Jonah Jones Quartet - I Dig Chicks

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 27:13
Size: 62.3 MB
Styles: Trumpet & vocal jazz
Year: 1959/2010
Art: Front

[2:02] 1. I Dig Chicks
[1:55] 2. Mandy, Make Up Your Mind
[2:10] 3. Marchetta
[1:59] 4. Tangerine
[2:38] 5. Cecilia
[2:19] 6. Blue Lou
[1:55] 7. Chlo-E
[2:26] 8. Lillette
[2:16] 9. Judy
[2:34] 10. Louise
[2:21] 11. Linda
[2:33] 12. Rosetta

The cover of this LP gives males three good reasons to "dig chicks." Trumpeter/vocalist Jonah Jones continues his "swinging with a shuffle" formula, performing 11 songs named after women, plus the title cut (which has one of his six vocals of the date). Jones, pianist Teddy Brannon, bassist John Brown and drummer George Foster have a good time romping on such numbers as "Mandy, Make Up Your Mind," "Tangerine," "Blue Lou," "Rosetta" and some lesser-known tunes. The overall results may be a bit lightweight and predictable, but the trumpeter gives this album enough exciting moments to make it worth getting. ~Scott Yanow

I Dig Chicks

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Claire Daly - Swing Low

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:01
Size: 114.5 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1999
Art: Front

[0:45] 1. Swing Low
[3:59] 2. I've Got The World On A String
[5:56] 3. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
[4:41] 4. For All We Know
[4:26] 5. You Make Me Feel So Young
[5:39] 6. Lady's Blues
[6:17] 7. The Chooch
[4:14] 8. Sharp Turn
[4:40] 9. I Wished On The Moon
[5:20] 10. I Thought About You
[4:00] 11. Little Old Lady

Claire Daly, baritone saxophone; Eli Yamin, piano; Dave Hofstra, bass; Peter Grant, drums; George Garzone, tenor saxophone (3, 7, 11).

Oh, how I’d love to use this disc as part of a blindfold test for those who roll their eyes or otherwise show their disdain when the discussion turns to women in Jazz who do anything other than sing or play the piano. I can almost picture the looks of shock and disbelief as I disclose that this baritone saxophonist’s name is Claire Daly and that she is the leader on this exemplary quartet/quintet date. What is the Jazz world coming to, the nay–sayers may wonder, when a woman not only chooses to play an instrument as large and unwieldy as the baritone but does so as well as any of her male counterparts. After two decades of gigging around New York and going on the road with various groups including the marvelous all–woman big band, DIVA, this is Daly’s first recording under her own name, and it’s a debut that is long overdue. To put it as concisely as possible, she’s something else. On the breezy opener, “I’ve Got the World on a String,” Daly’s unruffled approach and burnished tone remind one of the fabled Bostonian, Serge Chaloff. Elsewhere, as on “For All We Know” or “You Make Me Feel So Young,” she stirs memories of one of the greatest (and most sadly neglected) baritone masters of them all, Sweden’s Lars Gullin. But while the influence exerted by those giants (as well as by Cecil Payne, Pepper Adams and such recent poll–winners as Nick Brignola and Ronnie Cuber) is inescapable, Daly’s no robotic clone. She has found her own voice, and it’s as bold and persuasive as anyone else’s — male or female. She’s as comfortable with burners as she is with ballads, never overlooks a melodic phrase, has a gorgeous sound and always swings — low or high. Daly also has a keen sense of humor, as she shows on Rahsaan Roland Kirk’s playful ”Lady’s Blues,” on which she uses some squeals, honks and even a Kirk–style whistle to make her point. Daly invited Boston–area tenor George Garzone to sit in on three tracks, and he’s a standout on Lerner and Loewe’s “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face,” his own composition “The Chooch,” and the ironically chosen finale, Hoagy Carmichael’s “Little Old Lady” — which Daly is anything but. We haven’t mentioned the rhythm section, but should, as Yamin, Hofstra and Grant are impeccable in support and deliver consistently impressive solos whenever their turn comes around. Apart from its 49:57 playing time, the session as a whole is near–perfect. I do wish that Daly had been able to include at least one more highly appropriate standard, “Close Your Eyes,” because if you can do that, while opening your ears, you’ll hear an awesome baritone saxophonist who’s as dynamic and resourceful as any you can name. If you like the baritone, you’re gonna love Claire Daly. Encore! ~Jack Bowers

Swing Low

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Matt Stansberry & The Romance - Let's Brighten It Up

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 29:49
Size: 68.3 MB
Styles: R&B, Soul
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[4:47] 1. Brighten It Up
[3:39] 2. Tonight
[3:55] 3. In Your Arms
[4:09] 4. Bad World
[3:59] 5. She's Got It
[3:57] 6. Love Wins
[5:21] 7. You Bring It Out

"Let's Brighten It Up" is the debut, seven song EP from Matt Stansberry & The Romance. These songs are inspired by 50s rock and 60s motown soul. This project isn't simply copying older music, but rather using those legendary sounds to fuel a revival of classic music with a modern twist. “A ten-piece homage to 1950s and 60s soul and blues that is an energetic, electric and absolutely earth-quaking musical assault. This is a big time sound from a big time band. Look for big things from Matt Stansberry & The Romance.” - Jivewired “The title track bridges the gap between ’50s pop and soul, beaming like sunshine with a good amount of shimmy. “She’s Got It” is similarly infectious. Other offerings play more like straight soul — “Tonight” and “In Your Arms” recalls what contemporaries like Mayer Hawthorne and Fitz and the Tantrums are doing.” ~ Oklahoma Gazette

Let's Brighten It Up

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Nóis 4 - Bom Dia

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:42
Size: 122.9 MB
Styles: Brazilian jazz
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[4:14] 1. A Rã
[4:16] 2. Pára-Raio
[3:41] 3. Chovendo Na Roseira
[4:32] 4. Bom Dia
[5:13] 5. Insensatez
[3:24] 6. Procurando Tu
[4:28] 7. Atrás Da Porta
[5:32] 8. Três Vendas
[4:57] 9. Dindi
[3:52] 10. Que Maravilha / S' Wonderful
[3:36] 11. É Doce Morrer No Mar
[5:50] 12. Vestidinho / Canto Pra Cira

NOIS 4 recorded Bom Dia (pronounced 'Bom Jeeaa') live over a long weekend, and though writing/arranging duties are shared among the collective, production detail fell to drummer and percussionist Chris Wells. Taking much of their material from such superstar composers as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Dorival Caymmi and Jackson Do Pandeiro, the album could have been a 'Greatest Hits' of Brazilian music, but the obvious songs have been discarded in favor of overlooked gems. Bom Dia is a beautifully engaging album. The dominant ingredients are the lilting voice of Monica Vasconcelos intertwined with Getzian saxophone of Ingrid Laubrock. The songs are perfectly balanced, plaintive yet affirming, profound yet light. It will be played over and over again.

Bom Dia

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Steve Dobrogosz, Anna Christoffersson - Covers

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 65:06

Size: 149.0 MB

Styles: Piano jazz, Jazz vocals

Year: 2010

Art: Front

[4:15] 1. Ave Maria

[4:26] 2. Jealous Guy

[4:07] 3. Ooh Child

[6:08] 4. Lika A Hurricane

[5:16] 5. Just The Way You Are

[5:40] 6. I Have Nothing

[4:42] 7. Through The Morning, Through The Night

[3:58] 8. Somewhere

[5:24] 9. I Heard It Through The Grapevine

[5:09] 10. A Song For You

[5:44] 11. Dig Me A Grave

[6:16] 12. All Around

[3:54] 13. Akikaze Ni

Anna Christoffersson - vocal, Steve Dobrogosz - piano.

Steve Dobrogosz grew up in the American south (Raleigh, NC) where his training as a classical pianist paralleled his fascination with popular music. After moving to Stockholm in '78 he became part of Scandinavia's jazz scene as both pianist and composer. His 1982 duo album "Fairy Tales" with Norwegian singer Radka Toneff is widely regarded as a classic. The Gothenburg Post compared his music to Gershwin and Porter, writing "Dobrogosz's songs are melodic masterpieces, with a harmonic sophistication seldom found in music today."

In the 90s Dobrogosz shifted focus to notated composition and his reputation grew as a modern representative of tonal lyricism. His first major choral work Mass (1992) has now been performed in over 40 countries. Dobrogosz's oeuvre includes over 1000 compositions in a broad spectrum of genres. His duo recordings with Anna Christoffersson received two Swedish Grammy nominations.

Covers

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Charlie Christian - The Immortal Charlie Christian

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:54
Size: 103,2 MB
Art: Front

(9:00)  1. Swing to Bop
(6:12)  2. Up on Teddy's Hill
(7:38)  3. Kerouac
(2:28)  4. Guy's Got to Go
(4:57)  5. Lips Flips
(3:00)  6. Blue n' Boogie
(3:12)  7. Hot House
(2:45)  8. Groovin' High
(2:50)  9. Dizzy Atmosphere
(2:48) 10. All the Things You Are

Aside from the name being misspelled on front and back cover, guitarist Charlie (not Charley) Christian was at the forefront of the bebop revolution. These ten tracks show why, and also gives rise to the notion of Christian being the first to wield an amplified electric guitar. The CD has a nice range of bop classics, three written by co-conspirator Dizzy Gillespie, two originals of Christian's, a lone standard, and a tribute to Jack Kerouac. This collection represents not only a smidgen of what Christian did before his career was tragically cut short, but opens a window into his grand contributions to jazz. Though only an appetizer and a bit flawed, it is tasty. ~ Michael G.Nastos http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-immortal-charlie-christian-mw0000122348

Personnel:  Bass – Nick Finton;  Drums – Kenny Clarke;  Guitar – Charlie Christian;  Piano – Kenny Kersey, Thelonious Monk;  Tenor Saxophone – Don Byas;  Trumpet – Dizzy Gillespie, Hot Lips Page, Joe Guy

The Immortal Charlie Christian

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Brenda Boykin - The Time In The World

Styles: Vocal, Soul
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:39
Size: 149,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:22)  1. Feel Me
(4:35)  2. Mambo Jambo
(4:05)  3. This Maybe Game
(3:46)  4. Don't Take My Love Away
(5:08)  5. Where Is It Written
(4:31)  6. I'll Be With You
(4:40)  7. Stone Mad
(4:20)  8. El Ritmo
(4:04)  9. Pa-Pade Swing (Koko Chanel Club Mix)
(3:58) 10. Dancing All Night
(3:57) 11. All the Time in the World
(4:16) 12. La Diva
(3:56) 13. Ninety Nine 'n a Half
(4:56) 14. U Don't Love Me (I Don't Care)
(3:59) 15. And You Know How

Brenda calls it "Bourbon and Cornbread," the musical mixture of jazzy sweetness and down-home sass that marks her as "the most authentic and most inventive female jump blues vocal stylist of her generation," according to blues historian Lee Hildebrand. Brenda Boykin has earned a sterling reputation in the San Francisco Bay Area as a masterful interpreter of jazz and blues material gleaned from big bands, old blues hands, and honky tonk heroes. Boykin has firmly established herself as an unsurpassed vocal talent whose elixir of bourbon and cornbread - sounds from silk to sandpaper delight both new listeners and purists who compare her to the giants of the past. A native of Oakland, California, Boykin's first musical experience came through the youth choir of the North Oakland Missionary Baptist Church, one of the many houses of the lord where raucous, heart-felt sounds of the faithful still ring out on the wide streets of the East Bay flatlands. The church strains can still be found in her rich, husky contralto, effortless power and controlled vocal passion. After studying the clarinet in high school Boykin entered the University of California at Berkeley - and though studying psychology and social welfare gravitated toward the jazz bands working on and near campus. Boykin worked Bay Area jazz and blues hot spots that helped her expand her musical horizons.

With the encouragement of family friend and guitarist Sonny Lane, Boykin began to dig in with the blues people at Oaklands's legendary Eli's Mile High Club. The famous North Oakland night spot has been for many years the heartbeat of East Bay blues life, with giant figures including Percy Mayfield, Lowell Fulson and Jimmy McCracklin gracing the small stage alongside lesser-known stalwarts including guitarist and arranger Johnny Heartsman, Sonny Lane and Mississippi Johnny Waters.Under tutelage of Lane, Waters and drummer Francis Clay an influential force in the great Muddy Waters bands of the late '50's and early '60's - Boykin absorbed the laid back, call-and-response magic of the late night urban blues. "Boykin does delightfully unfamiliar things with familiar tunes," said the East Bay Express in 1988, "using her rhythmic authority and arranger's sensibility to create exciting new version" of tunes from Basie, B.B., Buck Owens and everybody in between. She often cites Sarah Vaughn as a major influence, but Brenda Joyce Boykin is certainly not a devotee to any one stylist or genre. She says that the incomparable blue balladeer Bobby "Blue" Bland, whose string of hits dates back to the early '50s, has had an enormous impact to her vocal approach. She also gives a nod to Brenda lee and Elvis Presley, LaVern Baker and even the "divorcee music" of Nancy Wilson and Dakota Staton.

Boykin has won rave reviews for her repeat performances at the venerable Monterey Jazz Festival, the more boisterous Monterey Bay Blues Festival, the San Francisco Blues Festival, the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival in Davenport, Iowa, the DuMaurier Jazz Festival in Vancouver, and the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy. For many years she has performed duets with her "musical soul mate" Eric Swinderman, a sensitive guitarist who accompanies Boykin on material ranging from New Orleans rhythms to jazz standards. Boykin has performed countless times with Home Cookin', a small combo with a changing roster that has included guitarists Anthony Paule and Steve Freund, pianists Steve Lucky and Caroline Dahl, bassist Tim Wagar and drummer Tyler Eng. For the past three years Boykin has also taught singing workshops at the Rhythmic Concepts Jazz Camp, alongside a roster of the San Francisco Bay Area's most celebrated and dedicated jazz musicians. Boykin has mastered all of the crafts of a complete vocalist, she has a rich voice, a masterful grasp of musical dynamics, and a natural, unforced empathy with her listeners. "Part of showmanship is to turn to the guitar player and bass player and exchange some energy, look him in the eye and say 'Yeah, Baby,'" Boykin told Blues Revue in 1995. "I'm like the party master. The way a hostess gets at a house party. I'm walking around making sure the energy is up in every part of the room." In 1997 Brenda received a BAMMIE nomination for Best Vocalist of The Year. http://www.last.fm/music/Brenda+Boykin/+wiki

The Time In The World

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Charlie Mariano - Reflections

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1974
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:15
Size: 122,3 MB
Art: Front

( 5:38)  1. Glenford Crescent
( 8:30)  2. Naima
( 7:16)  3. Brother Muthaiah
( 4:26)  4. Spanish Dance No.2
( 5:44)  5. Blue in Green
( 4:46)  6. Thiruvarankulam
( 5:56)  7. Chile
(10:55)  8. Rambling

Charlie Mariano's career can easily be divided into two phases. Early on he was a fixture in Boston, playing with Shorty Sherock (1948), Nat Pierce (1949-1950), and his own groups. After gigging with a band co-led by Chubby Jackson and Bill Harris, Mariano toured with Stan Kenton's Orchestra (1953-1955) which earned him a strong reputation. He moved to Los Angeles in 1956 (working with Shelly Manne and other West Coast jazz stars), returned to Boston to teach in 1958 at Berklee, and the following year, had a return stint with Kenton. After marrying Toshiko Akiyoshi, Mariano co-led a group with the pianist on and off up to 1967, living in Japan during part of the time and also working with Charles Mingus (1962-1963).

The second phase of his career began with the formation of his early fusion group Osmosis in 1967. Known at the time as a strong bop altoist with a sound of his own developed out of the Charlie Parker style, Mariano began to open his music up to the influences of folk music from other cultures, pop, and rock. He taught again at Berklee, traveled to India and the Far East, and in the early '70s settled in Europe. Among the groups Mariano has worked with have been Pork Pie (which also featured Philip Catherine), the United Jazz & Rock Ensemble, and Eberhard Weber's Colours. Charlie Mariano's airy tones on soprano and the nagaswaram (an Indian instrument a little like an oboe) fit right in on some new agey ECM sessions and he also recorded as a leader through the years for Imperial, Prestige, Bethlehem, World Pacific, Candid (with Toshiko Akiyoshi in 1960), Regina, Atlantic, Catalyst, MPS, CMP, Leo, and Calig, among others. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/artist/charlie-mariano-mn0000207133/biography

Personnel: Charlie Mariano: alto, soprano sax;  Eero Koivistoinen: tenor, soprano sax;  Jukka Tolonen: electric guitar;  Ollo Ahvenlahti: piano, electric piano;  Pentti Hietanen: piano;  Pekka Sarmanto: acoustic bass;  Heikki Virtanan: electric bass;  Esko Rossnell: drums;  Reino Laine: drums;  Sabu Martinez: congas, percussion

Reflections

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Tina Marx - Shades Of Love

Size: 101,3 MB
Time: 34:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. I Thought About You (2:24)
02. Meditation (4:20)
03. Cheek To Cheek (3:56)
04. Dear Heart (3:38)
05. Fever (3:56)
06. Lullaby Of Birdland (2:42)
07. Night And Day (3:20)
08. Brazil (2:47)
09. Bluesette (2:28)
10. Can't Take That Away From Me (2:25)
11. Moonglow (2:47)

Tina Marx grew up in South Jersey, but has made Colorado her home. Tina has been in several rock bands, sung backup vocals for Motown legend Chuck Jackson and performed on many local recordings. She has spent much of her career fronting the variety dance band, “Tina Marx & The Millionaires”. Coming from a musical theatre background, jazz standards has always been one of Tina’s passionate genres with influences from Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson and Ella Fitzgerald. As an Indie artist, “Shades of Love” is Tina’s newest solo album of “Timeless Jazz Standards”. Although she won’t abandon her pop rock fans, she has branched out into a vocal jazz genre, recording with a talented group of Denver musicians, Bob Montgomery (piano), Raoul Rossiter (drums), Jon Cullison (Upright bass), Mark Harris (saxes, flute) and Rick Jordan (trumpet). The body of the CD was recorded back in 2007. Later, producer/arranger, Anthony Walker, wrote vocal and horn arrangements which brought it all together into a cohesive new sound. You can be sure that this will not be the last CD that we will hear from this songstress, Tina Marx.

Shades Of Love

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Chuck Loeb - Unspoken

Size: 137,9 MB
Time: 59:27
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz
Art: Front

01. Cotton Club (Feat. Jeff Lorber) (5:04)
02. Natural Light (Feat. Andy Snitzer) (6:06)
03. Unspoken (Feat. Brian Culbertson) (6:11)
04. Happy Hour (Feat. Mitchel Forman) (6:02)
05. Affinity (Feat. Everette Harp) (5:17)
06. Treetops (Feat. Jeff Lorber & Eric Marienthal) (5:06)
07. Si Se Puede (Feat. Till Bronner) (5:32)
08. Way Up High (Feat. Carmen Cuesta) (3:03)
09. Cut And Run (Feat. David Mann) (5:51)
10. Voramar (Feat. Eric Marienthal & Pat Bianchi) (7:24)
11. Via Verde (Feat. Christina Loeb) (3:45)

The Hitmaker Is Back! With over 30 top ten Smooth Jazz radio hits to his credit, including an incredible 20 #1s, Chuck Loeb is truly an icon and pioneer of the Smooth Jazz genre. Unspoken features guest appearances by Smooth Jazz superstars Brian Culbertson, Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp and Eric Marienthal, plus the great Will Lee (of David Letterman fame). In addition, the album features vocals by Carmen Cuesta (Mrs. Loeb), whose sensuous vocals have resulted in her own growing fan base.

"Timeless...will deeply satisfy any listener who enjoys Smooth Jazz." -- Allmusic

"The Clark Kent of jazz guitar." -- New York Times

Unspoken

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Caroll Vanwelden - Portraits Of Brazil

Size: 122,8 MB
Time: 52:20
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Bossa Nova, Samba
Art: Front

01. O Pato (3:12)
02. Retrato Em Branco E Preto (4:44)
03. Chovendo Na Roseira (3:52)
04. Beija Flor (5:18)
05. So Danço Samba (2:04)
06. Estate (5:17)
07. Telefone (3:03)
08. Modinha (2:04)
09. Pra Que Discutir Com Madame (2:51)
10. Começar De Novo (2:43)
11. Chega De Saudade (2:45)
12. Berimbau (3:14)
13. Doralice (2:39)
14. Tim Dom Dom (2:54)
15. Corcovado (3:02)
16. Por Toda A Minha Vida (2:30)

Personnel:
Caroll Vanwelden: vocals
Hans Van Oost: guitars
Mario Vermandel: double bass
Luc Vanden Bosch: drums, percussion

Four years ago, newly discovered in Germany, the outstanding Belgian singer Caroll Vanwelden catapulted herself into the limelight amid much celebration and duate of the London Guildhall School of Music and Drama, shows both original and new ways to entrance music lovers”, enthused Mauretta Heinzelmann and theexceptional CD’s released in 2012 en 2014 were chosen as “Album of the week” by the North German broadcasting company (NDR). Not less impressed was Thomas Hintze of "Stereo" magazine, who awarded her CD’s as "CD and Audiophile Highlight of the Month".
After releasing five albums under her own name, this belgian musician shows her great passion for Bra zilian songs on her latest album and interpreted Brazilian songs in her own and unique way.

Caroll Vanwelden has performed already in French, Dutch, English, German and Spanish. For this project, she also learned Portuguese so that she could record her favorite songs in the original language. Since her youth, Caroll is an avid fan of Ivan Lins and Joao Gilberto, and "Elis & Tom" (Elis Regina and Tom Jobim) belongs to her absolute favorite CDs. The way how Brazilian artists play harmonically and rhythmically complex songs and always exude an effortless ease, has always fascinated her and inspired her a lot. "Brazilian music has something very cute, intimate and familiar for me, it is very intense and very sad at the same time and that’s just the way I wanted my album to sound like." discribes Caroll.

Deliberately she has therefore opted for a reduced cast: guitar, bass and drums. Carolls musical life motto "less is more" characterizes the acoustic sound of the album. The fact that the musicians know each other very well and are longtime friends is clearly reflected in the intimate and warm atmosphere of the recording.

The subtle and very musical accompaniment of Hans Van Oost supports her warm and expressive vocals, while Mario Vermandel plucks his bass in a very groovy way. Luc Vanden Bosch takes care for the accentuation of Brazilian rhythms, and uses different percussion in addition to drums which also contributes to the amazing richness of the sound of the band.

With "Portraits of Brazil”, Caroll Vanwelden presents oncemore on an emotional, rich and lively way, her seemingly endless supply of creativity.

“Caroll Vanwelden has once again produced a little jewel for jazz lovers around the world.”

Portraits Of Brazil

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Herb Alpert - Human Nature

Size: 193 MB
Time: 30:50
File: FLAC
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Human Nature (3:04)
02. Shake It (3:31)
03. Alfie (3:10)
04. Thalia (3:14)
05. Look Up Again (4:04)
06. Incognito (3:55)
07. Don't Go Breaking My Heart (2:44)
08. Mystery Man (3:44)
09. Doodles (3:21)

Herb Alpert's new album 'Human Nature' finds the iconic musician delving into dance grooves and elements of electronic music in a way he has never done before. The new album, his fourth new release in just three years, is out September 30 and features five original compositions and Herb's signature reimagining of classics like Michael Jackson's "Human Nature," Burt Bacharach's "Alfie" and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," and Bacharach and Elvis Costello's "Look Up Again." Herb's legendary career includes five decades of unprecedented breakthroughs as an artist, record executive and philanthropist. In the past three years alone, he won his ninth GRAMMY for 2013's Steppin' Out and received the National Medal of Arts from President Obama.

Lead single and original track "Doodles" is propelled by a deep pocket groove and Herb's iconic phrasing, an earworm melody in his breathless style. "Human Nature," a Michael Jackson smash hit, gets a Latin tinge, the song stripped to its essentials to let the rhythm and melody shine. The album artwork, of a figure playing the trumpet, is an original sculpture that Herb crafted.

'Human Nature' is available for pre-order on August 5. Fans will receive an immediate download of "Doodles" with each order through iTunes or Amazon MP3.

In September, Herb will also re-release 24 classic albums from his illustrious career on CD with 4 titles to be released on LP. Each title has been remastered from the original analog tape mixes by GRAMMY-winning engineer Bernie Grundman, who was the original mastering engineer for many of these recordings. Several have been out of print for a number of years.

A 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Alpert's albums have sold over 72 million copies, and 29 of his records have reached the Billboard 200. Herb has also dedicated his life to philanthropy, funding music education programs across the country. Through his personal foundation, Herb has helped establish music programs at UCLA and the California Institute of Arts. Both schools have named their programs the Herb Alpert School of Music in his honor. Alpert has also established the Herb Alpert Scholarships for Emerging Young Artists, which help provide tuition to twenty young musicians each year.

Human Nature

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Brian Auger - Back To The Beginning... Again: The Brian Auger Anthology Vol. 2

Size: 150,2+140,5 MB
Time: 64:17+60:30
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz, Funk, Soul, Blues
Art: Front

CD 1:
01. Love For Sale (3:43)
02. Poinciana (3:39)
03. Work Song (3:05)
04. It Ain't Necessarily So (4:57)
05. Misty (1:48)
06. M.G. Blues (4:02)
07. In And Out (3:18)
08. Pavane (3:42)
09. All Blues (5:40)
10. Lament For Miss Baker (2:31)
11. Maiden Voyage (4:57)
12. Funky Mama (5:50)
13. Moanin' (7:31)
14. Sister Sadie (4:20)
15. Straight Ahead (5:07)

CD 2:
01. Light On The Path (4:53)
02. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) (4:30)
03. Happiness Is Just Around The Bend (6:30)
04. Brain Damage (8:02)
05. Foolish Girl (6:03)
06. Planet Earth Calling (4:08)
07. Black Octopus (3:51)
08. Ella (6:46)
09. Whenever You're Ready (Live In Germany) (9:13)
10. Freedom Jazz Dance (Live In Germany) (6:30)

Brian Auger, the London born keyboard genius & musical pioneer, lauded and loved by everybody from Herbie Hancock to Mose Allison, from the Brand New Heavies to The Beastie Boys, whose tracks have been sampled by Mos Def, Common, Air and Kid Loco, and his original compositions covered by Sarah Vaughan, Richard 'Groove' Holmes and he is the proud recipient of a US Congressional Award For Services to Jazz!

Since the 2015 release of volume one of Back To The Beginning - The Brian Auger Anthology, it's fair to say that a whole new audience of fans and taste makers have joined the massed ranks of music lovers who were already aware of this great mans incredible, pioneering music and career that now spans over 50 years. After more sell out tours of the US, UK and Europe in the last 12 months, magazine features and an epic, 2 hour interview with Gilles Peterson on BBC 6 Music - more people than ever now grasp what a genre busting, pioneering artist Brian is.

This second volume brings together not only remastered classics from Brian's' career, but also super rare, and previously unreleased tracks. Check out his blistering jazz piano tracks from the early 60's including Poinciana and Work Song, the barely known, late 60's Hammond organ & big band versions of jazz standards Moanin', Sister Sadie, and the incredibly gritty version by The Trinity of Jimmy McGriffs' MG Blues, and the Big John Patton penned Funky Mama! The version of Miles Davis' All Blues featuring Trinity vocalist Julie Driscoll needs to be heard to be believed.

As well as Oblivion Express perennials such as Straight Ahead, Inner City Blues and Happiness Is Just Around The Bend (Brians original composition, made famous by Cuba Gooding Seniors The Main Ingredient) there is also a demo version of Black Octopus, featuring The Headhunters Mike Clark & Paul Jackson, recorded in Brians' Bay Area garage after Herbie Hancock split that equally groundbreaking group.

You will also be swept away by Ella, the rare track Brian wrote and dedicated to his wife of nearly 50 years - and you will no doubt be up on your feet when checking out brand new, previously unreleased live versions of Whenever You're Ready and Freedom Jazz Dance, featuring original Oblivion Express vocalist Alex Ligertwood - recorded on 2015's epic and triumphant European tour and released here for the very first time.

Back To The Beginning..Again is a fantastic collection that demonstrates why Brian Auger is considered legendary.

Back To The Beginning... Again CD 1
Back To The Beginning... Again CD 2

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Coleman Hawkins - In A Mellow Tone (Remastered)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 50:41

Size: 116.0 MB

Styles: Saxophone jazz

Year: 1988/1995

Art: Front

[5:57] 1. You Blew Out The Flame In My Heart

[5:54] 2. I Want To Be Loved

[6:46] 3. In A Mellow Tone

[3:12] 4. Greensleeves

[5:10] 5. Through For The Night

[4:42] 6. Until The Real Thing Comes Along

[4:18] 7. The Sweetest Sounds

[5:09] 8. Then I'll Be Tired Of You

[9:30] 9. Jammin' In Swingville

This cd pulls material together from sessions dating between 1958 and 1962. After fourty years of legend status Hawkins was still inspiring, and being inspired by, younger musicians. Among those supporting the venerable icon are Red Garland, Tommy Flanagan, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Ron Carter, and Kenny Burrell. The generally laid back material ranges from standards, tender blues, a couple up-tempo blowing numbers, and an enjoyable nonet piece on "Jammin' in Swingville". While the take on "Greensleeves" seems a bit sappy, this is an entertaining, if unspectacular set of music from Coleman Hawkins. Longtime fans of Bean will be pleased with this cd, and while it is not the best introduction to one of the giants of jazz, it is enjoyable enough to recommend to new listeners because Hawkins' faculties are in check, and he still possesed one of the best sounds of all time. ~Amazon

In A Mellow Tone (Remastered)

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Irene Kral - Better Than Anything (With The Junior Mance Trio)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 29:38
Size: 67.8 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 1964/ 2004
Art: Front

[2:21] 1. Better Than Anything
[2:22] 2. The Touch Of Your Lips
[3:13] 3. The Meaning Of The Blues
[2:20] 4. Rock Me To Sleep
[3:10] 5. No More
[1:54] 6. Passing By
[2:37] 7. It's A Wonderful World
[3:23] 8. This Is Always
[2:43] 9. Just Friends
[3:35] 10. Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry
[1:54] 11. Nobody Else But Me

This CD reissues a formerly rare Irene Kral album that was originally recorded for the Ava label, one of only two records that she recorded during 1960-1973. Kral is quite recognizable, although not singing with quite the emotional intensity that she would display during her final three albums (which are all classics). Joined by pianist Junior Mance, bassist Bob Cranshaw, and drummer Mickey Roker (whose name is misspelled Rocker), Kral was already a delightful singer. Best are her versions of "Better Than Anything," "The Meaning of the Blues," "It's a Wonderful World," "Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry," and "Nobody Else But Me." This enjoyable set is available through the Spanish Fresh Sound label. ~Scott Yanow

Better Than Anything 

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Hep Chaps - Crazy Rhythm

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:42
Size: 125.2 MB
Styles: Swing
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[3:53] 1. Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart
[4:11] 2. Rosetta
[2:50] 3. 705
[3:05] 4. You've Got The Look
[3:55] 5. Dickie's Dream
[3:25] 6. Ants In My Pants
[4:06] 7. Who's Sorry Now
[2:59] 8. Deed I Do
[3:38] 9. If Dreams Came True
[2:33] 10. Ok Toots
[3:38] 11. Swing Bin
[5:52] 12. The Man I Love
[3:47] 13. Lazin'
[3:41] 14. Crazy Rhythm
[3:01] 15. Long Tall Mama

15 tracks, a nice mixture of Gypsy Jazz, small combo Swing and the singing style of the late 40s vocal groups! If you like Slim Gaillard or Django Reinhardt - this is the stuff you need! The Hep Chaps are led by David Howarth and John Wallace who met up in the West End of London performing in the stage musical Good Rockin' Tonight. They found a musical empathy in the sound of the 1930s and 40s and formed the duo specializing in self-penned songs with zany lyrics and punchy Swing rhythms. The duo became a trio, a quartet, and finally a 5-piece. David has played in various bands, and has acted in the original cast of Buddy and Good Rockin' Tonight in the West End. John started up with a The Stargazers who were signed by CBS and had some chart success. From there he played with JoBoxers, The Big Town Playboys, James Taylor Quartet, Little Willy Little Field, Robert Plant - the list goes on. Together, the Hep Chaps are a tight, authentically swinging outfit... very groovy and very special.

Crazy Rhythm

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Various - Capitol Records From The Vaults: The Best Of '56

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:33
Size: 145.5 MB
Styles: R&B, Easy Listening, Pop-Rock
Year: 2000
Art: Front


[2:35] 1. Tennessee Ernie Ford - Sixteen Tons
[2:32] 2. Nelson Riddle - Lisbon Antigua
[2:16] 3. Dean Martin - Memories Are Made Of This
[2:33] 4. Kit Carson - Band Of Gold
[2:24] 5. Les Paul - Moritat
[2:25] 6. Les Baxter - The Poor People Of Paris (Jean's Song)
[2:10] 7. The Cheers - Black Denim Trousers & Motorcycle Boots
[2:49] 8. Billy May - Man With The Golden Arm
[2:33] 9. Gordon Macrae - I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
[2:51] 10. Nat King Cole - Too Young To Go Steady
[2:58] 11. Nat King Cole - Never Let Me Go
[2:24] 12. Don Robertson - The Happy Whistler
[3:04] 13. The Four Freshmen - Graduation Day
[2:46] 14. Dean Martin - Standing On The Corner
[2:43] 15. Tex Ritter - The Wayward Wind
[2:16] 16. Nat King Cole - That's All There Is To That
[2:28] 17. Margaret Whiting - True Love
[2:17] 18. Stan Freberg - Heartbreak Hotel
[2:36] 19. Woody Herman - I Don't Want Nobody (To Have My Love But You)
[2:15] 20. The Five Keys - Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind
[3:02] 21. Dick Haymes - Two Different Worlds
[2:08] 22. Louis Prima - Five Months, Two Weeks, Two Days
[2:20] 23. The Four Preps - Dreamy Eyes
[2:28] 24. The Five Keys - Wisdom Of A Fool
[2:28] 25. Sonny James - Young Love

This sixth installment of Capitol records' label retrospective -- Capitol From the Vaults -- concentrates on the transitional and influential music released in 1956, as rock & roll began to show continual staying power on the pop music charts. However, as the 25 tracks on this volume illustrate, adults and even young people were still buying and listening to traditional popular music, and that is exactly what "the tower" was releasing. The set kicks off with a chart-topping entry from Tennessee Ernie Ford singing "Sixteen Tons" -- which had also been recorded by Merle Travis, who not only wrote the song, but was also a fellow Capitol recording artist. Although it had been a regional hit for Travis, it is Ford's version that became most memorable. There were several other notable male vocalists who also climbed the charts for Capitol in 1956. As Dean Martin's popularity continued to soar, "Memories Are Made of This" -- featuring the Terry Gilkyson-led Easy Riders -- was not only his first Top 40, but also first number-one hit. The disc ushered in 1956 firmly atop most pop-music and jukebox charts. Although not a number one, the show tune "Standing on the Corner" was another hit for Martin during March of that year, and is likewise featured on this collection. Another male vocalist who dominated the upper echelons of the pop singles chart during 1956 was newcomer Sonny James. The catchy "Young Love" -- James' entrée into pop music -- became one of his signature tunes and racked up hit singles on Capitol's country charts well into the 1970s. Jazz vocal fans continued as huge proponents of the label. Nat "King" Cole -- whose "Too Young to Go Steady," "Never Let Me Go," and "That's All There Is to That" are featured here -- was one reason. Another are Stan Kenton alumni the Four Freshmen -- heard here on their Top 20 hit "Graduation Day." Other notable inclusions on Capitol From the Vaults, Vol. 6: The Best of '56 are the novelty "The Happy Whistler" -- a Top Ten hit for one-hit wonder Don Robertson. Also worth noting is the biting, satirical view of Stan Freberg as he disassembles Elvis on his decidedly derogatory rendition of "Heartbreak Hotel." Recording engineer Bob Norberg lovingly remastered this entire series from the best possible source materials, and the results are uniformly spectacular. Music historian and musician Billy Vera produced Capitol From the Vaults and likewise penned some highly informative and entertaining liner notes for each volume. ~Lindsay Planer

Capitol Records From The Vaults: The Best Of '56

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Allen Hinds - Behind It All

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:09
Size: 98.8 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[4:30] 1. Elegant Decadence
[5:37] 2. Redland Road
[5:18] 3. Worn But Not Tattered
[3:48] 4. Beyond It All
[4:45] 5. Kate And Dave's
[5:03] 6. March 28th
[4:37] 7. Now Really
[6:16] 8. Bad Baby
[3:11] 9. Closure

Allen Hinds was raised in Alabama and now resides in California. His eclectic blends of blues/jazz/rock all mesh into a very distinct style of his own. Like a cross between Robben Ford, Alan Holdsworth and Jeff Beck, his music is intelligent, phrasing sophisticated and tone for days. Jimmy Haslip says "It SMOKES", Will Kennedy says "his songs are not based around notey licks, he's all about strong melodies, great phrasing" Scott Henderson says "allen always gets a great tone,and great phrasing" Allen has been teaching at Musician's Institute in Hollywood for 20 years. He has composed songs for Patti Austin, Larry Carlton, Jeff Kashiwa, the CBS t.v. hit J.A.G. His CD "Beyond It All" shows more of his southern roots" with songs like "Elegant Decadence" "Redland Road" and features the incredible Randy Crawford on "Worn but not Tattered. He also has been on tour recently with the great singer and songwriter Gino Vannelli.

Behind It All

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Ralph Sutton Trio - Swings St. Louis

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:03
Size: 138,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:16)  1. I Found A New Baby
(5:11)  2. One Morning In May
(4:45)  3. I Thought About You
(6:13)  4. How High The Moon
(3:56)  5. Sweet Sue
(3:26)  6. In The Dark
(4:30)  7. Honeysuckle Rose
(4:13)  8. Lady Be Good
(5:30)  9. Sugar
(5:02) 10. Back Home Again In Indiana
(2:24) 11. Love Me
(6:26) 12. Thou Swell
(5:07) 13. St. Louis Blues

The great stride pianist Ralph Sutton struts his chops on this series of live dates recorded at the Backstage Bistro in St. Louis. Sutton is joined by veterans Jack Lesberg on bass and Frank Capp on drums on ten of the 13 tracks, starting with the swinging "I Found a New Baby." The snappy foot-tapping takes of "Sweet Sue" and "St. Louis Blues" are also outstanding. Sutton's three solo features are also gems: Bix Beiderbecke's infrequently heard "In the Dark," "Love Me," once a favorite of Art Tatum, and the obligatory Fats Waller favorite "Honeysuckle Rose." 

~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/swings-st-louis-mw0000010380

Personnel:  Ralph Sutton – piano;  Jack Lesberg – bass;  Frank Capp – drums

Swings St. Louis

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Barbara Jay - Reminiscing With Barbara Jay

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:52
Size: 136,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:59)  1. When Sunny Gets Blue
(2:41)  2. Gone For The Day
(3:05)  3. Strike Up The Band
(3:08)  4. How Am I To Know?
(2:57)  5. Anything Goes (Solo)
(6:12)  6. Ghost Of A Chance
(3:33)  7. Mairzy Doats
(3:39)  8. The Very Thought Of You
(3:39)  9. Jersey Bounce
(4:27) 10. When The Sun Comes Out
(4:05) 11. Something Cool
(3:37) 12. Taboo (Solo)
(4:55) 13. We'll Be Together Again
(2:43) 14. Soon It's Gonna Rain
(3:04) 15. Nobody Else But Me

Born England. Growing up in a jazz-loving family, her father playing trumpet in various bands, Jay began singing as a child. During the 60s she sang with many leading British jazz musicians, including Ronnie Scott, George Chisholm and Tommy Whittle. In 1970 she sang with the orchestra Benny Goodman led on a long European tour. She also sang in New York, appearing at the Carnegie Tavern where she was accompanied by Ellis Larkins. Jay has performed extensively on radio and television in the UK and at many European festivals including Nice and Cork. She sings with a true, clear voice, warmly interpreting the great standards of the popular and jazz repertoires. Her phrasing is elegant and her diction superb. Consistently working with outstanding British jazz musicians, she is married to Whittle with whom she regularly appears. https://itunes.apple.com/ie/artist/barbara-jay/id272905312#fullText

Personnel: Barbara Jay (vocals); Tommy Whittle (alto flute, tenor saxophone); Julian Stringle (clarinet); Keith Ingham (piano); Ralph Salmins (drums).

Reminiscing With Barbara Jay

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