Ron Levy's Wild Kingdom - After Midnight Grooves

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:17
Size: 126.5 MB
Styles: Jazz/blues
Year: 2004
Art: Front

[ 8:39] 1. After Midnight Groove
[ 7:42] 2. Groovin' Wichu
[ 7:59] 3. Just The Way It Went
[ 5:58] 4. Like Back In The Day
[ 6:12] 5. Slinky
[ 8:12] 6. Keepin' Up The Love
[10:32] 7. Back At The Levshack

Ron Levy – composer, producer, organ, piano, electric pianos, vibes, strings, basses, clavinet, Melvin Sparks - guitar, Karl Denson - sax/flute, "Sax" Gordon - bari-sax, Arkady Beletsky - strings, Jeff Lockhart - guitar, Russ Lawton - drums, Yahuba Garcia - percussion.

"After Midnight Grooves (Levtron 204) is the latest from Ron Levy's Wild Kingdom, on which the legendary organist and producer lays down a steamy set of soul-jazz tinged with Latin and funk. The supporting cast is outrageous: 3 percussionists keep things cooking, Karl Denson is a key player on sax and flute, and acid jazz legend Melvin Sparks lays down devastating, tasteful guitar solos on 'Groovin Wichu' the title track, and 'Just the Way it Went'. The most accessible cut might be 'Like Back in the Day', with its on the-edge-of-your-memory melody, but strings and programming make 'Keepin' Up the Love' (with great guitar from Jeff Lockhart) and 'Back at the Loveshack' equally hip. Levy's piano and vibes add essential texture, his B-3 technique puts him in the top rank of todays traditionalists, and his compositional and arrangements skills put him in the next decade." ~ Blues Revue

After Midnight Grooves

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Thad Jones & Aura Rully - Thad & Aura

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 22:29
Size: 51.5 MB
Styles: Big band, Vocal jazz
Year: 1977/2014
Art: Front

[3:45] 1. Route 66
[4:44] 2. Feelings
[3:27] 3. Nice To Be Around
[3:38] 4. I Wish You Well
[2:08] 5. A Child Is Born
[4:46] 6. Everything Must Change

Bass – Georg Riedel; Cornet, Conductor – Thad Jones; Drums – Egil Johansen, Mel Lewis; Electric Bass – Stefan Brolund; Guitar – Rune Gustafsson; Piano – Bengt Hallberg; Reeds – Arne Domnérus, Bernt Rosengren, Claes Rosendahl, Erik Nilsson (2), Lennart Åberg; Trombone – Bengt Edwardsson, Lars Olofsson, Sven Larsson, Torgny Nilsson; Trumpet – Al Porcino, Americo Bellotto, Bertil Lövgren, Jan Allan. Recorded 28, 29 of Januray 1977 Swedish Radio Studio 7.

After 1972, when you say Duke Ellington, you have to say Duke Ellington Orchestra and Aura Rully. Aura was his singer, and in every Ellingtonconcert, "Mood Indigo" and a lot of well known songs where interpreted by Aura. Duke Ellington used to present Aura, as "Aura from Romania" and he launched her in 1972 in Newport Jazz Festival - Carnegie Hall, where she won applause for 18 minutes and accolades as it follows : Aura's dazzling voice lends pops excitement.

Thad & Aura

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Marc Hemmeler - Easy Does It

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:29
Size: 85.8 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 1995/2006
Art: Front

[4:00] 1. Samba De Angry
[5:58] 2. La Vie En Rose
[5:23] 3. My One And Only Love
[3:10] 4. Con Alma
[4:22] 5. Stephane's Song
[4:46] 6. Marada Blues
[4:12] 7. Clodi Clodo
[5:33] 8. Easy Does It

Bass – Ray Brown; Drums – Daniel Humair; Piano – Marc Hemmeler; Violone – Stéphane Grappelli. Reorded march 17 & 18 1981 at Studio Davout, Paris.

Marc Hemmeler, a pianist in autodidact, moved to Paris in 1960, where he accompanied Johnny Halliday for four years. In 1964 he became a house pianist at the Blue Note Jazzclub, where he formed a trio with Jimmy Gourley and Kenny Clarke to accompany soloists such as Stan Getz, Harry Edison, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, and René Thomas. Later he worked in the Biboquet. From 1969 on, he was one of the companions of Stéphane Grappelli for more than a decade, with whom he went on tour and recorded several albums (Afternoon in Paris). In 1973, he played with Bill Coleman and Guy Lafitte at the Montreux Jazz Festival (Mainstream at Montreux).

Easy Does It

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Carol Duboc - All Of You

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:05
Size: 103.2 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[3:17] 1. All Of You
[2:31] 2. Sunny
[4:14] 3. Ain't No Sunshine
[4:08] 4. Empty
[4:01] 5. Drowning
[4:17] 6. I Underestimated You
[2:54] 7. Every Breath You Take
[3:18] 8. Use Me
[2:35] 9. Spirits In The Material World
[4:16] 10. My Luck Is Gonna Change
[2:54] 11. Blackbird
[3:03] 12. The Dream's Not Over
[3:31] 13. Love You More Than Life Itself

Bass [Upright] – John Leftwich; Drums – Land Richards; Electric Piano [Rhodes], Piano – Tim Carmon; Flute – Hubert Laws; Guitar – Darrell Crooks.

Although sometimes associated with jazz or smooth, Carol Duboc is really a more pop-oriented singer in the vein of Norah Jones. Her voice is pleasing, she swings lightly and she pays close attention to lyrics, sounding hip without being adventurous. Joined by a supportive rhythm section, Duboc performs seven originals (six of which were co-written with her keyboardist Tim Carmon) and six pop/rock standards, reviving such songs as "Sunny," "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Blackbird" in fairly fresh and attractive ways. ~Scott Yanow

All Of You

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Jackie McLean - The New Tradition

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:58
Size: 91.5 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1955/2009
Art: Front

[6:45] 1. It's You Or No One
[6:55] 2. Blue Doll
[6:23] 3. Little Melonae
[6:25] 4. The Way You Look Tonight
[6:53] 5. Mood Malody
[6:35] 6. Lover Man

Jackie McLean hasn't had too many kind things to say about the recordings he made prior to signing with Blue Note in 1959. The alto saxophonist is quick to dismiss his pre-1959 work, which he feels pales in comparison to his stunning Blue Note output of 1959-1967. But while it is true that McLean recorded his most adventurous and essential albums for Blue Note, the saxman's pre-Blue Note recordings aren't without merit. Recorded in 1955, The New Tradition is a Spanish reissue that contains his first recordings as a leader. Joined by trumpeter Donald Byrd, pianist Mal Waldron, bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Ronald Tucker, a 24-year-old McLean leads a conventional bop date that ranges from two originals ("Blue Doll" and "Little Melonae") to performances of the standards "It's You or No One," "The Way You Look Tonight," and "Lover Man." In 1955, there was plenty of Charlie Parker in McLean's tone -- nonetheless, he was striving for originality, and the saxman was growing increasingly distinctive. If McLean told you that this session fell short of the brilliance of 1960s Blue Note classics like Demon's Dance, One Step Beyond, Let Freedom Ring, and Right Now!, he would be speaking the truth. In 1955, McLean still had some growing and developing to do -- just as John Coltrane still had some growing and developing to do when he was in Dizzy Gillespie's employ in the early '50s. But that doesn't mean that this CD is bad. Although far from essential, The New Tradition is a decent bop outing that will appeal to collectors, historians, and hardcore fans. ~Alex Henderson

The New Tradition

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Stan Getz - Autumn Leaves

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1980
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:58
Size: 139,8 MB
Art: Front

( 7:19)  1. Autumn Leaves
(12:07)  2. Billie's Bounce
( 5:46)  3. Heart Place
( 8:39)  4. Kali-Au
( 9:21)  5. Chappaqua
( 3:48)  6. Nature Boy
(13:56)  7. Empty Shells

One of the all-time great tenor saxophonists, Stan Getz was known as "The Sound" because he had one of the most beautiful tones ever heard. Getz, whose main early influence was Lester Young, grew to be a major influence himself, and to his credit he never stopped evolving. Getz had the opportunity to play in a variety of major swing big bands while a teenager due to the World War II draft. He was with Jack Teagarden (1943) when he was just 16, followed by stints with Stan Kenton (1944-1945), Jimmy Dorsey (1945), and Benny Goodman (1945-1946); he soloed on a few records with Goodman. Getz, who had his recording debut as a leader in July 1946 with four titles, became famous during his period with Woody Herman's Second Herd (1947-1949), soloing (along with Zoot Sims, Herbie Steward, and Serge Chaloff) on the original version of "Four Brothers" and having his sound well-featured on the ballad "Early Autumn." After leaving Herman, Getz was (with the exception of some tours with Jazz at the Philharmonic) a leader for the rest of his life. During the early '50s, Getz broke away from the Lester Young style to form his own musical identity, and he was soon among the most popular of all jazzmen. He discovered Horace Silver in 1950 and used him in his quartet for several months. After touring Sweden in 1951, he formed an exciting quintet that co-featured guitarist Jimmy Raney; their interplay on uptempo tunes and tonal blend on ballads were quite memorable. Getz's playing helped Johnny Smith have a hit in "Moonlight in Vermont"; during 1953-1954, Bob Brookmeyer made his group a quintet and, despite some drug problems during the decade, Getz was a constant poll winner. After spending 1958-1960 in Europe, the tenor man returned to the U.S. and recorded his personal favorite album, Focus, with arranger Eddie Sauter's Orchestra. Then, in February 1962, Getz helped usher in the bossa nova era by recording Jazz Samba with Charlie Byrd; their rendition of "Desafinado" was a big hit. During the next year, Getz made bossa nova-flavored albums with Gary McFarland's big band, Luiz Bonfá, and Laurindo Almeida, but it was Getz/Gilberto (a collaboration with Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto) that was his biggest seller, thanks in large part to "The Girl from Ipanema" (featuring the vocals of Astrud and João Gilberto). 

Getz could have spent the next decade sticking to bossa nova, but instead he de-emphasized the music and chose to play more challenging jazz. His regular group during this era was a piano-less quartet with vibraphonist Gary Burton, he recorded with Bill Evans (1964), played throughout the 1965 Eddie Sauter soundtrack for Mickey One, and made the classic album Sweet Rain (1967) with Chick Corea. Although not all of Getz's recordings from the 1966-1980 period are essential, he proved that he was not afraid to take chances. Dynasty with organist Eddie Louiss (1971), Captain Marvel with Chick Corea (1972), and The Peacocks with Jimmy Rowles (1975) are high points. After utilizing pianist Joanne Brackeen in his 1977 quartet, Getz explored some aspects of fusion with his next unit, which featured keyboardist Andy Laverne. Getz even used an Echoplex on a couple of songs but, despite some misfires, most of his dates with this unit are worthwhile. However, purists were relieved when he signed with Concord in 1981 and started using a purely acoustic backup trio on most dates. In 1987, Getz had a large tumor removed from behind his heart. Subsequent tests revealed that he had liver cancer and cirrhosis, most likely due to years of substance abuse. Undeterred, Getz embarked on a strict, herbal-based diet hoping to treat the lymphoma. By fall 1988, MRI scans revealed that the tumor had dramatically shrunken in size. Buoyed by the good news, Getz remained active, touring with pianist Kenny Barron and recording the albums Apasionado (1990) with Herb Alpert and You Gotta Pay the Band (1990) with vocalist Abbey Lincoln. Sadly, Getz's cancer never fully abated and he died on June 6, 1991 at age 64. His final recording, 1991's People Time, is (despite some shortness in the saxophonist's breath) a brilliant duet set with Barron. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/artist/stan-getz-mn0000742899/biography

Personnel:  Stan Getz - tenor saxophone;  Andy LaVerne – keyboards;  Brian Bromberg – bass;  Chuck Loeb – guitar;  Victor Jones - drums

Autumn Leaves

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Salena Jones - Audiophile Selection

Styles: Jazz, Vocal

Year: 2007

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 68:05

Size: 157,3 MB

Art: Front

(4:43)  1. I Won't Last A Day Without You

(3:48)  2. We're Only Just Begun

(3:56)  3. I Don't Want To Miss A Thing

(3:46)  4. Suddenly

(7:50)  5. You've Got A Friend

(3:37)  6. Quiet Night Of Quiet Stars

(3:23)  7. Once I Loved

(4:01)  8. Wave

(4:27)  9. We're All Alone

(3:11) 10. Lovely Day

(5:27) 11. Moonlight Love

(4:27) 12. Without You

(3:37) 13. New York State Of Mind

(3:34) 14. You Don't Bring Me Flowers

(5:17) 15. My Love

(2:50) 16. My Reverie

Born in Newport News, VA, in 1944, Salena Jones (real name: Joan Elizabeth Shaw) would over the course of a 60-plus-year career become one of the leading vocalists of swing music, performing in a number of countries in Europe and Asia and recording a number of albums. Jones got her first break at the famed Apollo Theater in New York, winning a talent contest that resulted in a record deal. She spent the early part of her career touring and performing with such leading lights as Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Duke Ellington. Her first forays overseas, to Spain and the U.K., were in the mid-'60s and were to begin a life spent mostly outside the rather fickle confines of the United States. In 1978, she made her first appearance in Japan and performed there on an annual basis. By the first decade of the 21st century, she had performed on most continents, recorded more than 40 albums, and sang at the 2006 Shanghai International Jazz Festival. ~ Cris True http://www.allmusic.com/artist/salena-jones-mn0000290681

Audiophile Selection

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Michael Cochrane Trio - Gesture Of Faith

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:58
Size: 156,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:05)  1. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
(4:35)  2. Baby Steps
(6:37)  3. Gesture Of Faith
(5:24)  4. Free Fall
(7:24)  5. Gentle Rain
(5:31)  6. All Of You
(6:38)  7. Lush Life
(7:09)  8. Blues On The Dark Side
(6:41)  9. Room 118
(6:51) 10. Invitation
(4:59) 11. Hallucination

On Gesture of Faith, veteran Cochrane demonstrates a direct, fat-free linear style with a hint of Bill Evans in his chord voicings. Eddie Gomez’s walking and crosscutting bass lines provide another source of interest and delight, as does Alan Nelson’s drumming. “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was” swings cleanly as the trio exhibits the art of interplay as well as more traditional lead and support roles. Cochrane’s chordal exposition of “Invitation” is rich and exotic. In addition to Cochrane’s skill, this album reminds us again that Gomez is one of jazz’s top bassists. ~ Owen Cordle https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/michael-cochrane-gesture-of-faith/
 

Personnel:  Alan Nelson(Drums),  Eddie Gomez(Bass),  Michael Cochrane(Piano)

Gesture Of Faith

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Jan Lundgren & Georg Riedel - Lockrop

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:23
Size: 131,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:34)  1. Lockrop
(2:47)  2. Ida's sommarvisa
(4:15)  3. M.Z
(3:39)  4. Och jungfrun gick at killan
(2:24)  5. Solen skiner
(3:10)  6. Lille katt
(4:41)  7. Arne
(2:07)  8. Dis
(4:03)  9. Stenhuggarens visa
(3:29) 10. Bad weather
(4:46) 11. Looking back
(4:18) 12. Blues för Jan Johansen
(3:47) 13. Ramsa
(3:12) 14. Dimman lättar
(5:05) 15. Too Soon

A fine bop-based pianist, Jan Lundgren has visited the United States several times since the mid-'90s and been gradually gaining a very strong reputation. Even while undergoing extensive classical piano training, Lundgren was playing jazz locally and by the time he was 20, he had begun working with Arne Domnérus and Putte Wickman. Lundgren has picked up valuable experience accompanying many visiting Americans (including Herb Geller, Johnny Griffin, and Mark Murphy). In 1994, he recorded his debut as a leader for the Four Leaf Clover label. Since then, Lundgren has recorded separate sets with Herb Geller and Bill Perkins for Fresh Sound and led further albums for Alfa and Four Leaf Clover. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/artist/jan-lundgren-mn0000808686/biography

Personnel:  Jan Lundgren , piano;  Georg Riedel, piano.

Lockrop

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Ricky Ford Quartet - Balaena

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:29
Size: 170,6 MB
Art: Front

(11:50)  1. Pie Crust
( 7:40)  2. Cable Waltz
( 8:29)  3. Blues Work
( 7:58)  4. Song For Pres
( 6:59)  5. Blues In Fourths
( 9:24)  6. Balaena
(13:32)  7. Blues A Hoy
( 8:34)  8. In Walked Bish

Heldentenor Veteran Tenorist Rick Ford debuts of Jazz Friends with a solid live set supported by a truly all-star rhythm section of George Cables; Cecil McBee, and Ed Thigpen. This release is made up of mostly extended pieces where Ford shows his depth and breadth form Dexter Gordon passing through Sonny Rollins on his way to John Coltrane. "Pie Crust" encompasses all in on piece. Equal adept in the blues and ballads, Ford hones his chops in both venues. George Cables remains a vastly under-recognized talent, playing with his usual panache and intelligence. McBee and Thigpen are both tasteful and cool. The sum of all parts is an excellent recording, recommended to any fan of the tenor saxophone. Good Show! ~ C.Michael Bailey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/balaena-ricky-ford-jazz-friends-productions-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php
 

Personnel: Ricky Ford: Tenor Saxophone; George Cables: Piano; Cecil McBee: Bass; Ed Thigpen: Drums.

Balaena

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Herb Ellis - Ellis In Wonderland

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:18
Size: 83.1 MB
Styles: Bop, Guitar jazz
Year: 1956/2006
Art: Front

[4:44] 1. Sweetheart Blues
[4:51] 2. Somebody Loves Me
[3:43] 3. It Could Happen To You
[4:43] 4. Pogo
[4:00] 5. Detour Ahead
[3:48] 6. Ellis In Wonderland
[6:17] 7. Have You Met Miss Jones
[4:09] 8. A Simple Tune

Alto Saxophone – Charlie Mariano; Bass – Ray Brown; Drums – Alvin Stoller; Guitar – Herb Ellis; Piano – Oscar Peterson; Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet – Jimmy Giuffre; Trumpet – Harry Edison. Recorded December 1955 and January 1956 in Hollywood.

In the midst of his tenure with the Oscar Peterson Trio, Herb Ellis had the chance to turn the tables on his boss and employ him as a sideman, though the keyboard virtuoso strangely reigns in his chops and pretty much stays in the background. This pair of sessions was first issued on a Norgran LP and finally reissued as a Verve CD in early 2006. The first four tracks add Jimmy Giuffre (alternating between baritone sax, tenor sax, and clarinet) and trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, along with fellow Peterson sideman Ray Brown and drummer Alvin Stoller. Ellis' originals include the easygoing "Sweetheart Blues" and the cooking bop vehicle "Pogo," where both the leader and Edison eclipse Giuffre's efforts on sax. "It Could Happen to You" focuses exclusively on Ellis, with Peterson and Edison sitting out and Giuffre adding some background color on clarinet. Alto saxophonist Charlie Mariano is added for the latter date. The well-known "Detour Ahead" (jointly credited to Ellis and his former Soft Winds bandmates Lou Carter and Johnny Frigo, though Frigo has long maintained that it was his composition alone) has a chamber-like setting, with the band primarily providing background for Ellis, though Ray Brown gets in a snappy solo toward the end. The session picks up with the bubbly "Ellis in Wonderland" and a snappy rendition of "Have You Met Miss Jones?" Giuffre's loping "A Simple Tune" reflects Ellis' Texas roots in a bluesy setting, with Peterson finally getting a chance to stretch out for a chorus. This early album by Herb Ellis is well worth acquiring. ~Ken Dryden

Ellis In Wonderland

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Claudia Acuna - In These Shoes

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:01
Size: 112.2 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 2008
Art: Front

[3:36] 1. In These Shoes
[3:46] 2. Vida Sin Miel
[4:30] 3. Paciencia
[4:14] 4. Cuando Cuando
[3:55] 5. Agua
[3:37] 6. Comos Dos Amantes
[3:55] 7. Moondance
[4:29] 8. Willow Weep For Me
[3:15] 9. California
[4:18] 10. Jibarito
[4:52] 11. Dime
[4:28] 12. La Piye

Claudia Acuna: lead vocals; Arturo O'Farrill: piano, arrangements; Adam Rogers: guitar; Michael Mossman: trumpet; Reynaldo Jorge: trombone; Yosvany Terry: alto and tenor sax; Ruben Rodrigues: bass; Dafnis Prieto: drums; Pedrito Martinez: percussion, vocals.

Friends sometimes make the best partners. It's a good formula for Arturo O'Farrill and Claudia Acuna, who collaborated for In These Shoes. O'Farrill, a 2006 Grammy nominee as a pianist, composer and arranger, has put his mark on Latin and jazz styles, often mixing both. Acuna, a singer from Chile, also fuses Latin and jazz and counts among her influences, Sarah Vaughan and Celia Cruz. Together, O'Farrill and Acuna combine the best of their respective worlds. The sassy "Vida Sin Miel" fuses some Latin vibes with some funk. Ruben Rodrigues lays down the bass track, and guitarist Adam Rogers delivers a bluesy solo. Pedrito Martinez on percussion and background vocals offers an assist.

Acuna's ethereal voice gives the Spanish lyrics of "Paciencia" an elegant quality. This charming ballad features a subtle underscore by the supporting cast. O'Farrill's piano is little more than a bit player here, but the beauty is in the lead and the arrangement. The piano does get more involved on "Cuando Cuando," a straightforward Latin arrangement. The percussion, bass, drums and piano are the stars, although Acuna's lead is also a key element. The ensemble takes on more of an Afro-Cuban sound with "Agua," which has heavy emphasis on bass and percussion. The voices add a certain charm to it.

The goal of the recording is to bring the world together, showing that various cultures can, and often do, mingle. The formula works, as O'Farrill and Acuna present different styles of music, and merge them, such as with the Latin take on Van Morrison's "Moondance." In These Shoes is a pleasant listen throughout. ~Woodrow Wilkins

In These Shoes

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Heath Jones - Nice And Easy

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:11
Size: 156.1 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[6:20] 1. Nice And Easy
[7:37] 2. Bathsheba
[5:48] 3. Kalahari Cavalcade
[5:26] 4. All Of Me
[5:22] 5. I'm Struck Nostalgic
[7:42] 6. So What
[7:03] 7. As In A Setting Moon
[6:22] 8. 9 Pin No Tap
[4:35] 9. Parker's Mood
[6:40] 10. A Night In Tunisia
[5:12] 11. Southern Sweet

This album is in the style of traditional jazz with Hammond Organ. It features Heath Jones on saxophones, Tony Monaco on Hammond Organ, Lee Rucker on trumpet, Harry Tonchev on guitar, Jeremy Thomas on drums, and Justin Echols on vocals. A bonus track includes Mark Galloway on guitar and Cleve Warren on drums. There are arrangements by Vince Norman and an original tune by Zac Lee. The title track "Nice and Easy" is written for my daughter Heather Jones in the style of Lou Donaldson's "Funky Mama." The tune "I'm Struck Nostalgic" is dedicated to my wife Elizabeth Jones of 25 years. The tune "9 Pin No Tap" is written for my son Eric Jones who is also my bowling partner. It was a true pleasure performing with all the musicians on this album.

Nice And Easy

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Charles Mingus - Mingus Plays Piano

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:14
Size: 115.0 MB
Styles: Bop, Piano jazz
Year: 1963/2012
Art: Front

[7:38] 1. Myself When I Am Real
[3:40] 2. I Can't Get Started
[4:31] 3. Body And Soul
[2:40] 4. Roland Kirk's Message
[4:34] 5. Memories Of You
[3:12] 6. She's Just Miss Popular Hybrid
[4:13] 7. Orange Was The Color Of Her Dress, Then Silk Blues
[3:38] 8. Meditations For Moses
[3:44] 9. Old Portrait
[3:43] 10. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
[8:34] 11. Compositional Theme Story, Medleys, Anthems And Folklore

This album is unique in Mingus' enormous catalog. As the title indicates, the famous bassist takes to the ivories solo to give life to his dazzling improvisational art. At first it seems odd to hear Mingus without one of his trademark interactive and exploratory ensembles. But the sensibility that he brings to this collection of piano pieces bears all the signs of the composer's genius.

In the first piece, "Myself When I Am Real," turbulence and aching beauty merge in Mingus' spontaneous unfolding of phrases. Such standards as "Body and Soul" and "Memories of You" are given personal, harmonically intriguing readings that blend in seamlessly with a Mingus original like "Old Portrait." In many ways, it is a treat to hear the artist working in this pared-down, quieter atmosphere, as it allows one to concentrate more intently upon the range and compositional brilliance of this incomparable figure. ~AllMusic

Mingus Plays Piano

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Gerry Mulligan - Idol Gossip

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:19
Size: 99,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:29)  1. Idol Gossip
(4:08)  2. Strayhorn 2
(3:33)  3. Walk On The Water
(4:30)  4. Waltzing Mathilda
(7:35)  5. Out Back Of The Barn
(5:37)  6. North Atlantic Run
(6:24)  7. Taurus Moon

This somewhat forgotten studio session finds Gerry Mulligan, 25 years after he first acheived fame with his quartet, playing six of his fairly recent compositions along with a version of "Waltzing Mathilda." With vibraphonist Dave Samuels and a four-piece rhythm section accompanying him, Mulligan performs such songs as "Walk on the Water," "Idol Gossip" and "Strayhorn 2;" the latter a reworking of his "Song for Strayhorn." Jeru proves to still be in prime form and plays a bit of soprano sax on this date along with his distinctive baritone. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/idol-gossip-mw0000627325

Personnel: Gerry Mulligan (soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone); Mike Santiago, Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar); Hank Jones , Tom Fay (piano); Lionel Hampton, Dave Samuels (vibraphone); Grady Tate, Bobby Rosengarden (drums); Candido Camero (congas).

Idol Gossip

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Rachel Lauren - If Ever

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:44
Size: 120,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:27)  1. Stars Fell On Alabama
(4:07)  2. If Ever
(3:51)  3. Come Rain or Come Shine
(6:07)  4. In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
(4:08)  5. The Way You Look Tonight
(5:20)  6. Corcovado
(4:27)  7. True Love
(4:01)  8. Between the Bars
(4:42)  9. I'm Old Fashioned
(3:52) 10. I'll Be Seeing You
(6:35) 11. All Or Nothing At All

A great mix of modern meets vintage. Rachel has a rich sound that continues the lineage of great jazz vocalists, and the arrangements are as fresh and modern as the players who perform them. Put this album on, open a bottle of wine, relax and enjoy. Rachel Lauren was born to sing. After making her stage debut in musical theater at the age of five, she excitedly exclaimed to her mother, “Do you mean I can do this for the rest of my life?” At the age of 15, Rachel discovered Jazz. In 2009 she graduated with honors from the USC Thornton School of Music as a Music Industry and Jazz major. Rachel was also the recipient of the prestigious Lamont Dozier Scholar award her Junior year. In addition to performing all over the world, Rachel has also been seen on the David Letterman show, featured at Grammys, major USC events and David Fosters Starry Night. Her voice can also be heard on the feature song in the award winning documentary "SOMM"(2013). Rachel has shared the stage with greats such as Randy Newman, Mike Garson, Tierney Sutton, Peter Erskine , Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy, Chris Botti and Dave Koz. In 2006, Rachel paired up with producer, arranger and drummer, Brian Carmody, to release her first album Away From the Crowd. After working together for seven years the two are now releasing the highly anticipated follow up album "If Ever". https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rachellauren4

If Ever

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Michael Cochrane - Right Now

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:28
Size: 150,2 MB
Art: Front

(7:09)  1. Sit & Wait
(9:42)  2. The Seeker
(5:43)  3. Convergence
(7:24)  4. New Samba
(6:52)  5. Blues On The Dark Side
(8:07)  6. Ballad For Old Times Sake
(6:47)  7. Early Bird
(8:09)  8. Revelation
(5:31)  9. Right Now

Michael Cochrane is one of many American jazz musicians who has had far greater exposure working for European-based labels than he has in his homeland. This trio date with bassist Calvin Hill and drummer Jeff Hirschfield is an enjoyable session, focusing exclusively on nine originals by the leader. "Sit and Wait" is a fine opener, in the mold of Bud Powell and Duke Jordan. "The Seeker" begins in a pensive mood before transforming into a lively mid-tempo waltz with an infectious vamp. The breezy "New Samba" showcases Hill's fluid bass, in addition to the leader. The brisk "Ballad for Old Times Sake" blends elements of hard bop and Latin rhythm into an infectious groove, while "Early Bird" sounds as if it could have been written during the '50s heyday of bop. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/right-now-mw0000581185

Personnel:  Bass – Calvin Hill;  Drums – Jeff Hirshfield;  Piano, Composed By – Michael Cochrane

Right Now

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Rick Braun - Night Walk

Styles: Trumpet Jazz 
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:26
Size: 111,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:19)  1. Night Walk
(5:06)  2. The Doctor
(4:34)  3. Madrid
(3:56)  4. Things Change
(4:40)  5. Fat Jack & Domino
(5:31)  6. Children Of The Night
(5:16)  7. Desire
(4:53)  8. Neon Dream
(4:03)  9. We'll Be Laughing
(5:03) 10. Indians

A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, trumpeter Rick Braun first surfaced as a member of the jazz-fusion outfit Auracle, formed while he was a student at the prestigious Eastman School of Music. After two LPs the group disbanded, and Braun turned to songwriting, scoring a hit with REO Speedwagon's "Here with Me"; in time he directed his focus to contemporary jazz, issuing his solo debut, Intimate Secrets, in 1993. After touring with Sade, he returned in 1994 with Night Walk as well as the seasonal release Christmas Present. With 1995's Beat Street, Braun's popularity continued to snowball, with 1996's smash Body and Soul launching the NAC chart-topper "Notorious." A two-time winner of the Gavin Report's Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year award, he returned in 1998 with Full Stride. He also collaborated with Boney James on the 2000 release Shake It Up. Kisses in the Rain followed a year later, and Braun continued issuing albums throughout the decade of the 2000s, including Esperanto in 2003, Sessions, Vol. 1 in 2004, Yours Truly in 2005, RnR (a duo set co-led by saxophonist Richard Elliot) in 2007, and All It Takes in 2009. Braun offered up a change-of-pace recording in 2011 with the self-explanatory Sings with Strings, an album of standards featuring string charts by Philippe Saisse. In 2104, Braun returned to the groove-oriented instrumental smooth jazz of his early work with Can You Feel It. ~ Jason Ankeny https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/rick-braun/id151194#fullText

Personnel: Rick Braun (vocals, guitar, trumpet, flugelhorn, keyboards, programming); Leroy Osbourne (vocals); Todd Sharp (acoustic & electric guitar); Jeff Golub, Carl Verheyen, Vinny D'Onofrio (guitar);, Larry Klimas (soprano saxophone); Sam Purkin (piano); Curtis Brengle (piano, keyboards, synthesizer); Paul Spencer Denman, Cliff Hugo, Russ Landau (bass), Dave Karasony (drums).

Night Walk

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Martin Lechner - Gentlemen Are Hard To Find: The Music Of Nat King Cole

Size: 145,3 MB
Time: 61:37
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011
Styles: Jazz/Soul Vocals
Art: Front

01. Sweet Lorraine (3:27)
02. Satchel Mouth Baby (3:23)
03. Don't Blame Me (3:42)
04. Walkin' My Baby Back Home (2:32)
05. That Ain't Right (3:14)
06. I'm Through With Love (4:22)
07. That's My Girl (1:41)
08. Nature Boy (4:59)
09. That's The Beginning Of The End (3:47)
10. Straighten Up And Fly Right (3:30)
11. Too Marvelous (3:55)
12. Little Girl (2:21)
13. But She's My Buddy' Chick (2:55)
14. The Best Man (2:58)
15. Lush Wife (5:34)
16. When I Take My Sugar To Tea (2:30)
17. I'm Lost (3:13)
18. Gentlemen Are Hard To Find (3:26)

Martin Lechner is literally a natural talent. Without having ever completed a single singing session, he interprets jazz classics with his characteristic voice and thus gives the songs a convincing independence. His sympathetic appearance, the warm timbre of his voice, the excellent rhythmic feeling as well as his sovereign phrasing, make Martin Lechner an exceptional release. And only a few years ago did he begin singing for his own pleasure. Following "open mic" appearances in 2006, Martin Lechner founds his own band with Swiss musicians. In the meantime, a project has been set up, which has achieved a great deal in a very short time. After his successful debut album "Gentlemen Are Hard To Find", his second litter is "Somethin 'Old & Somethin' New - Somethin 'Else!". ~Google translation

Gentlemen Are Hard To Find

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Angie Wells & Raphael Lemonnier - Love And Mischief

Size: 131,2 MB
Time: 46:01
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz/Blues Vocals
Art: Front

01. Peel Me A Grape (3:59)
02. The Moon Is Swinging On A Line (5:37)
03. She Ain't The Kinda' Girl (4:47)
04. You're My Thrill (5:36)
05. Come Rain Or Come Shine (2:26)
06. Nature Boy (3:58)
07. Ain't Misbehavin (3:39)
08. I'm In Moody's Mood For Love (5:24)
09. Nice Girls Don't Stay For Breakfast (4:45)
10. Baby It's Cold Outside (2:35)
11. One Mint Julep (Bonus Track) (3:11)

Angie Wells has a smokey well rounded voice that can give listeners goosebumps on a ballad and then turn around to get them tapping their feet when she swings. She has the ability to entertain her audience in a way that is truly captivating. She gives a show in the true sense of the word with glamorous costume changes, humorous banter and a voice that keeps her audience hanging on to every note. She truly believes a performance is a symbiotic exchange of energy between herself and her audience and gives her all at every moment.

Her performance as part of the 24th annual Jazz at LACMA series earned her a standing ovation and a wonderful critique by jazz journalist Scott Yanow in LA Jazz Weekly.

Angie began her singing career in an intimate little supper club in St. Germain des Pres in Paris when she joined the trio playing that night for a few tunes. Since then she has returned to France to tour with French pianist Raphael Lemonnier and has played and recorded at home with some of America's best jazz musicians including John Belzaguy,
Peter Buck, Carl Burnett, Bill Cunliffe, Quentin Dennard, Kenny Elliot,
Tim Emmons, Henry Franklin, Jim Hughart, Joe LaBarbera, Harry Kim, Paul Kreibich, James Leary, Jack Lecompte, Tom Warrington and Doug Webb. She has performed as guest vocalist with
Jeff Goldblum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra and with New Orleans' own Kermit Ruffins and The Barbecue Swingers at The Telluride Jazz Festival and The San Jose Summer Jazz Fest.

Love And Mischief

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