The Don Friedman Trio - Nite Lites

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:04
Size: 142.1 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[8:01] 1. 5-5-14
[7:36] 2. All Or Nothing At All
[8:19] 3. Nite Lites
[7:37] 4. Un-Ravel-Ed
[4:35] 5. Daahud
[7:31] 6. Chopinesque
[7:19] 7. Spring Can Really Hamg You Up The Most
[6:14] 8. Turn Out The Stars
[4:46] 9. Requiem

Don Friedman (piano), Harvie S (bass), Klemens Marktl (drums). Recorded, mixed & mastered by Tom Tedesco at Tedesco Studios, Paramus, NJ, on April 10, 2015

Don Friedman's journey toward this collection began when he was four years old and clambered onto his parents piano bench for a bit of experimental improvisation. Soon, his first formal piano lesson put him on the road toward a lifelong commitment to the classics.

Classics? you may ask, isn't he a jazz pianist? He is, indeed, one admired by virtually all of his keyboard contemporaries. The late Lou Levy, a dean of modern jazz pianists, was notably reserved in assigning praise. But Levy told critic Herb Wong, I love to listen to a pianist who practices. Players like Chick Corea and Bill Evans are examples, and Don Friedman is another who has equal strength in his fingers and you can hear it. Mix that with good taste, knowledge, experience and individual soundand you have a helluva player, and I think Don is a great player. Lets agree on what constitutes a classic. Any dictionary definition boils down to something like, Of the first or highest class, quality or rank. By that standard, not only Mr. Friedmans tributes to Ravel and Chopin but every piece that he chose for this collection is a classic. ~Doug Ramsey

Nite Lites

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Marvin Gaye - A Tribute To The Great Nat King Cole

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:52
Size: 82.1 MB
Styles: R&B, Vocal
Year: 1965/2015
Art: Front

[2:48] 1. Nature Boy
[2:49] 2. Ramblin Rose
[3:46] 3. Too Young
[2:52] 4. Pretend
[2:22] 5. Straighten Up And Fly Right
[3:04] 6. Mona Lisa
[3:40] 7. Unforgettable
[2:16] 8. To The Ends Of The Earth
[2:46] 9. Sweet Lorraine
[2:24] 10. It's Only A Paper Moon
[2:56] 11. Send For Me
[4:04] 12. Calypso Blues

A wonderful album that got buried when it was initially released. Nat "King" Cole was a primary influence on Marvin Gaye for Gaye's entire career, and he got a chance on this album to display his affection for sentimental, romantic fare and his skill in singing it. ~Ron Wynn

A Tribute To The Great Nat King Cole

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Lady In Jazz - S/T

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:06
Size: 78.1 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[2:06] 1. It Don't Mean A Thing
[2:29] 2. Ain't No Sunshine
[2:25] 3. L.O.V.E.
[2:51] 4. Taking A Chance On Love
[3:02] 5. Take The 'a' Train
[3:57] 6. What A Wonderful World
[4:16] 7. Old Devil Moon
[2:35] 8. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You
[2:13] 9. Que Reste T'il De Nos Amours
[2:06] 10. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
[2:18] 11. Lullaby Of Birdland
[3:42] 12. I've Got You Under My Skin

Lady In Jazz

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Studio Rio - Studio Rio Presents The Brazil Connection

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:30
Size: 97.3 MB
Styles: Brazilian jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[3:56] 1. Lovely Day
[3:18] 2. Walk On By
[4:07] 3. Sexual Healing
[3:44] 4. You've Changed
[3:48] 5. Family Affair
[3:04] 6. It's Your Thing
[3:08] 7. I've Got You Under My Skin
[4:51] 8. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free
[3:10] 9. I Can See Clearly Now
[2:52] 10. Take Five
[2:59] 11. Music To Watch Girls By
[3:27] 12. Summertime

Welcome to Studio Rio Presents: The Brazil Connection, a lively and seamless blend of samba and bossa nova grooves with some of the most iconic American vocal performances from Billie Holiday, Marvin Gaye, The Isley Brothers, Aretha Franklin, and others.

The Brazil Connection is the brainchild of music producers Frank and Christian Berman, who had previously explored such distinct cultures for Rhythms Del Mundo, an album gathering acclaimed artists like Sting and Coldplay with the legendary Buena Vista Social Club. For The Brazil Connection, the Berman Brothers used original multi-track masters and an all-new, state-of-the-art separation technology to extract the classic vocal performances. Once in hand, they melded the newly isolated vocals with brand-new, authentically arranged backing tracks from an all-star cast of Brazilian musical pioneers from the bossa nova and samba genres, including Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner Roberto Menescal and Brazilian musical legend, Marcos Valle. The result is 12 tracks that capture the spirit of Brazilian music and style while embodying the slogan of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil: "All in one rhythm." The Brazil Connection is a vibrant, inspired reinvention of timeless performances that at once feels entirely new and instantly familiar. It is guaranteed to get you on your feet and leave you smiling.

Studio Rio Presents The Brazil Connection

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Warren Vaché - What Is There To Say?

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:21
Size: 163.4 MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[4:34] 1. St. Sundown
[3:47] 2. My Shining Hour
[4:38] 3. Deep In A Dream
[7:05] 4. Too Phat Blues
[6:36] 5. I Love You, Samantha
[6:36] 6. Bossango
[4:40] 7. Pow Wow
[5:47] 8. I'll Never See Maggie Alone
[6:12] 9. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
[6:01] 10. See Jim, See Jane, See Joe, C-Jam Blues
[3:18] 11. Come Love
[3:51] 12. What Is There To Say
[5:01] 13. It's A Blue World
[3:10] 14. Falling In Love Is Wonderful

In a small group context, Vache's bright and literate trumpet or cornet work gets a little more of the spotlight. This pianoless quartet also showcases the criminally underrated guitarist Joe Puma, the fine-toned bassist Murray Wall, and the veteran drummer Eddie Locke. They collectively epitomize the continuing swing tradition.

Vache also fancies himself an entertaining singer in the Jack Sheldon tradition. He goes into sly enunciations with Puma's lustrous chords during "Comes Love," tells a tale of being swamped by in-laws for "I'll Never See Maggie Alone," and obviously not diabetic, relates defiance for diets, glorifying gorging in the swinging "Too Phat Blues." Watch your triglycerides Warren! Puma wrote three of the pieces: the sweet, implied bossa/tango "Bossango" sans drums; the "Cherokee"-based, well-swung "Pow Wow"; and the 12-bar original "See Jim/Jane/Joe/C-Jam Blues," which features the guitarist's gliding chords along with Vache's muted horn and traded fours with Locke's brushed drums and cymbals. The steely-toned Puma makes definitive statements throughout this disc, especially on the forward moving, no-nonsense swinger "At Sundown." It's Vache who takes the bull by the horns for great swing vehicles as "My Shining Hour" and "It's a Blue World," the leader quoting "Seven Come Eleven" and "West End Blues" on the former, dealing a straight flush on the latter. Locke is most inspired and impressive on brushes for "Samantha"; he could write a book, and maybe he should as did Ed Thigpen. There's also the half-speed ballad "Deep in a Dream," the slow ballads "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" and the tenderized guitar-bass duo title cut, and the bass-based swinger "Falling in Love Is Wonderful." This is a tasty morsel of swing from experts who do it right. Recommended. ~Michael G. Nastos

What Is There To Say?

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Paul Brown, Marc Antoine - Foreign Exchange

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:41
Size: 93,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:34)  1. Feel The Love
(4:00)  2. Wine Night
(3:49)  3. Flight Of The Conchords
(4:03)  4. Foreign Exchange
(3:35)  5. Brother Earl
(4:22)  6. On The Down Low
(4:04)  7. French Connection
(4:11)  8. What About Bob
(3:45)  9. Sweetness
(4:13) 10. Bridges Of Paris

When two jazz guitarists of different styles, George Benson and Earl Klugh, came together, it was hailed as a success. The formula also worked for Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton. Now, Paul Brown and Marc Antoine attempt to capture that flair with Foreign Exchange. California native Brown is, perhaps, one of the most established influences in smooth jazz. A producer who has contributed a lot of the cookie-cutter programming for such artists as Boney James, Carlton, and Kirk Whalum, he is also an accomplished guitarist, playing electric guitar on this date. French-born Antoine, who performs on nylon-string guitar here, has performed for such diverse acts as Celine Dion, Sting, Rod Stewart, Queen Latifah, and Benson. He has also composed and performed for several movie soundtracks, including Get Shorty (1995), Demolition Man (1993), and The Fan (1996).  "Flight of the Conchords" has a mild samba flavor. With Brown doubling on percussion and Antoine on drums, this song is part peaceful flight and part relaxing with a drink. Roberto Vally complements on bass and Phillip Saisse has keyboard duty. Antoine leads to start things off, with an uncredited flute enhancing the flavor. After a brief solo by Saisse and another by Antoine, Brown comes forth before trading lines with Antoine to set up the song's ending.

The title song is moderately paced, with Brown and Antoine, who also adds bass duty, harmonizing on the melody. With Saisse again on keys, the leaders are supplemented by the three-piece horn section of Jerry Hey, Bill Reichenbach, and Dan Higgins. The drums and percussion are a bit underwhelming, but the leads and soft horns more than make up for that. Trumpet, trombone, and sax are in perfect sync, while the guitars complement each other well.  "Brother Earl" is a tribute to Klugh. Percussionist Lenny Castro joins Vally, Saisse, and the horn section on this all-too-short piece. 

Brown leads and Antoine answers on the melody. On the second pass, Brown adds a little spice while the horns lay down a not-so-subtle underscore. Vally's bass adds a little funk to this otherwise chill-out song, with Brown establishing a Carlton-esque groove during his middle solo. Throughout most of Foreign Exchange, Brown and Antoine are accompanied by a variable lineup of bassists and keyboardists in addition to the horn section and it works out. While safely within the confines of the smooth jazz format, the songs aren't weighed down by catchy phrasing or handicapped by bland programming. ~ Woodrow Wilkins https://www.allaboutjazz.com/foreign-exchange-paul-brown-peak-records-review-by-woodrow-wilkins.php
 

Personnel: Jeff Caruthers: drums (1, 7), keys (1, 7), acoustic guitars (1); Dan Lutz: bass (1, 2, 7); Paul Brown: electric guitar, percussion (1-4, 6, 8, 10), drums (5, 6, 8, 9); Marc Antoine: nylon-string guitar, percussion (1), drums (2-4); Phillipe Saisse: keys (2-6, 8, 10); Roberto Vally: bass (3, 5, 6, 9, 10); Jerry Hey: trumpet (4, 5, 7, 9); Bill Reichenbach: trombone (4, 5, 7, 9); Dan Higgins: sax (4, 5, 7, 9); Lenny Castro: percussion (5, 7, 9); Tommy Kay: rhythm guitar (8, 9); Greg Karukas: keys (9); Sergio Gonzales: drums (10); Jessy J: flute (10).

Foreign Exchange

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Brenda Boykin - Chocolate & Chili

Styles: Vocal, Soul, Swing
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:31
Size: 197,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:26)  1. Be My Lover
(5:05)  2. Ride Rich Rhythm
(3:32)  3. Chocolate And Chili
(5:31)  4. Wonderful
(5:21)  5. Love Is In Town
(4:55)  6. Hard Swing Travellin' Man
(4:43)  7. Talk With Your Hands
(3:23)  8. State Side Blues
(4:34)  9. Across The Stars
(4:37) 10. He Doesn't Know
(4:02) 11. Moaning
(4:46) 12. Listen To The Beat
(5:05) 13. Freedom Song
(3:55) 14. Rockabye Me
(3:27) 15. Be My Lover (Acoustic Bossa Remix)

It never ceases to amaze me how many US artistes of pedigree decide to set up home in Europe as part of their musical journey. Hailing from Oakland, California and now residing in Wuppertal, Germany the winner of the 2005 Montreaux Jazz Festival's Best vocalist award, releases her stunning new album on the innovative Chin Chin label. If you have yet to catch some of her previous work with the Nu Jazz/ lounge project that is Club Des Belugas then you are in for a real treat.

Her rich voice full of musical mastery mixes soul with jazz, bossa nova and swing that is a pleasure to behold and a class above the normal offerings. Make no mistake this is an album that sets itself apart both in its creativity and musicianship. From the opening track 'Be my Lover' Ms Boykin lets you know the calibre of what is to come with the Donald Byrd influenced delightfully moodily sung laid back two-stepper. Then comes the first of many rhythmic explosions courtesy of spoken sassiness and impeccable scatting from Ms BB with the able support of Bebo Best and the Bahama Soul Club. If you remember the massive club hit 'Hip Hip, Chin Chin' then that will give you an idea of what is on offer here. Basically, a good time for dancers and a happy feeling for everyone! Check 'Ride Rich Rhythm' , 'Love is in town' and 'Listen to the Beat' for the feel good factor.  Frankly, this album is full of gems that make if difficult to pick out any that deserve a special mention as being favourites above the others, though the beat led 'Hard Swing Travellin' Man' comes close. Overall, the album displays the talents of a complete vocalist who has mastered many styles and is at the cutting edge of 21st century soul. A real delight and one of my favourites of the year to date. ~ James Lewis http://www.smooth-jazz.de/James/Chocolateandchili.htm

Chocolate & Chili

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Sadao Watanabe - Front Seat

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:52
Size: 105,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:56)  1. Sailing
(5:01)  2. One More Time
(4:46)  3. Only In My Mind
(4:13)  4. Miles Apart
(5:08)  5. Any Other Fool
(5:21)  6. On The Way
(4:24)  7. Anga La Jua [Place in the Sun]
(3:24)  8. Wild Flowers
(2:58)  9. Front Seat
(4:37) 10. Takin' Time

Sadao Watanabe has long had a split musical personality. He alternates excellent bebop dates with pop albums. Watanabe learned clarinet and alto in high school, and in the 1950s he moved to Tokyo, joining Toshiko Akiyoshi's bop-oriented group in 1953. When the pianist moved to the U.S. in 1956, Watanabe took over the band. He attended Berklee during 1962-1965 and had the opportunity to work with Gary McFarland, Chico Hamilton, and Gabor Szabo. However, throughout his career Watanabe has remained mostly based in Japan, where he is a major influence on younger players. He has recorded steadily through the years, most notably with Chick Corea in New York (1970) and with the Galaxy All-Stars (1978). Watanabe's bop records are inspired by Charlie Parker, and his pop dates by Brazilian-flavored music. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/artist/sadao-watanabe-mn0000282544/biography

Personnel:  Alto Saxophone – Sadao Watanabe;  Backing Vocals – George Duke;  Backing Vocals – George Duke;  Guitar – Paul Jackson Jr.

Front Seat

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Dave Grusin - Piano, Strings And Moonlight: The Many Moods Of Dave Grusin

Size: 99,2 MB
Time: 37:58
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1962/2015
Styles: Jazz: Cool Jazz
Art: Front

01. Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words) (2:47)
02. Love Is Here To Stay (2:59)
03. My Funny Valentine (3:39)
04. What Is This Thing Called Love (2:11)
05. The More I See You (4:03)
06. Autumn Leaves (2:55)
07. What Is There To Say (3:50)
08. Sara Jane (4:12)
09. The Party's Over (2:50)
10. Here's That Rainy Day (3:31)
11. You Don't Know What Love Is (2:44)
12. When Your Lover Has Gone (2:11)

One of the reasons for the success of this 1962 album is the excellence of Dave Grusins arrangements for eleven violins, two violas, two cellos, bass and drums. While making this album, Dave says, I saw no reason why nice harmonic changes could not be played by strings. I saw no reason why the string writing could not be a little more complicated than it usually is for albums of this type. And with the freedom Bob [Robert Mersey, the albums producer] gave me, I wrote and played exactly what I wanted. Mersey observes that with Daves arrangements, the strings simply become an extension of the piano. In this album Grusin showed that he has a deft, sensitive touch, inventiveness and exceptionally good taste.

Piano, Strings And Moonlight

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Kathryn Hettel - Cookin' In The Kitchen With Dinah: A Tribute To Dinah Washington

Size: 148,1 MB
Time: 63:12
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz/Blues Vocals
Art: Front

01. Good Daddy Blues (4:22)
02. Showtime (3:20)
03. Fat Daddy (3:22)
04. You Don't Know What Love Is (4:22)
05. I Don't Hurt Anymore (3:22)
06. Blow Top Blues (3:26)
07. Birth Of The Blues (3:50)
08. Since I Fell For You (3:24)
09. Baby Get Lost (2:56)
10. Bad Luck (3:09)
11. Gamblers Blues (3:14)
12. I'll Never Be Free (4:10)
13. Soulville (2:51)
14. Salty Papa Blues (3:06)
15. Stormy Weather (5:49)
16. Bad Case Of The Blues (4:44)
17. This Bitter Earth (3:38)

Cookin' In The Kitchen with Dinah: A Tribute To Dinah Washington. The third album by Northwest vocalist Kathryn Hettel is a collection of her favorite songs from the iconic Dinah Washington. Spanning genres of Jazz, Blues, Pop and Soul. The album pays loving tribute to "The Queen,' as well as expands on the sounds from her repertoire. The album was a three year project in which Hettel and her co-producers, Engineer Steve Feasely and Drummer Rick J Bowen, saw to fruition an idea hatched a decade previous. Kathryn has been singing Dinah's songs for years always striving to emulate the sass and style of Dinah. In 2014 a skilled rhythm section of Darrius Willrich on Piano & Keyboards, Patrick McDanel Bass, Rick J Bowen on Drums, and guitarist Kevin Andrew Sutton laid down the basic tracks. Arranger Charles Hiestand created charts inspired by the original recordings and a horn section and real strings were brought in and new elements such as vibes, Harmonnica, Hammond B3 and pedal steel expand the sound of the time tested songs. Old friend and fellow lady of the blues Mary McPage joined Kathryn for a saucy duet and the album closer 'This Bitter Earth,' finds our star revealing as much as any artist would dare. Cooking In the Kitchen is truly a labor of love that Kathryn Hettel and her team are thrilled to share. *Kitchen Crew = Darrius Willrich – Piano & Keyboards, Patrick McDanel – Bass, Rick J Bowen – Drums, Kevin Andrew Sutton- Guitars. Washington Horns= Brian Kent –Tenor sax, Naomi Siegel –Trombone, Jacob Zimmerman-Alto sax, Kevin Sieley –trumpet. Tony Degrasso-Trumpet.

Cookin' In The Kitchen With Dinah

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Judy Renaud & Eddie Tobin - When Love Comes Around The Corner

Size: 140,0 MB
Time: 60:10
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. I'll Remember April (3:37)
02. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life (6:23)
03. Over The Rainbow (6:28)
04. East Of The Sun (3:25)
05. Midnight Sun (7:06)
06. I Will Wait For You (5:03)
07. You Are My Sunshine (3:47)
08. The Frim Fram Sauce (3:25)
09. Maybe You'll Be There (5:28)
10. Out Of This World (5:25)
11. Smile (3:44)
12. When Love Comes Around The Corner (6:12)

"Some say, Doris Day - Some say, Diana Krall - You'll say, Judy Renaud - is Timeless!" What a nice quote from a great fan.

What a fun time it was having some of my best friends with me at the studio while Eddie and I were recording this album. Sharing the experience with them made it all that much more special for me. And to my husband, Tom, thank you for supporting me with patience and love in this effort to fulfill one of my dreams. "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life" is for you. Love you forever.

And for my sons who have provided me with so much joy and excitement and love over the years I want to dedicate these three songs. “You Are My Sunshine" is for you Danny. You have always been my sunshine and always will be. For Jack Allen, it's "Over The Rainbow." You are already there son – I miss you so much. For Ronnie it's "Smile" just because it fits. Love you guys so much.

And without my great friend, Eddie Tobin, this recording never would have happened. Over the past few years you have shared yourself and your magical music and knowledge with me in so many ways, always giving me what I need whether you are playing or arranging for me and always challenging me to stretch and grow musically in all ways. You are an amazing talent and friend whom I am grateful and honored to spend time with professionally and personally. My world is a little bigger and brighter because of you. You know you own a very special corner of my heart and my soul. Thank you for letting me play in the corners of your sandbox my friend.

I wrote "When Love Comes Around The Corner" as a result of the love and encouragement from all of you. Love has come around so many corners in so many ways in my life. I am truly grateful for it all. I hope we have provided some enjoyable and thoughtful songs that might touch you with love and bring back some memories from your own lives. I do smile a lot. It just doesn't get any better than this! Thanks for listening! ~Judy Renaud

In everyone's life there comes a time when you meet special people. They may be artists, athletes, educators, friends or the person in your life that you marry. Judy and Tom are two of those special people. They are friends and musicians.

This is Judy's album with me accompanying. It was an opportunity to play solo piano with a lady who can beautifully sing a melody and create and bring out many nuances that the composer may or may not have thought about. That's jazz. She has a tone that makes you smile!

I must thank Bud, our recording engineer at The Spirit Ranch Studio. He is a real gentleman and awesome engineer. It is always a pleasure to do any kind of project with him. Way to go, Bud!

I am happy that we recorded these songs. It's voice and piano with a few strings added sparingly. It came out quite nicely and I really enjoy listening to the performances. Hope you all enjoy the album. ~Eddie Tobin

When Love Comes Around The Corner

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Sonny Criss - The Complete Imperial Sessions (Bonus Tracks)

Size: 180,8+180,8 MB
Time: 77:08+77:23
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2000/2016
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

Vol. 1:
01. Willow Weep For Me (3:47)
02. These Foolish Things (6:04)
03. Blue Friday (2:41)
04. Sunday (3:51)
05. More Than You Know (3:07)
06. Easy Living (2:21)
07. Alabamy Bound (3:09)
08. Something's Gotta Give (4:27)
09. West Coast Blues (4:59)
10. Criss-Cross (3:48)
11. Ham's Blues (2:38)
12. Sweet Georgia Brown (2:51)
13. Summertime (4:00)
14. Memories Of You (3:51)
15. Wailin' With Joe (2:41)
16. How Deep Is The Ocean (2:55)
17. The Blues For Rose (2:29)
18. The Man I Love (3:16)
19. Until The Real Thing Comes Along (4:01)
20. Blue Prelude (2:35)
21. After You've Gone (3:37)
22. Come Rain Or Come Shine (3:48)

Vol. 2:
01. How High The Moon (3:06)
02. If I Had You (2:41)
03. I Love You (4:10)
04. Anything Goes (3:10)
05. Easy To Love (3:14)
06. It's All Right With Me (3:07)
07. In The Still Of The Night (4:17)
08. Love For Sale (2:43)
09. Night And Day (4:40)
10. Just One Of Those Things (2:46)
11. What Is This Thing Called Love (5:41)
12. I Get A Kick Out Of You (2:50)
13. Sweet Lorraine (Bonus Track) (3:39)
14. You Don't Know What Love Is (Bonus Track) (3:59)
15. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise (Bonus Track) (5:35)
16. Butts Delight (Bonus Track) (4:07)
17. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) (Bonus Track) (3:54)
18. Sylvia (Bonus Track) (7:43)
19. (Back Home Again In) Indiana (Bonus Track) (5:51)

This double disc reissue on Blue Note contains the three releases that alto saxophonist Sonny Criss did for Imperial: Jazz U.S.A., Go Man!, and Plays Cole Porter. These sessions were all recorded in 1956 at a time when Criss had honed his amazing bebop alto precision. These 34 performances contain only five of his originals and are surrounded by mainly standards. The bands consisted of solid lineups with Sonny Clark or Kenny Drew on piano; Barney Kessel on guitar; Leroy Vinnegar, Buddy Clark or Bill Woodson on bass; Larry Bunker on vibes; and Larance Marable or Chuck Thompson taking care of drumming duties. While Criss had a career that erratically spanned the '70s, these Imperial sessions (reissued in glorious mono) contained highly regarded performances of passionate blues, moving ballads, and energetic up-tempo pieces. ~by Al Campbell

The Complete Imperial Sessions Vol. 1
The Complete Imperial Sessions Vol. 2

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Nancy Hamilton - Dreamsville

Size: 102,5 MB
Time: 37:11
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Slow, Hot Wind (4:48)
02. Invitation (5:13)
03. Soul Eyes (2:33)
04. Dreamsville (3:57)
05. Maybe September (3:36)
06. Out Of This World (3:35)
07. Baltimore Oriole (5:42)
08. Mr Lucky (3:41)
09. Love Came On Stealthy Fingers (4:02)

Nancy Hamilton is a vocalist cut from the old cloth, delivering jazz vocals old school.

Her voice is a rich, sultry contralto that instantly recalls smoke-filled jazz bars in dark basements in the heyday of jazz. Although her voice has a beautiful tone, she is not simply a pretty voice. Nancy discovers great gems in the jazz repertoire and gives them a good polish, and a brand new sound. There is always a sense of adventure and exploration, but always a cool control, as different corners of a tune are brought to light.

Dreamsville

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Di Anne Price & Her Boyfriends - Sugar In My Bowl

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:27
Size: 90.3 MB
Styles: Blues piano & vocals
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[3:21] 1. She's No Lady, She's Your Wife
[4:23] 2. Just For A Thrill
[2:41] 3. Sticks And Stones
[5:04] 4. Home Of The Blues
[4:15] 5. You Won't Let Me Go
[2:49] 6. My Man Stands Out
[4:38] 7. I Want To Be Seduced
[4:12] 8. Room With A View
[3:30] 9. Sugar In My Bowl
[4:29] 10. Baby You Got What It Takes

Memphis pianist-vocalist Di Anne Price channels the spirit of classic blues divas Ida Cox, Alberta Hunter, Sippie Wallace, and Memphis Minnie. A profoundly soulful singer, her expressive voice is etched with pain or brimming with sly humor while tickling the ivories barrel piano style on two-fisted shuffles, rolling blues, and boogie woogie workouts. ~Jazz Times

Di Anne gets to the heart and meaning of a song that appeals to everyone. “When I play this music, sing these songs, I'm saying ‘share this story with me'. I want real drums, real bass, and I want it to be my voice that people hear, not something created in a studio. Di Anne’s approach to music is shared with "Her Boyfriends" - drummer Tom Lonardo, saxophonist Jim Spake, and bassist Tim Goodwin. "Playing with them makes my back tingle. It's like making love," Di Anne says. "When we play, we're telling a story, and no matter where I start, they go with me." ~John Taylor – Blues On Stage

Sugar In My Bowl

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Tony Bennett - Perfectly Frank

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 73:47

Size: 168.9 MB

Styles: Jazz vocals

Year: 1992/2006

Art: Front

[3:33] 1. Time After Time

[2:01] 2. I Fall In Love Too Easily

[4:11] 3. East Of The Sun (West Of The Moon)

[3:14] 4. Nancy

[2:56] 5. I Thought About You

[3:35] 6. Night And Day

[2:52] 7. I've Got The World On A String

[3:14] 8. I'm Glad There Is You

[2:55] 9. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square

[3:08] 10. I Wished On The Moon

[3:46] 11. You Go To My Head

[2:25] 12. The Lady Is A Tramp

[2:58] 13. I See Your Face Before Me

[2:07] 14. Day In, Day Out

[2:59] 15. Indian Summer

[3:24] 16. Call Me Irresponsible

[3:31] 17. Here's That Rainy Day

[2:25] 18. Last Night When We Were Young

[2:14] 19. I Wish I Were In Love Again

[2:11] 20. A Foggy Day

[4:53] 21. Don't Worry 'bout Me

[3:24] 22. One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)

[2:42] 23. Angel Eyes

[2:55] 24. I'll Be Seeing You

Perfectly Frank is just that -- a group of covers that came to define Frank Sinatra as a vocal legend. Here, Tony Bennett pays homage to "the Voice" in a way only he can. This massive, 24-track compilation runs through the list of standards that made Sinatra legendary. "Night and Day," "East of the Sun (West of the Moon)," and "The Lady Is a Tramp" are just a few of the tracks that Bennett has managed to bring to life just as beautifully as Sinatra did so many years ago. Backed by his standard group, the Ralph Sharon Trio, he manages to make this collection more and more his own. Instead of simply covering the songs, or trying to emulate Sinatra, Bennett adds his personal touch to each song. This is a tribute to the music, as well as to Sinatra. ~Christopher Fielder

Perfectly Frank

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John Colianni Quintet - After Hours

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:12
Size: 96.6 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[2:20] 1. Elevation Blues
[4:12] 2. I Don't Know About You
[3:43] 3. Can't Help Falling In Love With You
[2:56] 4. Sweet Sue Just You
[3:41] 5. I Want You Back
[2:20] 6. When Your Lover Has Gone
[3:11] 7. Angel Face
[5:20] 8. I Only Have Eyes For You
[3:57] 9. That Old Feeling
[3:56] 10. After Hours
[4:38] 11. For Heaven's Sake
[1:54] 12. Deep In The Heart Of Texas

Clearly, Colianni is a brilliant pianist. Like most albums this one has several very fine pieces that really delight. Strangely, it also has several pieces in which he and his musicians chose to sing in a 40s style reminiscent so the Sons of the Pioneers-bet you don't remember them. He redeems himself with a few more fine pieces, but then blows it with his final selection: Deep in the Heart of Texas! I guess this must have been a very personal album for the group, but it is a little quirky for this buyer's taste and I wish it had a few more keeper pieces. ~Timeout/Amazon

Currently (2015), Official Baldwin Piano Artist John Colianni (or "Johnny Chops") and his group, The John Colianni Quintet, appear in varieties of venues here in the USA, as well as in international bookings, such as the upcoming August-September club and concert tour of Great Britain and Western Europe. For complete gig listings, please click “Performances”.

John is also featured in the Les Paul Trio. Joining the group in 2003, John performed regularly with Les in NYC and on the road for over 6 years. Since Les's passing in 2009, John has appeared (with the remaining Trio members) in tribute performances, which include frequent guest appearances by performers like Stanley Jordan, Mike Stern, Jose Feliciano, Larry Coryell, Steve Miller, Eric Johnson, Zakk Wylde, Duke Robillard, Jimmy Buffet, Todd Rundgren, Jane Monheit, Bernie Williams (the ex-Yankee), Albert Lee, Blondie Chaplin, Janis Siegel, and Larry Carlton, among others.

After Hours

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Cootie Williams & His Orchestra - 1946-1949

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:08
Size: 146.8 MB
Styles: Big band, Swing, Early R&B
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[2:39] 1. Rhapsody In Bass
[3:06] 2. Ain't Got No Blues Today
[2:46] 3. Bring 'em Down Front
[3:08] 4. I Can't Get Started
[2:44] 5. Inflation Blues
[3:05] 6. I Want To Be Loved
[2:51] 7. Sound Track
[3:15] 8. Ooh La La
[2:52] 9. Save The Bones For Henry Jones
[3:01] 10. If It's True
[2:42] 11. I Should Have Been Thinkin' Instead Of Drinkin'
[2:54] 12. You Talk A Little Trash
[2:41] 13. Typhoon
[3:18] 14. I Love You, Yes I Do
[3:09] 15. Smooth Sailing
[3:08] 16. Gator Tail, Pt. 1
[2:46] 17. Gator Tail, Pt. 2
[2:59] 18. Let 'em Roll
[3:33] 19. Slidin' And Glidin'
[2:12] 20. Mercenary Papa
[2:46] 21. Down The Gator Tail
[2:23] 22. You Gotta Pay Those Dues

Classics picks up the story of former Ellington trumpeter Cootie Williams as the leader of his own orchestra from 1946 through 1949 on sides he recorded for Capitol, Majestic, and Mercury. Vocalists Bob Merrill, Billy Matthews, and Eddie Mack are heavily featured on these 22 cuts. The R&B jump music of Louis Jordan and Wynonie Harris were big draws in the nightclubs and jukeboxes of the time and much of this material lends itself to that style. "Inflation Blues" is a takeoff of the "Let the Good Times Roll" theme, while "Save the Bones for Henry Jones," "I Should O' Been Thinking Instead of Drinkin," "Gator Tail" (parts one and two), and "Doin' the Gator Tail" are enjoyable mixtures of novelty lyrics and stompin' R&B instrumentals. While Williams favored this commercial recipe during these years, he did manage to wax a few ballads, such as "I Can't Get Started" and "I Want to Be Loved," and orchestra numbers like "Rhapsody in Bass"; "Sound Track" leans toward the Ellingtonesque style he was an earlier participant in. ~Al Campbell

1946-1949

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Sandra King, Richard Rodney Bennett - The Magic Window

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:24
Size: 122.2 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1988/1995
Art: Front

[2:40] 1. Like Someone In Love
[4:04] 2. Only The Lonely
[3:21] 3. It Could Happen To You
[3:38] 4. I Could Have Told You
[3:58] 5. Going My Way
[2:39] 6. What Does It Take
[4:57] 7. The Second Time Around
[3:34] 8. Humpty Dumpty Heart
[5:28] 9. Medley You Think Of Everything Welcome To My Dream
[2:37] 10. And His Rocking Horse Ran Away
[4:26] 11. I'll Only Miss Him When I Think Of Him
[2:57] 12. I Thought About You
[4:32] 13. All My Tomorrows
[4:27] 14. The Magic Window

Sandra King-voc, Richard Rodney Bennett-voc & pno, Gene Bertoncini-gtr, Michael Moore-bs in a celebration of Jimmy Van Heusen's music. Recorded at Mapelshade Studios, Glen Dale, MD (11/10/1986/11/11/1986).

The Magic Window

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Harry Connick, Jr. - Harry Connick, Jr.

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:02
Size: 89,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:13)  1. Love is Here to Stay
(5:51)  2. Little Clown
(1:36)  3. Zealousy
(3:26)  4. Sunny Side of the Street
(5:25)  5. I Mean You
(5:04)  6. Vocation
(5:03)  7. On Green Dolphin Street
(4:15)  8. Little Waltz
(4:04)  9. E

Harry Connick, Jr.'s first Columbia album features him mostly playing stride piano solos in a style heavily influenced by Thelonious Monk. Bassist Ron Carter drops by for a duet on his own "Little Waltz" while "E" finds Connick welcoming bassist Reginald Veal and drummer Herman Riley. The instrumental set is generally colorful even if Connick's timing was not too steady at this point. Standards alternate with forgotten originals with the highlights being "On the Sunny Side of the Street," "I Mean You" and "On Green Dolphin Street." ~ ScottYanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/harry-connick-jr-mw0000651529

Solo performer: Harry Connick, Jr. (vocals, piano).

Harry Connick, Jr.

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Terence Trent D'Arby - Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby

Styles: Vocal Pop, Funk
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:11
Size: 108,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:17)  1. If You All Get To Heaven
(3:14)  2. If You Let Me Stay
(3:30)  3. Wishing Well
(3:36)  4. I'll Never Turn My Back On You (Father's Words)
(3:54)  5. Dance Little Sister
(4:31)  6. Seven More Days
(5:32)  7. Let's Go Forward
(2:59)  8. Rain
(4:38)  9. Sign Your Name
(5:36) 10. As Yet Untitled
(4:21) 11. Who's Loving You

Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent d'Arby is a strong debut by this young singer, who wrote virtually every note, played a multitude of instruments, and claimed that this was the most important album since the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper. Hits included "If You Let Me Stay," "Dance Little Sister," "Sign Your Name," and the number one "Wishing Well." His first album is a curious mixture of old and new styles. Although the production is quite modern, d'Arby shows his roots in the work of older artists, borrowing a page or two from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, while James Brown appears to have had the strongest influence on d'Arby's stage presence. ~ Rob Bowman http://www.allmusic.com/album/introducing-the-hardline-according-to-terence-trent-darby-mw0000197584

Personnel: Terence Trent D'Arby (vocals, baritone saxophone, piano, Clavinet, keyboards, drums, percussion); Christian Marsac (guitar, saxophone); Pete Glenister, "Blast" Murray, Tim Cansfield (guitar); Mel Collins (saxophone); Nick Plytas, Andy Whitmore (keyboards); Cass Lewis, Sean Oliver, Phil Spalding (bass); Preston Heyman (drums, percussion); Clive Mngaza, Bruce Smith (drums); Frank Ricotti (percussion); Ivar Ybrad (sinbula); Tony Jackson, Lance Ellington, Phil Legg, Michelle Oldland, Martyn Ware, Glenn Gregory (background vocals).

Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby

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