Harry 'Sweets' Edison - The Swinger (2-Disc Set)

Harry Edison, Buck Clayton (tp), Jimmy Forrest (ts), Jimmy Jones, Kenny Drew (p), Eddie Costa (vib), Freddie Green (g), Joe Benjamin, John Simmons (b), Charlie Persip (d)

Harry Sweets Edison was widely recognized as a master of the muted blues trumpet sound, both when he was with Basies band during the swing era, and from 1953 on, as a freelance on many of the jazz and pop recordings that emanated from Hollywood. In the fall of 1958, Sweets moved back to New York to start a third phase in his career. He put together the swinging sextet showcased in these recordings produced by Verves Norman Granz. The group featured tenorist Jimmy Forrest, who contributed with his great taste and tonal strength, and a first class rhythm section, blessedly boosted by Freddie Green's punching guitar, pianist Jimmy Jones, a crisp-toned and flexible delight, the tasteful Joe Benjamin on bass, and the controlling force of Charlie Persip on drums. This was the kind of straightforward, utterly groovy small group jazz with consistently clear-thinking and strong voices. Trumpeter Buck Clayton joined the second date, playing back to back with Sweets, and guitarist Steve Jordan replaced Green in most of the tracks. Harry Edison the swinger, playing standards or originals or just the blues, glows in these warm sessions with incandescence. He neatly swings through standards and a few of his own tunes.

On the last three tracks of CD-2, coming from a Roulette session, the contribution of the sidemen can easily be overlooked, for it is the Edison personality, open or muted, that lends the tunes its character.

Album: The Swinger (Disc 1)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 77:01

Size: 176.3 MB

Styles: Trumpet jazz, Mainstream jazz

Year: 2011

[7:31] 1. Pussy Willow

[6:05] 2. The Very Thought Of You

[5:18] 3. Nasty

[6:54] 4. The Strollers

[6:54] 5. Sunday

[9:54] 6. Love Is Here To Stay

[4:54] 7. Fair Ground

[5:43] 8. Ill Wind

[8:46] 9. Impressario

[9:50] 10. Short Coat

[5:07] 11. Baby Won't You Please Come Home

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Album: The Swinger (Disc 2)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 76:59

Size: 176.2 MB

Styles: Trumpet jazz, Mainstream jazz

Year: 2011

Art: Front

[7:24] 1. How Am I To Know

[9:14] 2. Blues In The Closet

[6:37] 3. Memories For The Count (Alternate)

[5:51] 4. Come With Me

[6:46] 5. Critics' Delight

[8:57] 6. All Depends On You/Charmaine/How Long Has This Been Going On /Makin' Whoopie

[9:09] 7. Oh! How I Hate To Get Up In The Afternoon

[8:55] 8. Memories For The Count

[5:21] 9. Come With Me (Alt. Take)

[1:57] 10. Indiana

[4:01] 11. Pussy Willow

[2:40] 12. Sweetenings

The Swinger and Mr Swing Disc1,Disc2 

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Joyce Moreno - Cool

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:10
Size: 108.0 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[4:56] 1. Love For Sale
[3:19] 2. Fever
[3:22] 3. Cool
[3:58] 4. The Banana Boat Song
[2:48] 5. Let's Do It
[3:35] 6. Round Midnight
[3:38] 7. Invitation
[5:25] 8. The Shadow Of Your Smile
[3:38] 9. Mingus, Miles & Coltrane
[2:58] 10. You Do Something To Me
[2:52] 11. Nature Boy
[3:48] 12. My Favourite Things
[2:46] 13. Moon River

Joyce Moreno: vocals & guitar; Tutty Moreno: drums & percussion; Helio Alves: piano; Rodolfo Stroeter: bass.

Since the late '60s, Brazilian guitarist and singer Joyce Moreno has been one of the most iconic members of the MPB movement, pushing the envelope way past the traditional bossa novas of Jobim. In the early '80s, albums such as Feminina and brought Joyce an international following that she continues to enjoy to this day. Her sizeable catalog features a diverse collection of original material, not to mention key collaborations with such heavyweights as Jon Hendricks, Joao Donato, Kenny Werner, Sivuca, and many others. For the most part, Joyce sings in her native Portuguese, but is known to deliver a song or two in English on occasion. Having spent a time in the United States, she recorded two albums in the early '90s for Verve that featured a smattering of tunes sung in English. In 1995, she released the album Delirios De Orfeu, which featured the jazz standards "Speak Low" and "There's a Small Hotel." These few precursors would only hint at the approach she has taken to her newest offering, a set of all jazz standards sung exclusively in English.

Sparsely accompanied by pianist Helio Alves, bassist Rodolfo Stroeter, and drummer Tutty Moreno, Joyce tackles a dozen Tin Pan Alley and vintage jazz classics all in her inimitable style. Three Cole Porter trinkets make the cut, namely "Love for Sale," "Let's Do It," and "You Do Something to Me." On the jazzier side, there's Monk's "'Round Midnight," "Invitation," and "My Favorite Things." Much in keeping with its title, there's a relaxed and seductive vibe to the entire set that is undeniably beguiling. Joyce is at the forefront of these arrangements with her understated guitar and vocals, although Alves get a chance to step out a few times. A particularly jaunty version of "Cool" from West Side Story demonstrates the pianist's tasteful accompaniment and includes a crystalline solo moment as well. Particularly musical and tender, Tutty's finger taps on his drum kit add character to the usually corny "Fever." Another threadbare pop tune, "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)," rises above the mundane with some great harmonics by bassist Stroeter.

Wordless vocals are utilized on "'Round Midnight," "My Favorite Things" and the Joyce original "Mingus, Miles, & Coltrane" to great effect. Multi-tracking and additional voices establish a rich and profound vibe on "Nature Boy" as Joyce improvises over Alves' piano riff. A seductive and reflective "Moon River" closes out the set with singer and her guitar acapella. Although definitely a departure from her usual modus operandi, Cool can easily hold its own among Joyce's singularly expressive and impressive body of work. ~C. Andrew Hovan

Cool

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Rick Astley - Portrait

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:40
Size: 95.4 MB
Styles: Pop-rock, Adult Contemporary
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[3:23] 1. Vincent
[2:55] 2. And I Love You So
[2:44] 3. Portrait Of My Love
[3:36] 4. Where Do I Begin
[3:49] 5. These Foolish Things
[4:03] 6. Cry Me A River
[3:12] 7. Nature Boy
[3:04] 8. Close To You
[2:49] 9. You Belong To Me
[2:58] 10. Make It Easy On Yourself
[2:47] 11. Somewhere
[3:15] 12. Can't Help Falling In Love (With You)
[3:00] 13. What The World Needs Now

Released a few years before the Internet phenomenon known as "Rick Rolling" and his ironic "Best Act Ever" win at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards launched him back into the music scene's consciousness, Rick Astley tested the appetite for a comeback with this collection of iconic American pop standards. Having prematurely retired at the tender age of 27, the former Stock, Aitken & Waterman protégé had already witnessed something of a minor revival thanks to 2002's double whammy of his Top 20 entry, Greatest Hits, and the European-only, Keep It Turned On, but Portrait was his first new studio album to be released in his homeland since 1993's Body & Soul. While on the surface, the selection of big-band numbers, lounge-pop classics, and traditional jazz standards may be a million miles away from the high-processed bubblegum pop of his "Never Gonna Give You Up" days, Astley is no stranger to the timeless songs of yesteryear, having previously covered the Temptations' "Aint Too Proud to Beg," and Nat King Cole's "When I Fall in Love" in his late-'80s heyday. Two tracks made famous by Cole also appear here too, ("These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)" and "Nature Boy,") but elsewhere, Astley focuses on the perfectly crafted pop of Burt Bacharach and Hal David ("What the World Needs Now," "They Long to Be (Close to You)," "Make It Easy on Yourself"), Don McLean ("Vincent," "And I Love You So"), and songs from the movies such as West Side Story's "Somewhere," Andy Williams' vocal adaptation of the Love Story theme ("Where Do I Begin?"), and Elvis Presley's Blue Hawaii number "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You." Unfortunately, Astley appears to be going through the motions on the majority of the album, his trademark rich and soulful vocals very rarely shining above the tepid and lackluster production from Chris Braide (Westlife), and apart from a smoky blues reworking of Julie London's "Cry Me a River" and a Nashville-style interpretation of Jo Stafford's "You Belong to Me," there's very little attempt to differentiate from the originals. Indeed, it's very unlikely that anything from Portrait will be receiving the YouTube sensation treatment in 20 years time, thanks to its lazily selected and mundanely arranged collection of familiar songs which ultimately fails to provide even a fraction of the joy of his iconic global '80s hit. ~Jon O'Brien

Portrait

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The French Horn Collective - Hot Club Of Miami

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:17
Size: 133.4 MB
Styles: Gypsy jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[2:44] 1. Daphne
[2:20] 2. It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
[2:55] 3. After You've Gone
[5:41] 4. Les Feuilles Mortes
[4:24] 5. Le Poinçonneur Des Lilas
[4:09] 6. Histoire De Faussaire
[4:44] 7. Que Nadie Sepa Mi Sufrir
[3:28] 8. J'attendrai
[3:31] 9. Minor Swing
[3:56] 10. Swing 39
[3:37] 11. All Of Me
[3:29] 12. Ma Première Guitare
[3:39] 13. Douce Ambience
[3:58] 14. Moscow Nights
[5:35] 15. Trois Mois

Vincent Raffard: Lead male vocals, Guitar, Trumpet; Steffen Zeichner: Violin; Alvaro Bermudez: Guitar, Vocals; Flexter Henderson: Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Cajón; Agustin Conti: Double Bass; Kai Sanchez: Double Bass; Shira Abergel: Lead female vocals.

The "Hot Club of Miami" represents the gypsy chapter of The French Horn Collective. Led by Parisian musician, multi-instrumentalist, composer, singer, and songwriter Vincent Raffard, the ensemble carries on Django Reinhardt's Legacy, and is open to contemporary influences both in original compositions and in the execution of standards. This CD features many traditional Gypsy Jazz tunes along with classic Swing and French musical standards. This record captures the live spirit of The French Horn Collective's gypsy jazz quintet after an intense season in Miami in 2014-15. The group's chemistry is magical! The energy is beautiful! Enjoy!

Hot Club Of Miami

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Various - A Night Out With Verve (4-Disc Box Set)

A Night Out With Verve highlights five decades of remarkable jazz taken from the Verve catalog, spread out over four discs titled "Wining," "Dining," "Dancing," and "Romancing." This budget-priced box set includes 65 performances from jazz luminaries including Oscar Peterson, Sonny Rollins, Michel Legrand, Sarah Vaughan, Stan Getz, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, and Shirley Horn. Whether it's a night out on the town or a simple romantic evening, A Night Out With Verve has a great deal to offer die-hard jazz fans and casual listeners alike. ~Al Campbell

Album: A Night Out With Verve (Disc 1)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 67:04

Size: 153.6 MB

Styles: Vocal jazz, Bop, Standards, Jazz/Blues/Soul

Year: 2000

[2:22] 1. Oscar Peterson Trio - Come Dance With Me

[3:22] 2. Dizzy Gillespie - There Is No Greater Love

[2:39] 3. Kenny Burrell - As Long As I Live

[3:37] 4. Coleman Hawkins - I Wished On The Moon

[3:25] 5. Junior Mance - A Smooth One

[3:00] 6. Johnny Hodges - On The Sunny Side Of The Street

[2:55] 7. Anita O'day - Whisper Not

[3:48] 8. Joe Pass - Li'l Darlin'

[4:25] 9. Monty Alexander - Love You Madly

[5:34] 10. George Benson - What's New

[6:17] 11. Tal Farlow - Broadway

[6:19] 12. Sonny Rollins - You Are Too Beautiful

[4:36] 13. Wynton Kelly - Portrait Of Jenny

[5:49] 14. Gerry Mulligan - Fall Out

[3:05] 15. Michel Legrand - La Vie En Rose

[5:45] 16. Roy Eldridge - I Still Love Him So

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Album: A Night Out With Verve (Disc 2)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 67:49

Size: 155.2 MB

Styles: Vocal jazz, Bop, Standards, Jazz/Blues/Soul

Year: 2000

[2:38] 1. Kenny Burrell - If I Had You

[5:21] 2. Joe Henderson - Once I Loved (Amor Em Paz)

[3:53] 3. Sarah Vaughan - Isn't It A Pity

[4:46] 4. Bill Evans - My Foolish Heart

[5:36] 5. Art Blakey - I Remember Clifford

[4:42] 6. Jim Hall - It's Nice To Be With You

[4:25] 7. The New Stan Getz Quartet - It Might As Well Be Spring

[3:40] 8. Benny Carter - Isn't It Romantic

[3:50] 9. Ella Fitzgerald - When A Woman Loves A Man

[6:25] 10. George Shearing - This Can't Be Love

[5:51] 11. Chet Baker - You Go To My Head

[5:03] 12. Tal Farlow - Autumn In New York

[4:40] 13. Stan Getz - But Beautiful

[2:21] 14. Astrud Gilberto - Agua De Beber

[4:29] 15. Sonny Rollins - Manhattan

A Night Out With Verve Disc1,Disc2                 

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Album: A Night Out With Verve (Disc 3)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 63:49

Size: 146.1 MB

Styles: Vocal jazz, Bop, Standards, Jazz/Blues/Soul

Year: 2000

[2:44] 1. Fred Astaire - (Ad Lib) Fast Dances

[3:57] 2. Ella Fitzgerald - Party Blues

[7:14] 3. James Clay - Sister Sadie

[2:14] 4. Jimmy Smith - Organ Grinder's Swing

[4:34] 5. Duke Ellington - Perdido

[2:23] 6. Harry James & His Orchestra - Back Beat Boogie

[4:06] 7. Marlena Shaw - At Last

[5:40] 8. Louis Armstrong - Little Girl Blue

[3:36] 9. Stan Getz - Só Danço Samba

[7:20] 10. Cassandra Wilson - Shall We Dance

[3:59] 11. Buddy Defranco - Rose Room

[4:12] 12. Benny Goodman - King Porter Stomp

[4:27] 13. Nicholas Payton - Taking A Chance On Love

[5:14] 14. Count Basie - Corner Pocket

[2:01] 15. Fred Astaire - (Ad Lib) Medium Dance

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Album: A Night Out With Verve (Disc 4)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 69:08

Size: 158.3 MB

Styles: Vocal jazz, Bop, Standards, Jazz/Blues/Soul

Year: 2000

Art: Front

[4:01] 1. Sarah Vaughan - I've Got A Crush On You

[4:04] 2. Billie Holiday - It Had To Be You

[5:32] 3. John Coltrane - You're A Weaver Of Dreams

[3:05] 4. Al Hibbler - This Love Of Mine

[3:06] 5. Don Byas - Misty

[3:01] 6. Dinah Washington - Invitation

[5:35] 7. Abbey Lincoln - The Nearness Of You

[3:51] 8. Stéphane Grappelli - Time After Time

[4:04] 9. Billy Eckstine - Imagination

[4:34] 10. Lester Young - That's All

[2:53] 11. Mel Tormé - I Should Care

[2:55] 12. Miles Davis - 'Round Midnight

[3:34] 13. Roland Kirk Quartet - Someone To Watch Over Me

[3:06] 14. Johnny Hartman - It's Easy To Remember

[2:15] 15. Ella Fitzgerald - Reaching For The Moon

[3:00] 16. Shirley Horn - You Don't Know Me

[4:41] 17. The Ben Webster Quintet - Where Are You

[2:13] 18. Louis Armstrong - There's No You

[3:30] 19. Clifford Brown - Memories Of You

A Night Out With Verve Disc3, Disc4                 

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Buddy Tate & Wild Bill Davis - Broadway

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1972
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:32
Size: 165,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:48)  1. Broadway
(8:20)  2. Blues In My Heart
(2:50)  3. All Of Me
(6:48)  4. Sugar
(4:54)  5. Hello Dolly
(4:28)  6. Memories Of You
(4:34)  7. Peg O' My Heart
(5:12)  8. Jumpin' With Symphony Sid
(6:02)  9. Jenny's Blues
(4:28) 10. Tangerine
(3:12) 11. For All We Know
(5:55) 12. Louise
(5:47) 13. Blue Lou
(4:07) 14. Ooh! Ah! DeeDee

Regardless of the setting, tenor saxophonist Buddy Tate never seemed to fail to deliver swinging performances. The robust reedman is joined by organist Wild Bill Davis, guitarist Floyd Smith, and drummer Chris Columbus (the latter three had worked together on several earlier recordings) for these 1972 sessions recorded in Paris for Black & Blue. Davis, who made numerous records with alto sax great Johnny Hodges, and also worked alongside him in Duke Ellington's band, provides the same strong backing to Tate as his longtime musical partner. Smith, who is best known for his work with Andy Kirk, adds several very bluesy solos. The music runs from old war horses like "Sugar" and the bland "Peg O' My Heart," to timeless jazz compositions ("Blues in My Heart," "Jumpin' With Symphony Sid," and "Blue Lou"), and the modern pop song, "Hello Dolly," which was beginning to wear out its welcome after everyone began recording it following Louis Armstrong's huge success with it. French trumpeter François Biensan is added on five tracks, but never really makes much of an impression. Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/broadway-mw0000271579

Personnel: Buddy Tate (tenor saxophone), Wild Bill Davis (organ), Francois Biensan (trumpet), Floyd Smith (guitar), Chris Colombo (drums).

Broadway

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Joyce Cooling - This Girl's Got to Play

Styles: Vocal And Guitar Jazz 
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:47
Size: 104,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:07)  1. Expression
(4:12)  2. Take Me There
(4:04)  3. Camelback
(5:39)  4. No More Blues
(4:21)  5. Green Impala
(4:33)  6. The Girl's Got to Play
(3:25)  7. Toast & Jam
(5:52)  8. Natural Fact
(5:11)  9. The Wizard
(4:18) 10. Talk

Guitarist Joyce Cooling continues her particular smooth jazz style on her fourth CD, with plenty of tight grooves, clean electric and acoustic guitar runs, an occasional blues, rock or Brazilian aside, and several chances to display her jazz-style vocals. Cooling and partner/producer/keyboardist Jay Wagner breeze through nine diverse tracks that have plenty of hit potential, beginning with the opener, "Expression." Cooling trades acoustic and electric riffs, and Wagner keeps time on the keyboards, as is their style. Wagner also plays some bouncy solos. Another potential smash is "Camelback," a rump-shaker with a blues-lite groove. Add a come-hither piano solo, and you've got a song perfect for that Saharan camel ride you've always wanted to take. The title of "Green Impala" gives a clue to its content it's a funky ride down Main Street, accompanied by a right-on drum loop. "Toast & Jam" says it all too: a thumping bass beat by Nelson Braxton, bluesy organ riffs. Here Cooling shows her unabashed love of pure funk. The vocal tune that works best is "Take Me There," with Cooling's refrain on the title unobtrusive while she stays within herself vocally. "No More Blues" works also, because Cooling sings likes she's having a conversation, and it goes well with the jazz beat burnished with Alan Hall's brushed drumstrokes. The autobiographical title track gives a glimpse into Cooling's inspirations. The lyrics are revealing, as she allows for some insight into her struggles as a pretty woman struggling to break into instrumental music: "They said, put your guitar and sing/just look real cute and entertain/sorry, honey, it ain't my thing." "Natural Fact," the last vocal track, is another slice of funk with some wonderful trumpet playing by Bill Ortiz. Subtract the vocals, however, and you'd have a head-boppin' drums-and-bass ambient and chill gem. ~ Brian Soergel https://www.allaboutjazz.com/this-girls-got-to-play-joyce-cooling-narada-jazz-review-by-brian-soergel.php
 

Personnel: Joyce Cooling, guitars, vocals;  Jay Wagner, keyboards;  Bill Johnson, drums;  Peter Michael Escovedo, percussion;  Nelson Braxton, bass;  Nicolas Beard, vocals;  Bill Ortiz, flugelhorn;  Ray Obiedo, guitar;  Annie Beard, background vocals

This Girl's Got to Play

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Rob McConnell & The Boss Brass - Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:40
Size: 137,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:20)  1. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
(9:02)  2. The Waltz You Knew Was Blue
(4:47)  3. Jobim Medley: Once I Loved / If You Never Came To Me
(6:02)  4. Crazy Rhythm
(5:57)  5. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
(6:17)  6. (Back Home Again In) Indiana / Donna Lee
(6:37)  7. Medley: The Bad And The Beautiful / Robin
(8:16)  8. The Back Beat
(5:20)  9. Rockin' In Rhythm

Although it was usually a part-time venture (working maybe 30 days a year, counting an annual recording), Rob McConnell's Boss Brass was one of the finest big bands of the '70s, '80s, and '90s. An excellent soloist, McConnell played valve trombone in Toronto (both in the studios and in jazz settings) for a long time. During 1965-1969, he was in Nimmons 'n' Nine Plus Six (led by Phil Nimmons) and in 1968 formed Boss Brass. Originally, the group was comprised entirely of brass instruments, plus a rhythm section, and emphasized pop music. Although it added a saxophone section in 1971, Boss Brass did not record much jazz until 1976. Comprised of many of Toronto's top musicians (including Sam Noto, Guido Basso, Ian McDougall, Moe Koffman, Eugene Amaro, Rick Wilkins, Ed Bickert, Don Thompson, and Terry Clarke, among others), the orchestra mostly plays McConnell's swinging but surprising charts. For a period in the late '80s, McConnell moved to Los Angeles and the group broke up, but by 1991, it was back together again. Rob McConnell, who also cut a few small-group dates for Concord, recorded with his Boss Brass for Pausa, MPS, Dark Orchid, Innovation, and Concord. He died of cancer in Toronto on May 1, 2010. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/artist/rob-mcconnell-mn0000279968/biography

Personnel:  Rob McConnell (valve trombone); Moe Koffman, John Johnson, Alex Dean, Rick Wilkins, Bob Leonard (saxophone, flute, clarinet); Arnie Chycoski, Steve McDade, John MacLeod, Guido Basso, Dave Woods (trumpet, flugelhorn); Alastair Kay, Bob Livingston, Jerry Johnson, Ernie Pattison (trombone); Judy Kay, James MacDonald (French horn); Lorne Lofsky (guitar); Jim Vivian (bass); Ted Warren (drums).

Don't Get Around Much Anymore

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Joe Bonner - New Life

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1988
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 78:40
Size: 126,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:45)  1. If I Should Lose You
(5:19)  2. A Child Is Born
(6:30)  3. I Only Have Eyes For You
(8:09)  4. New Life
(5:16)  5. Batcha Feelin'
(6:24)  6. Serenata
(7:05)  7. It Could Happen To You
(4:46)  8. Watch What Happens
(9:16)  9. As Time Goes By
(7:42) 10. Sonatina
(4:01) 11. Barbados
(7:20) 12. East Bay Serenade

A fine pianist who was originally heavily influenced by McCoy Tyner, Joe Bonner is an excellent interpreter of modal-based music and advanced hard bop. He studied music at Virginia State College and early on played with Roy Haynes (1970-1971), Freddie Hubbard (1971-1972), Pharoah Sanders (1972-1974), and Billy Harper (late '70s). Bonner, who recorded as a leader for Muse, Theresa, and most prominently Steeplechase, has been based in Colorado since the 1980s and remains a talented improviser. ~ Scott Yanow https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/joe-bonner/id41729433#fullText
                                     
Personnel:  Joe Bonner (piano);  Hugo Rasmussen (bass);  Aage Tanggaard (drums)

New Life

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Buck Clayton - Goin' To Kansas City

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:29
Size: 85.8 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz
Year: 1960/1990
Art: Front

[3:02] 1. Hello, Babe
[3:28] 2. An Old Manuscript
[3:08] 3. Kansas City Ballad
[4:09] 4. The Jumping Blues
[4:29] 5. Walter Page
[4:41] 6. Midnight Mama
[3:04] 7. John's Idea
[3:13] 8. Steppin' Pretty
[3:36] 9. Dedicated To You
[4:36] 10. The New Tulsa Blues

Although trumpeter Buck Clayton gets top billing, this CD reissue actually features Tommy Gwaltney's Kansas City Nine, an unusual group sporting arrangements by Gwaltney and tenor-saxophonist Tommy Newsom (who decades later became famous for his work on The Tonight Show). The group has an unusual combination of major names (Clayton, trombonist Dickie Wells, guitarist Charlie Byrd, pianist John Bunch, bassist Whitey Mitchell and drummer Buddy Schutz) along with Gwaltney (who doubles on reeds and vibes), Newsom and Bobby Zottola (playing second trumpet and peck horn). Although the nonet performs a variety of songs associated with Kansas City Jazz of the swing era, the arrangements are modern and unpredictable. ~Scott Yanow

Goin' To Kansas City

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Diana Krall - All For You: A Dedication To The Nat King Cole Trio

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:41
Size: 125.2 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz, Vocal jazz
Year: 1996
Art: Front

[2:55] 1. I'm An Errand Girl For Rhythm
[4:07] 2. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
[4:36] 3. You Call It Madness
[5:00] 4. Frim Fram Sauce
[6:27] 5. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams
[3:36] 6. Baby Baby All The Time
[4:16] 7. Hit That Jive Jack
[5:33] 8. You're Looking At Me
[4:26] 9. I'm Thru With Love
[3:31] 10. Deed I Do
[5:12] 11. A Blossom Fell
[4:57] 12. If I Had You

Bass – Paul Keller; Guitar – Russell Malone; Percussion – Steve Kroon (tracks: 5); Piano – Benny Green (tracks: 12); Piano, Vocals – Diana Krall. Recording dates: Oct 3 - 8, 1995.

Pianist/vocalist Diana Krall pays tribute to the Nat King Cole Trio on her Impulse! set. In general, the medium and up-tempo tunes work best, particularly such hot ditties as "I'm an Errand Girl for Rhythm," "Frim Fram Sauce," and "Hit That Jive Jack." Krall does not attempt to directly copy Cole much (either pianistically or vocally), although his influence is obviously felt on some of the songs. The slow ballads are actually as reminiscent of Shirley Horn as Cole, particularly the somber "I'm Through With Love" and "If I Had You." Guitarist Russell Malone gets some solo space on many of the songs and joins in on the group vocal of "Hit That Jive Jack," although it is surprising that he had no other opportunities to interact vocally with Krall; a duet could have been delightful. Bassist Paul Keller is fine in support, pianist Benny Green backs Krall's vocal on "If I Had You," and percussionist Steve Kroon is added on one song. Overall, this is a tasteful effort that succeeds. ~Scott Yanow

All For You: A Dedication To The Nat King Cole Trio

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The Hot Club Of San Francisco - John Paul George & Django

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:59
Size: 123.6 MB
Styles: Gypsy jazz
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[2:37] 1. All My Lovin'
[3:33] 2. Because
[3:35] 3. Michelle
[3:01] 4. I Will
[3:00] 5. Here, There And Everywhere
[3:08] 6. You Won't See Me
[4:00] 7. The Fool On The Hill
[4:19] 8. If I Needed Someone
[3:05] 9. Julia
[4:40] 10. You Can't Do That
[4:26] 11. For No One
[3:48] 12. Dont' Bother Me
[5:35] 13. Hey Jude Duke & Dukie
[3:54] 14. Things We Said Today
[1:13] 15. Yellow Submarine

It was only a matter of time before guitarist Paul Mehling focused his creative mojo on Lennon and McCartney’s vast and enduring treasure trove of songs. The founder and guiding spirit of the Hot Club of San Francisco, America’s longest running Gypsy swing ensemble, Mehling was first inspired to pick up a guitar when the Beatles launched the British Invasion via Ed Sullivan’s CBS variety show on Feb. 9, 1964. Now Mehling’s HCSF is recolonizing the Fab Four’s songbook in the name of Gypsy jazz legend Django Reinhardt with John, Paul, George and Django, a ravishing and consistently revelatory reimagining of classic Beatles tunes. Slated for release on Mehling’s Hot Club label in September, 2016, the band’s 14th album is designed both to seduce Beatlephiles and enchant Djangologists, with arrangements that serve the songs rather than turning them into vehicles for blazing solos.

“We’ve been road testing arrangements and tune selections for several years and it’s just gold,” Mehling says. “These tunes were really well crafted, and our job is to present the songs through our prism. Our vision can be summed up as WWDD?: What Would Django Do? What if he hadn’t died, and had lived long enough to interpret Beatles songs? Because you know he totally would have.” In many ways, Mehling planted the seeds for the project some two decades ago. On 1994’s Quintet of the Hot Club of San Francisco the band interpreted “And I Love Her,” and a few years later on 1997’s Swing This, Mehling found an ideal conduit for Gypsy soul in “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” He wants to make clear that the album’s title isn’t intended to diminish Ringo Starr’s essential contributions, noting that like Ella Fitzgerald interpreting Cole Porter, the album is about “John, Paul, and George as composers.” Their songs have rarely sounded so enthralling. With its psychedelic production and hypnotic 5/4 groove, “Fool On the Hill” feels like Django traded Parisian nightlife for an acid test, a trip he thoroughly enjoyed. With French-born Hot Club rhythm guitarist Isabelle Fontaine’s simmering delivery of her translated lyrics “If I Needed Someone” turns into a Gallic torch song (and check out Mehling’s brilliant interpolation of “Within You Without You” in his solo). “Don’t Bother Me” bounces with a swinging reggae feel, and “You Can’t Do That” gets to Paris via New Orleans with a washboard powered beat. “You Don’t See Me” gets a straight ahead Gypsy swing treatment, and the woozy ballad “Because” turns into a brisk Gypsy jazz sprint.

“We try to keep the kaleidoscope spinning so you don’t know what’s coming next,” Mehling says. “With so many Gypsy jazz records, it’s like okay, we get it! You’re a genius. You can play really fast. We’re looking to create an album that can be played repeatedly.” One reason why the album works so well is that the HCSF is a busy ensemble with thousands of gigs under their belts together. A member of the HCSF since 1998, violinist Evan Price is a highly versatile player who earned top honors as a U.S. Scottish Fiddling Champion before performing with a hot-fiddle who’s who including Stephane Grappelli, Johnny Frigo, Claude “Fiddler” Williams, Johnny Gimble, and Vassar Clements. He spent 10 years in the creative crucible of the seminal Turtle Island String Quartet, touring internationally, collaborating with jazz luminaries like Cuban clarinetist Paquito D’Rivera, and pianists Dr. Billy Taylor and Kenny Barron and earning two Grammy Awards for the albums Four + 4 and A Love Supreme: The Legacy of John Coltrane (both on Telarc).

Though the present lineup has been in place for more than five years, creating John, Paul, George and Django put the band’s copacetic chemistry to the test. “It was very contentious, especially the arranging,” Mehling admits. “Everybody’s got really strong feelings about the Beatles. But I’ve had the band almost 30 years and Evan’s been in it almost 18. We’re all still friends and we worked it out! It took a long time to settle in on the program and then polish the arrangements. We’ve already got a list for volume 2!”

John Paul George & Django

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Chris Connor - Free Spirits

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:49
Size: 79.7 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1962/2005
Art: Front

[2:44] 1. Jump For Joy
[3:15] 2. Night Bird
[3:18] 3. Milano
[3:11] 4. Opportunity, Please Knock
[2:58] 5. Day Dream
[2:25] 6. Things Are Swingin'
[3:51] 7. Kansas City
[4:01] 8. Lonely Woman
[2:48] 9. I'm Gonna Go Fishin'
[3:15] 10. Free Spirits
[2:58] 11. God Bless The Child

Alto Saxophone – Phil Woods; Baritone Saxophone – Sol Schlinger; Bass – Ben Tucker, George Duvivier; Bass Clarinet – Sol Schlinger; Clarinet – Oliver Nelson, Phil Woods; Drums – Dave Bailey, Ed Shaughnessy; Piano – Ronnie Ball; Tenor Saxophone – Oliver Nelson; Trumpet – Clark Terry, Joe Newman, Irvin Markowitz; Vocals – Chris Connor.

Chris Connor's smoky voice made her a natural fit for torch songs, but her flair for improvisation expanded her considerable talents to include upbeat material as well. Free Spirits, an excellent small-group date arranged for her by Al Cohn, features Connor in a range of settings; remember, free spirits don't necessarily mean high spirits. The choices for material also range far and wide. A trio of Ellington evergreens anchor the set, but she also includes material from Peggy Lee, Oscar Brown, Jr., Leiber & Stoller's "Kansas City," and Billie Holiday's nearly untouchable "God Bless the Child." It helps that she gets expressive accompaniment from an all-star lineup -- alto Phil Woods, tenor Oliver Nelson, and a pair of all-time trumpeters (Clark Terry and Joe Newman). Despite the title, the only concept at work here is her ability to captivate a listening audience with a wide-ranging set. ~John Bush

Free Spirits

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Robert Palmer - Best Of Both Worlds: The Robert Palmer Anthology 1974-2001 (2-Disc Set)

There are usually thought to be two phases to Robert Palmer's career: an earlier one running from 1974 to 1983, when he explored New Orleans second-line funk and reggae, backed by members of Little Feat and the Meters and turned out a series of critically acclaimed, modestly successful recordings, and a later one, from 1985 on, when he rode his good looks, some high-fashion videos, and some simplistic hard rock/pop to a series of big hits on his own and with the Power Station. This two-CD set responds to that view by devoting its first disc to the earlier phase and its second disc to the later one. Palmer switched record companies along the way, too, but Hip-O is known for its willingness to license material from other labels, and 15 of the 20 tracks on the second disc come from outside the Universal archives. Along the way, all of the singer's U.S. Top 40 hits are included, though the collection was assembled with Palmer's input, which leads to alterations from the original recordings that fans might not be entirely pleased with. For a couple of earlier compilations, Addictions, Vols. 1 and 2, he used remixes of many of his well-known recordings, and those remixes have been retained here. He has also chosen to present three favorites -- "Johnny and Mary," "Riptide," and "Looking for Clues" -- as 2001 live performances rather than in their original studio recordings. Still, the selection is well-considered. The first disc is a good summation of Palmer's first eight Island albums, and the second disc demonstrates that not all of the second half of his career sounded like "Addicted to Love," that, actually, it was far more varied than the first half. There have been several Palmer compilations, but this one is the most comprehensive yet assembled. ~William Ruhlmann

Album: Best Of Both Worlds: The Robert Palmer Anthology 1974-2001 (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:09
Size: 178.9 MB
Styles: Pop/Rock/R&B
Year: 2002

[2:42] 1. Sailin' Shoes
[2:24] 2. Hey Julia
[4:47] 3. Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley
[3:08] 4. How Much Fun
[2:58] 5. Give Me An Inch
[5:19] 6. Pressure Drop
[3:00] 7. Trouble
[3:19] 8. Which Of Us Is The Fool
[5:55] 9. Spanish Moon
[2:32] 10. Man Smart, Woman Smarter
[4:07] 11. Some People Can Do What They Like
[3:57] 12. You're Gonna Get What's Coming
[3:22] 13. Every Kinda People
[4:08] 14. Best Of Both Worlds
[3:13] 15. Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)
[3:13] 16. Jealous
[3:36] 17. Can We Still Be Friends
[4:33] 18. I Dream Of Wires
[2:48] 19. Not A Second Time
[3:10] 20. Some Guys Have All The Luck
[3:27] 21. Pride
[2:22] 22. What Do You Care

Best Of Both Worlds: The Robert Palmer Anthology 1974-2001 (Disc 1)

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Album: Best Of Both Worlds: The Robert Palmer Anthology 1974-2001 (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:40
Size: 177.8 MB
Styles: Pop/Rock/R&B
Year: 2002
Art: Front

[4:59] 1. You Are In My System
[5:04] 2. Some Like It Hot
[3:36] 3. Get It On (Bang A Gong)
[4:28] 4. Addicted To Love
[5:09] 5. Hyperactive
[3:34] 6. I Didn't Mean To Turn You On
[3:07] 7. Sweet Lies
[4:21] 8. She Makes My Day
[3:58] 9. Early In The Morning
[4:13] 10. Simply Irresistible
[3:17] 11. You're Amazing
[3:25] 12. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
[3:52] 13. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) I Want You
[4:10] 14. Want You More
[4:13] 15. Know By Now
[4:29] 16. Stone Cold
[2:22] 17. Milkcow's Calf Blues
[3:16] 18. Johnny And Mary
[2:16] 19. Riptide
[3:43] 20. Looking For Clues

Best Of Both Worlds: The Robert Palmer Anthology 1974-2001 (Disc 2)

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Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Buddy Tate, Coleman Hawkins, Arnett Cobb - Very Saxy

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1959
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:47
Size: 90,9 MB
Art: Front

(8:19)  1. Very Saxy
(6:15)  2. Lester Leaps In
(5:22)  3. Fourmost
(8:53)  4. Foot Pattin'
(9:55)  5. Light And Lovely

Tenor saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and his quartet (which includes organist Shirley Scott, bassist George Duvivier and drummer Arthur Edgehill) welcome three immortal tenors (Coleman Hawkins, Arnett Cobb and Buddy Tate) to what became a historic and hard-swinging jam session. On three blues, an original based on the chord changes of "Sweet Georgia Brown" and "Lester Leaps In," the four tenors battle it out and the results are quite exciting. The spirited music on this memorable LP will hopefully be reissued on CD eventually, for the performances live up to their great potential. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/very-saxy-mw0000310467

Personnel: Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (tenor saxophone); Buddy Tate (tenor saxophone); Coleman Hawkins (tenor saxophone); Arnett Cobb (tenor saxophone); Shirley Scott (Hammond b-3 organ); George Duvivier (bass instrument); Arthur Edgehill (drum).

Very Saxy

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Buddy Tate Quartet & Quintet - Tate A Tete

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1975
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:10
Size: 149,7 MB
Art: Front

( 7:19)  1. Stompin' At The Savoy
( 9:01)  2. Body And Soul
( 9:35)  3. Buddy's Blues
( 9:18)  4. Broadway
( 8:52)  5. Just You Just Me
(17:34)  6. In A Mellow Tone
( 3:28)  7. I Surrender Dear

Tenor-saxophonist Buddy Tate meets up with pianist Tete Montoliu on this enjoyable blowing date. Other than "Buddy's Blues" (which has a Tate vocal), all of the songs are swing standards with "In A Mellow Tone" clocking in at 17 1/2 minutes. Violinist Finn Ziegler makes worthwhile guest appearances on two of the five selections and the group is completed by bassist Bo Stief and drummer Svend Erik Norregard. Easily recommended for swing fans, this album finds Buddy Tate still very much in prime form. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/tate-a-tete-at-la-fontaine-copenhagen-mw0000668822

Personnel:  Bass – Bo Stief;  Drums – Svend-Erik Nørregaard;  Piano – Tete Montoliu;  Tenor Saxophone – Buddy Tate;  Violin – Finn Ziegler; Vocals – Buddy Tate

Tate A Tete

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John Abercrombie/Andy Laverne - A Nice Idea

Styles: Guitar And Piano Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 68:21
Size: 110,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:17)  1. How My Heart Songs
(6:46)  2. Somethime Ago
(4:17)  3. Days of Wine and Roses
(8:07)  4. Besame Mucho
(5:35)  5. In Love in Vain
(3:51)  6. Refried Bananas
(9:11)  7. Round About Midnight
(4:30)  8. Now Hear This
(7:44)  9. A Nice Idea
(6:31) 10. Confabulation
(6:26) 11. Jazz Folk

Unlike his recent ECM recordings-which suggest renewed interest in early-’70s progressivism-John Abercrombie’s duo discs with pianist Andy LaVerne are pure Sunday brunch. Not that there’s anything wrong with that; it’s pleasant to hear the once-aggressive guitarist dig into some old chestnuts. On Abercrombie and LaVerne’s fifth duo album, A Nice Idea, the two old friends spend the majority of the 70-minute set coving the likes of Henry Mancini (“Days of Wine and Roses”), Jerome Kern (“In Love in Vain”) and Thelonious Monk (“‘Round About Midnight”). Abercrombie plays the tunes with a muted, treble-free tone that betrays none of the bite he achieves in band settings; LaVerne, a mellow instrumentalist to say the least, comes across as edgy in comparison-the only real surprise to be found here. Together, they improvise tastefully throughout. They take no chances with the material and, as such, get few distinctive results. Essential it is not. But Idea nonetheless makes a fine soundtrack for a three-egg omelet. ~ Brent Burton http://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/john-abercrombie-and-andy-laverne-a-nice-idea/

Personnel: John Abercrombie (guitar); Andy LaVerne (piano).

A Nice Idea

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Jack Jezzro - Sinatra on Guitar

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:35
Size: 121,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:36)  1. Come Fly With Me
(3:43)  2. You Make Me Feel so Young
(3:54)  3. Strangers in the Night
(4:04)  4. Fly Me to the Moon
(4:41)  5. The Way You Look Tonight
(4:26)  6. I've Got You Under My Skin
(3:55)  7. I Get a Kick out of You
(4:47)  8. All the Way
(3:25)  9. Witchcraft
(3:56) 10. The Lady Is a Tramp
(3:52) 11. Young at Heart
(3:35) 12. New York, New York
(4:36) 13. My Way

An internationally recognized guitarist and composer, Jack Jezzro is a multifaceted and successful studio musician. He has produced over 100 albums, earned a Grammy nomination and five Dove award nominations. Starting out as a member of Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and attending the Eastman School of Music, Jezzro eventually moved to Nashville where he now resides. Also an accomplished double bassist, Jezzro performs regularly with Nashville String Machine, an in-demand studio group recording with many top artists. As a studio musician, Jezzro's recording credits include work with Faith Hill, Matchbox Twenty, Randy Travis, and many others. His work can also be heard on numerous motion picture soundtracks including Con Air, Pocahontas, and The Green Mile. ~ Matt Collar https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/jack-jezzro/id200096162#fullText

Sinatra on Guitar

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Rumer - The Magic of Sarah Joyce

Styles: Vocal, Jazz Soul
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:27
Size: 166,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:52)  1. John Sebastian's Girl
(3:16)  2. Aretha
(3:36)  3. Welcome Back
(3:36)  4. Slow
(3:45)  5. Mondo Blu
(3:28)  6. Be Nice To Me
(3:57)  7. Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)
(3:50)  8. Tokyo Ladyboy
(3:14)  9. Photographs
(4:02) 10. Scarlett
(3:57) 11. Dangerous
(3:15) 12. Are You There (With Another Girl)
(4:18) 13. The Look Of Love
(3:19) 14. Walk On By
(3:47) 15. Take Me As I Am
(2:49) 16. Come To Me High
(3:28) 17. Am I Forgiven
(3:20) 18. Saving Grace
(3:21) 19. Travelin' Boy
(4:13) 20. Baby Come Back To Bed

Heavily influenced by Burt Bacharach and blessed with effortless, velvety smooth vocals, Anglo-Pakistani singer/songwriter Rumer harks back to the early-'70s easy listening sounds of Karen Carpenter and Carole King. Born in 1979 to British parents living in Islamabad, Rumer (real name Sarah Joyce) was the youngest of seven children, and spent her early years living in an expat community. Encouraged to make their own entertainment, she began writing songs with her brothers and sisters, and after moving to the U.K., developed a huge passion for musicals and, in particular, Judy Garland. After a stint at art college, she formed the short-lived indie folk band La Honda in 2000, but after the band split, she was forced to take on several odd jobs that included fixing iPods, teaching, and selling advertising space. Having moved to London to pursue her dreams of a solo career, she adopted a stage name inspired by the author Rumer Godden, and began performing in various clubs. At an open-mike night, she caught the eye of TV music composer Steve Brown, the house bandleader in Alan Partridge's Knowing Me, Knowing You, and the pair began work on her debut album. In 2010, she signed to Atlantic Records, supported Joshua Radin on his U.K. tour, and was personally invited by Burt Bacharach to sing for him at his California home. Her first single, "Slow," became one of the most requested tracks on Radio 2, and reached number 16 in the U.K. charts. The full-length album Seasons of My Soul was released in November of that same year. In 2011, she was nominated for several Brit Awards, and won a U.K. Asian Music Award for Best Alternative Act. She also recorded a song for the soundtrack to the film Johnny English Reborn. n 2012, Rumer released her sophomore effort, the covers album Boys Don't Cry. Much like the '60s soft rock vibe of Seasons of My Soul, Boys Don't Cry featured Rumer's unique take on tunes by such artists as Isaac Hayes, Clifford T. Ward, Todd Rundgren, Townes Van Zandt, and others. In 2014, she returned with her third studio album, Into Colour, which featured production from Rob Shirakbari, a longtime associate of Dionne Warwick and Burt Bacharach. Following the release of the album, Rumer relocated to Shirakbari's home state of Arkansas, where the couple were married in 2015. In 2016, Rumer returned with her fourth studio album, This Girl's in Love. Once again produced by Shirakbari, the album saw Rumer paying homage to Burt Bacharach and Hal David with reworkings of songs from their esteemed back catalog. ~ Jon O’Brien http://www.allmusic.com/artist/rumer-mn0002534134/biography

The Magic of Sarah Joyce

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Bud Shank - I Told You So!

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:48
Size: 130.0 MB
Styles: Bop, West Coast jazz
Year: 1993
Art: Front

[ 6:52] 1. I Told You So
[ 8:32] 2. My Funny Valentine
[ 7:36] 3. The Continental
[10:09] 4. Emily
[ 7:55] 5. Dance Of The Little Ones
[ 9:01] 6. My Old Flame
[ 6:40] 7. Limehouse Blues

Alto Saxophone – Bud Shank; Bass – Lonnie Plaxico; Drums – Victor Lewis; Piano – Kenny Barron. Recorded live at Birdland, NYC, 26-27 June 1992.

While often associated with the cool school of 1950s and ‘60s West Coast jazz, alto saxophonist Bud Shank is also one of the many worthy adherents to the le jazz hot bebop of alto icon Charlie Parker. Simply put, Shank can be both coolly smooth and yet burn with the best. On TOLD YOU SO (originally issued in 1992), Shank communes with some hard bop aces--the great, underrated pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Lonnie Plaxico, and drummer Victor Lewis--and goes to town on some familiar and not-so-familiar standards. ~Mark Keresman

I Told You So!

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