Lena Horne - An Evening with Lena Horne: Live At The Supper Club 1994

Styles: Jazz, Vocal 
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:13
Size: 127,6 MB
Art: Front + Back

(3:08)  1. Come Runnin'
(2:47)  2. Maybe
(4:56)  3. I've Got The World On A String
(3:13)  4. Old Friend
(5:12)  5. Something To Live For
(1:11)  6. Mood Indigo
(1:20)  7. Squeeze Me
(4:21)  8. Do Nothing 'Till You Hear From Me
(5:45)  9. Yesterday When I Was Young
(1:50) 10. How's Your Romance
(2:56) 11. Why Shouldn't I
(2:50) 12. Ours
(3:27) 13. Just One Of Those Things
(1:24) 14. Band Introduction
(3:36) 15. We'll Be Together Again
(3:04) 16. Watch What Happens
(3:03) 17. The Lady Is A Tramp

The sentiment that comes embedded in Lena Horne's classy 1994 concert performance at the Supper Club in New York, is enough to carry the show all by itself. Her magnetic personality gives the cabaret performance a full charge of passion that's complemented by her convincing vocal expressions. She's a born communicator. This performance was broadcast on the A&E television network in December 1994 and was issued on VHS the following year. This release marks its first appearance on DVD. The camera angles provide views of Horne from the front and sides as well as from afar. Instrumental soloists appear in close-ups, but Horne's image remains at arm's length. The looks that she gives her live audience say it all. This is one veteran singer who's used to explaining a lyric through body language. Most of the program is performed with her regular backing quintet; five numbers are performed with The Count Basie Orchestra.

She's at her best when singing a medley of Duke Ellington songs alone with bass or when working with the highly expressive "Yesterday, When I Was Young while the full orchestra provides a glowing ambience. Both the Ellington medley and her Cole Porter medley stand out for their comfortable texture and caring attitude. The Count Basie Orchestra performs "April in Paris and "Jumpin' at the Woodside as instrumental arrangements with all the usual trimmings. They were in fine form for this event, and both arrangements offer superb ensemble counterpoint as well as thrilling solo opportunities. The band's soloists include trombonist Bill Hughes and trumpeter Bob Ojeda on "April in Paris, and tenors Kenny Hing, Doug Miller and Frank Foster on "Jumpin' at the Woodside.  An Evening with Lena Horne, which includes a textual, on-screen biography and liner notes, provides a vivid glimpse of the singer in the twilight of her career, expressing with the kind of sincere passion that only a seasoned veteran can muster. ~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/an-evening-with-lena-horne-lena-horne-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel:  Lena Horne: vocals;  Donald Harrison: tenor saxophone;  Mike Renzi: piano, synthesizer;  Rodney Jones: guitar; Ben Brown: bass;  Akira Tana: drums;  The Count Basie Orchestra: Frank Foster: director, tenor saxophone; Danny Turner: alto saxophone, flute; Doug Miller, Kenny King: tenor saxophone, flute; John Williams: baritone saxophone; Bob Ojeda, Michael Williams, Derrick Gardner, Scotty Barnhart: trumpet, flugelhorn; Clarence Banks, Melvin Wanzo, Bill Hughes: trombone; George Caldwell: piano; Charlton Johnson: guitar; Cleveland Eaton: bass; Davie Gibson: drums.

An Evening with Lena Horne: Live At The Supper Club 1994

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Chris Anderson - My Romance, Inverted Image

Styles: Piano Jazz 
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:46
Size: 180,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:32)  1. Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams
(4:25)  2. So in Love
(6:24)  3. You Stepped Out of a Dream
(2:48)  4. Soon
(2:41)  5. Monica
(3:10)  6. A Fellow Needs a Girl
(3:53)  7. I Could Write a Book
(5:20)  8. My Romance
(7:04)  9. Love Letters
(6:02) 10. Inverted Images
(4:56) 11. Lullaby of the Leaves
(4:27) 12. My Funny Valentine
(4:33) 13. See You Saturday
(4:31) 14. Dancing in the Dark
(4:02) 15. Only One
(5:05) 16. I Hear a Rhapsody
(5:47) 17. You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To

Born in Chicago and self-taught, Anderson began playing in Chicago clubs in the mid-1940s and played with Von Freeman and Charlie Parker, among others. Hired as Dinah Washington's accompanist, like other arrangers before him, he did not last long with the cantankerous singer; fired in New York six weeks later, he stayed there. In 1960 he recorded what might be his best regarded album My Romance (VeeJay, 1960) with bassist Bill Lee and drummer Art Taylor. His student Herbie Hancock praised him highly, saying: "After hearing him play just once, I begged him to let me study with him." Despite the respect of his peers, Anderson had difficulty finding work or popular acclaim due in large to his disabilities. He was blind and his bones were unusually fragile, causing numerous fractures, which at times compromised his ability to perform at the times or places requested, although he continued to record until he was well into his 70s. A Down Beat profile indicated he had "Osteogenesis", probably meaning osteogenesis imperfecta. He died February 4, 2008 in Manhattan, New York City. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Anderson_(pianist)

Personnel:  Chris Anderson (p), Bill Lee (b), Art Taylor, Walter Perkins, Philly Joe Jones (d)

My Romance, Inverted Image

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Anat Cohen & Trio Brasileiro - Alegria Da Casa

Styles: Clarinet, Brazilian Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:32
Size: 106,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:50)  1. Murmurando
(3:20)  2. Waiting For Amalia
(3:27)  3. Alegria Da Casa
(3:15)  4. Baiao Guri
(3:56)  5. In The Spirit Of Baden
(4:18)  6. Valsa Para Alice
(3:30)  7. Engole O Choro
(3:00)  8. Sarue Latino
(6:33)  9. Feia
(3:35) 10. Santa Morena
(4:43) 11. Anat's Lament

One of the most difficult things to achieve in the art of musical performance is simplicity. The balance between technical skills and the spirit of the music is an elusive goal. I am very pleased to hear that Anat Cohen, Dudu Maia, Douglas Lora and Alexandre Lora have brilliantly achieved that goal in Alegria da Casa, the recording that I am listening to right now. The music of Brazil is rich, varied and draws its inspirations from many different sources. Mastering its many idioms is a daunting task, even for Brazilians. However, when I hear the joy and bounciness of these tracks, I feel transported not to a serious concert hall, but to a happy gathering of friends in a botequim, or corner bar in a small Brazilian town, where the music flows spontaneously and everyone takes part in the roda, or circle of musicians. This is the soul that permeates this record, and that is why it is so enjoyable for me, a Brazilian musician in Seattle, to put it on, close my eyes and join the party. You can picture the smiles on the players’ faces as they captured these sounds. This music can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. The Selection of great choro classics (Santa Morena, Murmurando) and original compositions is finely balanced We hear what we would expect, but then we are surprised by new pieces that coexist nicely in the recording as a whole.  I hope that everyone that hears it enjoys it as much as I do. 

Formed in 2011, Trio Brasileiro has already made a name for itself as an ensemble worthy of international attention. Their stunning virtuosity is matched with remarkable musicianship and a deep devotion to the language of music, allowing them to achieve a one-of-a-kind sound that shares equal parts understated subtlety and irresistible groove. But it is their love of the traditional music of Brazil and the connection between brothers – by birth and by bonds of friendship – that create a very rare and profound beauty. Trio Brasileiro includes the celebrated guitarist and full time member of the award-winning Brasil Guitar Duo, Douglas Lora; one of Brazil’s finest mandolin virtuosos, Dudu Maia, and the amazing percussionist and brother of Douglas, Alexandre Lora. Trio Brasileiro is dedicated to performing the great traditional choro music of Brasil by Jacob do Bandolim, Ernesto Nazareth and others, as well as their own compositions, which are modern reflections of that great traditional musical form. Trio Brasileiro’s discography includes “Simples Assim” (2012), “Alegria da Casa” - featuring the amazing clarinetist Anat Cohen (2015) and “Caminho do Meio” (2015).

Dudu, Douglas and Alexandre live in Brazil and have been touring as a trio in the U.S. since 2011 with overwhelming success, with sold out performances and standing ovations all along the country. The trio has performed with great success in New York, Chicago, Boston, Bay Area, Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle, Bloomington, Louisville, Cedar Rapids, etc. Since 2011, Trio Brasileiro has also led the faculty of the annual Centrum Choro Workshop, the biggest event dedicated exclusively to Choro music in the U.S. http://www.triobrasileiro.com/bio

Personnel:  Anat Cohen – Clarinet;  Dudu Maia – bandolim;  Douglas Lora - 7 String Guitar;  Alexandre Lora - Pandeiro & Percussion;  Special Guest: Gabriel Grossi - Harmonica (3) 

Alegria Da Casa

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Andy Bey - Chillin' with Andy Bey

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:12
Size: 126,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:19)  1. Mountain Greenery
(5:01)  2. With A Song In My Heart
(5:45)  3. When Your Lover Has Gone
(4:40)  4. My Heart Stood Still
(5:06)  5. There'll Never Be Another You
(6:47)  6. The Other Half Of Me
(3:44)  7. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
(4:54)  8. Sophisticated Lady
(6:47)  9. More Love Than Your Love
(6:04) 10. I've Got A Crush On You

A major addition to the recorded history of one of the greatest jazz voices ever! For his last studio release, 2005 s American Song, Andy Bey received a Grammy® nomination. One of the greatest vocalists and interpreters of the Great American Songbook. Recorded during a European tour in 2002, when Andy enjoyed a few days off and had the luxury of unlimited access to an intimate studio with a perfect piano. Without any pressure, he was able to express himself at his best. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Chillin-Andy-Bey/dp/B0000DGR70

Personnel: Andy Bey (vocals, piano).

Chillin' with Andy Bey

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Claude Hopkins - Swing Time

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:42
Size: 166.4 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1963/1999
Art: Front

[5:41] 1. I Cried For You
[6:12] 2. Somebody Loves Me
[6:14] 3. Stormy Weather
[4:46] 4. Love Me Or Leave Me
[4:59] 5. Mitzi
[4:23] 6. Crying My Heart Out For You
[5:49] 7. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
[4:58] 8. Offbeat Blues
[4:22] 9. I Surrender, Dear
[3:46] 10. I Apologize
[6:32] 11. Late Evening
[5:13] 12. The Way You Look Tonight
[3:58] 13. (I Would Do) Anything For You
[5:43] 14. Safari Stomp

Claude Hopkins is best-known for being a powerful stride pianist who led a big band in the 1930s; he is also known for his solo records of 1969-72. Barely on records at all from 1941-59, Hopkins cut three albums for Swingville from 1960-63; the second and third are reissued in full on this 1999 CD. The most surprising aspect to these combo dates is that Hopkins hardly strides at all and comes across as a Teddy Wilson-inspired swing pianist. Much of the time he is in the background, with the success of the sessions really due to the fine playing of the horns. Trombonist Vic Dickenson and tenor saxophonist Budd Johnson play at the high level one would expect on the Swing Time set, with the main revelation being the obscure trumpeter Bobby Johnson, a veteran of Erskine Hawkins' Orchestra, who holds his own with the stars. Hopkins' "Crying My Heart Out for You" from this date is well worth reviving again. The music from the other Swingville album, Let's Jam, gives tenor saxophonist Buddy Tate an opportunity to play his underrated clarinet on "Late Evening" and has several opportunities for the largely forgotten swing trumpeter Joe Thomas to show how lyrical a soloist he was. This CD is recommended even if Hopkins' role is much more minor than expected. ~Scott Yanow

Swing Time

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Yvonne Elliman - The Best Of Yvonne Elliman

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:49
Size: 100.3 MB
Styles: Soft rock
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[3:32] 1. I Don't Know How To Love Him
[3:36] 2. Best Of My Love
[3:47] 3. Somewhere In The Night
[3:21] 4. Love Me
[3:08] 5. Hello Stranger
[3:04] 6. I Can't Get You Outa My Mind
[2:56] 7. If I Can't Have You
[4:20] 8. (Baby) Don't Let It Mess Your Mind
[3:17] 9. Down The Backstairs Of My Life
[3:11] 10. Moment By Moment
[3:52] 11. Love Pains
[5:41] 12. Everything Must Change

The Best of Yvonne Elliman is the first comprehensive collection ever assembled on the '70s pop/disco diva. Elliman first came to attention as Mary Magdalene in the London production of Jesus Christ Superstar (from which "I Don't Know How to Love Him" and "Everything's Alright" are included), but she shot to fame as part of the Eric Clapton Band, which eventually led to her placement on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. Saturday Night Fever launched her biggest hit, "If I Can't Have You," which branded her as a one-hit wonder. The Best of Yvonne Elliman doesn't really disprove that -- there's a lot of filler here, even if it culls 16 highlights from her entire career -- but it does demonstrate that she possessed a pleasant, professional voice and did make several enjoyable pop/disco records, which happened to be her singles. Which, of course, makes The Best of Yvonne Elliman not only a terrific introduction, but also all you need to know. ~Stephen Thomas Erlewine

The Best Of Yvonne Elliman

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Various - Latin Nights (2-Disc Set)

Album: Latin Nights (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:54
Size: 155.4 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2008

[6:59] 1. Juan Pablo Torres - When Day Breaks
[5:23] 2. Julio Barreto Cuban Quartet - Coming Home Baby
[4:40] 3. Cheo Feliciano - Anacona
[4:11] 4. Armando Peraza - Souled Out
[2:36] 5. Celia Cruz - Burundanga
[5:05] 6. Humberto Ramírez - Paradise
[3:33] 7. Armando Peraza - Wild Thing
[7:32] 8. Juan Pablo Torres - Moonlight Serenade 2
[6:12] 9. Michael Philip Mossman - Iron And Blood
[9:17] 10. Ray Barretto - Club Mix 50 Aniversario
[4:52] 11. Armando Peraza - Viva Peraza
[7:29] 12. Ray Barretto - Fuerza Gigante

Latin Nights (Disc 1)

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Album: Latin Nights (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:18
Size: 119.7 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[7:57] 1. Juan Manuel Ceruto - A Puerto Padre
[4:43] 2. Josep Soto - Tornasol
[2:59] 3. Gary McFarland - Flamingo
[2:23] 4. El Rey Del Mundo - Originale
[4:26] 5. Voces Del Milenio - Juguete
[3:05] 6. Cal Tjader - Morning Mist
[3:13] 7. Armando Peraza - Al Bajar El Sol
[5:09] 8. Humberto Ramírez - Con El Corazon
[4:57] 9. Cal Tjader - Nica's Dream
[6:31] 10. Humberto Ramírez - Tus Ojos
[3:14] 11. Gabor Szabo - The Look Of Love
[3:35] 12. Gary McFarland - O Morro

Latin Nights (Disc 2)

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Teddy Wilson - Three Little Words

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:34
Size: 118.1 MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz, Piano jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[3:30] 1. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
[3:45] 2. Flying Home
[4:14] 3. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
[3:38] 4. Sweet Lorraine
[3:22] 5. Sugar
[3:51] 6. Undecided
[4:11] 7. St. Louis Blues
[2:36] 8. Three Little Words
[4:04] 9. I've Got The World On A String
[3:02] 10. Don't Be That Way
[4:21] 11. You Go To My Head
[2:35] 12. My Heart Stood Still
[4:29] 13. Where Or When
[3:49] 14. Basin Street Blues

There is an unusual setting for this Teddy Wilson trio date: an open-air studio in Nice, France. As a result, the ambience is a bit different outdoors, while birds can be heard occasionally in the background. This is hardly a distraction for Wilson and two fellow veterans, bassist Milt Hinton and drummer Oliver Jackson, who make their way through 14 standards that they had likely played hundreds of times during their long careers. Highlights include a lush treatment of "You Go to My Head," a cheerful midtempo romp through "Flying Home" (with a superb solo by Hinton), and a blistering take of "Undecided." While Teddy Wilson didn't modify his style much during his career, this outdoor recording is one of his most interesting studio efforts. ~Ken Dryden

Three Little Words

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Jeff Lorber Fusion - Now Is The Time

Styles: Jazz Fusion, Jazz Funk
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:42
Size: 109,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:23)  1. Rain Dance/Wanna Fly
(4:22)  2. Dr. Moy
(4:13)  3. Pixel
(4:00)  4. Sugar Free
(3:57)  5. Mysterious Traveller
(4:55)  6. Curtains/Before We Go
(4:17)  7. Black Ice
(3:07)  8. Las Rosas
(4:49)  9. Chinese Medicinal Herbs
(4:24) 10. Water Sign
(4:11) 11. Sumatra

Only a handful of pioneering musicians can adapt the perception of fusion jazz into a contemporary mindset and make it palatable. With the release of Now Is The Time . Keyboardist Jeff Lorber demonstrates why he has maintained his stature and reputation, while producing music which is easy on the ears and accessible to a broad audience.  Now Is The Time represents a reinvention of Lorber's original musical trajectory, culled from his early catalog but given a fresh approach and identity. For his new version of the Jeff Lorber Fusion group, the keyboardist recruits bassist Jimmy Haslip and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, joined by guitarists Paul Jackson Jr. and Michael Thompson on alternating tracks. Vocalist Irene B penned the lyrics to the four selections on which she is featured, and contributes a soulful element to the production, notably the opening "Rain Dance/Wanna Fly," (with Randy Brecker on flugelhorn) and the sultry "Sugar Free."

While acknowledged for his layered textural sound, Lorber also provides lucid piano accompaniment in just the right places. The band lays a supporting foundation for special guest Eric Marienthal a saxophonist perfectly suited for interacting with Lorber's weaving keyboards on Wayne Shorter's title track to the Weather Report classic, Mysterious Traveller (Columbia, 1974), revived here with a funky treatment that works well. Marienthal also teams up with the Blood Sweat and Tears horn section on full-bodied arrangements of "Pixel" and "Sumatra." Now Is The Time offers a variation of tempos for nice conceptual listening, the songs flowing seamlessly from one to the next. This seems to be the intention of Lorber as producer, and stays true to the tradition he established early in his career. The recording could easily fall into the popular or smooth jazz category, and there is nothing wrong with that. Lorber states that he wants to "bring fusion back, with a twist," and with Now Is The Time, the keyboardist has clearly accomplished his objective. ~ James Nadal https://www.allaboutjazz.com/now-is-the-time-jeff-lorber-heads-up-international-review-by-james-nadal.php

Personnel: Jeff Lorber: keyboards; Irene B: vocals (1, 4, 6, 10); Paul Jackson Jr.: guitar (1, 3, 4, 7, 10); Randy Brecker: flugelhorn (1); Jimmy Haslip: bass (1, 3-11); Vinnie Colaiuta: drums (1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10); Jimmy Branly: percussion (1, 5, 7, 9) drums (6, 11); Eric Marienthal: saxophones (2, 3, 5-11); Michael Thompson: guitar (5, 6, 8, 11); Tony Maiden: guitar (2); Alex Al: bass (2); Li'l John Roberts: drums (2); Lenny Castro: percussion (2); Larry Koonse: guitar (9); Tom Timko: flute (1, 3, 9, 11); Steve Jankowski: flugelhorn (9), trumpet (1, 3, 11); Dave Weckl: drums (9); Jens Wendelboe: trombone (1, 3, 11); Teddy Mulet: lead trumpet ( 1, 3, 11).

Now Is The Time

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Julia Fordham - Porcelain

Styles: Vocal, Pop
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:16
Size: 109,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:36)  1. Lock & Key
(5:38)  2. Porcelain
(4:39)  3. Girlfriend
(3:53)  4. For You Only for You
(6:18)  5. Genius
(4:50)  6. Manhattan Skyline
(4:15)  7. Did I Happen to Mention?
(3:50)  8. Towerblock
(4:41)  9. Island
(4:30) 10. Your Lovely Face

A jazz- and pop-influenced singer/songwriter, Britain's Julia Fordham is an eclectic artist with a loyal cult following. A native of Portsmouth, England, Fordham performed folk music in local clubs, sang with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and worked as member of Mari Wilson's backing troupe the Wilsations before embarking on her solo career. In 1988, Fordham released her eponymously titled debut, Julia Fordham, which showed off her low, smoky jazz bar, dulcet voice and contained four singles: "The Comfort of Strangers," "Woman of the 80's," her first hit "Happy Ever After," and "Where Does the Time Go." The following year, Porcelain consolidated her presence as a leading album artist. Produced by Hugh Padgham, Grant Mitchell, and Fordham herself, standout tracks include "Lock and Key"; tonally warm, her vocal delivery was likened to Joni Mitchell's, with whom she'd be further linked in years to come). Porcelain guested Manu Katche and Pino Palladino among its high-caliber lineup. More bittersweet tales of hopelessness in the art of relationships were outlined in 1991's Swept, which included the excellent "I Thought It Was You" as well as "(Love Moves In) Mysterious Ways. " Also featured in the film The Butcher's Wife, "(Love Moves In) Mysterious Ways" climbed to number 19, making it her biggest U.K. hit to date. Relocating to the States, Fordham released her fourth studio album, the Larry Klein-produced Falling Forward in 1994. In 1997, she returned with East West, which featured production from Canadian guitarist Michael Brook. A solid greatest-hits compilation was released in 1999 and her last contractual effort for Virgin, the aptly titled Collection, included updated versions of "Happy Ever After" and "Where Does the Time Go" as well as "Killing Me Slowly" from East West. A new deal with Division One/Atlantic prevailed in time for the 2002 release of her sixth studio album, the Klein-produced Concrete Love. Fordham then moved to the Vanguard label for 2004's That's Life and the live CD/DVD combo, That's Live, in 2005. Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Fordham next released the EP Baby Love in 2007. The jazz-influenced China Blue, featuring a duet with Michael McDonald, followed in 2008. Two years later, she teamed with actor and pianist Paul Reiser for the album Unusual Suspects. In 2014, Fordham released the covers album The Language of Love, which featured jazz and bossa nova reworkings of songs by Blondie, the Eurythmics, 10cc, and others. ~ Kelvin Hayes https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/julia-fordham/id527087#fullText

Porcelain

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Monty Alexander Trio - Impressions in Blue

Styles: Piano Jazz, Straight-ahead/Mainstream 
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:38
Size: 145,6 MB
Art: Front

( 5:43)  1. Blue Rhapsody
(10:20)  2. En Aranjuez con tu amor
( 4:41)  3. Come Sunday / David Danced
( 5:24)  4. Creole Love Call
( 4:07)  5. Accompong
( 4:30)  6. Pointe-à-Pitre
( 6:31)  7. Eleuthra
( 3:59)  8. Jumpin' at Capitol
( 6:44)  9. It's only a Paper Moon
( 4:55) 10. Body and Soul
( 5:38) 11. I'm an old cowhand

Monty Alexander's latest trio release instructs the listener on how wide a spectrum of hues fall within the category called blue. More precisely, Alexander reveals that there are definitely a few shades that the majority of jazz albums an almost nauseating number of which incorporate the word ‘blue’ in their album and song titles have ignored. You won’t find mournful midnight tones, or steel, navy, and indigo, nor the intense neon flare, or even the subtle, infinitely lamenting shades that have often made up jazz’s traditional palette. That’s just not Alexander’s style, and wouldn’t capture the spirited, almost sprightly rhythmic methods he, bassist Hassan Shakur, and drummer Mark Taylor employ. Featured instead are the more infrequently explored baby blues, aquas, sky blues, and ceruleans that seem, at least in this album, to better reflect Alexander and company’s entertaining, optimistic, and smile-inducing approach.

Jamaican born and steeped in the almost swing-like grooves of reggae, Alexander delivers music with an appealing lilt. This is often the binding element which holds together the incredible variety of fragments, quotes, and references he pulls from a huge range of sources. Many of the works on Impressions in Blue are dedicated looks at previous jazz compositions. He begins with a clever, punching dissection of Gershwin’s “Blue Rhapsody ”; moves on to two Ellington works; then three pieces dedicated to Nat King Cole, all of which are infused with numerous stylistic nods to the influential master. As if to punctuate both the historical concept of the album, not to mention the sly humor threaded throughout, Alexander closes with the incredibly funny “I’m an Old Cowhand.” As he indicates in the liner notes, this is a double homage to the song’s first proselytizer, Bing Crosby, as well as the Ray Brown, Shelly Manne, Sonny Rollins version. Also featured on the album are three Alexander originals, and the wonderfully executed “En Aranjuev con tu Amor.” Those who are not fans of musical collage, historical re-visitation, or musical wit and double entendre may not appreciate Alexander’s work on this album. At least not fully, because even so, there is certainly no way to deny the superb artisanship, clever inventiveness, rhythmic strength, and cohesion of this group of musicians. ~ Franz A.Matzner https://www.allaboutjazz.com/impressions-in-blue-monty-alexander-telarc-records-review-by-franz-a-matzner.php
 

Personnel: Monty Alexander: Piano, Hassan Shakur: Bass, Mark Taylor: Drums.

Impressions in Blue

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Leeann Ledgerwood - Paradox

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2000

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 64:42

Size: 149,6 MB

Art: Front

(7:52)  1. The Night Has A Thousand Eyes

(8:40)  2. My Funny Valentine

(9:21)  3. Wise One

(8:24)  4. India

(8:41)  5. Spring Is Here

(6:29)  6. Blues On Ther Corner

(8:20)  7. Some Other Time

(6:53)  8. Paradox

On her fourth SteepleChase release, pianist LeeAnn Ledgerwood is heard with a highly esteemed rhythm section: Ron McClure on bass and Billy Hart on drums. The spirit of John Coltrane looms large on this trio outing  Ledgerwood plays stirring renditions of "Wise One" and "India," and opens with "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes," sticking closely to the arrangement heard on Coltrane's Sound. McCoy Tyner's "Blues on the Corner" again drives home the Coltrane theme (watch out for Billy Hart on this cut). By including "My Funny Valentine," "Spring Is Here," and "Some Other Time," Ledgerwood is also paying homage to Bill Evans, her earliest influence. While this set includes no originals, it does showcase Ledgerwood's highly advanced and emotionally charged playing, which encompasses diverse streams of modern jazz history. The title track, by fellow pianist and kindred spirit Richie Beirach, closes the album in swinging fashion. ~ David R. Adler http://www.allmusic.com/album/paradox-mw0001014385

Personnel: LeeAnn Ledgerwood (piano); Billy Hart (drums); Ron McClure (bass).

Paradox

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Kandace Springs - Soul Eyes

Styles: Vocal, Soul
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:50
Size: 98,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:50)  1. Talk To Me
(3:22)  2. Soul Eyes
(3:44)  3. Place To Hide
(3:39)  4. Thought It Would Be Easier
(4:43)  5. Novocaine Heart
(3:07)  6. Neither Old Nor Young
(5:01)  7. Too Good To Last
(3:46)  8. Fall Guy
(4:25)  9. The World Is A Ghetto
(4:02) 10. Leavin'
(3:06) 11. Rain Falling

Kandace Springs' career started rolling when her father, session vocalist Scat Springs, handed a demo to Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken. Industry veterans of 30-plus years, from Shannon to Rihanna, the duo signed her to their production company, which led to an audition for Blue Note president Don Was. The Nashville native sang "I Can't Make You Love Me," popularized by Bonnie Raitt, whose recording just happened to be co-produced with Was. Blue Note deal secured, she uploaded a cover of Sam Smith's "Stay with Me" that prompted Prince to have her play at Paisley Park during the 30th anniversary celebration of Purple Rain. Springs made her recorded debut a couple months later. Co-written with the likes of Rogers, Sturken, and Pop & Oak, the self-titled EP of hip-hop soul primed her for placement in a class with similarly classic-meets-contemporary artists like Jazmine Sullivan and Elle Varner. 

It left Springs feeling that her sound should instead reflect her early jazz influences with stripped-down live instrumentation a view shared by continued supporter Prince. Soul Eyes achieves that objective. Produced by Larry Klein with a constant rhythm section of Vinnie Colaiuta and Dan Lutz with additional instrumentation from the likes of Dean Parks, Pete Kuzma, and Terence Blanchard it's all shaped to place Springs front and center. The approach is emphasized by the title song, a sensitive update of Mal Waldron's 60-year-old standard that showcases Springs' measured piano playing as much as it does her lithe, lightly fiery voice. Apart from that and a loose but succinct version of War's "The World Is a Ghetto" the second-oldest composition the reinterpreted songs are relatively modern, highlighted by Shelby Lynne's "Thought It Would Be Easier." Springs co-wrote three cuts, the best and most energetic of which is easily "Novocaine Heart." Due to its neatly serpentine groove and inquisitive, positive outlook, lovers of late-'70s/early-'80s crossover jazz could easily be forgiven for thinking it was first waxed by Judy Roberts or Googie & Tom Coppola. The album closes with the lone song Springs wrote by herself, a striking piano ballad. As natural as the album feels, Springs seems eager to impress her elders and stay true to her inspirations, rather than build from them like she's bottling some of her energy and individuality. Less straight-ahead, more distinctive releases are hopefully in her future. ~ Andy Kellman http://www.allmusic.com/album/soul-eyes-mw0002942687

Soul Eyes

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Jessica Molaskey - A Good Day

Styles: Vocal

Year: 2003

File: MP3@256K/s

Time: 46:37

Size: 85,9 MB

Art: Front

(4:15)  1. All the Cats Join In

(2:51)  2. Everything Is Moving Too Fast

(3:44)  3. Somebody Loves Me

(2:40)  4. How Come You Ain't Got Me?

(4:12)  5. Small World

(2:30)  6. It's a Good Day

(2:48)  7. I Love the Way You're Breaking

(3:32)  8. I Don't Know Enough About You

(2:49)  9. Adam & Eve

(3:04) 10. The Girl With His Smile and My

(5:28) 11. It's the Bluest Kind of Blues

(2:42) 12. I Wouldn't Trade You

(3:10) 13. Side by Side

(2:47) 14. A Lifetime or Two

Jessica Molaskey is a seasoned Broadway performer who also makes a strong impression in tackling classics from the Great American Songbook or reviving pop songs of the 1940s. Her expressive vocals are effective without resorting to gimmickry, and she's backed by a sterling cast of musicians which includes guitarist John Pizzarelli (her husband and the arranger of seven of the songs), father-in-law Bucky Pizzarelli on acoustic guitar, brother-in-law and bassist Martin Pizzarelli, clarinetist Ken Peplowski, and pianist Ray Kennedy, among others. "All the Cats Join In" was made popular by Benny Goodman but has been only sporadically recorded since; Molaskey not only swings it effortlessly but expands upon its original lyrics. Her treatment of a trio of songs written by Peggy Lee and Dave Barbour (another singer/guitarist married couple), especially the cheerful "A Good Day," will help anyone lose the blues. Molaskey's lyrics in the five pieces written with her spouse are priceless, here's an example from "How Come You Ain't Got Me?": "You buy one ticket and you win the lotto...you down martinis, other folks get blotto." And it's impossible not to be charmed by their lovely ballad "The Girl with His Smile and My Eyes," dedicated to their daughter Madeline Pizzarelli, with the sole accompaniment provided by Kennedy's lush piano. Every track on this highly recommended CD is a gem. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-good-day-mw0000595179

Personnel: Jessica Molaskey (vocals); Tony Kadleck (trumpet); John Mosca (trombone); Ken Peplowski, Andy Fusco (clarinet); Kenny Berger (bass clarinet); Ray Kennedy (piano); Larry Goldings (organ); Bucky Pizzarelli (acoustic guitar); John Pizzarelli (guitar); Martin Pizzarelli (bass).

A Good Day

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Jessica Williams - '... And Then, There's This!'

Styles: Piano Jazz

Year: 1990

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 51:04

Size: 119,7 MB

Art: Front

(5:46)  1. Bemsha Swing

(4:47)  2. ... And Then, There's This!

(5:57)  3. All Alone

(6:11)  4. Nichol's Bag

(4:44)  5. The Child Within

(5:58)  6. Elaine

(6:04)  7. The House That Rouse Built

(3:40)  8. Newk's Fluke

(4:27)  9. Swanee

(3:26) 10. I Mean You

This wonderful little gem features pianist Jessica Williams in trio on a set of six originals, a couple of pieces by Thelonious Monk, and one each by George Gershwin and Irving Berlin. What makes the recording so appealing is Williams' exquisite sense of rhythm and stunning technique, and drummer Kenny Wollensen's outstanding drumming. Williams uses both hands across the whole keyboard. Her style is instantly recognizable, as her bold and confident strokes and ability to move rapidly contrast with a sometimes delicate approach. She seems highly attuned to Monk, and her successful takes of "Bemsha Swing" and "I Mean You" shed new light on the songs' quirky melodies and harmonies. Her own compositions are special, too, with attractive and often catchy lines. Her "The House That Rouse Built," a clever double entendre, and "Newk's Fluke" are particularly fascinating. With the dearth of really fine piano albums in the '90s, it is surprising that Ms. Williams did not receive more attention. This album is one of the finest examples of creative piano performance of that decade. ~ Steve Loewy http://www.allmusic.com/album/and-then-theres-this-mw0000950144

Personnel:  Jessica Williams – piano;  John Wiitala – bass;  Kenny Wollesen - drums

'... And Then, There's This!'

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LeeAnn Ledgerwood - Now And Zen

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:25
Size: 152,7 MB
Art: Front

( 5:54)  1. Summernite
( 7:05)  2. Bridges Burned
( 6:28)  3. Night Lake
( 7:42)  4. Now And Zen
( 8:46)  5. I Wanna Talk About You
(10:09)  6. Stella By Starlight
( 6:45)  7. Water Babies
( 6:02)  8. Nardis
( 6:31)  9. Star Eyes

A fine modern jazz pianist, LeeAnn Ledgerwood has not yet broken through to stardom. She started playing piano when she was four. After graduating from Berklee, Ledgerwood moved to New York in 1982 and worked regularly in local clubs including Bradley's. She toured Sweden with Red Mitchell and was a member of Eddie Gomez's group. In addition to appearing on Gomez's 1988 release Power Play, LeeAnn Ledgerwood led her own 1991 CD for Triloka, You Wish. ~ Scott Yanow https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/leeann-ledgerwood/id160753929#fullText

Now And Zen

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Tommy Newsom, Ken Peplowski - The Feeling Of Jazz

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:52
Size: 148.5 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1999/2006
Art: Front

[ 5:42] 1. Opnly A Rose
[ 8:22] 2. Feeling Of Jazz
[ 4:14] 3. Too Late Now
[ 5:08] 4. Benny's Pennies
[ 3:08] 5. All Alone
[ 4:24] 6. Skylark
[ 4:15] 7. Titter Pipes
[ 7:27] 8. It's Sand Man
[ 6:19] 9. I'll Close My Eyes
[ 5:40] 10. Opus De Funk
[10:08] 11. Lover Come Back To Me

Although not promoted as such, this happy pairing of tenormen Tommy Newsom and Ken Peplowski can be regarded as, if not a tribute to, then a remembering of the classic quintet jointly but irregularly led by Al Cohn and Zoot Sims from the late 1950s on. As were Al and Zoot, so are both Tommy and Ken also well-grounded in the school of playing that places primacy on a lyrical approach to improvisation, a warm tone, a healthy respect for swinging time, and a deliberate avoidance of athletic technical displays. So, if frequent excursions into the altissimo register, squawking multiphonics, and mind-numbing, assault-gun-like rapidity of notes presently constitute your definition of saxophone artistry, prepare to have your tastes broadened.

Backed with appropriate empathy and swing by pianist Ben Aronov, guitarist Mike Peters, bassist Greg Cohen, and drummer Chuck Redd, the two tenormen embrace and intertwine on such long-neglected standards as "Only a Rose," "All Alone," and "Skylark," Ellington's seldom-played "The Feeling of Jazz," Aronov's boppish "Bennie's Pennies," Newsom's "Titter Pipes," a chart he wrote decades ago for Benny Goodman, Buck Clayton's "It's Sand, Man," Horace Silver's "Opus de Funk," and the show tunes, "Too Late Now" and "Lover, Come Back to Me." While serving admirably as a palliative to so much of the anarchic, juvenile noise currently being hyped as music, the bare-boned honesty of the sounds heard here also reminds us that all is not yet lost to the gangsta-enthralled philistines, at least not as long as swingers like Tommy and Peps are given a chance. ~Jack Sohmer

The Feeling Of Jazz

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Marlena Shaw - Marlena

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:34
Size: 92.9 MB
Styles: R&B, Vocal jazz
Year: 1972/2015
Art: Front

[5:06] 1. What Are You Doing For The Rest Of Your Life
[3:25] 2. Somewhere
[4:45] 3. Runnin' Out Of Fools
[3:56] 4. So Far Away
[3:49] 5. I'm Gonna Find Out
[4:05] 6. Save The Children
[4:30] 7. You Must Believe In Spring
[5:00] 8. Wipe Away The Evil
[5:54] 9. Things Don't Never Go My Way

Marlena Shaw is among the most versatile and charismatic jazz vocalists on the scene today. Her performances are marked by an artful blend of pop standards and straight-ahead jazz tunes. Her extroverted stage presence gives her an edge over other vocalists, and clearly, singing live before an audience is where she feels most comfortable.

After her uncle Jimmy Burgess introduced her to the recordings of Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis, she caught the jazz bug and purchased records by Al Hibbler, a vocalist who had a big influence on her singing style. When she was ten she performed at Harlem's Apollo Theater, and despite the enthusiastic reception she received in front of one of the world's toughest audiences, her mother refused to let her go on the road with her uncle, a trumpet player. Shaw attended the State Teachers' College in Potsdam, NY, but later dropped out. For some time in 1963 she worked around New England with a trio led by Howard McGhee. By the mid-'60s she was performing regularly for audiences in the Catskills, Playboy clubs, and other New York area clubs. In 1966, she recorded "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" for Cadet Records, and the single sold very well for an unknown singer. The single's success, a rare vocal version of the tune, prompted executives at Cadet to encourage her to record a whole album for the label in 1967. The diversity of styles, including blues, jazz, and pop standards, is reflected in the album's title, Out of Different Bags. Through her accountant, she was brought to the attention of bandleader Count Basie, and she ended up singing with the Basie band for four years.

In 1972, after leaving the Basie Orchestra, Shaw was the first female vocalist signed to Blue Note Records, and she toured for a while with the late Sammy Davis Jr. Shaw recorded five albums and several singles for Blue Note, and critics likened her singing style to Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan. At her club shows, Shaw dazzled audiences with her intoxicating blend of straight-ahead jazz, soul, pop, and classic R&B, but her recordings will also satisfy fans of traditional jazz who have no prejudices about blues and R&B. ~bio by Richard Skelly

Marlena

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Johnny Hartman - Thank You For Everything

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:43
Size: 134.4 MB
Styles: Standards, Vocal jazz
Year: 1978/1998
Art: Front

[2:55] 1. I'm Glad There Is You
[1:47] 2. What Is This Thing Called Love
[3:34] 3. The Morning After
[2:49] 4. I Concentrate On You
[4:38] 5. Take The A Train
[3:26] 6. Miss Otis Regrets
[2:48] 7. Thank You For Everything (Lotus Blossom)
[3:01] 8. Anything Goes
[4:04] 9. Lush Life
[1:43] 10. You Better Know It
[2:40] 11. Easy To Love
[1:56] 12. Warm Valley
[2:02] 13. Warm Valley (Alternate)
[1:51] 14. Just One Of Those Things
[3:19] 15. My Little Brown Book
[3:00] 16. Let's Do It
[2:47] 17. While We're Young
[3:36] 18. I've Got You Under My Skin
[2:57] 19. Satin Doll
[3:42] 20. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye

In 1978, Johnny Hartman was featured twice on Alec Wilder's legendary radio series. This 1998 CD has all of the music from those dates (released commercially for the first time) with Hartman being tastefully accompanied by pianist Loonis McGlohon, bassist Terry Lassiter and drummer James Lackey. Fifty-five at the time, Hartman was still in prime form, as he shows throughout the lengthy set of ballads. All of the songs are standards, although a couple (such as "The Morning After" and the Ellington/Strayhorn number, "You Better Know It") are lesser-known. The title cut is actually a vocalized version of Strayhorn's "Lotus Blossom." Other highlights include "I'm Glad There Is You," "Easy to Love," two versions of "Warm Valley" and a remake of "Lush Life." ~Scott Yanow

Thank You For Everything

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Sweet Jazz Trio - Very Personal

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:52
Size: 125.6 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[4:24] 1. Visa I Majregn
[6:05] 2. Pennies From Heaven
[4:37] 3. Elias Ar Mitt Namn
[4:52] 4. Little Train
[4:08] 5. Stars Fell On Alabama
[3:36] 6. Lonely Moments
[6:03] 7. Full Moon In Nara
[4:08] 8. Tolvan
[5:03] 9. White Rabbit
[4:41] 10. Why Not
[7:10] 11. Basin Street Blues

Lasse Törnqvist cornet, Mats Larsson guitar and Hans Backenroth double bass. Recorded live at Fagersta, Sweden, March 7 and June 6, 2004.

SWEET JAZZ TRIO from Stockholm, Sweden plays chamber jazz music in the mainstream tradition and has existed since 1992. Leader of the group is the cornetist Lasse Törnqvist. Guitar is played by Mats Larsson and double bass by Hans Backenroth. Mats has participated in the group since the start and Hans since early 1995. Sweet Jazz Trio has been playing in Sweden at jazz clubs, jazz festivals, concerts, at dances, in restaurants, at weddings, funerals, at conferences, at private parties etc. etc. Sweet Jazz Trio participated for instance during the summer 2000 in international jazz festivals in Dalsbruk/Finland and Molde/Norway.

Very Personal

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