerald with the occasional slurred, dragging phrasing of Holiday to approximate Sarah Vaughan in Heaven, all the while sounding like only Monheit can.

The repertoire is classic Ella. Superbly articulated Ellington-Strayhorn, "Chelsea Mood" rubs up against an insistent and sexy "Something's Gotta Give." This performance of "I've Got You Under My Skin" competes with Beat Kaestli's performance of the same on his 2010 Invitation (Chesky Records) for best original arrangement while Monheit's "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" is as emotionally wrenching as any song could be sung. Perhaps the best thing about Songbook Sessions: Ella Fitzgerald is the title, one that promised more of the same. And that is good...very good. ~C. Michael Bailey

Personnel: Jane Monheit: vocals; Nicholas Payton: trumpet (1-5, 6-11), piano (11), organ (11, 12); Michael Kanan: piano (1-11); Neal Miner: bass (1-11); Rich Montalbano: drums (1-11); Daniel Sadowrick: percussion (1-11); Brandee Younger: harp (5,12).

The Songbook Sessions: Ella Fitzgerald

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Sonny Rollins - Holding The Stage: Road Shows Vol. 4

Size: 169,3 MB
Time: 73:08
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. In A Sentimental Mood (Live) (4:58)
02. Professor Paul (Live) (9:02)
03. Mixed Emotions (Live) (1:49)
04. Keep Hold Of Yourself (Live) (9:30)
05. Disco Monk (Live) (9:46)
06. You're Mine You (Live) (6:02)
07. H.S. (Live) (8:07)
08. Sweet Leilani (Live) (7:18)
09. Solo (Live) (5:38)
10. Don't Stop The Carnival (Live) (10:56)

Holding the Stage (Road Shows, Vol. 4) is pure Sonny Rollins it is the essence of Sonny Rollins as a musician. The music is some of his most expressive live recordings, from 1979 at the Pori Jazz festival in Finland to 2012 in Marseille and Prague. The album features a stunning five minute solo performance, a groovy version of Don t Stop the Carnival and a beautiful In a Sentimental Mood . The ten tracks on the album simply confirm: Sonny Rollins is one of a kind, a master improviser and unique musician.

Over the span of his storied and still-unfolding 65-year career, Sonny Rollins has established himself as one of the giants of jazz a towering influence, a trailblazer, a powerfully creative force in music. From his earliest masterpieces, such as Saxophone Colossus and Freedom Suite, to the Road Shows archival series, Rollins has presented his peerless music without compromise and to consistent international acclaim. Grammy®-winner Rollins received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in 2004. Rollins was presented with the National Medal of Arts at a White House ceremony in 2011 and later that year received the Kennedy Center Honors.

Out Holding The Stage: Road Shows Vol. 4

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Robyn Bennett & Bang Bang - The Song Is You

Size: 105,6 MB
Time: 45:11
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. The Song Is You (2:48)
02. Meant To Be (4:28)
03. Do Our Thing (3:35)
04. Right On Time (3:41)
05. Give It Time (4:33)
06. Take It All (2:53)
07. Crazy (3:54)
08. Get Yourself Together (3:21)
09. Have My Way (4:23)
10. It's Here (3:18)
11. Everyday (4:24)
12. Quand On N'a Que L'amour (3:47)

The red-headed beauty, daughter of university professors grew up in Pennsylvania (USA). Music and dance have always been a big part of her life. She started jazz and ballet lessons at only 3 years old, piano lessons at 6, trumpet at 10 and she sang regularly in different choirs. Her early influences were eclectic, including Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Fleetwood Mac, Harry Connick Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Willie Nelson, Billy Holiday and Billy Joel.

Robyn’s love of music, dance and the stage led her to musicals, performing in productions of «West Side Story», «Carousel» and «South Pacific». After high school, she left her small, rural town and headed for New York University where she studied in the musical theater program for two years. Having a hard time finding balance in the big city, seeking out calm and open spaces, she then continued her studies at the prestigious Vassar College where she graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts.

Having always been attracted to France and French culture, Robyn packed her bags and went to Paris to get a Masters degree in French literature at the Sorbonne. In 2006, she settled definitively in Paris and a new adventure began. She joined the cast of the musical « Cabaret » (Dir. Sam Mendes) which played for 2 years at the famous Folies Bergères theater. Dance captain of the cast, she also played the role of Texas and understudied the lead role of Sally Bowles.

It was during this production that Robyn met the jazz trombone player, Ben Van Hille. The chemistry they had together was instantaneous. The energy and emotion they shared on stage was infectious, and they decided that they had to make music together. Robyn Bennett and Bang Bang is born ! After two self-produced albums comprised mostly of cover material (Bang Bang in 2009 and Live Until You Die in 2011), they put their songwriting skills together to create their first album of original songs. « The Wait « is released in 2013 and is a real success ! A true melting pot of the music of New Orleans today: blues, funk, country, soul and rock, with jazz as the thread tying it all together.

This year, on April 8th, the band unveils « The Song is You » a second album, more polished and open to an even wider audience. Jazz influences are still present, but the « pop » aspect becomes more important. Rock and swing, soul and funk come together for a powerful shot of musical energy ! Irresistible rhythms, melodies that stay in your head and explosive horns are all in there. Surely Robyn is the best person to speak about it : « This album is about empowerment, about knowing who you are, about being confident in the choices you make, and not succumbing to the pressures of society or caring about what other people think. It's about being positive, open, and knowing that the answers lie within you. We are affirming a style, affirming a sound, and there is so much positive energy in knowing that you're doing the right thing. That you're living life to the fullest, the way you want to live it, and not by anyone else's rules. »

Robyn Bennett & Bang Bang is: Robyn Bennett (vocals) ; Ben van Hille (trombone) ; Max Mastella (guitar) ; David Pouradier Duteil (drums) ; Gino Chantoiseau (doublebass) ; Julien Raffin (saxophones)!

Out The Song Is You

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Shirley Scott, Clark Terry - Soul Duo

Styles: Soul Jazz, Hard Bop
Year: 1968
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:33
Size: 81,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:32)  1. Soul Duo
(5:26)  2. Until I Met You
(3:41)  3. This Light of Mine
(3:46)  4. Joonji
(4:03)  5. Clark Bars
(3:52)  6. Taj Mahal
(4:51)  7. Up a Hair
(4:21)  8. Heat Wave

Digitally remastered edition of this 1966 collaboration between two Jazz greats. Soul Duo is a remarkable collaboration between jazz organist Shirley Scott from Philadelphia and trumpeter, composer and bandleader Clark Terry from St. Louis. Soulful and upbeat, it includes 'Until I Met You', better known to Count Basie listeners as 'Corner Pocket', and a reading of Irving Berlin s 'Heat Wave'. The album was originally recorded and released on ABC/Impulse and produced by Bob Thiele who went on to form Flying Dutchman Records. This is the first time the album has been released on CD.~Editorial Reviews http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Shirley-Scott-Clark-Terry/dp/B008IAQPL2

Personnel:  Bass – Bob Cranshaw, George Duvivier;  Drums – Mickey Roker;  Organ – Shirley Scott;  Trumpet – Clark Terry

Soul Duo

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Kelley Johnson - Make Someone Happy

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:42
Size: 148,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:13)  1. How Long Has This Been Going On?
(5:27)  2. Moment To Moment
(6:02)  3. I Haven't Got Anything Better To Do
(5:55)  4. Recorda Me
(5:24)  5. Solitude
(5:20)  6. Stompin' At The Savoy
(4:46)  7. A Little Tear
(2:47)  8. Falling In Love With Love
(4:58)  9. So Many Stars
(4:54) 10. September In The Rain
(5:08) 11. Throw It Away
(5:28) 12. The Maestro
(3:14) 13. Make Someone Happy

Kelley Johnson's CD is full of surprises. She sings her own lyrics to Joe Henderson's "Recorda Me," arranges several of the pieces, and holds her own with an impressive group that includes either Fred Hersch or John Hansen on piano and several different horn players (including altoist Steve Nelson). Although the repertoire contains quite a few standards, each treatment sounds fresh, with some rhythmic displacement of the melodies, unusual frameworks, and consistently mature singing. Whether it be a faster than usual "How Long Has This Been Going On," "Stompin' at the Savoy," Abbey Lincoln's "Throw It Away," or an introspective version of "Make Someone Happy," this is a CD that rewards repeated listenings; it introduces a potentially significant new voice in the Seattle-based Kelley Johnson.~Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/make-someone-happy-mw0000043495

Personnel: Kelley Johnson (vocals); Steve Wilson (alto saxophone); Brian Lynch (trumpet); Greg Gisbert (trumpet, flugelhorn); Mike Davis (trombone); Fred Hersch, John Hansen (piano); Paul Myers (guitar); Michael Davis (trombone);

Make Someone Happy

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Doug Raney - Something's Up

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:19
Size: 141,2 MB
Art: Front

( 6:28)  1. Something's Up
(11:10)  2. Good Morning Heartache
( 6:10)  3. Speedy Recovery
( 6:45)  4. Upper Manhattan Medical Group
( 7:47)  5. Nobody Else But Me
( 6:54)  6. Visceral Drives
( 9:04)  7. Dolphin Dance
( 6:58)  8. Mohawk

The son of legendary guitarist Jimmy Raney, Doug Raney has understandably been heavily influenced by his father. He's an impressive soloist, and utilizes almost identical full tones, crisp chording, and fluid voicings. He made his first recording with his father and Al Haig in the mid-'70s, then did duo dates with his dad in the late '70s. Raney recorded for Steeplechase in the '70s and '80s, and Criss Cross in the '80s. He recorded with Chet Baker and Bernt Rosengren, and played in Horace Parlan's band. Raney has a couple of sessions available on CD.~Ron Wynn https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/doug-raney/id159190087#fullText

Personnel: Doug Raney (guitar); Ben Besiakov (piano); Jesper Lundgaard (bass); Billy Hart (drums).

Something's Up

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Ken Navarro - Unbreakable Heart

Size: 122,3 MB
Time: 52:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz, Fusion
Art: Front

01. Jaco Smiled (3:16)
02. One Night In Mumbai (4:10)
03. Unbreakable Heart (7:12)
04. Juliet (3:55)
05. Frenchmen Street (4:24)
06. Les Amis (5:21)
07. Kelleys Island (5:15)
08. Almost Home (4:51)
09. Until We Meet Again (5:20)
10. Hope (4:38)
11. Robin Fly Away (For Robin Williams) (3:52)

Eleven new contemporary jazz compositions from one of the genres most gifted and successful recording artists. Top charting and award winning contemporary/smooth jazz guitarist and composer Ken Navarro has created his 22nd album "Unbreakable Heart". Navarro's brilliant acoustic and electric work are featured throughout. Navarro's 2014 album "Ruby Lane" was in the top 10 at national radio and at Amazon.com for many months and his release from 2010 "Dreaming of Trains" was pre-nominated in 2 Grammy categories. Navarro has had numerous Top 5 songs at national radio for the past 25 years including "You Are Everything", "Smooth Sensation", "Ruby Lane" and "Eric's Dream".

Review:
From one of the most respected and critically acclaimed contemporary jazz guitarists in the world, comes an artful and heartfelt new collection of songs. Ken Navarro's 22nd album to date, UNBREAKABLE HEART, includes eleven new compositions, all gorgeous, all deeply moving, and all featuring Navarro's brilliant acoustic and electric guitar work. Delicate and introspective at times, upbeat and exhilarating at other moments, the instrumentation is rich and diverse and we're keen to mention that there is a lovely tribute to actor Robin Williams ("Robin Fly Away") and a notable nod to jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius ("Jaco Smiled"). From jazz to smooth, from classic to pop, the chart-topping, award-winning musician is certain to steal hearts, enthrall fans and capture new admirers with UNBREAKABLE HEART. --SANDY SHORE, Smoothjazz.com

Master guitarist, and on this project, multi-instrumentalist Ken Navarro continues to prove to be a truly prolific mastermind of melody on UNBREAKABLE HEART, an album where he reaches deep within to harness more of that magic that has kept him formidable and highly regarded in this marvelous art form we call jazz. With Navarro, there is a consistency of creativity on which you can rely. There are projects where he stretches out and tries different things and heads in a slightly different direction, but it's always another exciting side and expression of the Ken Navarro style. What's really cool and refreshing is the way he never abandons that smooth flavor he established so many years ago, as is evidenced on this silky, comfortable project that takes us on another delightful journey further into Navarroland. This time, he plays everything from all the guitars to piano to basses to violin to cello to string quartets and quintets and beyond. From note one to the end of this album, it's all unmistakably Navarro. ~Ronald Jackson, The Smooth Jazz Ride

Unbreakable Heart

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Lisa Yves - Jazzy Little Soul

Size: 104,0 MB
Time: 44:11
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. A Love To Last (2:10)
02. Don't Let A Man (2:42)
03. Now And Then (3:28)
04. The Gypsy In Me (3:06)
05. I'll Take You (2:46)
06. Men Don't Understand (3:27)
07. The Guitar (3:11)
08. Where Will We Be (3:16)
09. In Deep (2:55)
10. A Very Jazzy Christmas Song (2:53)
11. I'll Take You (Instrumental) (2:26)
12. The Gypsy In Me (Instrumental) (3:04)
13. Now And Then (Instrumental) (3:03)
14. In Deep (Instrumental) (2:56)
15. A Very Jazzy Christmas Song (Instrumental) (2:40)

If Ella Fitzgerald and Amy Winehouse had a baby, it would be Jazzy Little Soul.

This album was produced by Crit Harmon, featuring great musicians in the rhythm section Brad Hatfield, Duke Levine, Marty Ballou, Jim Gwin, and Steve Sadler. Backing vocals by Emily Marks, and horn players Paul Ahlstrand on tenor and bari sax, Jeff Galindo on Trombone and Walter Platt on trumpet. 3 songs by Lisa Yves and R. Keith Swanson and more songs by Lisa Yves incorporating jazz, swing, big band, gypsy and soul.

Jazzy Little Soul

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Ed Roth - Mad Beatnik

Size: 118,1 MB
Time: 50:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz, Jazz/Rock
Art: Front

01. Mad Beatnik (Feat. Tom Scott) (4:25)
02. Continental Prince (Feat. Tom Scott) (4:24)
03. Vehicle (4:32)
04. Old Cool (Feat. Tony Grant) (4:32)
05. Lumpy Gravy (Feat. Tom Scott) (4:11)
06. Rumpus Room (4:31)
07. Riff Raff (4:40)
08. Destination Constellation (5:00)
09. Bounce (4:35)
10. A Fine Cloud Party (5:04)
11. Hope And Despair (4:41)

Sought after keyboardist, producer, arranger and musical director Ed Roth, returns with the release of his second solo album romp, "Mad Beatnik!"

The 11-song release is a follow up to his critically acclaimed debut self-titled album, which boasted three singles, including Roth’s innovative 75th anniversary cover of the George Gershwin classic, "Summertime" (most-added in it's first three week's of release and a Top 40 single at Billboard Smooth AC stations).

"Mad Beatnik is a truly organic album," notes Roth. "There is no programming, no midi, no sequencing, no beat detective, no auto tune. Every keyboard instrument is real -- acoustic pianos, electric pianos, clavinets, or analog keyboards, and you feel that. All real instruments, drums, sax, trumpet, percussion, guitar, trombone, and electric bass or keyboard bass...and you certainly feel that too."

The new album features a who’s who of musicians, including 3-time Grammy winner Tom Scott on sax, as well Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Grammy winning drummer Chad Smith. Also lending their talents are Rock Deadrick on percussion (Ziggy Marley); Mitch Manker on trumpet and horns (Ray Charles), bassists James Manning (Chaka Khan and Billy Preston) and Andrew Ford (Whitney Houston), guitarists Linda Taylor (Tracy Chapman) and Joe Calderon (Billy Childs), and Tony Grant (Az Yet) with featured vocals. The album is engineered by Grammy winner Ryan Hewitt, mastered by Eric Boulanger, and co-produced by Roth and Warrior Records’ President, Jim Ervin.

"I feel fortunate to have so many longtime friends lift up my album with their talents, great playing, and technical expertise," said Ed. "I've worked for so many years with all of them that they can instinctively feel what I am trying to achieve."

Growing up in a home where only Brazilian and classical music were allowed, the Washington D.C. native built his initial love for R&B music by staying up late listening to Howard University’s radio station on headphones, after his parents went to sleep. Roth developed a commitment to the groove that comes from years of playing with the likes of Coolio, the Brothers Johnson, and Mya. As Sophie B. Hawkins Music Director, Roth developed a deeper love of melodies and great songs, while performing the excitement of rock music with artists including Glenn Hughes, Ronnie Montrose, Rob Halford, and Chris Impellitterri allowed him to expand his horizons as a player.

"You have to follow your musical mistakes sometimes," said Ed. "They can lead you down a fresh path, which will push the envelope of what you know and help expand your creativity."

Utilizing acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes, and Hammond B3 organ, Ed Roth creates musical stories that last. His soulful, lyrical melodies sit on top of organic grooves, boasting the warmth of vintage 70’s music, but updated for a new era. Roth, an L.A. based arranger and session keyboard player, has recorded with a diverse range of artists; from Sophie B. Hawkins to Coolio to Rob Halford to the Avett Brothers. He is a featured member of both the Bombastic Meatbats featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith (Top 10 iTunes Jazz and Top 25 Billboard Jazz charting projects), and CTA with former Chicago founder/drummer Danny Seraphine. Roth also co-produced Kristine W’s #1 iTunes jazz single, "What I Like About You," as well CTA’s single, "Promise."

"Music needs to make the world a more beautiful place, but sometimes it’s gotta have some fire to it as well," says Roth. Nicknamed "the Wrench" by his friend Chad Smith for his strong personality and abilities to fix any musical situation, Roth holds nothing back with his music. "Because there are no lyrics to hold on to, the melody has to be twice as strong," says Roth.

It’s clear that Ed Roth’s songs emote lasting melodies and solos that speak to the listener like a short story and "Mad Beatnik" is the perfect example. "This is an album I meant to be heard, indulged in headphones, blasted while rolling down the freeway, and vibed to in the wee hours of the wolf," relates Roth. "I took my time writing songs that speak, with melodies that sing and stay with you…I hope it reaches you."

Mad Beatnik

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Aubrey - Unspoken

Size: 111,0 MB
Time: 47:29
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Lets Run Away (3:29)
02. Would You Follow Me (3:16)
03. In The Name Of (5:17)
04. Won't Go Without You (3:45)
05. Stay (4:00)
06. I'll Get There Soon (3:40)
07. Wrong Side (3:35)
08. Good As New (4:40)
09. Stupid Cupid (2:36)
10. Not In This Alone (3:00)
11. Yours (4:44)
12. The Game (3:21)
13. Kiss You On The Moon (2:00)

Soulful songwriting with a little blues, jazz and rock sprinkled in.

Long awaited album "Unspoken" from singer songwriter Aubrey Bouskill contains some of her best work including her hit single 'Stupid Cupid", featured in the the film 'You Me and The Circus". The rest of the album is filled with heart felt songwriting and outstanding musical performances. Unspoken takes you on a personal journey that is moving and inspirational.

Unspoken

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Maria Wells - For The Love

Size: 109,1 MB
Time: 46:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. For The Love We Lost But Had (4:54)
02. When The Lights Go Down (3:53)
03. My Baby Just Cares For Me (3:39)
04. He Loves Me, Loves Me Not (3:54)
05. I Just Can't Dance Without You Baby (3:07)
06. Just Three Little Words (4:26)
07. Stories Of Summer (4:07)
08. Memory Lane (3:55)
09. Route 66 (3:28)
10. (It Aint Over 'Til) The Big Fat Lady Sings (3:38)
11. Just Three Little Words (4:01)
12. For The Love We Lost (3:32)

Maria sings with the show group “Vocalettes” that has been guesting in “Rhapsody In Rock” for ten seasons. She’s also been a cabaret actress for many years and has done shows with comedians Stefan & Krister. She’s the founder of the vocal group “AVEC” and has been working with Show Production for Ving/Thomas Cook
Maria is also an author. Her debut book “The Mommy Trap” came out in 2009.

Now she also releases her solo album “For The Love”
Music: Robert Wells Lyrics: Camilla Läckberg

For The Love

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London-Meader-Pramuk-Ross - Royal Bopsters Project

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:47
Size: 141.4 MB
Styles: Vocalese, Group harmony vocals
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[4:35] 1. Music In The Air
[5:30] 2. On The Red Clay
[4:55] 3. Peace (Feat. Sheila Jordan)
[5:54] 4. Basheer, The Snake & The Mirror
[4:52] 5. Senor Blues (Feat. Mark Murphy)
[6:19] 6. Invitation
[4:13] 7. Bird Chasin'
[6:16] 8. Music Is Forever (Feat. Annie Ross)
[4:57] 9. Bebop Lives
[6:09] 10. Just Step Right Up
[4:21] 11. Nothing Like You Has Ever Seen Before (Feat. Bob Dorough)
[3:41] 12. Let's Fly

Amy London, Darmon Meader, Dylan Pramuk and Holli Ross: vocals; Steve Schmidt: piano; Sean Smith, Cameron Brown: bass; Steve Williams: drums; Steven Kroon: percussion; Roni Ben Hur: guitar; Mark Murphy, Bob Dorough; Jon Hendricks; Sheila Jordan; Annie Ross: vocals.

Central to this recording is vocalist Mark Murphy, who can only be considered in the same thought as Eddie Jefferson and King Pleasure in the field of vocalese. He is featured on 4 of the 12 selections on the disc, with the other "Royal Bopsters" showing up on one each. Murphy's contributions are the highlights of the release. He reprises his 1970 recording of Freddie Hubbard's "Red Clay" as "On the Red Clay." Murphy is in excellent voice. He also re-addresses his take on Horace Silver's "Senor Blues," which he sings with punch and vigor. Amy London provided be lyrics to Charlie Parker's "Chasin' the Bird" retitled "Bird Chasin'" which includes a spirited reading of passages from Jack Kerouac's On The Road, bringing the entire Beat theme to a full boil. The pinnacle of the recital occurs on a re-tooling of Murphy's interpretation of Miles Davis' "Boplicity" (presented here as "Bebop Lives") in cooperation with Holli Ross. It is exquisite.

This is not to short change the other royals. Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame member Bob Doroough presents his "Nothing Like You has Every Been Seen Before" and remains vital in his early 90s as does Jon Hendricks on "Music in the Air." Shelia Jordan percolates on Horace Silver's "Peace," while the inestimable Annie Ross kills on "Music is Forever." This project unites a new voice in Jazz Quartet singing, whose ideas are fresh and plans are set. The project is well framed by excellent liner notes provided by New York City Music writer James Gavin, whose own Deep in a Dream remains the definitive cultural commentary on the life of trumpeter Chet Baker. If all musical projects could be this well programmed... ~C. Michael Bailey

Royal Bopsters Project

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