Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Phil Woods - Jazz Alive! A Night At The Half Note

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:42
Size: 90.9 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1959/2010
Art: Front


[ 9:01] 1. Lover Come Back To Me
[10:14] 2. It Had To Be You
[ 8:58] 3. Wee Dot
[11:27] 4. After You've Gone

Alto Saxophone – Phil Woods; Bass – Knobby Totah; Drums – Paul Motian; Piano – Mose Allison; Tenor Saxophone – Al Cohn, Zoot Sims. Recorded live at The Half Note, February 6 and 7, 1959.

Zoot Sims and Al Cohn always made great music together; this live recording documents portions of two nights' work together at the Half Note in New York City, assisted by pianist Mose Allison, bassist Nabil Totah and drummer Paul Motian. Their brisk setting of "Lover, Come Back to Me" features Cohn, Sims and Allison soloing in turn, building the fire before the eventual trading of fours between the tenor saxophonists. After a relaxed rendition of "It Had to Be You," alto saxophonist Phil Woods is added to the mix for the next two numbers, recorded the very next evening. The guest sets up the percolating mid-tempo setting of "Wee Dot," with the tenors following him. The delightful interplay within the long workout of "After You've Gone" signals the chemistry between the three friends. Bop and cool fans will want to make any effort to hear this excellent release. ~Ken Dryden

Jazz Alive! A Night At The Half Note

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Bangles - Greatest Hits

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:50
Size: 109.5 MB
Styles: Contemporary pop/rock
Year: 1984
Art: Front

[2:54] 1. Hero Takes A Fall
[3:40] 2. Going Down To Liverpool
[3:04] 3. Manic Monday
[3:49] 4. If She Knew What She Wants
[3:23] 5. Walk Like An Egyptian
[3:02] 6. Walking Down Your Street
[3:20] 7. Following
[2:46] 8. Hazy Shade Of Winter
[3:28] 9. In Your Room
[3:55] 10. Eternal Flame
[3:02] 11. Be With You
[4:41] 12. I'll Set You Free
[3:34] 13. Everything I Wanted
[3:05] 14. Where Were You When I Needed You

Weighing in at 14 tracks, Greatest Hits is a good, basic collection of the Bangles' biggest singles, containing all the hits, including the previously non-LP "Hazy Shade of Winter," plus a couple of album tracks and, for the dedicated, a new cover of the Grass Roots' "Where Were You When I Needed You." It may be easy to carp about fine album tracks from All Over the Place and Different Light that should have been included, yet this is a fine sampler/introduction that might not necessarily capture the Bangles' best -- in this context, their ties to the Paisley Underground and college rock seem nonexistent -- but still finds them as masters of irresistible pop singles. ~Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Greatest Hits

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Blossom Dearie - They Say It's Spring (2-Disc Set)

A distinctive, girlish voice, crisp, impeccable delivery, and an irrepressible sense of playful swing made Blossom Dearie one of the most enjoyable singers of the vocal era. Her warmth and sparkle ensured that she'd never treat standards as the well-worn songs they often appeared in less capable hands. And though her reputation was made on record with a string of excellent albums for Verve during the '50s, she remained a draw with Manhattan cabaret audiences long into the new millennium.

Actually born with the name Blossom Dearie in the New York Catskills, she began playing piano at an early age and studied classical music before making the switch to jazz while in high school. After graduation, she moved to New York and began appearing with vocal groups like the Blue Flames (attached to Woody Herman) and the Blue Reys (with Alvino Rey). She also played cocktail piano around the city, and moved to Paris in 1952 to form her own group, the Blue Stars of France. Dearie also appeared in a nightclub act with Annie Ross, and made a short, uncredited appearance on King Pleasure's vocalese classic, "Moody's Mood for Love." She recorded an obscure album of piano solos, and in 1954, the Blue Stars hit the national charts with a French version of "Lullaby of Birdland." After hearing Dearie perform in Paris in 1956, Norman Granz signed her to Verve and she returned to America by the end of the year. Her eponymous debut for Verve featured a set of standards that slanted traditional pop back to its roots in Tin Pan Alley, Broadway, and cabaret. Her focus on intimate readings of standards ("Deed I Do," "Thou Swell") and the relaxed trio setting (bassist Ray Brown and drummer Jo Jones, plus Dearie on piano) drew nods to her cabaret background. On her next few records, Dearie stuck to her focus on standards and small groups, though her gift for songwriting emerged as well with songs like "Blossom's Blues." She performed in solo settings at supper clubs all over New York, and appeared on the more cultured of the late-'50s New York talk shows. Her husband, flutist Bobby Jaspar, made several appearances on her records, notably 1959's My Gentleman Friend. After a recording break in the early '60s, Blossom Dearie signed to Capitol for one album (1964's May I Come In?), but then recorded sparingly during the rest of the decade.

Finally, in the early '70s, she formed her own Daffodil Records label and began releasing her own work, including 1974's Blossom Dearie Sings and the following year's My Favorite Celebrity Is You. She also performed at Carnegie Hall with Anita O'Day and Joe Williams, billed as the Jazz Singers. She continued to perform and record during the 1980s through to the early 2000s, centered mostly in New York but also a regular attraction in London as well. She retired from playing live in 2006 due to health concerns and died quietly in her Greenwich Village apartment on February 7, 2009. ~bio by John bush

Album: They Say It's Spring (Disc 1)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 75:08

Size: 172.0 MB

Styles: Vocal jazz

Year: 2015

[3:46] 1. They Say It's Spring

[4:13] 2. Manhattan

[2:10] 3. 'deed I Do

[2:48] 4. I'm Hip

[6:00] 5. Someone To Watch Over Me

[2:10] 6. Rhode Island Is Famous For You

[2:28] 7. Plus Je T'embrasse

[2:09] 8. Comment Allez Vous

[3:23] 9. Now At Last

[3:20] 10. Tea For Two

[2:47] 11. I Won't Dance

[3:27] 12. Try Your Wings

[2:21] 13. Tout Doucement

[3:20] 14. Bang Goes The Drum (And You're In Love)

[2:50] 15. Always True To You In My Fashion

[2:42] 16. Let Me Love You

[2:25] 17. L'etang

[2:51] 18. It's Love

[3:12] 19. It Might As Well Be Spring

[2:58] 20. Dance Only With Me

[3:06] 21. It's Too Good To Talk About Now

[2:03] 22. Just One Of Those Things

[3:34] 23. Lonely Town

[2:08] 24. I Hear Music

[2:44] 25. Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be)

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Album: They Say It's Spring (Disc 2)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 79:14

Size: 181.4 MB

Styles: Vocal jazz

Year: 2015

Art: Front

[3:54] 1. Some Other Time

[3:10] 2. Love Is Here To Stay

[3:31] 3. Just In Time

[4:17] 4. Napoleon

[1:58] 5. Moonlight Saving Time

[2:43] 6. Once Upon A Summertime

[3:25] 7. More Than You Know

[4:00] 8. Lucky To Be Me

[3:46] 9. Gentleman Friend

[2:39] 10. Life Upon The Wicked Stage

[3:39] 11. Little Jazz Bird

[4:28] 12. Like Someone In Love

[4:17] 13. It Amazes Me

[2:10] 14. Johnny One Note

[2:37] 15. Give Him The Ooh-La-La

[1:38] 16. Down With Love

[2:48] 17. Guys And Dolls

[3:04] 18. If I Were A Bell

[4:12] 19. I Walk A Little Faster

[3:24] 20. I Like Myself

[3:22] 21. Hold Me, Hold Me, Hold Me

[2:26] 22. Everything I've Got

[2:41] 23. Confession

[1:48] 24. Buckle Down Winsocki

[3:06] 25. Chez Moi

They Say It's Spring (Disc 1)(Disc 2)

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The Cooltrane Quartet - Cool Jazz Blends

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 44:15

Size: 101.3 MB

Styles: Lounge, Jazz-pop

Year: 2014

Art: Front

[3:55] 1. Should I Stay Or Should I Go

[4:07] 2. Like A Virgin

[3:55] 3. Holding Back The Years

[4:22] 4. Smoke On The Water

[4:07] 5. Wonderwall

[2:37] 6. Breathe (In The Air)

[4:00] 7. Oh! Darling

[4:40] 8. Some Like It Hot

[5:19] 9. Back To Black

[7:08] 10. Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses

Cool Jazz Blends

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Ruby Braff - The Master Takes

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:07
Size: 101.0 MB
Styles: New Orleans jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[5:54] 1. 's Wonderful
[4:09] 2. I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate
[4:27] 3. Ad Lib Blues
[3:47] 4. Hustlin' And Bustlin' For Baby
[2:46] 5. There's A Small Hotel
[5:18] 6. When It's Sleepy Time Down South
[2:33] 7. Shoe Shine Boy
[3:09] 8. Flaky
[7:03] 9. Fine And Mellow
[4:56] 10. What's The Reason (I'm Not Pleasing You)

One of the great swing/Dixieland cornetists, Ruby Braff went through long periods of his career unable to find work because his music was considered out-of-fashion, but his fortunes improved by the 1970s. A very expressive player who in later years liked to build his solos up to a low note, Braff's playing was instantly recognizable within seconds. Braff mostly worked around Boston in the late '40s. He teamed up with Pee Wee Russell when the clarinetist was making a comeback (they recorded live for Savoy), and after moving to New York in 1953, he fit easily into a variety of Dixieland and mainstream settings. Braff recorded for Vanguard as a leader, and with Vic Dickenson, Buck Clayton, and Urbie Green. He was one of the stars of Buck Clayton's Columbia jam sessions, and in the mid-'50s worked with Benny Goodman. But, despite good reviews and occasional recordings, work was hard for Braff to come by at times. In the 1960s, he was able to get jobs by being with George Wein's Newport All-Stars and at jazz festivals, but it was not until the cornetist formed a quartet with guitarist George Barnes, in 1973, that he became more secure. Afterward, Braff was heard in many small-group settings, including duets with Dick Hyman and Ellis Larkins (he had first met up with the latter in the 1950s), quintets with Scott Hamilton, and matching wits with Howard Alden. He remained one of the greats of mainstream jazz until his death in 2003. ~ Scott Yanow

The Master Takes

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Miles Davis Feat. Sonny Rollins - Dig

Styles: Trumpet And Saxophone Jazz

Year: 2010

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 45:39

Size: 104,8 MB

Art: Front

(7:36)  1. Dig

(5:26)  2. It's Only A Paper Moon

(5:42)  3. Denial

(9:56)  4. Bluing

(6:19)  5. Out Of The Blue

(4:01)  6. Conception (Bonus Track)

(6:35)  7. My Old Flame (Bonus Track)

Tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins was present as a member of the Miles Davis sextet (alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, pianist Walter Bishop, bassist Tommy Potter, drummer Art Blakey) on Dig, which was part of a 10/5/51 session, all of which was also on a two-fer. I love this music, but I have to admit it sounds dated. This wasn't Miles Davis' best, but I've always appreciated it for McLean's cutting sax work. ~ Bob Rush http://www.allmusic.com/album/dig-mw0000652733

Alto Saxophone – Jackie McLean;  Bass – Tommy Potter;  Drums – Art Blakey;  Piano – Walter Bishop, Jr.;  Tenor Saxophone – Sonny Rollins;  Trumpet – Miles Davis

Dig

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Andy LaVerne - Buy One, Get One Free

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 62:02
Size: 113,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:01)  1. Pairs of Chairs
(6:51)  2. Orbit (Unless It's You)
(5:39)  3. Fine Tune
(7:26)  4. Maiden Voyage
(6:12)  5. Buy One, Get One Free
(7:25)  6. By Myself
(6:20)  7. Elm
(5:12)  8. Invisible Denial
(4:24)  9. Intervallic Denial
(7:26) 10. Spain

Andy LaVerne is featured playing two Yamaha grand pianos on this session, though it was not your typical overdub; it was essentially done live with LaVerne playing first on one instrument equipped with a disklavier (essentially a computer that records all the nuances of what's played) and accompanying the first performance live on a second piano, enabling better interaction. LaVerne's hypnotic "Pair Of Chairs" introduces the concept with success, while Bill Evans' little known "Orbit" is given a Brazilian flavor. "Maiden Voyage" works particularly well with two pianos, which would be very difficult to pull off as a solo; then in Chick Corea's "Spain" LaVerne makes use of the full range of both keyboards combined for a richly textured arrangement. This is a very interesting experiment worth acquiring by fans of duo piano. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/buy-one-get-one-free-mw0000725944

Buy One, Get One Free

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Teddy Wilson - How High The Moon?

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1945
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 28:36
Size: 66,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:22)  1. How High The Moon?
(2:52)  2. After You've Gone
(2:54)  3. Dinah
(2:29)  4. Stompin' At The Savoy
(3:03)  5. I Surrender Dear
(1:56)  6. I Know That You Know
(2:55)  7. I'm Confessin'
(2:23)  8. Rose Room
(3:24)  9. It's The Talk Of The Town
(3:13) 10. Flyin' Home

The music on this CD has appeared a countless number of times, most recently as part of a Vintage Jazz Classics CD. The 1945 Teddy Wilson sextet (which features the pianist, vibraphonist Red Norvo and trumpeter Charlie Shavers) make the most of every second during their very concise versions of ten selections; all but two are under three minutes. Most of the solos are just a half-chorus long, but there are some strong moments, particularly from Shavers' fiery horn. The final selection, listed as "Flyin' Home," actually has no relation to that tune and is an obscurity called "Speculation." This is fun music, but due to the extreme brevity of this set (under 28 minutes) and the availability of the much more complete VJC CD, this can be safely skipped. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/how-high-the-moon-mw0000977218

Personnel: Teddy Wilson (piano); Remo Palmieri (guitar); Charlie Shavers (trumpet); Red Norvo (vibraphone); Specs Powell (drums).

How High The Moon?

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Mose Davis - Let The Music Take You

Size: 155,0 MB
Time: 66:46
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Funk, Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. We Fell Into A Party (5:56)
02. Captain Chill, Pt. 2 (5:03)
03. The Funkline (3:39)
04. Let The Music Take You (6:02)
05. The July Encounter (5:08)
06. London Stroll (7:04)
07. I Gotta Feeling (5:48)
08. Boots & Jeans (4:23)
09. She's Gone (6:15)
10. The Story Of Life (8:50)
11. The Bazaar (3:47)
12. The Lonely Road (4:45)

A mixture of funk and jazz. Vocals and instrumentals.

Because he specializes in creating uplifting music from all genres, Jazz, R&B, Pop, Rock and Gospel, in addition to movie scores and TV themes, Mose Davis has been called "The Music Specialist". Classically trained at the Detroit Conservatory of Music, Davis is an exceptional jazz artist and prominent fixture on the Atlanta music scene and throughout the region. He moves freely between electric keyboards, acoustic piano, synthesizers, and his all-time love, the organ. Some of his musical influences include jazz greats, Jimmy Smith and Ahmal Jamal. Mose performs with top acts across the country as well as internationally. Such acts as Candi Staton, Marlena Shaw, The Funkadelics and The Fabulous Counts are among his favorites.

His current musical makeup, The Mose Davis Trio has shared the stage with Pieces of A Dream, Michael Franks, Ahmad Jamal, Roy Ayers and Frankie Beverly. He has made numerous appearances at jazz festivals, including The Atlanta Jazz Festival, The Macon Jazz Festival and the world renowned, Spoleto Festival.

Let The Music Take You

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Tim Rose - Outlook

Size: 124,6 MB
Time: 54:20
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Red Dwarf (7:10)
02. While The Cat's Away (7:44)
03. Tough Time (5:51)
04. Samba Mayhem (6:11)
05. Outlook (6:09)
06. Rivers (8:58)
07. It Ain't So Bad (6:01)
08. Yeah, But, No (6:14)

Guitarist and composer Tim Rose has worked as a professional freelance player for over twenty years. In that time he has worked with many artists and organizations such as Toyah Willcox, Carol Decker, Gerry Marsden, Al Martino, Brendan Cole and The Philharmonia Orchestra. Since 2006 Tim has played in the bands/orchestras of some 15 shows in London's West End. Composition has always been at the heart of Tim's musical activity. The original music on 'Outlook' represents many of Tim's primary musical influences, drawing from early fusion, funk and R&B as well as 'ECM' jazz styles and progressive rock. The compositions on 'Outlook' are performed by Tim Rose (guitar and electric bass), Paul Booth (saxophone), Graeme Flowers (trumpet and flugelhorn), John Humphrey (drums), Dave Whitford (double bass), Chris Wong (electric bass) and Ryan Alex Farmery (Rhodes piano).

Outlook

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Sara Bielanski - From The Heart

Size: 75,9 MB
Time: 32:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Night Lights (5:03)
02. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise (2:59)
03. Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year (4:14)
04. East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon) (5:05)
05. Sweet Georgia Brown (3:52)
06. So Many Stars (5:23)
07. Scars (2:23)
08. Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love) (3:31)

This is vocalist Sara Bielanski's debut album, and for it she brought together a group of fine musicians with connections to the Berklee School of Music and The New England Conservatory, institutions where for well over more than a half-century many of our most outstanding players have gotten their jump start. Bielanski herself is a fine crossover singer and vocal teacher based in Cambridge, so the album has a touch of the sophisticated New England Back Bay feeling of those Boston Brahmin families and their Victorian homes. Gastronomically speaking, the album could be compared with a meal of salad, oysters, and steak which whet appetites in that neck of the woods.

According to the liner notes, the music is loosely based on Bielanski's personal experience with heart surgery, which must have acquainted her with mortality and darkness, although she is upbeat and optimistic on most of the tracks. Certainly, the lyrics of the ballad, "Night Lights" confess to fear and loneliness, and the singer demonstrates her ability to express subtle emotions with a dark coloration "to face the lonely night." A short improvised original song, "Scars," evokes a disturbing, dramatic, risk-taking situation like major surgery. But overall, what you experience is what you might hear in a good mainstream jazz set in a small club: great standards that cover a gamut of intimate stories and feelings.

The guiding presence at the recording sessions of up and coming vocalist, composer, and arranger Steven Santoro was an inspiration for the parsimonious and authentic approach taken by Bielanski. Pianist Mark Shilansky, bassist Chris Rathbun, and drummer Austin McMahon provide finely-tuned accompaniment and a well-crafted backdrop, allowing the singer ample room to show her wares. Pianist Shilansky does some great work on "East of the Sun (And West of the Moon)" that is reminiscent of Alan Broadbent's and Junior Mance's backing of Irene Kral in her iconic recordings of the 1970s. Bassist Chris Rathbun and drummer Austin McMahon deliver a near-perfect rhythmic pulse throughout the album.

Bielanski's interpretation of "Sweet Georgia Brown," begins with a time marking duet with bassist Rathbun and works its way up to a red-light district invitation to the boudoir. It is sung with southern inflections and flirtatious filigree that leads you to speculate that Georgia Brown, with her "too left feet but oh so sweet" is the singer herself. By thematic and stylistic contrast, the Sergio Mendez standard "So Many Stars" is done with subtlety of expression, and there is a hearfelt interlude where the singer simply speaks the words against a beautiful trio backdrop. And the rhythm section gives a Brazilian rhythmic accent to "East of the Sun (And West of the Moon)," a "just right" move which makes it seem that it could have been composed by Jobim, although it is an American songbook classic by Brooks Bowman. ~By Victor L. Schermer

Personnel: Sara Bielanski: vocals; Mark Shilansky: piano; Chris Rathbun: bass; Austin McMahon: drums; Steven Santoro (arrangements: tracks 1-6).

From The Heart

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Raphael Wressnig - Captured Live

Size: 138,8 MB
Time: 59:50
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz, Soul, Funk, Hammond Organ
Art: Front

01. Intro (0:31)
02. Slivovitz For Joe (8:43)
03. Soul-Jazz Shuffle (5:08)
04. All That I've Got (Feat. Deitra) (5:00)
05. Wichita Lineman (4:35)
06. Mustard Greens (8:37)
07. Soulful Strut (6:14)
08. A Change Is Gonna Come (5:38)
09. Banana Boogaloo (8:13)
10. It's Your Thing (7:07)

After the success of his last studio album "The Soul Connection" feta. Igor Prado, Austria's B-3 organist number 1 proudly presents a new live album! "Captured Live" is a musical ecstasy lasting over nine songs. Raphael Wressnig, his soul gift band and special guest Deitra Farr bring the "heavy organ soul & funk" from the stage straight into your living room!

Captured Live

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Nicole Herzog - Nicole Herzog Meets Don Menza: That's Life

Size: 123,2 MB
Time: 53:19
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. I'm Hip (6:25)
02. I'll Be Around (6:31)
03. I'm Just A Lucky So And So (7:12)
04. Put The Blame On Mame (5:25)
05. That's Life (7:45)
06. Blah, Blah, Blah (7:05)
07. Mood Indigo (6:53)
08. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter (6:01)

Personnel: Johannes Herrlich (Trombone), Oliver Kent (Piano), Jesper Lundgaard (Acoustic Upright Bass), Bernd Reiter (Drums).

Music-in all its variety- has been a constant companion of the Afro-Swiss Nicole Herzog since her earliest childhood. She began classical ballet lessons at the age of four, and until she was sixteen dreamed of becoming a dancer. Both singing and learning the piano remained just additional hobbies at first. Later, when she took part in a school musical, however, her passion for singing was set loose. From then on, she performed with regional bands in the realm of pop, soul, R & B, and funk. Don Menza is a powerful tenor saxophonist with a dynamic, distinctive sound and soloing style. His compositions such as “Groovin’ Hard” and “Time Check” have become standards in jazz study programmes at colleges and universities worldwide. In 2005 he was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.

Nicole Herzog Meets Don Menza: That's Life   

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Larry Coryell - Joy Spring: The Swinging Side Of Larry Coryell

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:28
Size: 131.5 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2005
Art: Front

[6:45] 1. Joy Spring
[4:45] 2. The Duke
[5:02] 3. My Shining Hour
[8:50] 4. 'Round Midnight
[6:28] 5. Nefertiti
[5:46] 6. Yesterdays
[6:04] 7. Moment's Notice
[5:04] 8. Sophisticated Lady
[8:40] 9. All The Things You Are

Larry Coryell (guitar); Kenny Barron, Stanley Cowell (piano); Buster Williams (bass instrument); Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Beaver Harris, Billy Hart (drums).

Joy Spring is a compilation of straight-ahead tracks that guitarist Larry Coryell recorded over a four-year period for the Muse label, now reissued on the refueled and retooled Savoy Jazz label. Recorded a decade after his super fusion Eleventh House band split, Coryell is in the company of first-rate jazz talent on these three sessions with such luminaries as Stanley Cowell, Billy Hart, Buster Williams, Marvin "Smitty" Smith, and Beaver Harris (Cowell being the only constant). The tunes range form standards like the Arlen & Mercer classic "My Shining Hour," and Jerome Kern's "Yesterdays" to a completely reharmonized version of Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight," Wayne Shorter's "Nefertiti," and a wailing read of Clifford Brown's "Joy Spring," which opens the album. There are also fine interpretations of John Coltrane's "Moment's Notice" and Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady." The only problem is that while the disc does show Coryell's straight chops in fine form and his band swinging like mad, it can feel a little schizophrenic at times, given the range of material, but perhaps that's inevitable for a comp that is apt to showcase just how deep the guitarist's roots go. ~Thom Jurek

Joy Spring: The Swinging Side Of Larry Coryell

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Laird Jackson - Quiet Flame

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:24
Size: 133.7 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz, Standards
Year: 1994
Art: Front

[6:40] 1. How Long Has This Been Going On
[6:51] 2. Save Your Love For Me
[5:46] 3. Love Won't Let Me Wait
[7:33] 4. My Foolish Heart
[3:47] 5. Traveling Light
[4:31] 6. Mood Indigo
[6:02] 7. Ill Wind
[5:51] 8. My One And Only Love
[5:31] 9. Speak Low
[5:47] 10. Blame It On The Sun

Bass – Chris Thomas; Drums – Clarence Penn; Piano – Cyrus Chestnut; Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Donald Harrison; Vibraphone – Steve Nelson; Vocals – Laird Jackson.

Known for her personalized renditions of pop and jazz standards, jazz chanteuse Laird Jackson has also written her own music on top of her renowned covers. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Jackson grew up near Detroit and stayed in Michigan until she graduated from college. After that, she moved to New York City and started working on the club scene. Developing a reputation in the area for her fiery live shows, she recorded Quiet Flame in 1994 and released it the same year. Blending covers of 30's and 40's jazz standards with her own compositions, Jackson drew attention to herself with the record and hit the European jazz scene for a short period while promoting it. After that, she took the next eight years to put together another album, continuing to play live while taking care of personal projects at home. Ready to record again in the spring of 2002, the singer put together Touched out of several self-penned tracks as well as covers of Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, and many others. ~bio by Bradley Torreano

Quiet Flame

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Willie Nelson - American Classic

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:16
Size: 103.6 MB
Styles: Pop/Country
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[4:42] 1. The Nearness Of You
[2:49] 2. Fly Me To The Moon
[3:56] 3. Come Rain Or Come Shine
[4:21] 4. If I Had You (Feat. Diana Krall)
[2:55] 5. Ain't Misbehavin'
[4:31] 6. I Miss You So
[3:23] 7. Because Of You
[3:58] 8. Baby It's Cold Outside (Feat. Norah Jones)
[4:33] 9. Angel Eyes
[2:55] 10. On The Street Where You Live
[3:40] 11. Since I Fell For You
[3:28] 12. Always On My Mind

Vocals – Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Willie Nelson; Bass – Christian McBride, Robert Hurst; Drums – Jeff Hamilton, Lewis Nash; Guitar – Anthony Wilson, Willie Nelson; Harmonica – Mickey Raphael; Piano – Diana Krall, Joe Sample, Norah Jones.

When Willie Nelson took the unexpected step of releasing Stardust in 1978, many predicted that the album of popular standards would severely derail the outlaw country singer's career. Confounding the critics, the disc became Nelson's best-selling effort, and spawned a whole subgenre of modern singers covering the classics. Nelson revisited the format with 1994's orchestral Healing Hands of Time and to varying degrees on several other records, but it wasn't until 2009's American Classic that the red-headed stranger delivered an album billed as the true follow-up to Stardust. Released on the venerable Blue Note label, the disc features guest appearances by superstar jazz singers Norah Jones and Diana Krall, but the focus is always placed squarely on Nelson's famously idiosyncratic vocals. American Classic does not feature Nelson's veteran band, but rather a core group of first-call studio jazz cats including Christian McBride on bass, Joe Sample on piano, and Lewis Nash on drums. The resultant sound is smooth, classy, and subtle -- a sonic horse of a different color from the exquisitely ramshackle earthiness that made Stardust so appealing and unusual. On tunes such as the jaunty, gently swinging "On the Street Where You Live" and "Since I Fell for You," which features longtime Nelson cohort Mickey Raphael on bluesy harmonica, Nelson sounds comfortable and in command, gliding effortlessly and soulfully over a great set of tunes played by top-notch pros. ~Pemberton Roach

American Classic

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Frank Wess Nonet - Once Is Not Enough

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:31
Size: 143.1 MB
Styles: Contemporary jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[5:38] 1. Once Is Not Enough (Feat. Scott Robinson)
[8:21] 2. Sara's Song (Feat. Steve Turre, Peter Washington)
[7:35] 3. You Made A Good Move (Feat. Gerald Clayton, Frank Greene)
[6:57] 4. Dementia, My Darling (Feat. Frank Wess, Michel Weiss)
[5:43] 5. Sweet And Lovely (Feat. Ted Nash, Scott Robinson)
[9:09] 6. Backfire (Feat. Terell Stafford, Winard Harper)
[9:41] 7. Lush Life (Feat. Frank Wess, Rufus Reid)
[2:47] 8. Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words) (Feat. Scott Robinson)
[6:37] 9. Tryin' To Make My Blues Turn Green

Frank Wess: tenor saxophone, flute; Frank Greene: trumpet; Terell Stafford: trumpet; Steve Turre: trombone; Ted Nash: alto saxophone, flute; Scott Robinson: bass saxophone, baritone saxophone, flute; Gerald Clayton: piano; Michael Weiss: piano; Peter Washington: bass; Rufus Reid: bass); Winard Harper: drums.

Known affectionately as "Magic" to his professional colleagues, saxophonist/flautist Frank Wess is a living legend in the jazz world. His résumé includes stints with Billy Eckstine, the Clark Terry Big Band and a decade performing with the Count Basie Orchestra, and he is recognized as one of the first major flautists to have an impact on the music. Once Is Not Enough is an audacious recording that follows his most recent collaboration with Hank Jones on Hank and Frank II (Lineage Records, 2009), with six original compositions and three covers tastefully arranged to feature the many soloists on his hand-picked nine-piece ensemble. Among the members of the Frank Wess Nonet are trumpeters Terell Stafford and Frank Greene, trombonist Steve Turre, altoist Ted Nash and baritone/bass saxophonist Scott Robinson, with bassist Peter Washington, pianist Gerald Clayton and drummer Winard Harper rounding out the rhythm section. Guests Michael Weiss (piano) and Rufus Reid (bass) sub for Clayton and Washington, respectively, on two tracks.

Though well established as a premier flautist, Wess has also made his mark as a Lester Young-influenced tenor saxophonist; it is as a sax man that he predominates here, though he also plays flute on selected tracks. The "magic" begins right off the bat on the opening title piece—one of four arranged by drummer Dennis Mackrel—a swinging bebop burner showcasing Wess on the lead backed up by the five-piece horn section that relinquishes the stage to Robinson's lively baritone voice. The swinging sounds continue on "Sara's Song," where Turré's trombone emerges as the first soloist, setting up strong bass work from Washington, and Harper's rumbling pounding of the drums, all bolstered by superb background horns. There's more of the same on the perky "You Made A Good Move," another Wess original where the saxophonist leads the music with a regal solo performance. All is not swing, however, as the leader provides mellow music with the light original, "Dementia, My Darling," dedicated to his granddaughter, Nicole; Wess leaves the original ensemble format, preferring a quartet that features guests Weiss and Reid. Employing this same quartet setting, Wess delivers a second ballad with his creative arrangement of Billy Strayhorn's time-honored classic, "Lush Life." Wess takes to the flute on two of the three standards offered here ("Sweet and Lovely," and "Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words)"), demonstrating his skills on the instrument that forged the prominence he so richly deserves.

It's easy to understand why Frank Wess would title this album Once Is Not Enough, as it clearly refers to the superlative charts and world-class cast of players that make listening to this session only once merely one fix in a lifelong addiction to such fine music. ~Edward Blanco

Once Is Not Enough

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Mel Tormé - Songs For Any Taste (Remastered)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 26:21
Size: 60.4 MB
Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[4:28] 1. It's All Right With Me
[3:13] 2. Manhattan
[1:59] 3. Taking A Chance On Love
[1:53] 4. Home By The Sea
[3:13] 5. I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'
[2:42] 6. It's De-Lovely
[2:20] 7. Tenderly
[2:29] 8. I Wish I Were In Love Again
[1:31] 9. Autumn Leaves
[2:29] 10. Nobody's Heart

Bass – Max Bennett; Drums – Mel Lewis; Leader, Piano – Marty Paich; Trumpet – Don Fagerquist; Vibraphone, Accordion, Bongos – Larry Bunker; Vocals – Mel Tormé.

Mel Tormé recorded a number of lovely albums for Bethlehem during the '50s, including It's a Blue World and Sings Fred Astaire. Consisting of a few studio sides interspersed with material recorded live at the Crescendo in February of 1957, Songs for Any Taste finds Tormé asserting himself with confidence and style. Pianist/leader Marty Paich offers beautifully understated arrangements, featuring trumpeter Don Fagerquist and accordion player Larry Bunker. The set is heavy with lesser-known standards from Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, and the Gershwins. Tormé begins the set with a "French" version of "Autumn Leaves," complete with a fake accent that serves to warm up the audience. "I Wish I Were in Love Again" and "It's Delovely" are two upbeat knockouts, while "Tenderly" proceeds at a more languorous pace. The background singing and formal arrangements of "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'" mark it as a studio track, but quality-wise, it fits in well with the other material. The quiet "Nobody's Heart" closes the set, a moody late-night piece with piano accompaniment. This is a beautiful set, with great songs, in-between chatter, and sympathetic backing.

Songs For Any Taste

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Larry Coryell - Monk, Trane, Miles & Me

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:08
Size: 131,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:48)  1. Star Eyes
(5:52)  2. Alone  Together
(5:34)  3. Trinkle Tinkle
(6:04)  4. Fairfield County Blues
(7:16)  5. Patience
(6:27)  6. Up Against The Wall
(6:13)  7. Naima
(7:43)  8. All Blues
(5:08)  9. Almost a Watz

This recording properly acknowledges Coryell's main influences, swings nicely, delves into his under-appreciated mellow side, and reaffirms his status as an enduring jazz guitarist who still has plenty to say. Gone are the flash and the kamikaze riffs in favor of lean chords and structured, sensible, slightly gritty linear improvisations. Tributes to his heroes fall along standard company lines. Still, there's a lingering trace of the steely, hair-trigger old days of fusion in his interpretation of Thelonious Monk's spastic "Trinkle Tinkle" with tenor saxophonist Willie Williams. For contrast is the warm, spiritual blanket of John Coltrane's "Naima" and the forthright reading of the 12-bar blues "Up 'Gainst the Wall" featuring Williams. The elongated lines of Miles Davis's "All Blues" almost lull you into a false sense of security, so beautifully subtle, understated and cool are they. Coryell always chooses extraordinary sidemen, and when you pick pianist John Hicks (on four cuts, including the gorgeous "Naima") bassist Santi Debriano and drummer Yoron Israel, you've got a winning team. It's also great that Coryell introduces new material, like the soulful, swinging "Fairfield County Blues," Hicks and Coryell in complete accord, with a tip of the chordal-and-single-line-combo hat to Wes Montgomery. "Almost a Waltz," also written by the leader, is molasses slow, in 4/4, and a calm ending to this fulfilling disc. Coryell's virtuosity is evident; harnessed, and sounding better than ever, utilizing a prototype Cort LCS-1 model he designed. Several recent efforts can also be easily recommended, but this finely crafted recording ranks with any of his many better-to-best dates. ~ Michael G.Nastos http://www.allmusic.com/album/monk-trane-miles-me-mw0000049693

Personnel:  Bass – Santi Debriano;  Drums – Yoron Israel;  Guitar – Larry Coryell;  Piano – John Hicks ;  Tenor Saxophone – Willie Williams

R.I.P.
Born: April 2, 1943 
Died: February 19, 2017

Monk, Trane, Miles & Me

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Judith Nijland - Marantz Acoustic Solution Vol.4

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:33
Size: 127,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:26)  1. It's Raining Men
(2:58)  2. I Wonder Why
(3:22)  3. Here Comes The Rain Again
(4:02)  4. Why Can't This Be Love
(4:59)  5. Early Morning
(4:30)  6. Whisper In My Ear
(4:17)  7. The beautiful reality of life
(3:00)  8. Close To You
(3:40)  9. After
(3:42) 10. Wrong Time, Wrong Place
(3:22) 11. Slow Suicide
(2:41) 12. Unconditional Love
(3:26) 13. Hey Girl
(3:24) 14. As The World Turns
(3:37) 15. Little Boy

Judith Nijland grew up among the farms in the Dutch countryside. She began her musical career by singing during her long bike rides to school. She studied classical piano and moved to the west coast of Holland. There she graduated in Greek and Latin languages. During this study she became acquainted with jazz music.  After her graduation, Judith decided to follow her heart into the music. She studied jazz singing at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and began immediately to follow her own path in this field. She sung during this time in various jazz and pop bands, in and outside the Netherlands and performed on stage with many famous jazzartists.  After completing her study at the conservatory, Judith started writing her own compositions in which the emphasis lies in the combination of various styles of music with her own distinct style. With a freshness of her generation, her songs sound familiar and surprising at the same time. Her style varies from swinging jazz standards to jazzy pop songs and beautiful bossa novas.  Judith released five albums: A Jazz Tribute to ABBA | 2016 Trav’lin’ Light | 2013 Four Zero | 2011 Suitcase of Songs | 2006 The Beautiful Reality of Life | 2003 She got great reviews, lots of airplay on national radio and has been touring in her own country, but also played her music in New York, London, Switserland, Sweden, Germany, Italy and Thailand. https://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/judithnijland

Marantz Acoustic Solution Vol.4

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