Silky Denims

Saturday, May 13, 2017

Tone Franck & Nikolaj Bentzon Trio - The Good Life: Celebrating Blossom Dearie

Size: 105,0 MB
Time: 44:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2011/2016
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. Now At Last (4:14)
02. I'm In Love Again (4:38)
03. Don't Wait Too Long (3:56)
04. The Shadow Of Your Smile (4:48)
05. Some Other Time (5:08)
06. Once Upon A Summertime (4:00)
07. Someone To Watch Over Me (6:15)
08. Walk A Little Faster (3:44)
09. Hello Love (6:03)
10. The Good Life (1:57)

Norway has - and has long had - a fantastic jazz vocal tradition. Karin Krog, Radka Toneff, Magni Wentzel, Laila Dahlseth, Silje Nergaard, Solveig Slettahjell and Sidsel Endresen are, by mutual arrangement, some of the biggest names. Now a new girl has emerged from the cousin of the codfish and flatbread: Tone Franck. However, she has abandoned her country of birth and settled in Copenhagen. To further improve Scandinavianism, she married a Swedish bassist, working on the other side of Sundet, Daniel Franck, brother of the not-unhealthy tenor saxophonist Tomas.

On her debut CD, Tone, a real future lover, has chosen to pay tribute to one of her great personal favorites, Blossom Dearie (1924-2009), whose mother was in fact Norwegian and was called Margareta. Accordingly, all ten songs on "The Good Life" are derived from Dearie's repertoire. Kavalkaden begins with Bob Hayme's exquisite "Now At Last", a song such as Blossom made an immortal recording of 1956 together with bassist Ray Brown and drummer Jo Jones - herself, she played the piano and sang.

Tone makes Blossom Dearie all possible justice. Not by trying to imitate Blossom's sophisticated, somewhat smoky and sensual ways of expressing himself, but by interpreting the songs in their own way. But she has the same rhythmic excitement and the same unsettled attitude as Dearie. In addition, she sings well, has a liberating nature and intimates impeccably. If I had chosen songs from The Blossom Dearie Songbook, I might have exchanged one and another number. "The Good Life", the title song, I had easily done without. And why not pick up one of Blossom's own items when you're going to make a tribute plate? For example, "Sweet Georgie Fame", "Hey John" or "Blossom's Blues". ~Google translation

The Good Life

Matt Monro - That Old Feeling: The Complete Recordings 1955-1962

Size: 173,1+133.5+124.2 MB
Time: 73:39+57:45+53:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Pop
Art: Front

CD 1:
01. Strange Lady In Town (1:46)
02. Everybody Falls In Love With Someone (1:44)
03. Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind (1:44)
04. Gone With The Wind (2:31)
05. My Old Flame (2:31)
06. The Garden Of Eden (2:17)
07. Love Me Do (2:14)
08. My House Is Your House (Mi Casa Es Su Casa) (2:58)
09. The Bean Song (Which Way To Boston) (2:44)
10. You Always Hurt The One You Love (2:16)
11. A Cottage For Sale (3:08)
12. That Old Feeling (3:01)
13. Memories Of You (2:32)
14. What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry (2:21)
15. Do You Ever Think Of Me (1:57)
16. Dancing With Tears In My Eyes (2:34)
17. Once In A While (3:16)
18. I Cried For You (2:53)
19. The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else (2:19)
20. I'll Never Have A Sweetheart (2:36)
21. The Golden Age (2:25)
22. A Story Of Ireland (2:39)
23. Another Time, Another Place (2:27)
24. Prisoner Of Love (2:27)
25. Have Guitar Will Travel (2:07)
26. Bound For Texas (2:32)
27. I Should Care (Live) (3:00)
28. I'm A Fool To Want You (3:35)
29. You Keep Me Swingin' (2:51)

CD 2:
01. Portrait Of My Love (2:43)
02. You're The Top Of My Hit Parade (2:14)
03. The Ghost Of Your Past (3:02)
04. Quite Suddenly (2:55)
05. My Kind Of Girl (2:57)
06. This Time (2:35)
07. Can This Be Love (3:01)
08. Why Not Now (2:25)
09. Gonna Build A Mountain (2:46)
10. I'll Dream Of You (2:47)
11. Love Is The Same Anywhere (2:19)
12. Jeannie (3:13)
13. Let's Face The Music And Dance (2:29)
14. Such Is My Love (2:47)
15. The Thing About Love (2:55)
16. Come Sta (2:48)
17. Cheek To Cheek (2:09)
18. April Fool (2:36)
19. Mirage (2:36)
20. There Are No Words For Love (2:46)
21. No One Will Ever Know (3:32)

CD 3:
01. Softly As I Leave You (3:20)
02. Is There Anything I Can Do (2:21)
03. When Love Comes Along (2:19)
04. Tahiti (2:15)
05. My Love And Devotion (2:57)
06. By The Way (2:47)
07. Stardust (2:20)
08. Small Fry (3:36)
09. How Little We Know (2:11)
10. The Nearness Of You (2:59)
11. Georgia On My Mind (4:29)
12. Skylark (3:17)
13. One Morning In May (3:05)
14. I Get Along Without You Very Well (3:56)
15. Memphis In June (2:59)
16. I Guess It Was You All The Time (1:52)
17. Blue Orchids (2:24)
18. Rocking Chair (3:50)

Matt Monro was perhaps one of the most underrated performers of his era, especially in view of his popularity amongst other singers, most notably Frank Sinatra and more recently Michael Buble. This superb 3CD set from Jasmine contains all of his releases up to the end of 1962 and by this time he had become widely acknowledged as the finest singer Britain had produced and who continued to enjoy international success throughout the beat group era. Features three complete albums: 'Blue And Sentimental', 'Love Is The Same Anywhere' and '... Sings Hoagy Carmichael' plus a plethora of singles including many charting hits such as "Portrait Of My Love", "My Kind Of Girl" and "Softly As I Leave You", This is a real collector's item and is a must for Matt Monro fans as well as fans of the great singers of the 50s and 60s.

That Old Feeling:The Complete Recordings 1955-1962 Disc 1,2,3

Chad Lefkowitz-Brown - Onward (Feat. Randy Brecker)

Size: 126,1 MB
Time: 54:41
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Onward (5:14)
02. Isn't She Lovely (6:23)
03. Franklin Street (6:31)
04. Giant Steps (5:06)
05. The Nearness Of You (5:47)
06. Deviation (5:22)
07. Blues For Randy (6:32)
08. Impetuous (7:22)
09. All Of You (6:20)

Hot jazz saxophonists sharing the stage and/or recording booth with pop artists: Wayne Shorter collaborating with Joni Mitchell; Donny McCaslin breathing fire with David Bowie; and now, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown touring the world with Taylor Swift. Onward, Lefkowitz-Brown's sophomore CD release as a leader, touches on pop music with a robust reading of Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely," showing that he, like McCaslin, can torch a pop song melody. But about half of the music of comes from the gold mine of the jazz standards/Great American Songbook realm. The rest come from the deft pen of Lefkowitz/Brown.

Tone and energy-wise, it's hard not to think of the late saxophonist Michael Brecker on the disc's opener. The young saxophonist—twenty-seven years of age at the time of this release—displays a fierce drive, an assured urgency and an up-from-the-gut power. This is mostly a saxophone out in front of a piano/bass/drums rhythm section affair, with trumpeter Randy Brecker two Lefkowitz-Brown originals.

John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" opens with an insouciant sax/drums interlude, leading into an intrepid yet faithful interpretation of the tune. And where "Blues For Randy," with Randy Brecker sitting in, recalls the Brecker Brothers sound, "Impetuous," a Lefkowitz-Brown original, sounds like an outtake from McCoy Tyner's classic Infinity (Impulse! Records, 1995), a disc that featured Michael Brecker sitting in with Tyner's trio.

Then the young sax man gets tender-hearted, with a gorgeous, Coleman Hawkins-esque reading of "The Nearness Of You," before he and the band give Cole Porter's "All Of You" an exhilarating, swinging modern lean. ~by Dan McClenaghan

Personnel: Chad Lefkowitz-Brown: tenor saxophone; Steven Feifke: piano; Jimmy MacBride: drums; Raviv Markovitz: bass; Randy Brecker: trumpet (3, 7).

Onward

Ragan Whiteside - Treblemaker

Size: 110,3 MB
Time: 47:32
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz: Smooth Jazz
Art: Front

01. Intro (0:44)
02. Corey's Bop (4:10)
03. Early Arrival (Feat. Kim Waters) (4:15)
04. The Sun Came Up (8:26)
05. Let's Do This (Feat. Tom Browne) (4:40)
06. I Never Told You (4:56)
07. Flute Funk (Feat. Frank Mc Comb) (5:31)
08. Love Song (Feat. Marion Meadows) (4:51)
09. Mystic Vibration (5:11)
10. See You At The Get Down (Feat. Bob Baldwin & The Pr Experience) (4:44)

Contemporary jazz’s most promising artist is set to release her fourth studio album.

Ragan Whiteside, the flautist-singer who catches the ear like few in the world of contemporary jazz can, is getting ready to make waves this May 12th with her fourth studio album, Treblemaker.

A favorite of well-known stages such as Capital Jazz, Whiteside’s sound brings to mind the stylings of Najee and Dave Valentin. The preceding album, Quantum Drive, has received major airplay and acclaim by such publications as Jazz In M.E.E., and was described as "an enchanting and vibrant album" by Hans-Bernd Hülsmann of smooth-jazz.de. As its successor, Treblemaker promises a further expanse of Whiteside’s variety and style. Frank McComb, Kim Waters, Marion Meadows, and Tom Browne make their appearances on the album to lend their touch to a well-seasoned musical mix.

Whiteside is not one to shy away from shaking up expectations. In contemporary jazz, where there is always a thirst for fresh material, she steps up and delivers, both in studio recording and on live stage. "Her tenacity makes her a force to be reckoned with. Mark my words!" said Bob Baldwin of her once, and this tenacity is obvious at every show and in every track. "We need new music," the fans say, and Ragan Whiteside is always up to deliver exactly what they ask for.

Still a New Yorker at her core and in her every note, Ragan Whiteside brings no shortage of sound to shake up some perceptions of what a flute – and a jazz artist – can do.

Treblemaker

Gary Burton - New Vibe Man In Town

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 1962
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:35
Size: 79,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:44) 1. Joy Spring
(4:26) 2. Over the Rainbow
(3:09) 3. Like Someone in Love
(5:34) 4. Minor Blues
(4:35) 5. Our Waltz
(4:19) 6. So Many Things
(4:15) 7. Sir John
(4:31) 8. You Stepped Out of a Dream

Vibraphonist Gary Burton's debut as a leader shows that he was a brilliant player from the start of his career. Utilizing a sparse trio that includes bassist Gene Cherico and drummer Joe Morello, Burton (even at this early stage) sounds quite original and unlike his predecessors (Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo, and Milt Jackson). Highlights include "Joy Spring," "You Stepped Out of a Dream," and Burton's original "Our Waltz." This boppish set is easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/new-vibe-man-in-town-mw0000174948

Personnel: Gary Burton (vibraphone); Gene Cherico (acoustic bass); Joe Morello (drums).

New Vibe Man In Town

Bonnie Jensen - Lucky So & So

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:56
Size: 126,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:00) 1. All Of You
(4:28) 2. Garota De Ipanema
(4:25) 3. I'm Just A Lucky So & So
(4:54) 4. The Man I Love
(5:23) 5. Reality
(4:46) 6. Teach Me Tonight
(5:22) 7. A Foggy Day
(3:28) 8. No More Blues/Chega De Saudade
(4:24) 9. Waltz For Debby
(4:22) 10. Embraceable You
(5:43) 11. The Best Thing In Your Life
(3:35) 12. Time After Time

The La Brava label continues to bring many of Australia's finest jazz musicians to compact disc. Not missing a beat in this ambitious undertaking, the label has released a session that displays the vocal renderings of Bonnie Jensen. Maintaining the high standards set by the label with its previous releases, Jensen delivers a scintillating, expressive 55 minutes of music. Possessing a voice with excellent range, she distributes emotions tailored to the message she wants each song to convey to the listener, whether the tune be an original or standard -- the mark of a good jazz singer. Thus, "Waltz for Debby" is tender and a bit wistful. "Teach Me Tonight" imparts a sense of urgency as she staggers space between words and lines to make this oft-recorded song come across somewhat differently than one usually hears it. Her own "Reality" is more contemporary music and comes wrapped in a Brazilian beat. Jensen also recognizes the importance of imaginative arrangements to make sure that the proper combination of instrumentation is used to help her meet her performing objectives. On "No More Blues," Steve Brien's acoustic guitar is her sole accompaniment. Thus the album is peppered with astute use of fluttering flute, soprano sax that manages not to be whiny and off-pitch, and most of all, Michael Bartolomei's piano. His efforts are inventive and inspired, and consequently, he is rewarded with generous solo time.

Even though Jensen's choice of songs is somewhat orthodox standards, originals, and contemporary pop material, pretty much standard fare these days -- she displays a vocal instrument power and clarity combined with a sense of intimacy that makes the session work. Recommended. ~ Dave Nathan http://www.allmusic.com/album/lucky-so-so-mw0000495138

Lucky So & So

Joey Baron - We'll Soon Find Out

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:10
Size: 124,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:09) 1. Slow Charleston
(7:49) 2. Closer Than You Think
(5:52) 3. Junior
(6:25) 4. Time To Cry
(5:43) 5. Wisely
(3:35) 6. Bit O' Water
(7:04) 7. M
(4:22) 8. Equaled
(7:05) 9. Contact

Perhaps the core, and highly noticeable component here, is that traditional groove oriented, R&B induced music, while in the hands of musicians who respectively possess a distinctive voice enables the tried and true to be elevated to a higher plane. With drummer Joey Baron’s second “Songline/Tone Field” release titled We’ll Soon Find Out, these characteristics provide the winning edge, in an often huge way! The opener, a composition titled “ Slow Charleston”, is indicative of what looms ahead. Here, alto saxophonist Arthur Blythe’s searing vibrato and soul drenched lines surge onward while bassist Ron Carter and Baron implement slow fours with coy understatement amid a loose vibe. On “Junior”, Baron is a one-man percussion band as he employs complex Afro-Cuban rhythms in support of Blythe’s quite ferocity, linear themes and melodic interludes as guitarist Bill Frisell converges with funkified chords and unison lines. Whereas, “Widely” is a moving ballad of perhaps transcendental proportions as Frisell delves into some airy chord structures along with his now infamous injections of C&W style twang and poignant single note leads. Basically, We’ll Soon Find Out offers breezy passages, finger snapping rhythms, strong yet unobtrusive and quite thoughtful soloing in accordance with Baron’s conspicuous compositional pen. Yet within the hands of ordinary souls, the music and overall format might signify more of the norm; however, Baron, Frisell, Blythe and Carter shine forth with a candid demeanor while also providing a clinic of sorts - on the art of making good music that certainly strikes a memorable chord. ~ Glenn Astarita https://www.allaboutjazz.com/well-soon-find-out-joey-baron-songlines-recordings-review-by-glenn-astarita__4893.php

Personnel: Arthur Blythe: alto saxophone; Bill Frisell: guitars; Ron Carter: bass; Joey Baron: drums.

We'll Soon Find Out

Bill Frisell - Where In The World?

Styles: Guitar Jazz, Fusion
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:31
Size: 127,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:12) 1. Unsung Heroes
(6:59) 2. Rob Roy
(7:01) 3. Spell
(6:00) 4. Child At Heart
(3:26) 5. Beautiful E.
(6:38) 6. Again
(2:36) 7. Smilin' Jones
(5:30) 8. Where in the World?
(5:02) 9. Worry Doll
(6:02) 10. Let Me In

Bill Frisell has long been recognized as possessing one of the most unique voices in jazz guitar. On Where in the World?, he is joined by his frequent compatriots Joey Baron and Kermit Driscoll, as well as cellist Hank Roberts, for ten compositions that catch Frisell right on the cusp of his earlier days and his later, more melody-driven, work. As expected, the supporting cast is excellent, with Joey Baron especially making notable contributions. His solo on "Child at Heart" is a perfect analog to the spirit of Frisell's music, pairing the completely expected with the completely unexpected. A pervading sense of melancholy and unrest runs through Where in the World?, creating tension even when the music is at its quietest. Some of this music is downright spooky. "Unsung Heroes," for example, opens with an ominous drum groove from Baron before introducing a wailing theme doubled by Roberts and Frisell over a twisted, almost bluesy, bass ostinato. This tendency to pair beautiful melodies with dense, introspective harmony works better on Where in the World? than anywhere else in Frisell's extremely strong catalog. As for the guitarist's own playing, it is as beautiful as always. He floats ethereal melodies seemingly with the same ease (and, more importantly, from the same coherent musical mindset) as he lets loose feedback-drenched wails. One of the high points of '90s jazz guitar, Where in the World? is essential for fans of modern jazz. ~ Daniel Gioffre http://www.allmusic.com/album/where-in-the-world-mw0000273736

Personnel: Bill Frisell (guitar, ukulele); Hank Roberts (fiddle, cello); Joey Baron (drums).

Where In The World?

Larry Coryell - Barefoot Boy

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1971
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:33
Size: 92,9 MB
Art: Front

(11:51) 1. Gypsy Queen
( 8:39) 2. The Great Escape
(20:03) 3. Call To The Higher Consciousness

Produced by Bob Thiele and recorded at Electric Lady studios with engineer Eddie Kramer, Barefoot Boy is one of Larry Coryell's finest recordings as a leader. "Gypsy Queen" was recorded prior to bassist Mervin Bronson's arrival at the studio, and features the percussion section locking into a groove over which Coryell lays down a riff and Steve Marcus cuts loose with a fiery soprano sax solo. When it's his turn to solo on this opening number, Coryell turns up the heat, sounding like a cross between Jimi Hendrix and Sonny Sharrock. (Coryell played with Sharrock on Herbie Mann's Memphis Underground.) "The Great Escape" finds Coryell cooking over a bass and percussion groove, with Marcus on tenor sax. "Call to the Higher Consciousness" is a side-long 20-minute jam in which all the players take a ride, with Marcus once again cooking on the soprano sax. Roy Haynes is superb throughout, working in tandem with the percussionists to keep the music moving. This recording is a noteworthy example of the possibilities inherent in the early days of fusion, blending the electrifying energy of rock with the improvisational excitement of jazz. ~ Jim Newsom http://www.allmusic.com/album/barefoot-boy-mw0000117582

Personnel: Guitar – Larry Coryell; Bass – Mervin Bronson (tracks: 2, 3); Congas [Conga] – Lawrence Killian; Drums – Roy Haynes; Percussion – Harry Wilkinson; Piano – Mike Mandel (tracks: 3); Soprano Saxophone – Steve Marcus (tracks: 1, 2); Tenor Saxophone – Steve Marcus (tracks: 3)

Barefoot Boy

Friday, May 12, 2017

Bill Barron - West Side Story Bossa Nova

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1963
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:05
Size: 56,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:15) 1. Something's Coming
(3:31) 2. One Hand, One Heart
(4:00) 3. Gee, Officer Krupke
(3:57) 4. Cool
(2:22) 5. Maria
(3:23) 6. Tonight
(3:35) 7. America
(3:44) 8. I Feel Pretty
(3:20) 9. Jet Song
(3:53) 10. Somewhere

Bill Barron spent a good deal of his music career as a jazz educator, though he made many valuable recordings in the early '60s and also near the end of his life. Unfortunately, few of them have been reissued during the CD era, so the return of this long-out-of-print studio date (for the long-defunct Dauntless label) is very welcome. The tenor saxophonist's orchestra is actually only a septet, but it's a potent group who puts out a big sound. They include trumpeter Willie Thomas, guitarist Kenny Burrell, bassist Henry Grimes, drummer Charlie Persip, percussionist Jose Soares, and pianist Steve Kuhn, with the leader's now famous younger brother, Kenny Barron, subbing for Kuhn on the opening track, "Something's Coming." Barron's arrangements are brief (all under four minutes each), but very enjoyable, with snappy takes of "Cool" and "America" as well as a brief "Maria," featuring Thomas and Barron swapping solos, and wrapping with an unusually upbeat treatment of the normally low-key ballad "Somewhere." This 1963 session was finally made available once again by Fresh Sound in 2002. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/west-side-story-bossa-nova-mw0000231101

Personnel: Bill Barron (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Kenny Burrell (electric guitar); Willie Thomas (trumpet); Kenny Barron, Steve Kuhn (piano).

West Side Story Bossa Nova

Mary Coughlan - The House Of Ill Repute

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:13
Size: 111,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:09) 1. The House Of Ill Repute
(3:33) 2. Sleep On It
(2:45) 3. Bad
(3:28) 4. Pornography
(3:15) 5. Love Is Extra
(4:11) 6. Mary Mary
(3:15) 7. Tootsies
(3:38) 8. In Your Darkened Room
(4:02) 9. Some Cats Know
(3:49) 10. Moon In A Taxi Cab
(4:47) 11. Antarctica
(4:35) 12. The Whore Of Babylon
(3:41) 13. Tango

Irish torch singer Mary Coughlan was born in Galway in 1956; after enduring a painful adolescence that included bouts with drugs and alcohol as well as a stay in a mental hospital, she relocated to London at the age of 19, living in a hippie squat. After several lean years of waitressing and sweeping streets, Coughlan returned to Ireland in 1974, where a chance encounter with Dutch musician Erik Visser helped point her towards a singing career; specializing in jazz and blues, she began slowly earning a reputation on the pub circuit, which resulted in a handful of television appearances. From there, she and Visser moved on to sold-out concert dates, and in 1985 Coughlan finally recorded her debut LP, Tired and Emotional, a major hit in her native land. A number of other records followed in the years to come, and she became a critical favorite throughout much of Europe; with 1997's After the Fall, Coughlan made her U.S. debut, soon earning a devoted following on American shores as well. Three years later, Coughlan issued the vibrant tribute album Sings Billie Holiday. Long Honeymoon appeared in spring 2001. ~ Jason Ankeny http://www.allmusic.com/artist/mary-coughlan-mn0000316250/biography

The House Of Ill Repute

Bruce Gertz - Third Eye

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1994
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 75:02
Size: 120,5 MB
Art: Front

(12:02) 1. Small Fortune
( 3:44) 2. Third Eye
( 7:33) 3. Alone Together
( 7:55) 4. Mixed Messages
( 5:14) 5. In Memory
( 6:47) 6. Deep Sea Vent
(16:06) 7. In Your Own Sweet Way
( 7:40) 8. Prime Suspect
( 7:58) 9. The News

Bassist Bruce Gertz's debut for the Italian RAM label is an interesting sampler of today's modern mainstream. The music is sometimes fairly straightahead and sometimes lightly funky while consistently featuring plenty of dynamic solos from Gertz's sidemen (tenor-saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, guitarist John Abercrombie, pianist Joey Calderazzo and drummer Adam Nussbaum) that, although tied to the tradition, are unpredictable and explorative. Abercrombie switches easily from rock-oriented sounds to a dryer tone reminiscent of his ECM dates. Bergonzi displays a tone influenced by Joe Henderson and John Coltrane, Calderazzo has his spots and Nussbaum is stimulating in support. The impressive Bruce Gertz (splitting his time between acoustic and electric bass) contributes seven of the nine selections, all but the standards "Alone Together" and "In Your Own Sweet Way." Gertz is showcased on "Third Eye" and "Prime Suspect" and has close interplay thorughout with Abercrombie, particularly on "Alone Together."

Overall this is a superior outing by a variety of fine players. As a bonus, Gertz's liner notes (in which he traces the evolution of the jazz bass from the late '50s up to the present) are quite informative. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/third-eye-mw0000627701

Personnel: Bruce Gertz (acoustic bass, electric bass); John Abercrombie (guitar); Jerry Bergonzi (tenor saxophone); Joey Calderazzo (piano); Adam Nussbaum (drums).

Third Eye

Bill Doggett - Wow!

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1964
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:10
Size: 78,9 MB
Art: Front

(2:36) 1. Wow!
(3:52) 2. Oo-Da
(8:06) 3. Ol' Mose Blues
(2:48) 4. Happy Soul Time
(2:42) 5. The Kicker
(2:36) 6. Mudcat
(3:12) 7. Ram-Bunk-Shush
(3:35) 8. Slow Talk
(4:39) 9. Fatso

This 1965 set by organist Bill Doggett's band is well-played and spirited but quite lightweight. The nine selections are mostly blues-oriented jams without any memorable melodies, stirring solos, or moments that lift the program above the routine. The rather brief results are pleasant and groovin' but rather predictable. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/wow%21-mw0000000416

Personnel: Bill Doggett (organ); Billy Butler (guitar); Andrew Ennis (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Edwin Starr (percussion).

Wow!

Matthew Shipp - Invisible Touch At Taktlos Zurich

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:32
Size: 114,1 MB
Art: Front

(0:43) 1. Light Beam
(4:56) 2. Intro Z
(5:46) 3. Instinctive Touch
(1:32) 4. Pocket
(5:50) 5. Gamma Ray
(5:43) 6. Piece Within Piece
(4:07) 7. Tenderly
(7:00) 8. Monk's Nighmare
(4:39) 9. Blue in Orion
(5:14) 10. It
(3:58) 11. Fairplay

Pianist Matthew Shipp is prolific. Under his own name and in collaboration with with numerous other free-thinking jazzers saxophonist Ivo Perlman in the forefront of these CD releases seem to pour out of him. His best under his own name comes in the trio/duo/solo format. Piano Sutras (Thirsty Ear, 2013); The Conduct Of Jazz (Thirsty Ear, 2013); Piano Song (Thirsty Ear, 2017); and a duo set with drummer Bobby Kapp, Cactus, (Northern Spy Records, 2016) attest to his artistic focus and excellence. Cruise the internet for profiles of and interviews with Shipp and he comes off as a prickly personality, a man assured of his own talents and unsympathetic to pigeon-holers, pretentious critics and label prospectors mining for a bunch of words aimed at pinning down his music. His music just is. So here comes a bunch of words concerning Invisible Touch At Taktlos Zurich, a solo piano outing by Shipp. Shipp approaches the piano with a pugilistic mindset. Think of a boxer, throwing hard flurries at the speed bag, then shuffling over to deliver a series of thunderous body shots into the gut of the heavy bag. It's a sound full of vehemence that rises at times to a fury. It's an approach he continues with on Invisible Touch At Taktlos. The set is a continuous, forty-five plus minutes without a pause, until the applause at the end of tune number 11, "It," that leads into a four minute encore. This stream of consciousness style suits Shipp, as it did Cecil Taylor on Olim (Soul Note, 1987). But Shipp is more visceral than Taylor, with more of a feel for interludes of crisp lyricism. His sound is denser. Elaborate, even serpentine phrasings abound, punctuated by muscular chords and endlessly creative even beautiful tangents. "Monk's Nightmare" is a thunderstorm. "Instinctive Touch" wanders frenetically, spewing notes in rapid fire fashion. "Blue In Orion" injects a feeling of solemnity into the proceedings; "Gamma Ray" pulses, pretty and powerful. And in the middle of it all the standard "Tenderly" rises, sounding not all that tender, but rather ominous. Matthew Shipps seems like a guy musically a personally who walks through the world with a chip on his shoulder. On Invisible Touch At Taktlos Zurich the chip is still there, but it sounds as if he sat down at the piano one night with that big, flat, flagstone shard balanced perfectly, and all things life and art were well with his world. The result is one of Matthew Shipp's finest and most riveting recordings. ~ Dan McClenaghan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/invisible-touch-at-taktlos-zurich-matthew-shipp-hatology-review-by-dan-mcclenaghan.php

Personnel: Matthew Shipp: piano

Invisible Touch At Taktlos Zurich

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme - We Got Us / Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits

Size: 155,7 MB
Time: 64:55
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1996
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front & Back

01. We Got Us (From We Got Us) (2:32)
02. Side By Side (From We Got Us) (2:33)
03. No Two People (From We Got Us) (2:03)
04. Darn It, Baby, That's Love (From We Got Us) (2:38)
05. Together Wherever We Go (From We Got Us) (2:08)
06. Flattery (From We Got Us) (3:22)
07. This Could Be The Start Of Something (From We Got Us) (2:26)
08. I Remember It Well (From We Got Us) (3:26)
09. Baby, It's Cold Outside (From We Got Us) (2:47)
10. Two Lost Souls (From We Got Us) (2:29)
11. Harmony (From We Got Us) (2:51)
12. Cheek To Cheek (From We Got Us) (2:58)
13. I've Heard That Song Before (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (1:43)
14. I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:38)
15. Green Eyes (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:43)
16. I Hear A Rhapsody (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:22)
17. And The Angels Sing (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:13)
18. Who Wouldn't Love You (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:51)
19. Bel Mir Bist Du Schon (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:15)
20. Marie (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (1:37)
21. I Don't Want To Walk Without You (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:28)
22. I've Got A Gal In Kalamazoo (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:14)
23. White Christmas (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (3:12)
24. Sentimental Journey (From Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits) (2:17)

Married couple and singing partners Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme launched their duo on records with two LPs released in 1960 by ABC-Paramount Records, We Got Us and Eydie and Steve Sing the Golden Hits; the albums are combined on this CD, albeit in reverse order of their initial appearance. We Got Us (tracks 13-23) finds Lawrence and Gorme hunting through then-recent film theme songs and among standards for some classic duets, and presenting their versions of them. Numbers like "Side by Side" are naturals, but anything requiring something in the way of characterization tends to be beyond vocalists who are most concerned with the sound of their voices, not the meaning of the lyrics. They do fine with "No Two People," a Frank Loesser composition from Hans Christian Andersen in which two lovers trip over themselves to express their sweet devotion. But the erotic undercurrent of Loesser's "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is not something they choose to express, and there's no bite to "I Remember It Well" from Gigi, in which Alan Jay Lerner's lyrics are supposed to express a gentle joisting between the old lovers. Lawrence and Gorme are much better on the songs from Golden Hits (tracks 1-12), which, by the way, are not their golden hits. This album was not a best-of, it was the two singers (separately and together) reviving a bunch of songs from the swing era. They had a natural affinity for these songs, since they could concentrate on the rhythms and act like band singers. ~by William Ruhlmann

We Got Us / Eydie & Steve Sing The Golden Hits

Lou Bennett - Dansez Et Revez (Bonus Track Version)

Size: 181,5 MB
Time: 77:51
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Moins Que Rien (Misty) (6:42)
02. Les Enfants Du Piree (Never On Sunday) (2:26)
03. Tendrement (4:35)
04. Clementine (2:17)
05. Blues Valse (3:04)
06. Les Voiliers (3:32)
07. Polka Dots And Moonbeams (4:21)
08. Soleil De Minuit (3:14)
09. Verte Campagne (5:31)
10. Le Vrai Blues (2:56)
11. If You Were The Only Girl In The World (Bonus Track) (7:10)
12. Wonderful, Wonderful (Bonus Track) (5:40)
13. West Coast Blues (Bonus Track) (5:43)
14. No Smokin' (Bonus Track) (5:16)
15. Low Life (Bonus Track) (5:20)
16. Satin Doll (Bonus Track) (5:18)
17. What A Difference A Day Makes (Bonus Track) (4:39)

Personnel:
LOU BENNETT, organ.
ELEK BACSIK, guitar.
DANIEL HUMAIR, drums

Paris, France, Summer 1960.

This release contains Bennett’s second LP as a leader in its entirety: "Dansez et Rêvez avec le trio Lou Bennett" (RCA Victor 430.051). Presented here for the first time ever on CD, it also marks his first album in a trio format.

As a bonus, three tracks have been added showcasing Bennett in a quartet format along with celebrated Belgian guitarist René Thomas, and two more in a trio setting with Jimmy Gourley and Kenny Clarke taped live in Germany. Closing this set are two songs also appearing on CD for the first time ever, which present Bennett in a trio format with Jean-Marie Ingrand and Kenny Clarke. They were only previously issued in 1960 on a long out of print German EP.

Dansez Et Revez

Jennifer Salisbury & James Mustafa - Unspoken Rule

Size: 101,1 MB
Time: 41:18
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz/Blues Vocals
Art: Front

01. Mr. Fix-It (3:52)
02. You've Changed (5:13)
03. Baby I'm Sorry (3:15)
04. There Was A Time (5:14)
05. I Wish Your Kiss (4:24)
06. Washing Line (4:58)
07. My Middle Name Is Moderation (3:08)
08. Web Of Gold (5:21)
09. Red Red Robin (Feat. Harry M. Woods) (2:38)
10. Unspoken Rule (3:11)

Unspoken Rule is an 8 piece jazz band featuring Jennifer Salisbury (vox) and James Mustafa (trumpet).

Intrigue - Romance - Desire - Love - Heartbreak - Despair - Hope and everything, in fact, that makes life worth living.

This is the story of ‘Unspoken Rule’, a jazz project built around the endless ramifications of a love cycle experience, as narrated through Jennifer Salisbury’s songs.

An enchanting singer with a natural sense of swing, Jennifer Salisbury has made a name of herself among the jazz community with her breezy renditions of the american songbook.
When onstage, she channels the great voices of the ‘40s and ‘50s guiding her audience in a time-traveling roller-coaster of emotions, navigating the history of jazz. Her own songwriting is deeply influenced by the golden era of jazz; it’s almost impossible to tell apart the songs that she wrote herself, from the classic repertoire she draws from to tell the Unspoken Rule story; songs immortalized by Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, Doris Day, Benny Goodman, in unexpected arrangements by James Mustafa, turning the project into a balancing act between the vintage and modern esthetics.

Led by the incandescent Jennifer Salisbury, the band comprises of a dream team of talented musicians, some of the best of the vibrant Melbourne Jazz community. James Mustafa, an inventive composer, bandleader and multi-instrumentalist, has been experimenting with jazz orchestration through the Melbourne Composers Big Band, his own James Mustafa Jazz Orchestra and his work with the Horns of Leroy and Backburners; Sam O’ Halloran is a fixture in the Melbourne Gypsy Swing Scene, after mastering the idiom in France; Trent Howard’s signature voice on the tenor sax has made him a favourite among the big band and swing bands; Aaron Rodriguez makes his baritone sax the gravitational point in any band that he plays in; Selene Messinis is a fiery pianist, constantly exploring a range of rhythmic patterns, from european minimalism to latin’; Hiroki Hoshino is one of the hardest-working and versatile double bassists in the community, having played with a vast array of greats, from Allan Browne and Tony Gould to Gerald Clayton and Enrico Rava; Tim Clifton has been playing drums since he was nine and since his graduation from the Monash University Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music he’s been performing alongside some of the most respected national and international jazz artists.

Line Up:
Hiroki Hoshino: Double Bass
James Mustafa: Trumpet and Arrangements
Aaron Rodrigues: Baritone Sax
Trent Howard: Tenor Sax
Drums: Tim Clifton
Vox: Jen Salisbury
Guitar: Samual O'halloran
Piano: Selene Messinis

"Jennifer's voice sparkles like antique diamonds, clear and true, and her original tunes sound like they're meant to take their place amongst the canon of jazz standards. Joining forces with wunderkind James Mustafa has elevated Jennifer's musicality to the upper echelon of modern jazz singers in this country" - Kimba Griffith

Unspoken Rule

Julian Vaughn - Hey, Lester!

Size: 122,6 MB
Time: 52:48
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Hey Lester! (4:01)
02. Three Strikes (7:50)
03. He Bop (5:06)
04. Afro Blue, Afro Blues (3:59)
05. New Leans (5:22)
06. Equinox (7:30)
07. Night & Day (6:29)
08. Yes & No (8:36)
09. What's Up (3:51)

Personnel: Julian Vaughn (d), Albert Bover (p), Fredrik Carlquist (ts), Dennis 'El Huevo' Hernández (tp, flh), Barnabas Hangonyi (cello), Randy Greer, Danna Leese Roth (vcl), Fernando Tejero (keyb).

Hey Lester! Is a composition dedicated to Lester Bowie who was a great jazz trumpeter and married to the late great Fontella Bass whose big hit was Rescue Me. Lester was one of my biggest influencers and inspirations. A bit more about my original compositions: New Leans was inspired from the rebirth of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. The concept of Afro Blues was an idea inspired combining the blues of Nat King Cole and John Coltrane together. What’s Up is a different piece I created alongside my girl Dana Leese Roth.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Julian is the only musician in his family. Growing up in a city synonymous with great music was his defining influence. He spent his childhood beating on anything he could find to resonate the music within, including his mother’s pots and pans, chairs and tables. At twelve years old Julian began his musical journey when his mom brought home his first drum-set and enrolled him at his local music school. At fifteen, he started to earn recognition playing in clubs with local musicians. At seventeen he received a call from a good friend, a fellow musician who was playing with Albert King, invited Julian to join them on tour as their drummer. The first time playing in a touring band, it was an unparalleled experience for a 17 year old boy from St Louis. A couple of years passed by playing to audiences all around the world until Julian got another call, this time from the legendary B.B. King who asked him to substitute and join them on a year long tour, another phenomenal experience.

Ironically the next call came from Ron Levy, the ex-piano player of B.B. King, who called Julian to join his band in Boston. Here he discovered the plethora of great conservatories and music teachers the city of Boston had to offer. Julian began his studies at the Berkley School of Music and studied alongside the great drummer Alan Dawson for 3 years. During that time he also met and collaborated with such esteemed musicians as Donald Harrison (saxophonist), Mike Stern (guitarist), Dave Kikoski (pianist), Jeff 'Tain' Watts (drummer), Marvin “Smitty” Smith (drummer) and blues musicians Otis Rush and Johnny Copeland.

It is in Boston where he also made his first album recording with the late great Johnny Copeland 'The Copeland Special.' This recording went on to win in 1981 the coveted W.C. Handy’s Best Blues Album of the Year award.

After studying and playing in Boston for four years, Julian embarked on a new adventure and moved to New York to become a touring musician with Johnny Copeland. Whilst living in the Big Apple Julian also joined the Jimmy McGriff Band as well as playing stints with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jack McDuff, Charles Earland, Kenny Garrett, Joseph Bowie's group "Defunct Lester Bowie" and Arthur Blythe.

Hey, Lester!

Salvador Sobral - Excuse Me

Size: 106,7 MB
Time: 45:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. Excuse Me (4:20)
02. Nada Que Esperar (4:39)
03. Change (3:12)
04. Nem Eu (3:12)
05. Autumn In New York (3:20)
06. Ready For Love Again (3:39)
07. Something Real (3:40)
08. Ay Amor (5:48)
09. Beach Prision (3:49)
10. I Might Just Stay Away (5:59)
11. After You’ve Gone (1:57)
12. Glow (1:57)

Salvador Sobral is a singer who manages to put across a unique musical sensibility and magnetism on stage. He will represent Portugal in Kyiv with the song Amar Pelos Dois (For The Both Of Us), penned by his sister Luisa.

Salvador Sobral studied Psychology, but his overwhelming passion for music took over and he has proved to be one of the great promises in the Portuguese and Spanish music scene. While he lived in the United States and in Barcelona, where he studied at the prestigious school Taller de Musics, he carried out several musical projects: he composed for himself but at the same time he created audacious performances inspired by Chet Baker, took in bossa-nova and lent his songs the sweet sonorities of Latin America.

His voice, always in the right place and over which he has full, flawless control, and the magnetism with which he wins people over when he’s on stage, have awarded him the best reviews from the specialised press, colleagues and, most importantly, from the ultimate judge; the public. Excuse Me (2016), his debut album, was a musical co-production of Júlio Resende, Leonardo Aldrey and Salvador himself.

Excuse Me

Lea Salonga - Blurred Lines

Size: 135,3 MB
Time: 58:05
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz Vocals, Broadway
Art: Front

01. Manhattan (3:37)
02. My Foolish Heart (3:46)
03. Give It Up For The Band (0:44)
04. Blackbird - A Quiet Thing (5:02)
05. The Story Of My Life (4:22)
06. A Song For You - I Can't Make You Love Me (6:09)
07. Fast Car (2:48)
08. I Won't Mind (4:53)
09. Nice Work If You Can Get It (2:42)
10. Possibilities And Prospects (0:23)
11. All Of Me (5:44)
12. Blurred Lines (4:19)
13. Gratitude (1:15)
14. Greatest Hits Medley (7:07)
15. How Do You Keep The Music Playing - How Deep Is The Ocean (5:08)

Known across the world for her powerful voice and perfect pitch, Lea Salonga is a singer and actress who is best known for her Tony Award winning role in Miss Saigon. In addition to the Tony, she has won the Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards, in the field of musical theatre. She was also the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway and returned to the beloved show as Fantine in the 2006 revival.

Currently, Lea is a judge on the Philippines hit version of “The Voice.” Mitoy Yonting, a member of Team Lea, was named the first season winner. She is currently filming the third season of The Voice Kids.

Blurred Lines