Karin Krog, Steve Kuhn Trio - Where You At?

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz 
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:45
Size: 125,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:44)  1. The Meaning of Love (Feat Steve Kuhn)
(3:55)  2. Where You At (Feat Steve Kuhn)
(4:33)  3. Lazy Afternoon
(5:23)  4. It Could Be Hip
(4:30)  5. Speak Of Love
(5:34)  6. Canto Mai
(7:38)  7. Saharan
(3:37)  8. You Say You Care
(4:33)  9. Kaleidoscopic Vision
(4:07) 10. Missing Calada
(4:06) 11. Gloomy Sunday

One of Europe's leading jazz singers meets piano virtuoso Steve Kuhn and his trio: creative, swinging, original, and very charming! Karin Krog is perhaps Norway's leading jazz singer, and certainly its most idiomatic. She is a unique artist with a great international reputation, and possesses her own recognizable style and voice. She has worked with Don Ellis, Archie Shepp, Dexter Gordon, John Surman, and more. "A band poised between the drummer's rugged swing and a robustly underwired lyricism." (Penguin Guide To Jazz) ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Where-You-at-Karin-Krog/dp/B00009XBX7

Personnel:  Vocals – Karin Krog;  Double Bass – David Finck;  Drums – Billy Drummond;  Piano – Steve Kuhn

Where You At?

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Dieter Ilg Trio - Folk Songs

Styles: Jazz, Jazz Fusion
Year: 1997
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 54:47
Size: 88,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:32)  1. Guter Mond Du Gehst So Stille
(4:59)  2. Es Tagt Der Sonne Morgenstrahl
(5:11)  3. Frère Jaques
(4:01)  4. Arirang
(3:47)  5. Wann Ich Des Morgens Frueh Aufsteh'
(3:53)  6. Im Maerzen Der Bauer
(6:48)  7. Alles Schweiget
(5:52)  8. Maienzeit Bannet Leid
(4:55)  9. In Stiller Nacht
(4:44) 10. So Sei Gegruesst Viel Tausendmal
(5:02) 11. Der Mond Ist Aufgegangen

Bassist Dieter Ilg is well-featured on two different trio dates. Folk Songs buy CD music Five songs have Benoît Delbecq on keyboards and drummer Steve Arguelles, while Ilg and Arguelles are joined on the remaining six numbers by guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel. Folk Songs songs The songs are all traditional European folk melodies but are given very different treatments, from swinging sections to introspective ballads and quiet sound explorations. Folk Songs album for sale Although Delbecq and Muthspiel have their spots, Ilg has the lion's share of the solo space and the emphasis is more on the atmospheric ensembles than individual solos. Folk Songs CD music Although the musicianship is high, it is difficult to concentrate too closely on this often dreamy music without drifting off. Folk Songs buy CD music Perhaps if there were a bit more fire, this would have been a stronger outing. Folk Songs songs As it is, it manages to be well-intentioned, quite musical, and somewhat forgettable. https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/folk-songs/id386923813

Personnel: Dieter Ilg (Bass);  Wolfgang Muthspiel (guitar); Benoît Delbecq (piano, keyboards); Steve Arguelles (drums).

Folk Songs

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Evan Christopher's Django A La Creole - Live!

Styles: Clarinet Jazz

Year: 2014

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 77:45

Size: 179,5 MB

Art: Front

(7:13)  1. Douce Ambiance

(6:35)  2. Riverboat Shuffle

(9:05)  3. Dear Old Southland

(8:07)  4. One For The Duke

(8:24)  5. Mamanita

(5:06)  6. Solid Old Man

(7:26)  7. The Mooche

(5:53)  8. The Crave

(4:05)  9. Feerie

(6:27) 10. Manoir De Mes Reves

(9:19) 11. Songe D'Automne

Both the public and the critics have been won over by Django a la Creeole, the group led by Evan Christopher, no doubt the greatest jazz clarinetist on today's New Orleans scene. Reaching the end of a hugely successful world tour, the band decided to record a live album that would show the rapport they'd created with audiences thanks to the extraordinary color and savor of their music. And here it is, rich with soaring swing, soft and elegant Creole excursions and even sidesteps into bossa nova. The music is intimate and generous, and the band goes way beyond gypsy swing and the jazz of New Orleans: the concept here is to take music outside the notion of genres. In fact, Django, la Creole is a genre of its own: a fantastic universe of sound somewhere between the Old World and the New. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Django-Creole-Live-Evan-Christopher/dp/B00HYID4V8

Evan Christopher (clarinet), Don Vappie (solo guitar, banjo, vocals), Dave Kelbie (rhythm guitar), Sebastien Girardot (bass)

Live!

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Ragan Whiteside - Quantum Drive

Styles: Vocal And Flute Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:19
Size: 106,2 MB
Art: Front

(0:30)  1. Intro
(4:20)  2. Valentin Dream (feat. Bob Baldwin)
(4:47)  3. Remind Me (feat. Patrice Rushen)
(3:35)  4. Indrani
(6:17) 5. Smokey Room (feat. Frank McComb & Bob Baldwin)
(3:30)  6. Work 'it Out (feat. Bo Valentine)
(3:48)  7. Sould Biscuit
(0:46)  8. Interlude
(4:59)  9. Like The First Time
(4:03) 10. Wing And A Prayer (feat. Althea Rene)
(4:17) 11. Gentle Touch
(5:22) 12. Quantum Drve

Smooth Jazz Therapy has admired the music of the wonderfully soulful Ragan Whiteside since 2007 and the release of the highly acclaimed ‘Class Axe’. Not only did it mark her out as a leading exponent the smooth jazz flute but also glistened with production touches from Bob Baldwin and Dennis Johnson. This collaboration was again on sensational show for Ragan’s 2012 project ‘Evolve’ and has carried on to her brand new CD ‘Quantum Drive’. Not only that, with an all-star roster featuring Baldwin, Patrice Rushen, Frank McComb and Althea René, this is a collection that merits closer scrutiny and which has already been described as soulful, daring, sultry and edgy. None more so in this respect is the zesty flute-fest of ‘Soul Biscuit’ that has both Baldwin and Johnson contributing on keyboards and when she notches down the tempo for the beguiling Bob Baldwin composition ‘Like The First Time’, the result is just as good. In fact Whiteside’s connection with Baldwin predates her ‘Class Axe’ debut as even before she had won the 2006 Capital Jazz Challenge, Ragan had already caught his attention. She played flute on Baldwin’s 2004 album ‘Brazil Chill’ and a year later Baldwin included her on his follow up, ‘All In A Day’s Work’. In fact, for ‘Quantum Drive’, Baldwin writes (or co-writes) seven of the twelve tracks that, complete with a smattering of intro’s and interludes, are all fine examples of hugely relevant R & B tinged jazz. 

Ragan’s trademark rhythmic style is front back and center of the of the sparking ‘Valentin Dream’ which features Baldwin on piano and he is again around for the easy grooving ‘Indrani’ that in every respect is beauty personified. Whiteside was recently voted Flutist of the Year at the 2014 Black Women in Jazz Awards and someone else in the shake-up for that particular honor, smooth jazz flautist Althea René, joins her for a duet on the seriously grooving ‘Wing And A Prayer’. From start to finish it is a complete delight and much the same can be said of ‘Gentle Touch’ for which the title betrays the sexy vibe of this sumptuous song. Later, the hard driving yet mellifluous title cut owes much to Whiteside’s prowess on flute and vocals while elsewhere the decidedly jazzy ‘Smokey Room’ includes a keyboard solo from contemporary jazz heavyweight Frank McComb. One of the highlights of ‘Quantum Drive’ is the funky dance groove of ‘Work It Out’ that has rising hip-hop star Bo Valentine stealing the show whilst in terms of personal favorites, Ragan’s exciting cover version of Patrice Rushen’s silky smooth ‘Remind Me’ is right up there. With Rushen guesting on keyboards and Whiteside combining flue and vocals like only she can, this one is a real winner. ~ Denis Poole https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/raganwhiteside2

Personnel:  Flute, Vocal  – Ragan Whiteside;  Keyboards – Bob Baldwin, Dennis Johnson

Quantum Drive

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Ruby Braff - Hi-Fi Salute To Bunny

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1957
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:49
Size: 124,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:31)  1. Keep Smiling At Trouble
(6:10)  2. I Can't Get Started
(7:23)  3. It's Been So Long
(6:05)  4. I'm Coming Virginia
(4:46)  5. Marie
(6:29)  6. Downhearted Blues
(4:21)  7. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
(6:46)  8. Somebody Else Is Taking My Place
(5:16)  9. Did I Remember

Ruby Braff's 1957 tribute to trumpet great Bunny Berigan is only appropriate, as he has long since gone on to establish himself as one of the modern masters of swing. His band includes pianist Nat Pierce, guitarist Steve Jordan, clarinetist Pee Wee Russell, trombonist Benny Morton, tenor saxophonist Dick Hafer, bassist Walter Page (in one of his last recordings prior to his death), and drummer Buzzy Drootin. Braff's passionate, always-melodic solos contrast with Russell's rather distinctive approach to the clarinet, while the rhythm section is dominated by Page's fat-toned bass. The leader's approach to "I Can't Get Started," a song forever associated with Berigan, remains fresh decades later. Most of the selections were reissued on the since-deleted Bluebird CD This Is My Lucky Day, so finding a copy of this valuable music remains somewhat challenging. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/hi-fi-salute-to-bunny-mw0000497315

Ruby Braff, trumpet; Benny Morton, trombone; Pee Wee Russell, clarinet; Dick Hafer, tenor sax; Nat Pierce, piano; Steve Jordan, guitar; Walter Page, bass; Buzzy Drootin, drums.

Hi-Fi Salute To Bunny

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Janet Seidel - Doris And Me

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:46
Size: 161,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:55)  1. Somebody Loves Me - Blue Skies
(2:54)  2. Sentimental Journey
(3:34)  3. Secret Love
(4:12)  4. I'll String Along With You
(3:24)  5. My Dreams Are Getting Better All the Time - Let's Be Buddies-I May Be Wrong
(2:18)  6. I've Got the Sun In the Morning
(3:06)  7. Embraceable You
(4:11)  8. It's Magic
(2:59)  9. Canadian Capers
(2:29) 10. Too Marvelous For Words
(0:58) 11. I Know That You Know
(1:52) 12. Crazy Rhythm
(3:19) 13. Tea For Two | Do Do Do
(2:55) 14. The Very Thought of You
(1:33) 15. The Way You Look Tonight
(2:09) 16. Lullaby of Broadway
(3:16) 17. Love Me Or Leave Me
(3:21) 18. Ten Cents A Dance
(2:03) 19. Close Your Eyes
(2:40) 20. Perhaps
(1:36) 21. Windy City
(3:48) 22. Pillow Talk - Please Don't Eat the Daisies - Teacher's Pet
(2:08) 23. Que Sera Sera
(2:54) 24. Please Don't Talk About Me

Doris Day recorded more than 600 songs over a lengthy and successful career in the movies and recording studio. She was smart enough to quit while she was ahead. But neither she nor the special way she sang a song is forgotten. Tribute and commemoration albums abound. This latest from one of Australia's premiere singers, Janet Seidel, focuses on more sophisticated material Day sang in movies, like Young Man With a Horn and her film portrayal of vocalist Ruth Etting, as well as tunes she did with bands led by Les Brown and Bob Crosby and others. While not jazz, these performances certainly have a jazzy feel about them. Seidel wisely does only one track of vocal trivia that Day had to do in such movies as Pillow Talk. Seidel has long been an admirer, not an imitator, of Day, creating a cabaret show around Day's material. Like that singer, she has perfect pitch, clear diction, and a convincing feel for the beat. "Close Your Eyes," where she works with guitarist Chuck Morgan, is just one of the many tracks where she demonstrates her vocal skills. Unlike Day, Seidel backs herself on piano, a la Jeri Southern and Shirley Horn, with help from brother David Seidel on bass and Morgan. One of the real pleasures here is that there's no dubbing the voice on top of the instrumentation. What you hear is precisely how it was recorded in the studio very unusual in these days of high-tech wizardry where too often younger artists are less and less concerned with what they're playing and how they're playing it. This is Seidel's ninth album for La Brava, and it joins the ranks of her long line of excellent output. ~ Dave Nathan http://www.allmusic.com/album/doris-me-mw0001192154

Doris And Me

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Dick Hyman - Jelly & James: Music of Jelly Roll Morton and James P. Johnson

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:30
Size: 176,1 MB
Art: Front

(2:50)  1. Pep
(2:57)  2. Buddy Bolden's Blues
(2:41)  3. The Finger Breaker
(3:30)  4. The Pearls
(2:52)  5. Shreveport Stomp
(3:12)  6. King Porter Stomp
(2:35)  7. Grandpa's Spells
(2:50)  8. The Perfect Rag
(3:46)  9. The Crave
(3:26) 10. Black Bottom Stomp
(2:27) 11. Mr. Jelly-Lord
(2:13) 12. Charleston
(3:52) 13. If I Could Be with You One Hour Tonight
(3:05) 14. Caprice Rag
(7:07) 15. Selections from 'Runnin' Wild'
(4:25) 16. Snowy Morning Blues
(2:35) 17. Steeplechase Rag
(3:47) 18. Eccentricity
(2:46) 19. Carolina Balmoral
(3:01) 20. Just Before Daybreak
(3:36) 21. Jingles
(3:23) 22. Carolina Shout
(3:23) 23. You've Got to Be Modernistic

With the exception of a version of "Fickle Fay Creep," this single CD has all of the music recorded by Dick Hyman for tribute LPs for Jelly Roll Morton and James P. Johnson. By varying the instrumentation (which ranges from a piano solo and duets to a big band) and by picking musicians who really understand vintage jazz, Hyman put together two classic sets. The Morton date features such musicians as clarinetist Kenny Davern (doubling on soprano), violinist Joe Venuti, trumpeter Pee Wee Erwin, and trombonist Vic Dickenson (among others), and the highlights include Hyman's showcase on "Fingerbuster," "King Porter Stomp," "The Crave," and an exuberant "Black Bottom Stomp." The James P. Johnson project is most notable for three duets by Hyman (one on pipe organ) with cornetist Ruby Braff and for excellent orchestrations for both a theater orchestra and a jazz band. Essential music for any serious pre-bop collection. ~
Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/jelly-and-james-music-of-jelly-roll-morton-and-james-p-johnson-mw0000088809

Personnel: Dick Hyman (piano); Kenny Davern (saxophone); Joe Venuti (violin); Milt Hinton (bass); Phil Bodner, Panama Francis.

Jelly & James: Music of Jelly Roll Morton and James P. Johnson

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Arturo Sandoval & Chucho Valdes - Straight Ahead

Styles: Trumpet And Piano Jazz 
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:27
Size: 104,3 MB
Art: Front

( 7:57)  1. King Pete's Heart
(10:34)  2. My Funny Valentine
( 4:32)  3. Mambo Influenciado
( 7:20)  4. Claudia
( 6:52)  5. Blues 88
( 8:10)  6. Blue Monk

With his remarkable range and phenomenal technique, Arturo Sandoval is one of the world's great trumpeters; he can do virtually anything he wants on his instrument. Some detractors have claimed that he has too much technique (is such a thing possible?) and that his recordings for GRP are a bit erratic. 

The latter criticism cannot be applied to this 1988 release. Sandoval is heard with a standard quartet comprised of the great pianist Chucho Valdes (the leader of Irakere), bassist Ron Matthewson, and drummer Martin Drew. Recorded in England before Sandoval broke ties with Cuba, Sandoval is in near-miraculous form on some blues, a lyrical "My Funny Valentine," and a few basic originals. Just listen to him tear through "Blue Monk," playing in the low register with the speed of an Al Hirt before jumping into the stratosphere like Maynard Ferguson. This CD serves as an excellent introduction for the bop lover to the very talented Arturo Sandoval. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/straight-ahead-mw0000171274

Personnel:  Bass – Ron Matthewson;  Drums – Martin Drew;  Flugelhorn – Arturo Sandoval;  Piano – Chucho Valdes;  Trumpet – Arturo Sandoval

Straight Ahead

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Jelly Roll Morton - The Pearls

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:48
Size: 167,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:12)  1. Black Bottom Stomp
(3:26)  2. Smokehouse Blues
(3:11)  3. The Chant
(3:32)  4. Sidewalk Blues
(3:13)  5. Dead Man Blues
(3:07)  6. Steamboat Stomp
(2:53)  7. Grandpa's Spells
(3:08)  8. Original Jelly Roll Blues
(3:26)  9. Doctor Jazz
(2:51) 10. Cannon Ball Blues
(3:24) 11. The Pearls
(3:18) 12. Wolverine Blues
(2:50) 13. Mr. Jelly Lord
(2:30) 14. Georgia Swing
(2:53) 15. Kansas City Stomps
(3:14) 16. Shreveport Stomp
(3:25) 17. Mournful Serenade
(3:09) 18. Red Hot Pepper Stomp
(3:27) 19. Deep Creek
(2:55) 20. Freakish
(3:09) 21. Tanktown Bump
(3:13) 22. I Thought I Heard Buddy Bolden Say
(3:11) 23. Winin' Boy Blues

This astounding 23-track compilation deserves a place in everybody's jazz collection it's that important, that listenable, and that essential. It takes the cream of Morton's sessions from his legendary 1926 Red Hot Peppers to his 1939 dates leading a small New Orleans band, with all the essential stops along the way, including a 1927 trio with the Dodds brothers in Chicago. This is hot jazz nearing the apex of sophistication, just before Duke Ellington took it even more uptown. ~ Cub Koda http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-pearls-mw0000651986

Personnel: Piano, Arranged By – Jelly Roll Morton; Banjo – Johnny St. Cyr;  Bass – John Lindsey;  Bass Clarinet – Omer Simeon;  Clarinet – Barney Bigard, Darnell Howard , Johnny Dodds , Omer Simeon;  Cornet – George Mitchell;  Drums – Andrew Hilaire , Baby Dodds , Tommy Benford;  Guitar – Johnny St. Cyr;  Trombone – Geechy Fields, Kid Ory 

The Pearls

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Jeff Lorber - Flipside

Styles: Jazz Fusion
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:03
Size: 104,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:28)  1. Ooh La La
(4:43)  2. Everybody Knows That
(5:08)  3. By My Side
(4:04)  4. Flipside
(4:11)  5. Santa Monica Triangle
(5:00)  6. Sun Ra
(5:12)  7. Angel In Paris
(4:26)  8. Bombay Cafe
(3:09)  9. Tune 88
(4:36) 10. Enchanted Way

The legendary keyboardist started making his unique brand of old-school soul meets modern funk back when old-school was still in session, and the title of his third Narada Jazz disc is a throwback to that era, when the 45 RPM was king. Rather than overwhelm this time with hardcore commercial funk grooves and calculated radio hooks, Jeff Lorber is more into cool vibes and soulful atmospheres. Melodies have always been his gift, so those just come naturally, as on the laid-back, chillout opening track, which features a lush, loose acoustic piano lead. There are less horns than usual, but Ron King (trumpet) and Gary Meek (sax) are given free reign to create snazzy textures on "Everybody Knows That" and the nifty, acoustic soul-jazz flavored title track. "Angel in Paris" is all swinging '60s jazz-funk, complete with a shimmering Rhodes lead as only Lorber can play. Working with co-producer Steve Dubin and keyboardist Nelson Jackson, Lorber lets the tunes develop beginning with off the cuff improvisations and inspired acoustic runs, then creating easy grooving, '70s-minded rhythm beds to ground them. As the album title promises, there are a few oft-hidden sides to Lorber that are on prominent display here such as his softer heart on the classical flavored, candlelit "By My Side" and a moody blast from the past, a re-recording of "Tune 88" (originally on 1979's Water Sign) that reminds people that the style that evolved into smooth jazz was once pretty darn adventurous. There's a little darker imagery than fans of the lighter side of Lorber are used to, but isn't that what the B-sides in the old days were for? ~ Jonathan Widran http://www.allmusic.com/album/flipside-mw0000141344

Personnel:  Jeff Lorber  producer, piano, Rhodes, Wurlitzer, keyboards, guitar;  Alex Al  bass guitar;  Bill Reichenbach trombone;  Dan Higgins  tenor saxophone;  David Mann  saxophone, horn;  Eric Wall  guitar;  Gary Meek  tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone;  John Roberts  drums;  Nelson Jackson  keyboards;  Robbie Nevil  keyboards;  Ron King  trumpet;  Victor Lawrence  cello

Flipside

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Tierney Sutton - I'm With the Band

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:17
Size: 141,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:58)  1. Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise
(4:49)  2. Let's Face the Music and Dance
(2:48)  3. 'S Wonderful
(4:17)  4. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
(3:07)  5. Two for the Road
(2:37)  6. East of the Sun (And West of the Moon)
(2:56)  7. People Will Say We're In Love
(4:42)  8. If I Loved You
(2:28)  9. Surrey With the Fringe On Top
(3:16) 10. Cheek to Cheek
(4:54) 11. Blue Skies
(3:31) 12. I Get a Kick Out of You
(4:49) 13. The Lady Is a Tramp
(3:19) 14. What a Little Moonlight Will Do
(4:12) 15. On My Way to You
(4:27) 16. Devil May Care

Jazz siren Tierney Sutton has produced her masterpiece. Following five well-received recordings, Sutton has done two things that ensure the superb quality of her new recording: one, she and her band perform live; and two, she fully integrates herself into the band, where all members exist as equals. Tierney Sutton has made a dent in the jazz market by releasing smartly conceived concept recordings, usually focusing on a single artist. Introducing Tierney Sutton (Challenge, 1998) was an initial affair that honored Frank Sinatra. Unsung Heroes (Telarc, 2000) offered a program consisting of jazz standards most commonly considered instrumentals (thus its ironic title). Blue in Green (Telarc, 2001) paid homage to Bill Evans, while Something Cool (Telarc, 2002) showed Sutton stretching her repertoire to include Patsy Cline and Nat King Cole. Dancing in the Dark (Telarc, 2004) was Sutton's overt tribute to the Chairman of the Board.  I'm With the Band takes everything Tierney Sutton has been doing on these discs, throws it in the air, and allows the results to fall where they may live. 

A vocal gymnast, Sutton carries the lyrically elastic torch of Betty Carter. Her control and technique make her voice (through vocalese) an instrument in her band, not in the cliched singing sort of way, but in the real scat sense. This becomes apparent right out of the chute with her lengthy introduction and scat solo on the wonderfully upbeat and off-kilter "Softly in The Morning Sunrise." On "S'Wonderful," Sutton performs in a trio with bassist Kevin Axt and drummer Ray Brinker (also on "Shat A Little Moonlight can Do"), all of whom free-form their way through the Gershwin brothers' classic. "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" is serpentine and creamy. "Two for the Road" is lazily balladic. When not displaying her considerable vocal abilities, Sutton celebrates the talents of her longtime bandmates, effectively elevating them to equals on this recording. Christian Jacob plays splendid piano throughout, harmonically anchoring the group. Bassist Kevin Axt and drummer Ray Brinker comprise a crack rhythm section which maintains a hard swing throughout. While the program may be heavy on the Sinatra, it's great to hear this repertoire performed in such a fresh and inventive way. ~ C.Michael Bailey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/im-with-the-band-tierney-sutton-telarc-records-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php
 

Personnel: Tierney Sutton: vocals; Christian Jacob: piano; Trey Henry, Kevin Axt: bass instrument; Ray Brinker: drums.

I'm With the Band

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Bob Mintzer Big Band - The First Decade

Styles: Flute, Clarinet and Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:25
Size: 157,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:52)  1. Spectrum
(5:47)  2. One Man Band
(5:24)  3. My Foolish Heart
(6:11)  4. Yeah Yeah Yeah
(7:30)  5. Lazy Day
(6:42)  6. Elvin's Mambo
(6:07)  7. Hip Hop
(4:51)  8. Beyond The Limit
(6:14)  9. T.V. Blues
(6:21) 10. Mr. Fone Bone
(5:35) 11. Pots & Pans
(1:45) 12. After Thought

A versatile soloist influenced by Michael Brecker on tenor, Bob Mintzer gained experience playing with Deodato, Tito Puente (1974), Buddy Rich, Hubert Laws, and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra (1977). In addition to leading his own bands starting in 1978, Mintzer worked with Jaco Pastorius, Mike Mainieri, Louie Bellson, Bob Moses, and the American Saxophone Quartet. He has guested with several philharmonic orchestras and led a fine big band in New York since the mid-'80s. Mintzer, a member of the Yellowjackets since 1991 (where his bass clarinet in particular adds a great deal of color to the group), recorded regularly for DMP for a decade before moving to TVT for 1998's Quality Time. Homage to Count Basie followed in fall 2000. Live at MCG, which featured vocalist Kurt Elling, and Old School New Lessons, both of which were benefit albums for the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, appeared in 2004 and 2006, respectively. In 2007, Mintzer released the small group session In the Moment. He returned to a big-band setting for 2008's Swing Out and 2012's For the Moment. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/artist/bob-mintzer-mn0000765221/biography

Personnel: Bob Mintzer (flute, bass clarinet, saxophone, tenor saxophone); Michael Franks (vocals); Pete Yellin, Roger Rosenberg, Bob Malach (flute, saxophone); Michael Brecker, Lawrence Feldman (flute, alto saxophone); Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker, Tim Hagans, Laurie Frink, Bob Millikan, Michael Philip Mossman, Joe Mosello, Ron Tooley (trumpet, flugelhorn); Dave Bargeron, Chris Seiter, Jim Pugh , Michael Davis , Keith O'Quinn, Bob Smith (trombone); Don Grolnick, Phil Markowitz (piano); Peter Erskine, John Riley (drums); Frank Malabé (congas).

The First Decade

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Bill Barron - Motivation

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1972
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:24
Size: 90,3 MB
Art: Front

(10:26)  1. Motivation
( 3:29)  2. Land of Sunshine
( 6:20)  3. Blues for R.A.
( 9:53)  4. Cosmos
( 5:13)  5. Hold Back Tomorrow
( 4:02)  6. Mental Vibrations

Bill Barron was an advanced and adventurous tenor saxophonist (doubling on soprano) who never compromised his music or received much recognition. He spent his formative years and beyond in Philadelphia, not moving to New York until 1958. Barron first came to the jazz world's attention through his participation on a Cecil Taylor date in 1959. After recording with Philly Joe Jones, Barron co-led a fine post-bop quartet with Ted Curson. However, Barron spent much of the remainder of his career as an educator, directing a jazz workshop at the Children's Museum in Brooklyn, teaching at City College of New York, and becoming the chairman of the music department at Wesleyan University. His "day job" made it possible for him to consistently record non-commercial music for Savoy (in 1972 he made that label's last jazz record), Dauntless, and Muse. Every one of Bill Barron's recordings as a leader uses brother Kenny Barron (16 years his junior) on piano. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/artist/bill-barron-mn0000059950/biography

Personnel: Tenor Saxophone – Bill Barron;   Bass – Chris White;  Drums – Al Hicks;  Piano – Kenny Barron

Motivation

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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