Saturday, July 22, 2017

Fleetwood Mac - Future Games

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:53
Size: 95.9 MB
Styles: Album rock
Year: 1971/2013
Art: Front

[5:21] 1. Woman Of 1000
[5:35] 2. Morning Rain
[2:12] 3. What A Shame
[8:17] 4. Future Games
[7:17] 5. Sands Of Time
[5:21] 6. Sometimes
[4:27] 7. Lay It All Down
[3:19] 8. Show Me A Smile

By the time of this album's release, Jeremy Spencer had been replaced by Bob Welch and Christine McVie had begun to assert herself more as a singer and songwriter. The result is a distinct move toward folk-rock and pop; Future Games sounds almost nothing like Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac. Bob Welch's eight-minute title track, featuring lead guitar from Danny Kirwan, has one of Welch's characteristic haunting melodies, and with pruning and better editing, it could have been a hit. Christine McVie's "Show Me a Smile" is one of her loveliest ballads. Initial popular reaction was mixed: the album didn't sell as well as Kiln House, but it sold better than any of the band's first three albums in the U.S. In the U.K., where the original lineup had been more successful, Future Games didn't chart at all; the same fate that would befall the rest of its albums until the Lindsey Buckingham-Stevie Nicks era. ~William Ruhlmann

Future Games

Robyn Pauhl - One For My Baby

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:01
Size: 121.4 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[8:38] 1. The Midnight Sun
[5:58] 2. Travelin's Blues
[5:39] 3. Never Will I Marry
[4:09] 4. Oh, Lady Be Good
[5:04] 5. Someone Else Is Steppin' In
[6:00] 6. Caravan
[7:11] 7. Over The Rainbow
[4:43] 8. Little By Little
[5:35] 9. One For My Baby

Robyn is considered to be one of Canada’s promising young vocalists who has successfully established herself as a true-to-form music stylist. Her live performances are an experience not to be missed. Aside from the multiple venues Robyn continues to sell out when she performs, she has made multiple appearances on national television, including Canada AM, Global TV, Breakfast Television, The New VR and Cable 14. Robyn has been featured on the cover of The Hamilton Magazine and has had countless radio, magazine and newspaper interviews. Robyn Pauhl is a dynamic, professional and incredibly talented young woman who never ceases to amaze her fans and audiences.

On July 4, 2003 Robyn officially released her first jazz and blues CD, which music critics hailed as a victory for and independently produced, first-time CD release. Since then she has performed at many festivals and clubs promoting her CD "One For My Baby", which has continuously been played on the radio across Canada. At just twenty-three, Robyn already bears some imposing credentials. She has opened shows for U.S. country stars George Jones at Lulu's in Kitchener, Loretta Lynn at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton and the International Center in Toronto As well as for some eminent Canadian country acts such as Michelle Wright, Prairie Oyster, Jason McCoy, Beverly Mahood, Jim Witter, jazz artist Carol Wellsman and most recently Robyn performed in concert with world renowned jazz bassist, Dave Holland.

An enthralling performer, Robyn has a voice that has enough power and range to make it worth remarking on. Robyn sounds as if her passion could swallow the world. What lifts her performances miles above nastalgia is that she delivers her feelings with astonishing power and ebullience. One can see the emotional intensity that Robyn brings to everything she sings. There is a sincerity in her singing that pierces her audiences, spurring an immediate connection to her listeners.

One For My Baby

Shakatak - On The Corner

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:59
Size: 155.6 MB
Styles: Funk, Contemporary jazz
Year: 2014
Art: Front

[3:29] 1. On The Corner
[4:39] 2. To Be In Love
[4:26] 3. The Greatest Gift
[4:15] 4. No Clouds
[4:16] 5. San Paulo Sunshine
[4:42] 6. Million Voices
[5:14] 7. Good Time
[4:39] 8. Jazz And Romance
[4:53] 9. Deeper
[3:51] 10. Ojai Freeway
[4:13] 11. Daydreamer
[3:21] 12. She's Not Here
[3:30] 13. On The Corner (Latin Mix)
[4:59] 14. The Greatest Gift (Latin Mix)
[7:25] 15. Deeper

Shakatak have enjoyed a level of success and career longevity rarely paralleled in contemporary music. They are the Rolling Stones of Jazz-funk and their music just keeps getting better and better. After a number of successful top twenty singles in the UK and over 50 releases in their back catalogue, the band have gone on to secure huge international popularity which continues as they prepare for their upcoming tours of Mexico and Japan.

After the success of their last release ‘Once Upon A Time’, a one-off project that saw the band re-arrange their classic hits into acoustic versions, Shakatak are back with a newly recorded studio album containing 14 new tracks as well as an additional digital download.

Kicking off with the title track ‘On The Corner’ we are in classic Shakatak territory with their unique vocal/piano mix. The groovy ‘To Be In Love’ follows, its sweeping strings and smoky vocals backed up by Bill Sharpe’s jazzy piano. ‘Sao Paolo Sunshine’ brings us straight into summer with its funky Latin vibes, as does the smooth ‘Ojai Freeway’ and the bossa-nova tinged ‘Jazz and Romance’.

No Shakatak album is complete without some low down funk, and after a few mellow ballads we get our share. ‘Good Time’ is driven along by George’s bass with a guest appearance from the saxophonist Derek Nash, the main jazz soloist with the UK’s Jools Holland’s R&B Orchestra. Nash also brings some classic jazz sounds to the final tune, the haunting instrumental ballad ‘She’s Not Here’. All in all ‘On The Corner’ is an album that perfectly demonstrates the incredible range and diversity of this timeless band!

On The Corner

Illinois Jacquet - Illinois Jacquet Flies Again

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:59
Size: 91.6 MB
Styles: Bop, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1966/1991
Art: Front

[3:13] 1. Sleeping Susan
[3:15] 2. Robbin's Nest
[3:40] 3. Lean Baby
[3:09] 4. Bottoms Up
[2:44] 5. That's My Desire
[2:52] 6. Black Velvet
[3:26] 7. Teddy Bear
[3:07] 8. Pleasingly Plump
[4:11] 9. I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance
[3:03] 10. Potpourri
[2:54] 11. The King
[4:20] 12. Robbin's Nest (Alt Take)

Baritone Saxophone – Haywood Henry; Bass – Al Lucas; Drums – Oliver Jackson; Guitar – Barry Galbraith; Piano [Piano Arrangements] – Jimmy Jones; Tenor Saxophone – Budd Johnson, Illinois Jacquet; Trombone – Arnett Sparrow; Trumpet – Fip Ricard, Russell Jacquet. Recorded in New York City on August 11, 1959.

Jacquet plays well enough and his tone is always endearing but the constant criticism by jazz writers of the 1950s about his honks, squeals and screams led to him leaving some of the extremities (and excitement) out of his solos. Although there are some good buildups here and there, none of the performances explode or stand out. Best is the medium-tempo blues "Teddy Bear" which was possibly conceived as a tribute to the recently deceased Lester Young while "Bottoms Up" is essentially a routine runthrough on "Flying Home" and "The King" uses the framework of "Jumpin' at the Woodside." All of the other selections are taken at ballad or dance tempos and Jacquet's sidemen are limited strictly to background work. ~Scott Yanow

Illinois Jacquet Flies Again

Earl Bostic - Blows A Fuse

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:32
Size: 135,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:03)  1. Cheroke
(2:42)  2. Two O'clock Jump
(3:05)  3. Cuttin Out
(2:47)  4. Earl Blows A Fuse
(2:27)  5. Disc Jockey Nightmare
(6:11)  6. That A Groovy Thing Pts 1&2
(3:02)  7. Don't You Do It
(2:42)  8. Moonglow
(2:42)  9. Seven Steps
(3:01) 10. Steam Whistle Jump
(2:42) 11. Flamingo
(2:41) 12. Filibuster
(2:53) 13. Who Snuck The Wine In The Gravy
(2:34) 14. Mambostic
(2:32) 15. 8:45 Stomp
(3:12) 16. Sleep
(2:24) 17. Harlem Nocturne
(2:36) 18. Night Train
(2:42) 19. Tuxedo Junction
(2:25) 20. Special Delivery Stomp

Ah, Earl Bostic! The maestro of the alto sax whose rasping big-toned sax stylings shifted hundreds of thousands of singles, EPs and LPs throughout the 1950s. And not only in the US of A, as my uncle used to reminisce about dancing to a café juke box stacked with Bostic platters in the south side of Glasgow back in the ‘50s. The first time I heard the man himself was towards the end of the 1970s on his version of “Harlem Nocturne” which turned up on one of the Old King Gold LPs. It’s a masterpiece of moody sleaze which immediately transported me (in mind, if not in body) to an exotic strip club. If you’re looking for an instrumental record to set a mood or get the dancers a-swingin’ and a-swayin’ then you can’t go wrong with Bostic.

Blows A Fuse

Wendy Luck - See You In Rio

Styles: Vocal And Flute Jazz 
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:19
Size: 132,2 MB
Art: Front

(2:59)  1. See You In Rio
(4:54)  2. Only Trust Your Heart
(3:54)  3. London Samba
(4:30)  4. After The Dance
(4:15)  5. Why Did I Choose You
(3:46)  6. Fotografia
(3:38)  7. Serrado
(3:14)  8. A Man Who Loves
(0:57)  9. Prelude: Cafe 1930
(2:48) 10. Cafe 1930
(6:27) 11. Bonita
(3:03) 12. Apanhei-Te, Cavaquinho
(6:44) 13. Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5
(5:05) 14. Rio After Dark

Erstwhile flutist Wendy Luck is now bossa nova vocalist/flutist on See You In Rio. Formerly a New Age player, The Ancient Key (Amosaya, 1998) and The Ancient Journey (Amosaya, 2001) both took advantage of recording inside one of Egypt's Great Pyramids and in temples along the Nile River. Luck has performed with jazz artists including Ornette Coleman and the late Don Cherry, and more recently performs as lead flutist/vocalist with New York's Rainbow Room Orchestra. See You In Rio was recorded in part in Rio de Janeiro, and in part in New York. Long Island keyboardist Cliff Gorman is pianist, producer and arranger; utilizing Brazilian guitarist/vocalist Joao Bosco's rhythm section for the Rio sessions, while recruiting percussionist Cyro Baptista and bassist Sergio Brandao for the New York recording date. So, while Luck has no apparent Brazilian links in her background, she is appearing with an almost entirely Brazilian ensemble. The music is authentic and the vocals are pleasant, pop-oriented bossa nova. Luck's vocal style is easy to take, and she makes these tunes, all sung in English, fit together very comfortably. 

Only a few vocal tunes are from Brazilian sources (Jobim's "Fotografia" and "Bonita," plus Joyce's title tune), while "Cafe 1930" is by Tango master Astor Piazzolla and "Rio After Dark" is penned by New York label owner David Chesky. The latter is lent a samba setting, with the addition of a five-person chorus towards the song's end. Luck's vocals are most effective on Benny Carter's jazz standard, "Only Trust Your Heart," "Rio After Dark" and "Bonita." A third of the album is dedicated to instrumentals that largely showcase for Luck's flute work and she adroitly displays her skills on such tunes as Djavan's "Serrado" Joyce's "London Samba" and Villa-Lobos' classic "Bachianas Brasilieras No.5." The combination of Brazilian-informed music and nicely paced English vocals work well, making See You in Rio a successful new direction for Luck.
~ Michael P.Gladstone https://www.allaboutjazz.com/see-you-in-rio-wendy-luck-wendy-luck-music-review-by-michael-p-gladstone.php
 
Personnel: Wendy Luck: vocals, flute; Cliff Korman: piano, arranger; Nelson Faria: guitar; Ney Conceicao: bass; Kiko Freitas: drums; Cyro Baptista: percussion; Sergio Brandao: bassist (1); Henrique Cazas: cavaquinho (12); Fernando Duarte: l7-string guitar (12); Humberto Cazas: percussion (12); Chris DeLanno: vocals (14); Carla Martinelli: vocals (14); Bruno Salgado: vocals (14); Leo Lopes: vocals (14); arissa Gorberg: vocals (14).

See You In Rio

Don Ellis - Autumn

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1968
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:52
Size: 135,5 MB
Art: Front

(19:25)  1. Variations For Trumpet
( 2:00)  2. Scratt And Fluggs
( 6:43)  3. Pussy Wiggle Stomp
( 8:47)  4. K. C. Blues
( 3:16)  5. Child Of Ecstasy
(17:39)  6. Indian Lady

Don Ellis' Orchestra is heard at the peak of its powers on this Columbia LP. "Pussy Wiggle Stomp," a variation on "My dad's better than your dad" but performed in 7/4 time, became the band's theme song, and it has its riotous moments. The 19-and-a-half minute, six-part "Variations for Trumpet" is a major showcase for Ellis, "Scratt and Fluggs" is a brief bit of silliness, and the relatively straightforward "K.C. Blues" features altoist Frank Strozier, John Klemmer on tenor, and keyboardist Pete Robinson. However it is the 17-and-a-half minute "Indian Lady" (a live remake) that really finds the band going crazy. 

Ellis, trombonist Glen Ferris, and keyboardist Robinson play humorous solos before tenors John Klemmer and Sam Falzone engage in a long and nutty tradeoff that is often quite hilarious. The many false endings at the end of this performance add to the general atmosphere. This is a classic release. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/autumn-mw0000426096

Personnel:  Trumpet [Quarter-tone, Amplified] – Don Ellis;  Alto Saxophone – Frank Strozier , Ira Schulman;  Alto Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo Flute – Ron Starr;  Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – John Magruder;  Bass – Dave Parlato;  Bass Trombone – Don Switzer;  Bass, Electric Bass [Fender] – Ray Neapolitan;  Clarinet – Frank Strozier, John Klemmer;  Clarinet, Clarinet [A] – John Magruder;  Clavinet, Piano – Pete Robinson;  Congas – Lee Pastora;  Drums – Ralph Humphrey;  Electric Piano, Piano [Prepared] – Pete Robinson;  Piano, Clavinet, Electric Piano – Mike Lang; Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Clarinet – Ron Starr;  Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – Sam Falzone;  Tenor Saxophone – John Klemmer, Sam Falzone;  Trombone – Ernie Carlson, Glenn Ferris, Terry Woodson; Trumpet – Glenn Stuart;  Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Bob Harmon, John Rosenberg, Stu Blumberg;  Tuba – Doug Bixby, Roger Bobo;  Vibraphone, Percussion [Miscellaneous] – Mark Stevens

Autumn

Chico Freeman - Still Sensitive

Styles: Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:38
Size: 160,1 MB
Art: Front

(6:19)  1. Answer Me, My Love
(8:19)  2. Angel Eyes
(7:32)  3. When I Fall in Love
(6:27)  4. Nature Boy
(7:59)  5. If I Should Lose You
(7:50)  6. In Her Eyes
(5:57)  7. Time After Time
(8:49)  8. Someone to Watch Over Me
(7:59)  9. After the Rain
(2:23) 10. San Vicente

An excellent tenor saxophonist and the son of Von Freeman, Chico Freeman has had a busy and diverse career, with many recordings ranging from advanced hard bop to nearly free avant-garde jazz. He originally played trumpet, not taking up the tenor until he was a junior in college. Freeman graduated from Northwestern University in 1972, played with R&B groups, and joined the AACM. In 1977, he moved to New York, where he worked with Elvin Jones, Sun Ra, Sam Rivers' big band, Jack DeJohnette's Special Edition, and Don Pullen, in addition to leading his own groups. He recorded a dozen albums as a leader during 1975-1982. Starting in 1984, Freeman has played on a part-time basis with the Leaders, he has recorded on a few occasions with his father and in 1989, he put together an electric band called Brainstorm. Chico Freeman has recorded through the years as a leader for Dharma, India Navigation, Contemporary, Black Saint, Elektra/Musician, Black Hawk, Palo Alto, Jazz House, and In & Out. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/artist/chico-freeman-mn0000110829/biography

Personnel: Chico Freeman (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); John Hicks (piano); Cecil McBee (acoustic bass);  Winard Harper (drums).

Still Sensitive

Stephane Wrembel - Bistro Fada

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:19
Size: 100,0 MB
Art: Front

(1:31)  1. Reflection I
(2:55)  2. Jackrabbit Sky
(3:54)  3. Big Brother
(1:36)  4. Reflection II
(3:53)  5. Chartrettes
(3:06)  6. Bistro Fada
(4:24)  7. Tsunami
(3:07)  8. Spider Bay
(3:57)  9. Goodbye Baby
(3:28) 10. Les Puces de Batignolles
(1:40) 11. Reflection III
(5:17) 12. Vox Populi
(2:44) 13. Evolution
(1:40) 14. Reflection IV

Stéphane Wrembel is a French born jazz guitarist currently residing in New Jersey. Wrembel is best known as a composer and performer of Gypsy Jazz, but is also heavily influenced by world music. Wrembel studied classical piano from age four in Fontainebleau, France, winning prizes in the Lucien Wurmser competition and at the National Conservatory of Aubervillier, before taking up the guitar at age sixteen in order "to learn Pink Floyd songs, Led Zeppelin, old Genesis, and all that stuff." While attending the American School of Modern Music in Paris, Wrembel went to the Django Reinhardt Festival in Samois, France where he was inspired to study composition arranging, jazz and contemporary classical music. Upon graduation, Wrembel was awarded a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music.  Wrembel has issued several albums, under his own name and as The Stephane Wrembel Trio. His song "Big Brother" was featured on the soundtrack for Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona. In 2011 he again collaborated with Allen, composing "Bistro Fada", the theme song for Allen's film Midnight in Paris. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephane_Wrembel

Bistro Fada

Friday, July 21, 2017

Al Hirt - Trumpet & Strings

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:32
Size: 113.4 MB
Styles: Trumpet jazz
Year: 1962/2017
Art: Front

[2:45] 1. Stranger In Paradise
[2:26] 2. Poor Butterfly
[2:33] 3. Fools Rush In
[2:50] 4. Sleepy Lagoon
[2:47] 5. As Time Goes By
[2:58] 6. East Of The Sun
[2:42] 7. Sleepless Hours
[2:56] 8. True Love
[2:55] 9. I'll Never Smile Again
[2:13] 10. I Cried For You
[2:48] 11. How Deep Is The Ocean
[2:46] 12. Easy To Love
[2:19] 13. Out Of Nowhere
[2:31] 14. Georgia On My Mind
[2:58] 15. Stella By Starlight
[2:45] 16. Willow Weep For Me
[2:51] 17. What's New
[3:22] 18. To Ava

A new side of Al Hirt s amazing artistry was revealed in this album. The big, broad, brass tone that readily identifiable mark of the mightiest horn turns subtle and subdued. Hirt threads his finely honed trumpet against a silken tapestry of strings masterfully arranged and conducted by Marty Paich. For the last six tracks, Henri René surrounds Hirt the master of sharp, bright, powerful bursts of color with a string orchestra including rhythm, four trombones, and one baritone sax. Hirt s horn is occasionally muted, but more often it is heard in restrained full voice as it clearly defines the varying shades of mood. The album s program of well-known selections takes on a new dimension of meaning in Hirt s hands. His horn can be haunting or tender, wistful or wailing, or quietly chuckling in retrospect.

Trumpet & Strings

Teodora Enache, Guido Manusardi Trio - On The Sunny Side Of The Street

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:33
Size: 88.2 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[2:05] 1. My Favourite Things
[6:49] 2. You Go To My Head
[4:57] 3. In A Mellow Tone
[2:22] 4. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
[2:44] 5. Shiny Stockings
[6:14] 6. Round About Midnight
[4:08] 7. All Of Me
[3:15] 8. Route 66
[5:55] 9. My Funny Valentine

Teodora Enache (born September 30, 1967 in Oneşti) is considered one of the most important Jazz musicians in Romania.

She graduated with Honors the "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University in Iaşi, with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. Then, she managed to switch to a successful career in Jazz, graduating the Canto section of Academy of Music in Iaşi and studying canto, improvisation and harmony with Johnny Răducanu and Edmond Deda and rhythm & bongos with Maurice de Martin.

Teodora won the Award for Best Debut at Sibiu International Jazz Festival in 1993. Between 1993 and 2004, she participated in numerous Jazz concerts and festivals in Romania, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Russia and the USA. She performed with internationally acclaimed stars such as Curtis Feller, Les Paul, Stanley Jordan, Johnny Griffin, Rick Condit, Johnny Răducanu, Guido Manusardi, Al Copley and Philippe Duchemin. In 2004 Teodora Enache won The Excellence Prize for the Most Important Contribution in Jazz. She recorded her first disk in 1997, followed by other eight in Romania and the USA. Hers latest project is Rădăcini - Shorashim (English: Roots), Romanian and Jewish songs in Jazz Rhythms.

On The Sunny Side Of The Stree

John Swanson - Let's Keep In Touch

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:40
Size: 95.4 MB
Styles: Swing, Jazz vocals
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[3:32] 1. 10,000 Miles Away
[2:49] 2. Mr. Big
[2:36] 3. Let's Keep In Touch
[4:28] 4. Remember Being In Love
[4:52] 5. Don't Tell Me How To Drive
[3:16] 6. We Make A Pretty Good Team
[4:11] 7. Throw Some Bacon On It
[3:13] 8. The Laughing Buddha Knows
[4:18] 9. I Don't Like Pictures
[5:26] 10. Some People Swear By It
[2:54] 11. Green Grass

Colorful singer-songwriter story-telling offered up in a funky, jazzy style. Swinging big band and small ensemble arrangements punctuate the bluesy crooner vocals. Witty, romantic, and fun!

Somewhere out on New Route 66, about 50 miles west of Sinatra, Swanson is swingin' and singin'. He loves Dave Frishberg songs and other stuff, like tumbler drinks. Lonnie Johnson is God.

John's quirky-cool jazz, blues, and pop music has been licensed for The Night Before (Seth Rogen feature film), ABC (Blood and Oil, Secrets and Lies), CBS (Scorpion), Showtime (The Affair), NBC (Last Call with Carson Daly), Hallmark Channel (Once Upon a Holiday), AMC (Freakshow), Bravo (Southern Charm), ABC Family (The Fosters, Switched at Birth), El Rey Network (From Dusk Till Dawn), MTV, and VH1 . International film, television, and retail radio credits include England, Germany, Finland, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Turkey, and Sweden.

Let's Keep In Touch

Zoot Sims - Hawthorne Nights

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:18
Size: 94.6 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1976/2007
Art: Front

[4:42] 1. Hawthorne Nights
[5:04] 2. Main Stem
[6:01] 3. More Than You Know
[5:07] 4. Only A Rose
[4:11] 5. The Girl From Ipanema
[6:20] 6. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
[5:26] 7. Fillings
[4:24] 8. Dark Cloud

Unlike most of his Pablo sessions, this Zoot Sims CD is not a quartet outing but an opportunity for his tenor to be showcased while joined by a nine-piece group that includes six horns (three reeds among them). Bill Holman's inventive arrangements are a large part as to why the date is successful but Sims's playing on the five standards, two Holman pieces and his own "Dark Cloud" should not be overlooked. Fortunately there is also some solo space saved for the talented sidemen (which include Oscar Brashear and Snooky Young on trumpets, trombonist Frank Rosolino and the woodwinds and reeds of Jerome Richardson, Richie Kamuca and Bill Hood). A well-rounded set of swinging jazz. ~Scott Yanow

Hawthorne Nights

Wynton Marsalis - Black Codes

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1985
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:54
Size: 135,6 MB
Art: Front

(9:32)  1. Black Codes
(9:08)  2. For Wee Folks
(6:47)  3. Delfeayo's Dilemma
(6:45)  4. Phryzzinian Man
(5:36)  5. Aural Oasis
(7:40)  6. Chambers of Tain
(5:23)  7. Blues

This is probably the best Wynton Marsalis recording from his Miles Davis period. With his brother Branford (who doubles here on tenor and soprano) often closely emulating Wayne Shorter and the rhythm section (pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Charnett Moffett, and drummer Jeff Watts) sounding a bit like the famous Herbie Hancock-Ron Carter-Tony Williams trio, Wynton is heard at the head of what was essentially an updated version of the mid- to late-'60s Miles Davis Quintet (despite Stanley Crouch's pronouncements in his typically absurd liner notes about Marsalis' individuality). The music is brilliantly played and displays what the "Young Lions" movement was really about: young musicians choosing to explore acoustic jazz and to extend the innovations of the pre-fusion modern mainstream style. Marsalis would develop his own sound a few years later, but even at age 23 he had few close competitors. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/black-codes-from-the-underground-mw0000188478

Personnel : Wynton Marsalis (trumpet);  Branford Marsalis (tenor saxophone);  Kenny Kirkland (piano);  Ron Carter, Charnett Moffett (bass);  Jeff "Tain" Watts (drums).

Black Codes

Natasha Miller - Don't Move

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:30
Size: 109,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:22)  1. Don't Move
(4:45)  2. You Don't Have To Learn (How To Sing The Blues)
(4:07)  3. Stolen Love (On Highway 99)
(5:10)  4. Snow Covers The Valley
(6:33)  5. Once More
(4:40)  6. Prisoner Of The Blues
(3:46)  7. Don't Set Me Free
(4:41)  8. Bye Bye Bayou
(5:19)  9. At Midnight
(2:48) 10. As The Years Come And Go
(2:14) 11. Doin' The Impossible

Once again, spunky vocalist Natasha Miller teams up with 81-year-old songwriter Bobby Sharp (Unchain My Heart, Don't Set Me Free), and this time, she’s got an album of destined-to-be jazz standards that outdoes everything she's produced to date. The new CD Don't Move (scheduled for a March 28, 2006 release) features 11 songs written by Sharp, most of which have never been recorded before. That makes this album something of an historic event in its own right. What makes it a musical event of the first order is Sharp’s songwriting, Natasha’s gift for flawless phrasing, and stunning arrangements penned by a group of musicians whose roots go deep and whose talents run to the top of their class pianists Bill Bell (Duke Ellington, Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson), Larry Dunlap (Cleo Lane, Mark Murphy), Ellen Hoffman (Oakland East Bay Symphony, Linda Ronstadt), and Josh Nelson (Peter Erskine, Ernie Watts). Some of the arrangements call for a 3-piece horn section and a string ensemble to augment Natasha’s jazz trio. “It’s only a 9-piece band, Miller says, “but the arrangements are so full and the band so tight, I sometimes think I’ve got The Stan Kenton Orchestra or Nelson Riddle and his strings behind me.”  Sharp’s songwriting, as always, demonstrates his impeccable talent. He possesses an uncanny ability to unify the elements of his songs so they tell moving stories with a profound simplicity always with style and grace (and sometimes, with a good bit of humor). Those elements, along with the energy Natasha brings to each song, make music you just can’t get enough of. In fact, the title of the album Don’t Move is not just lifted from one of the tracks; you’ll find it personally compelling. When you listen to it, you simply won’t want to move, that is. “Bobby’s a genius, a one-man Mercer-and-Arlen team,” Natasha says. “His work will go down in the songbook of great American classics.”

As she has in all her previous work, both live and recorded, Miller again demonstrates she can sing anything put in front of her (possibly even the phone book). Her voice harbors a rich palette of colors, sometimes sassy and insistent (“Don’t Set Me Free,” “Don’t Move”), sometimes sultry and ironic (”At Midnight,” “You Don’t Have to Learn How to Sing the Blues”), and sometimes wistful and longing, as in the haunting “Snow Covers the Valley,” with its hint of the tragic realities found in old Irish ballads. But even when she’s “A Prisoner of the Blues,” there’s no crying in her beer here. These are songs for grown-ups rendered by a 34-year-old artist who knows that even though fate may often deprive us from what we want, we keep on going anyway. What Natasha does is to bring these qualities together with finesse and power, delivering each song to the listener’s doorstep, where they don’t beg for entry, they come as familiar guests. Put all this together vocal color, a tone that runs from hushed to fills-up-your-heart, a touch of attitude, range and power with Natasha’s natural gift for just the right lyrical timing and you wonder how these songs could be sung any other way.  As if that’s not enough, there’s the remarkable “sound” of the recording itself, due in large measure to the fact the album was produced at Skywalker Studios (George Lucas) in Northern California and engineered by the highly-respected Leslie Ann Jones. When you get that much talent under one roof, both in front of the mikes and behind the board, wonderful things happen. The group recorded all 11 tracks in a day and a half. Most were “down” on the first take. Natasha produced this her fourth album and is funding it through her independent record label Poignant Records based in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Her previous release I Had a Feelin' (also a collection of Bobby Sharp tunes) was well received by jazz radio (charting in JazzWeek), and played by jazz programmers around the world. I Had a Feelin' has garnered local and national media attention and has sparked a movie production deal about Natasha and Mr. Sharp, as well.

And the band? It includes all the West-Coast musical heavies Los-Angeles-based pianist Josh Nelson, and from the Bay Area, John Shifflet/upright bass, Tim Bulkley/drums, Rob Roth/saxophone, Jeff Lewis/trumpet and flugelhorn, Adam Theis/trombone, Liz Prior Runnicles/viola, Emil Miland/cello, and Natasha/violin. Don't Move is a CD with a rich array of color and emotion, bringing another segment of Bobby Sharp's songbook to life. There’s music here for everyone a little bit of the blue and the noir and a whole lot of up-tempo, foot-stompin’ surprises. There’s also the touching duet, “As the Years Come and Go,” sung by Miller and Sharp, a love song written by Sharp in younger years, now a testament by these two friends to their remarkable personal and musical partnership. Natasha is one of the Bay Area’s busiest performers and regularly sells out Yoshi's jazz club in Oakland. She made her Monterey Jazz Festival debut on Sept 18, 2005 with her 9-piece band to a standing-room- only audience who honored her with 2 standing ovations. https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/nmiller4

Don't Move

Weather Report - Black Market

Styles: Jazz Fusion
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:34
Size: 88,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:32)  1. Black Market
(4:41)  2. Cannon Ball
(7:53)  3. Gibraltar
(5:08)  4. Elegant People
(3:27)  5. Three Clowns
(3:14)  6. Barbary Coast
(6:37)  7. Herandnu

The shifts in Weather Report's personnel come fast and furious now, with Narada Michael Walden and Chester Thompson as the drummers, Alex Acuna and Don Alias at the percussion table, and Alphonso Johnson giving way to the mighty, martyred Jaco Pastorius. It is interesting to hear Pastorius expanding the bass role only incrementally over what the more funk-oriented Johnson was doing at this early point that is, until "Barbary Coast," where suddenly Jaco leaps athletically forward into the spotlight. 

Joe Zawinul or just Zawinul, as he preferred to be billed contributed all of side one's compositions, mostly Third World-flavored workouts except for "Cannon Ball," a touching tribute to his ex-boss Cannonball Adderley (who had died the year before). Shorter, Pastorius, and Johnson split the remainder of the tracks, with Shorter now set in a long-limbed compositional mode for electric bands that would serve him into the 1990s. While it goes without saying that most Weather Report albums are transition albums, this diverse record is even more transient than most, paving the way for WR's most popular period while retaining the old sense of adventure. ~ Richard S.Ginell http://www.allmusic.com/album/black-market-mw0000192680

Personnel: Joe Zawinul (vocals, guitar, melodica, piano, grand piano, Fender Rhodes piano, Oberheim synthesizer, tabla); Jaco Pastorius (vocals, mandocello, electric bass, drums, steel drum); Wayne Shorter (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, lyricon); Alejandro Neciosup Acuña (drums, congas, tom tom, percussion); Chester Thompson , Narada Michael Walden (drums); Manolo Badrena (congas, tambourine, timbales, percussion); Don Alias (percussion).

Black Market

Frank Kimbrough - Rumors

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:33
Size: 123,0 MB
Art: Front

(8:22)  1. Six
(5:31)  2. TMI
(7:06)  3. Hope
(5:41)  4. Rumors
(7:52)  5. Sure As We're Here
(6:35)  6. Forsythia
(6:23)  7. Over
(6:00)  8. For Andrew

Timing is everything, whether discussing music, sports or life in general, and this certainly proves to be the case with the recording of Rumors. In September of 2009, jazz photographer and occasional producer Jimmy Katz made a last minute offer to record pianist Frank Kimbrough in a setting of his choice. Kimbrough, having just played with bassist Masa Kamaguchi and drummer Jeff Hirshfield at the Kitano in New York City, yearned to connect with these musicians again before Kamaguchi returned to his home in Barcelona. The timing proved to be perfect and the chemistry between these three musicians is on full display across these eight tracks. While seven of these pieces come from Kimbrough's pen, the album starts off with "Six," written by Catalan composer Federico Mompou and unfolding with Hirshfield's slow cymbal dance. Kimbrough's delivery shows an uncluttered sense of melodic brilliance, making this an engaging performance. "TMI," no doubt referencing the popular abbreviation for "Too Much Information," betrays Kimbrough's fondness for piano visionaries like Thelonious Monk, Andrew Hill and Herbie Nichols. Quirky, sea-sawing melodic snippets collide as the trio shows off its elastic sense of time. While performing as one interactive entity on this song, "Hope" begins as a showcase for Kimbrough. Kamaguchi and Hirshfield enter this performance with a fragile sense of being, and support Kimbrough during his comforting and consonant travels. Eventually, bass and piano converse and create some touching musical moments. 

The title track begins with some slight hints of the Far East. As the music grows, Hirshfield's ride cymbal work becomes more furious and he rains down on the group with a percussive storm. Kamaguchi's pulsing, insistent bass presence helps to provide a sense of consistency in these stormy moments. Kimbrough creates a two-handed dance on "Sure As We're Here," with Hirshfield providing some skittering brushwork. "Forsythia" a plant that often signals the arrival of spring shows deep, beautiful, organic musical growth. An expansive and open feeling pervades this piece, with Kamaguchi blending well with Kimbrough, and the clear ring of the bass and piano seeming to linger in the air. "Over," with its spiky, jagged beginning, starts off like a three-way boxing match. Each man jabs and prods with his instrument, but things change when Hirshfield takes over, owning the music until Kamaguchi gets his turn. A shower of notes seems to descend from all places as the piece tumbles toward its conclusion. "For Andrew" is six minutes of solemn, absorbing sound. Sensitivity and reverence travel through this piece, as each musician adds to the emotional impact and flow. This recording session might have been coordinated at the last minute, but it's hard to imagine finer musical conversations being crafted with all the planning time in the world. ~ Dan Bilawsky https://www.allaboutjazz.com/rumors-frank-kimbrough-palmetto-records-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php
 
Personnel: Frank Kimbrough: piano; Masa Kamaguchi: bass; Jeff Hirshfield: drums.

Rumors

Naoko Terai - Jazz Waltz

Styles: Violin Jazz 
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:55
Size: 116,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:18)  1. Jazz Waltz
(5:24)  2. Appassionata
(4:59)  3. Danny Boy
(3:52)  4. In the Mood for Rag
(3:14)  5. Fascination
(5:25)  6. Lady's Tango
(4:04)  7. Flying in the Wind
(4:36)  8. Memories in the Sand
(4:19)  9. Hit and Away
(4:56) 10. I Me Mine
(4:41) 11. Children

· Born in Kanagawa Prefecture. Began playing the violin at the age of 4 and appearing at the age of 6 at NHK Educational TV "Keiko no Violin".
· When I was 12 years old, I received an encouragement prize at "Student Music Competition East Japan Convention" sponsored by the Mainichi Newspaper Company. Received again at the age of 14.
· In 1988, he debuted professionally as a jazz / violinist.
· Since being co-starred with Kenny · Baron who came to Japan in 1995, he was invited to guests of his album "Things unseen" and recorded for the first time in NY.
· In 1998, the first leader work "Thinking of You" was announced. In the blink of an eye he gets a lot of attention as a heroine of the jazz world.
· In January 2001, he won the Jazz Disc Grand Prize "New Star Award" sponsored by Swing Journal magazine.
· In August 2002, I participated in my 1st "Tokyo Jazz 2002" in my band. The overwhelming performance of is a topic. Herbie Hancock invited me to join his session.
· In February 2003, EMI (now Universal Music) released the first "Anthem" release. Became a big best seller and received the Japan Gold Award Grand Prize .
· December, announced the second transfer "Jazz · Waltz" announcement. Received the "Japan Jazz Award" Jazz Disc Awards sponsored by Swing Journal magazine.
· In April 2004, in the swing journal magazine reader popularity vote, he won three divisions , . Become a top artist in the jazz world with both name and reality.
· From this year onwards until 2009, serve Kincho mosquito coil TVCM character. (I will be in charge of music continuously after that)
· In January 2008, received the 33rd Nanri's Fumio Award.
· In March 2010, the Agency for Cultural Affairs received "Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Education Minister's Award for Grand Prix (Grand Prize Division)".
· From May, serve as the first regular personality in the BS - TBS program "Cinemagic Café" (~ 2012).
· In September 11th, "Tokyo Jazz" celebrating the 10th anniversary, she appeared on the stage entitled "Astor Piazzolla Project" with world accordionist Richard Galliano and again performing and others. The stage live record "Libertango in Tokyo" is also reputed.
- In January 15, the regular band was renewed for the first time in 12 years, and the latest work "Hot Jazz" was announced. https://translate.google.com.br/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.universal-music.co.jp/terai-naoko/biography/&prev=search

Personnel: Violin – Naoko Terai;  Double Bass – Jumbo Ono;  Drums – Go Nakazawa;  Guitar – Yoshihiko Hosono;  Piano, Organ – Naoki Kitajima

Jazz Waltz

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Don Ellis - Live At Montreux

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:55
Size: 173,6 MB
Art: Front

( 9:41)  1. Open Wide
( 5:54)  2. Loneliness
( 7:18)  3. Future Feature
( 5:10)  4. Go-No-Go
( 8:45)  5. Sporting Dance
(11:59)  6. Niner Two
( 8:32)  7. Lyra
( 5:39)  8. Eros
(10:51)  9. Arcturus

Recorded 27 years ago, this album from the Don Ellis library contains all the rhythmic and polyphonic excitement that you’d expect from such a pioneer in modern big band jazz. With this CD release, the original LP has been augmented by the addition of three previously unreleased tracks that came from the same Montreux performance. With his trumpet in hand, and an instrumentation that exceeds the norm, Ellis gave the world a remarkable sound. His compositions and arrangements left their mark. Performances such as this one have provided inspiration for all. Bass clarinet, French horn, oboe, tuba, congas and a string quartet combined to give his orchestra a unique collective timbre. Add to that his fascination with meter. “Future Feature,” for example, is in traditional 4/4, but its complex subdivision gives you that old Don Ellis magic: 223, 32, 223, 32, 3232, 223, 223, 3232, 33. ”Lyra,” “Eros,” and “Arcturus” appeared on another album for Atlantic, Music From Other Galaxies And Planets Featuring The Theme From Star Wars, which was created in a studio. Therefore, the inclusion here of live performances of these three pieces at Montreux was never considered. They make a sizable addition to the concert, however, and these arrangements fit in well. “Arcturus” was the concert’s encore. This was Ellis’ final recording. He passed away the following year at age 44 from complications of an earlier heart attack. His farewell trumpet solo on “Niner Two” leaves a lasting impression. Featuring stellar solo work from Ellis (on several instruments), Ted Nash, Jimbo Ross, Ann Patterson, Chino Valdes, Jim Snodgrass, and Alan Kaplan, the album has a significant place in the history of jazz. Ellis influenced many. His legacy continues to inspire. ~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/live-at-montreux-don-ellis-koch-international-jazz-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: Don Ellis- leader, quartertone trumpet, Firebird trumpet, flugelhorn, superbone;  Ann Patterson- alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, oboe, piccolo;  Ted Nash- alto saxophone, flute, clarinet;  James Coile- tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet;  Jim Snodgrass- baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, piccolo, flute, oboe;  Glenn Stuart, Gil Rathel, Jack Coan- trumpet;  Sidney Muldrow- French horn;  Alan Kaplan- trombone;  Richard Bullock- bass trombone;  Jim Self- tuba;  Randy Kerber- keyboards;  Darrell Clayton- acoustic bass;  Leon Gaer- synth bass, electric bass;  Dave Crigger- drums; Mike Englander- drums, mallets, percussion;  Ruth Ritchie- percussion, tympani;  Chino Valdes- congas, bongos;  Pam Tompkins, Lori Badessa- violin;  Jimbo Ross- viola;  Paula Hochhalter- cello.

Live At Montreux

China Moses And Raphaël Lemonnier - Crazy Blues

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:43
Size: 139,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:27)  1. Resolution Blues
(4:55)  2. Why Don't You Do Right
(4:15)  3. Closing Time
(4:48)  4. You're Crying
(4:21)  5. The Mailman The Butcher And Me
(5:56)  6. Crazy Blues
(3:53)  7. Cherry Wine
(5:01)  8. I Just Wanna Make Love To You
(6:59)  9. Work Song
(3:57) 10. Hot Stuff
(6:39) 11. Just Say I Love Him
(4:26) 12. Move Over

Pouring old wine into new bottles has become a specialty of vocalist China Moses and Pianist/Arranger Raphael Lemonnier. Rejuvenating classics with a pint of spirited innovation is a landmark of the duet, who, for their first encounter revisited the best of Dinah Washington, This One's for Dinah. For their second collaboration they pay tribute to great dames of blues and soul, and reexamine how 'blues' can be so jazzy. As such, Crazy Blues is unchained and blurs the dividing line between blues and jazz. The powerful presence of Moses, as well as her vocal flexibility, combined with Lemmonier's exploratory vision confers verve to the takes. Comparison with the original songs is useless, as Moses and Lemonnier do not borrow. Rather, they capture a song's essence. Ranging from Mamie Smith, Lilian Smith, Dinah Washington, Little Esther and Nina Simone, to Etta James, the remakes trace roots of female blues singing, passing the pop and rock of Janis Joplin and Donna Summer along the way. The entire variety is worth rediscovering, and sheds light on the songs' jazz possibilities. The album opens with a slow, rhythmic yet funny ballad, "Resolution Blues," where Moses cries out in longing. 'Why don't You do Right" follows, to raise the beat and display each musician's talent and flexibility as they turn a tender song into bebop. In call and response style, "Closing Time" is a gentle ballad featuring Hugh Coltman. Similarly, "Crying" is contemplative and touching. The fifth song, "The Mailman, the Butcher, and Me'' is an original where Lemonnier and bassist Cedric Caillaud navigate through drive and rhythm while Moses punctuates pauses to pave the ground for impulsive starts. Sixth on the album, "Crazy Blues," sounds similar to Dixieland, with a horn section orchestrated with finesse.

By far, one of the album's most cheerful songs is "Cherry Wine," a second duet featuring vocalist Sly Johnson. The song recounts a couple's fight over a bottle of cherry wine and abounds with saxophone solos. The lustful "I Just Want To make Love To You" is played with a pint of suspense. The refrain is slowed and repeated several times until Moses improvises, and pushes for an ascending climax. Simone's "Work Song" is a wonderful percussion exercise, and an opportunity for the saxophone players to display their talent. Trumpet player Renaud Gensane blows his top at the end of the tune. On the other hand, "Hot Stuff" is one of the familiar hits that displays the band's creativity to twist disco with rock influences into masterfully arranged, orchestral blues in Chicago colors. In Simone's "Just Say I Love Him," Moses unleashes dramatic contralto singing, infused with Bastien Ballaz's trombone to reinforce the poignant lyrics. To liven up the album, the last song is a groovy version of Janis Joplin's "Move Over." 

With an ostinato on piano and rolling drums, Moses smooths out Joplin's original ascending rhythm to make it sound warmer. These covers by Moses and Lemonnier have all been re- imagined to sound fresh with creativity. They shine, intense and loud! ~ Mehdi El Mouden https://www.allaboutjazz.com/china-moses-crazy-blues-by-mehdi-el-mouden.php

Personnel: China Moses: vocals; Raphael Lemonnier : piano; Jean-Pierre Derouard: drums; Fabien Marcoz : bass; Guests Luigi Grasso: alto & tenor sax #1,2,4,6,7,8,10; Anne Paceo: drums #2; Pierrick Pedron: alto sax #2,10; Cedric Caillaud: bass #5; Hugh Coltman: vocals #3; Daniel Huck: alto sax #6,7; Sly Johnson: vocals #7; François Biensan: trumpet #6,7,8; Renaud Gensane: trumpet #2,9,10; Bastien Ballaz: trombone #2,10,11; Frédéric Couderc: baritone & tenor sax, clarinet #2,6,7,8,10; Jean-Claude Onesta: trombone #2,6,7,8,10; Claude Egea: trumpet #2,10; Nicolas Dary: tenor sax #2,10; Jean-Claude Tartour: violin; Camille Verhoeven: violin; Nicolas Galière: viola; Vincent Catulescu: cello.

Crazy Blues