Thursday, July 26, 2018

Eric Le Lann - New York

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:43
Size: 133,1 MB
Art: Front

(7:33)  1. Sandra
(7:25)  2. 14 Rue Hegesippe Moreau
(4:45)  3. Tgv
(5:49)  4. Sans Lendemain
(6:06)  5. Viva
(5:11)  6. Taormina
(8:49)  7. Stomelen in Blue
(5:26)  8. Blue in Green
(6:35)  9. Viva (Alternate)

Éric Le Lann (born 1957 in Brittany) is a French jazz trumpeter. He moved to Paris in 1977 where he had his professional debut and gained notice in 1980. He has worked with Aldo Romano, Henri Salvador, and others. He also did music for films including those of Bertrand Tavernier. In 2005 he and guitarist Jean-Marie Ecay did an album in tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89ric_Le_Lann

Personnel:  Eric Le Lann (trumpet), Mino Cinelu (percussions), Eddie Gomez (bass), Paco Sery (drums), Mike Stern (guitar)

New York

Teddy Edwards - Sunset Eyes

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1959
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:46
Size: 107,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:46)  1. Tempo de Blues
(7:12)  2. Vintage '57
(3:32)  3. I Hear a Rhapsody
(3:06)  4. Up in Teddy's New Flat
(5:27)  5. Sunset Eyes
(6:11)  6. Teddy's Tune
(6:32)  7. Takin' Off
(2:16)  8. The New Symphony Sid
(5:11)  9. My Kinda Blues
(2:28) 10. Takin' Off (first version)

Teddy Edwards, who took part in classic tenor battles with Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray in Los Angeles during the mid- to late '40s, remained a major tenorman for more than half a century. However, his decision to live in L.A. resulted in him being greatly underrated through the years. Fortunately, the superior hard bop tenor (who showed that there was more than just cool jazz being played on the West Coast in the 1950s) recorded on a fairly frequent basis throughout his career. This set features music from 1959-1960 with Edwards joined by either Amos Trice, Joe Castro or Ronnie Ball on piano, Leroy Vinnegar or Ben Tucker on bass, and Billy Higgins or Al Levitt on drums. Edwards, an underrated composer, performs six of his originals (including his most famous composition, "Sunset Eyes," and two versions of "Takin' Off"), Vinnegar's "Vintage '57," and a pair of standards. Although there are short solos for Castro and Vinnegar, the focus throughout is on the leader's distinctive and likable tenor. Since the great Teddy Edwards never recorded an uninspiring record, this date is easily recommended to fans of straight-ahead jazz. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/sunset-eyes-mw0000599920

Personnel:  Teddy Edwards - tenor saxophone;  Ronnie Ball, Joe Castro , Amos Trice - piano;  Leroy Vinnegar, Ben Tucker  - bass;  Billy Higgins, Al Levitt - drums

Sunset Eyes

Bob Mintzer Big Band - Gently

Styles: Saxophone And Flute Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:26
Size: 135,2 MB
Art: Front

( 6:39)  1. Gently
( 7:20)  2. Timeless
( 5:26)  3. Original People
(11:48)  4. Body And Soul
( 8:10)  5. Who's Walkin' Who?
( 6:37)  6. Don't Ever Leave Me
( 7:01)  7. Bright Lights
( 4:22)  8. Saxophone Quartet #2

Bob Mintzer, who is known to favor fiery Latin rhythms and big-band charts with an abundance of punch and power, has a softer side too, one that is laid bare on this understated but no less invigorating new release, his fourteenth (or fifteenth? I've lost count) on the dmp label. 'I think I've... reached a point,' Mintzer writes, 'where I can appreciate the subtlety factor in music and in life, where I would just as soon be gently caressed rather than smacked with a large stick.' With that in mind, Mintzer says, he designed his latest album as 'a gentle approach to big-band instrumentation, using clarinets and flutes in place of saxophones; muted brass; the addition of French horns on two numbers, and writing for the band in a range and style [that] projects a soothing, warm sound.' The climate is especially sultry on Mintzer's ballad feature, Johnny Green's 'Body and Soul,' which he calls 'every tenor's measuring stick' (except for Pavarotti, Domingo and Carreras, of course), while the reed section (deftly backed by drummer Peter Erskine's improvised counterpoint) is front and center on the gossamer 'Saxophone Quartet #2' (middle movement), written for Miles Osland's talented undergrads at the University of Kentucky. Less heated tempos, however, don't necessarily denote an absence of warmth; Mintzer's concept, gentle as it is, can still stir one's blood, thanks to his seductive charts, shapely solos by such old hands as trumpeter Scott Wendholt and Michael Phillip Mossman, alto saxophonists Pete Yellin and Charles Pillow, soprano Lawrence Feldman, tenor Bob Malach, baritone Roger Rosenberg, trombonists Larry Farrell and Keith O'Quinn, pianist Phil Markowitz and bassist Jay Anderson, and unremitting support from the ever-reliable Erskine. 'Timeless' unveils a bossa-style Brazilian fa'ade, while 'Who's Walkin' Who' (inspired by Mintzer's labrador retrievers, Davis and Yosemity) is a softly ambling blues and 'Bright Lights,' written in '92 for his small group, the Yellowjackets, a funky shuffle that opens calmly and builds to a less-than-muted climax. "This one was hard to play soft,' Mintzer writes, 'but I think we got it.' They did. 'Gently,' inspired by Gil Evans, is an unassuming 4 / 4 swinger (with more perceptive work by Erskine) that uses woodwinds and cup-muted brass to state its theme, Thad Jones' 'Don't Ever Leave Me' a winsome ballad that Mintzer says he's always wanted to record. Gently is a conspicuous change of pace for the usually upbeat Mintzer, but one that underlines his structural resourcefulness and never fails to please. Easily recommended. ~ Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/gently-bob-mintzer-dmp-records-review-by-jack-bowers.php

Personnel: Bob Mintzer, tenor sax, flute, leader; Lawrence Feldman, Charles Pillow, alto sax, flute; Pete Yellin, alto sax; Bob Malach, tenor sax, flute; Roger Rosenberg, baritone sax, clarinet; Bob Millikan, Frank Greene, Michael Phillip Mossman, Scott Wendholt, Jim Seeley, trumpet, flugelhorn; Keith O'Quinn, Michael Davis, Larry Farrell, trombone; David Taylor, bass trombone; John Clark, Fred Griffin, French horn; Phil Markowitz, piano; Jay Anderson, bass; Peter Erskine, drums.

Gently

Jane McDonald - Cruising With Jane McDonald

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:55
Size: 116,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:38)  1. Club Tropicana
(4:16)  2. Caledonia
(4:24)  3. Vienna
(3:41)  4. Let It Go
(3:56)  5. The Winner Takes It All
(3:44)  6. Cuba
(2:32)  7. Mambo Italiano
(3:59)  8. Lost In France
(3:45)  9. It's Oh So Quiet
(5:37) 10. (Something Inside) So Strong
(2:42) 11. California Dreamin'
(4:27) 12. Proud Mary
(3:07) 13. Step Back In Time

One of the U.K.'s first successful reality TV recording artists, cabaret singer Jane McDonald became an overnight sensation after appearing in BBC docu-soap The Cruise. Born in Wakefield in 1963, McDonald started her singing career performing at various workingmen's clubs across the North of England, employing her father as her roadie. After working as an entertainer on several cruise ships, she retired from the business for nine months until a call from her agent persuaded her to take up one final job, a residency on The Galaxy. Coincidentally, the BBC was filming a fly-on-the-wall documentary about the day-to-day running of the cruise liner and asked McDonald if she would like to appear. Thanks to her down to earth nature and Northern sense of humor, she became the show's biggest star, and following its huge ratings success, she was signed to Focus Records. In 1998, her self-titled debut album reached number one in the U.K. charts, where it stayed for three weeks; she performed a sold-out show at the London Palladium, and her televised marriage to Henrik Brixen attracted 14 million viewers. In 2000, she returned with second album Inspiration (number six) and became a TV presenter for the BBC, fronting both The National Lottery and Star for a Night, a talent show which helped launch Joss Stone. A year later, her third album, Love at the Movies, reached number 24 and she appeared in the West End production of Romeo and Juliet: The Musical. In 2005, she released her fourth album, You Belong to Me (number 21) and became a regular panelist on ITV chat show Loose Women. In 2008, following an appearance on a program revisiting the stars of The Cruise, her fifth studio album, Jane, saw her return to the Top Ten for the first time in eight years and she embarked on a sold-out theater tour across the U.K. In 2014, she released the album Singer of Your Song, and the same year embarked on a tour in support of the album. Two years later the singer launched the Making Memories tour, and the popularity of the performance extended the show's run into 2017. That same year, McDonald released her seventh album. Hold the Covers Back featured original material, and a guest spot from Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley. ~ Jon O'Brien https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/cruising-with-jane-mcdonald/1387824485

Thank You Dave! 

Cruising With Jane McDonald

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Maynard Ferguson - Live From London

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:47
Size: 136,3 MB
Art: Front

(14:36)  1. A Night In Tunisia
( 8:39)  2. In A Mellow Tone
( 8:08)  3. St. Thomas
( 3:53)  4. Fox Hunt
( 7:22)  5. Rhythm Method
( 8:18)  6. My One And Only Love
( 7:48)  7. Glenn's Den

Utilizing a 13-piece band that includes ten horns, Maynard Ferguson performs bebop with his Big Bop Nouveau on this CD. All of the music is fairly basic, using common chord changes and charts that leave plenty of room for solos. Ferguson shows at age 65 that he still has most of his outstanding range and, assisted by a trumpet section full of screamers, the performances are boisterous and sometimes a bit bombastic. Chip McNeill takes a passionate soprano solo on "A Night in Tunisia," Matt Wallace has a couple of rewarding spots on tenor and trumpeter Walter White fares well on "Fox Hunt," but it is the leader who gives this music its main personality.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-from-london-mw0000110888

Personnel:  Maynard Ferguson - trumpet, flugelhorn;  Chris Brown - drums;  Matt Wallace - alto saxophone, tenor saxophone;  Christian Jacob - piano, keyboards;  Roger Ingram - trumpet;  Brian Thompson - trumpet;  Chip McNeill - soprano & tenor saxophones;  Dave Pietro - alto saxophone
Ed Sargent - percussion.

Live From London

Brother Jack McDuff - A Change Is Gonna Come

Styles: Soul Jazz
Year: 1966
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:23
Size: 86,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:19)  1. Down In The Valley
(3:07)  2. A Change Is Gonna Come
(3:34)  3. Hotcha
(2:35)  4. What'd I Say
(4:42)  5. No Tears
(2:36)  6. Gonna Hang Me Up A Sign
(5:52)  7. Minha Saudade
(4:20)  8. Same Old, Same Old
(7:15)  9. Can't Find The Keyhole Blues

This album is an elegant mix of soul and sambas, interspersed with a pair of distinctly blues-focused pieces. Jack McDuff's Hammond B-3 organ surges and trills and rocks, at times seeming to talk as the lead instrument on renditions of works as different as Ray Charles' "What'd I Say" and Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come." His calls and responses with the five-man brass section on several of the tracks here comprise another highlight, but even the slow numbers, such as "No Tears," offer virtuoso playing by McDuff. The tempo and texture shifts throughout keep this record continually interesting to the listener, and the range of influences, from jazz to gospel with side trips into the blues (culminating with a seven-minute epic in the latter genre), gives a lot of great playing for everybody.~ Bruce Eder https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-change-is-gonna-come-mw0000378740

Personnel:  Jack McDuff - organ;  Johnny Grimes, Harold Johnson - trumpet;  Richard Harris - trombone;  Danny Turner - alto saxophone;  Arthur Clarke, George Coleman - tenor saxophone;  Buddy Lucas - baritone saxophone James Oliver - guitar;  Cornell Dupree - guitar, congas;  Jimmy Tyrell - bass;  Joe Dukes, Bernard Purdie - drums;  Warren Smith - percussion

A Change Is Gonna Come

Naoko Terai - The Standard II

Styles: Violin Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:23
Size: 157,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:03)  1. Charade
(5:02)  2. California Dreamin'
(4:37)  3. Beautiful Love
(5:05)  4. Overjoyed
(5:33)  5. A Taste Of Honey
(4:51)  6. A Boy Named Charlie Brown
(3:40)  7. Pick Yourself Up
(5:19)  8. Daydream Believer
(4:27)  9. Twilight Time
(3:45) 10. Are You Lonesome Tonight
(6:01) 11. Going Out Of My Head
(5:22) 12. The Summer Knows
(3:59) 13. South Of The Border
(4:32) 14. All The Way

Naoko Terai ( Japanese, Terai Naoko , born May 1, 1967 ) is a Japanese jazz violinist. Naoko Terai studied the violin when she was four years old and began working in the Japanese jazz scene in the 1990s. In 1995 she participated in the album Things Unseen by pianist Kenny Barron ; In 2000 she was honored as Newcomer of the Year by the magazine Swing Journal . She played since then u. a. with Herbie Hancock , Wayne Shorter , Michael Brecker . In 1996 she presented her debut album Thinking of You ; her third album Princess T was produced by Lee Ritenour . At All For You (2005) Richard Galliano was a guest musician. Terai, who works with her own quartet of Naoki Kitajima (piano), Kunio Tanaami (bass) and Go Nakazawa (drums), performed in 2012 with Richard Galliano in the context of the Paris exhibition Jazz en Japan. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naoko_Terai

The Standard II

Richie Cole - Cool 'C'

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1981
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:52
Size: 127,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:25)  1. Back To Bop
(7:35)  2. Willow Weep For Me
(5:45)  3. Blue Bossa
(4:35)  4. Someday My Prince Will Come
(4:35)  5. Autumn Leaves
(5:01)  6. Cool 'C'
(4:55)  7. On Green Dolphin Street

Recorded during his first visit to Japan, this out-of-print LP features altoist Richie Cole playing five bop standards, his own "Cool 'C"' and pianist Himiko Kikuchi's "Back to Bop." Cole is joined by eight brass players, a rhythm section and two percussionists, all of whom are fine Japanese musicians. The results are generally hard-swinging bop with enough humor and color to hold one's interest. The focus is on Cole throughout and he makes a rare appearance on tenor during "On Green Dolphin Street."~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/cool-c-mw0000897790

Personnel:   Saxophone – Richie Cole;  Trombone – Hitomi Uchida, Michio Kagiwada, Toshinobu Kawashima;   Trumpet – Masahiro Kobayashi, Shin Kazuhara, Yoshikazu Kishi;   Piano – Himiko Kikuchi;   Drums – Motohiko Hino;   Drums – Motohiko Hino

Cool 'C'

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Bob Mintzer Big Band - Camouflage

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1986
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:06
Size: 139,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:38)  1. Techno Pop
(6:23)  2. Mr. Fone Bone
(8:28)  3. A Long Time Ago
(1:46)  4. After Thought
(7:54)  5. Camouflage
(5:47)  6. One Man Band
(9:39)  7. Truth
(6:10)  8. Hip Hop
(8:18)  9. In The Eighties

Good '86 big band set led by tenor saxophonist and bass clarinetist Bob Mintzer, a fine player and arranger. These recordings are in a conventional format, with polished ensemble sections and good, occasionally great solos. They are well produced and mastered, but the material and style tend to be conservative.~ Ron Wynn https://www.allmusic.com/album/camouflage-mw0000649651

Personnel:  Bob Mintzer (Saxophone, Bass Clarinet); Lawrence Feldman, Bob Malach, Roger Rosenberg (Saxophone); Pete Yellin (Alto Saxophone); Randy Brecker, Laurie Frink, Bob Millikan, Marvin Stamm (Trumpet); Keith O'Quinn, Chris Seiter, Bob Smith, David Taylor (Trombone); Don Grolnick (Piano); Peter Erskine (Drums); Zev Katz (Bass); Frank Malabé (Percussion).

Camouflage

Kate Rusby - The Girl Who Couldn't Fly

Styles: Vocal, Guitar, Folk
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:52
Size: 114,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:40)  1. Game of All Fours
(4:15)  2. The Lark
(3:29)  3. No Names
(3:22)  4. Mary Blaize
(4:52)  5. A Ballad
(3:24)  6. You Belong to Me
(4:04)  7. Elfin Knight
(5:40)  8. Bonnie House of Airlie
(4:24)  9. Moon Shadow
(4:14) 10. Wandering Soul
(3:51) 11. Fare Thee Well
(4:30) 12. Little Jack Frost

Yorkshire singer/songwriter Kate Rusby has been quietly resurrecting English folk music for the last ten years with a grace, wit, and reverence that others have attempted yet failed to achieve. 2004's Underneath the Stars was a triumph of contemporary music both new and borrowed, an acoustic symphony of brass, guitars, and Rusby's mesmerizing voice. Listeners craving a sequel will find much to love in The Girl Who Couldn't Fly, another collection of traditional ballads and self-penned charmers that firmly establish Rusby as the Alison Krauss of British folk music. Produced again by John McCusker, her renditions of songs both old and new are presented with an effervescence that belay their sometimes wistful and often sexual, as in the bawdy opener, "Game of All Fours" natures. Rusby's own compositions ("Elfin King," "Little Jack Frost," and "The Lark," just to name a few) are marvels of timelessness. Like June Tabor and Gillian Welch, she's got one hand on the pulse of history and the other on a heart that contains a very old soul. Here's to hoping that those hands continue to pen such lovely tales.~ James Christopher Monger https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-girl-who-couldnt-fly-mw0000181513

The Girl Who Couldn't Fly

Terry Gibbs - The Latin Connection

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 1986
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:58
Size: 103,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:21)  1. Scrapple from the Apple
(4:37)  2. For Keeps
(5:01)  3. Groovin' High
(4:21)  4. Chelsea Bridge
(4:33)  5. Sing Sing Sing
(5:11)  6. Kick Those Feet
(5:26)  7. Good Bait
(4:41)  8. Flamingo
(5:44)  9. Sweet Young Song of Love

Vibraphonist Terry Gibbs sounds fine on this Latin jazz date, which also includes altoist Frank Morgan, pianist Sonny Bravo, bassist Bobby Rodriguez and three percussionists, including Tito Puente playing timbales on three of the nine numbers. Most of the tunes are bop and swing standards (such as"Scrapple From the Apple," "Groovin' High," "Good Bait" and "Sing, Sing, Sing") and have excellent spots for Gibbs, Morgan and the percussion section. A fine date.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-latin-connection-mw00002675

Personnel: Vibraphone, Arranged By – Terry Gibbs;   Alto Saxophone – Frank Morgan;  Bass – Bobby Rodriguez;  Bongos, Percussion – Johnny Rodriguez;  Congas, Percussion – Jose Madera;  Piano – Sonny Bravo;  Timbales – Orestes Vilato, Tito Puente .

The Latin Connection

Johnny Griffin - Live In Tokyo

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:37
Size: 130,2 MB
Art: Front

(18:53)  1. All The Things You Are
(17:08)  2. When We Were One
( 3:47)  3. Wee
(16:47)  4. The Man I Love

The great tenor Johnny Griffin really gets a chance to stretch out on this two-LP set. Joined by pianist Horace Parland, bassist Mads Vinding and drummer Art Taylor for this Tokyo concert, Griffin digs into three standards and a pair of his originals; all except for a rapid "Wee" are at least 16 minutes long. 

Griffin's long cadenza on "The Man I Love" is a highlight.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-in-tokyo-mw0000094442

Personnel:  Johnny Griffin (saxophone), Horace Parlan (piano), Art Taylor (drums), Mads Vinding (bass).

Live In Tokyo

Louis Hayes - Louis at Large

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:35
Size: 141,4 MB
Art: Front

( 6:42)  1. Check In
( 5:19)  2. Rio
( 6:24)  3. Hen and Hub
(10:00)  4. My Ship
( 6:53)  5. Teef
( 7:33)  6. Dear Lou
( 5:49)  7. Dream Surreal
( 6:34)  8. My Old Flame
( 6:21)  9. Perambulation

For Louis Hayes' first domestic release in nearly 20 years the veteran drummer assembled a group consisting of tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson, trumpeter Riley Mullins, pianist David Hazeltine, and bassist Santi Debriano, took them into the studio, and recorded this collection of no-nonsense, high energy hard bop. Best known for his stints in the groups of Horace Silver (1956-59) and Cannonball Adderley (1959-65), Hayes is at his cymbal ridin', snare drum poppin' best, and the other musicians are up to the task, with Mullins' go-for-broke, high note filled solos giving Louis at Large much of its flavor. Favorites include the uptempo burners "Check In" written by Mullins and Hayes, and Mullins' "Hen and Hub," dedicated to Hayes' former bandmates Joe Henderson and Freddie Hubbard, the bop blues "Teef," which also appeared on Hayes' self-titled 1960 debut recording, and an uptempo arrangement of the standard "My Old Flame," with a medium tempo bridge throughout. This a welcome return to an American label for Hayes.~ Greg Turner https://www.allmusic.com/album/louis-at-large-mw0000082109

Personnel:  Louis Hayes - drums;  Riley Mullins - trumpet;  Javon Jackson - tenor saxophone;  David Hazeltine - piano;  Santi Debriano - bass.

Louis at Large

Monday, July 23, 2018

David Kikoski - Details

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:51
Size: 155,5 MB
Art: Front

(12:13)  1. In Your Own Sweet Way
( 7:35)  2. Detachment
( 9:09)  3. 7/4 Ballad
( 6:17)  4. Inner Urge
( 6:00)  5. Juriki
( 6:45)  6. Adorable You
( 5:45)  7. K's Blues
( 6:52)  8. Presage
( 7:09)  9. Tag Blues

David Kikoski has earned his chops backing everyone from legends like Roy Haynes (two decades and counting) to young gun David Sanchez. Though he can commandeer a set when he wants (an astoundingly fractured, nearly chaotic barrelhouse blues piano solo is all that remains in memory of the last Pat Martino gig I caught), by nature he's a team player: gently tenacious exploration and ethereal post-bop empathy are this Berklee grad's true bread and butter. Thus Details , as you might expect from its title, is loaded with both. It's a trio disc, and for this kind of patient investigation, Kikoski could scarcely have filled out the group better. Bass man Larry Grenadier and drummer Bill Stewart provide the pianist with a near-telepathic unity that lifts the disc immediately above the ordinary. (Stewart, whose extensive trio forays with keyboardist Larry Goldings have prepared him magnificently for this kind of work, seems particularly alert.) From the group's leisurely twelve-minute stroll through Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way," to its thoughtful, intense work on Joe Henderson's great "Inner Urge," and through the host of tricky Kikoski originals that comprise the remainder of the material, ideas flow free and quick and no subtle shift goes unnoticed. (Even Kikoski's single-track detour on electric keyboard, "K's Blues," comes off.) Short on flash but loaded with exquisite three-way rapport, Details is a dreamy, first-rate disc from a player deserving more attention. ~ AAJ Staff https://www.allaboutjazz.com/details-dave-kikoski-criss-cross-review-by-aaj-staff.php

Personnel: Dave Kikoski: Piano;  Larry Grenadier: Bass;  Bill Stewart: Drums. 

Details

Swing Out Sister - Live in Tokyo

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:41
Size: 180,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:49)  1. Surrender/World Out Of Control
(6:47)  2. Get in Touch with Yourself
(5:18)  3. La La Means I Love You
(5:17)  4. Sugarfree
(4:51)  5. Stoned Soul Picnic
(7:40)  6. Closer than the Sun/Forever Blue
(6:08)  7. Heaven Only Knows
(6:34)  8. Filth & Dreams
(6:31)  9. Now You're Not Here/No Scrubs
(8:08) 10. Am I the Same Girl
(7:57) 11. Breakout/When Morning Comes
(7:36) 12. Twilight World

This trend-setting act with a cult like following returns with LIVE  beautifully crafted new live arrangements of some of their biggest hits ever! Included are completely new and revamped versions of the 1980s worldwide hits 'Breakout' and 'Am I the Same Girl', each with a completely new and fresh approach and arrangement. Also included are many of their other greatest US hits like 'La La Means I Love You' and 'Stoned Soul Picnic', each classic cover executed in a refreshing new way! Recorded live in Tokyo, the 10 piece Swing Out band includes incredible vocalists, multiple keyboard players, funky rhythm and jazz guitars, tight drums and auxiliary percussion. Shanachie. 2005.~ Editorial Reviews

Personnel:  Bass Guitar – Juneroy Johnson;  Congas, Percussion, Kalimba – Jody Linscott;  Drums – Chris Bailey ;  Guitar, Backing Vocals – Tim Cansfield;  Lead Vocals – Corinne Drewery ;  Vocals [Additional] – Delores Clay

Live in Tokyo

Naoko Terai - The Standard

Styles: Violin Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:07
Size: 166,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:27)  1. Night And Day
(6:16)  2. Fly Me To The Moon
(3:59)  3. Devil May Care
(6:28)  4. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life
(6:08)  5. It's All Right With Me
(6:42)  6. Soul Eyes
(4:46)  7. Samba de Uma Nota Só
(6:38)  8. Yesterdays
(5:31)  9. Bluesette
(5:47) 10. Golden Earrings
(4:33) 11. Les Feuilles mortes
(5:17) 12. Nardis
(5:29) 13. Blue Velvet

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, it gets notice 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 becomes a topic. Herbie Hancock invited me to join his session. In February 2003, EMI (now Universal Music) first release "Anthem" was announced. Became a big best seller and received the Japan Gold Award Grand Prize . December, announced the second transfer "Jazz  Waltz" announcement. Jazz disc award "Jazz Award" won 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 the Prize for Art Scholarship Minister Entry Science Minister's Newcomer Award (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 performed again etc. 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. (Translate by Google) https://www.universal-music.co.jp/terai-naoko/biography/

The Standard

Caribbean Jazz Project - Afro Bop Alliance

Styles: Latin Jazz, World Fusion 
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:46
Size: 142,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:55)  1. Rendezvous
(6:11)  2. Naima
(8:45)  3. Five For Elvin
(5:20)  4. Soul Sauce
(6:30)  5. Picture Frame
(8:35)  6. Stolen Moments
(4:55)  7. Birds Of A Feather
(7:42)  8. Afro Green
(7:52)  9. Bemsha Swing

Lionel Hampton was one of the first "real" jazz vibraphonists. In more recent years, Gary Burton has been among those who have kept the instrument an integral part of the jazz scene. However, another name is also synonymous with the instrument. That is Dave Samuels. A longtime member of Spyro Gyra who occasionally reunites with the group, performing on a few songs here and there for recordings, Samuels is a master of both the vibraphone and the marimba. He also, when desiring a certain effect, has used a mallet-triggered synthesizer. After a brief solo career that included such recordings as Living Colors (MCA, 1988) and Ten Degrees North (MCA, 1989), Samuels joined forces with pals Paquito D'Rivera on alto sax and clarinet and Andy Narell on steel pans, to form the Caribbean Jazz Project. D'Rivera and Narell are no longer with the group, but Samuels is still its leader. Afro Bop Alliance revisits nine songs previously recorded by CJP, done this time with the Maryland-based Afro Bop Alliance, a big band with a Latin sound. The set begins with a dynamic offering of "Rendezvous," a track Samuels wrote for the Africa-themed Ten Degrees North and later appeared on CJP's Grammy-nominated Here and Now Live in Concert (Concord, 2005). While the first two recordings are exceptional, this one is equally engaging. 

With a heavy dose of horns, Joe McCarthy and Roberto Quintero splitting percussion duties, and Tim Stanley's trumpet solo, "Rendezvous" is more exciting than ever. John Coltrane's "Naima," which also was on Here and Now, is moderately paced. Samuels' vibraphone solo is the highlight, but the CJP rhythm section of McCarthy, Quintero and Max Murray on bass, complements the entire package. Steve Williams contributes an elegant soprano saxophone solo, underscored by soft horns. "Five for Elvin," another Samuels original, gives the percussionists plenty of room to stretch out. First, they underscore Samuels' marimba solo, complemented by Murray and pianist J.J. Wright. Later in the song, McCarthy and Quintero are out front, accompanied only by piano and bass, setting up the song's closing. Samuels and the rhythm section set up Oliver Nelson's "Stolen Moments." Luis Hernandez contributes a moving tenor sax solo, which gives way to Samuels on the marimba, punctuated by an amplified horn section. The horns then back off, leaving it to Samuels, pianist Harry Appelman and the rhythm section; Murray's bass stands out and the horns come back in to help close the song. Other tracks presented here are Dizzy Gillespie's "Soul Sauce," Thelonius Monk's "Bemsha Swing" and Samuels' "Picture Frame," "Birds of a Feather" and "Afro Green." Throughout, the Afro Bop horn section is strong but doesn't overpower CJP. Samuels, as he has done throughout his career, shows his versatility. Whether carrying the melody, stretching out on a solo or complementing the other musicians, he demonstrates why he is regarded as one of the world's leaders in jazz vibes and marimba. Afro Bop Alliance is an hour's worth of engaging music.~ Woodrow Wilkins https://www.allaboutjazz.com/afro-bop-alliance-dave-samuels-heads-up-international-review-by-woodrow-wilkins.php

Personnel: Dave Samuels: vibes, marimba; Steve Williams: lead alto, soprano saxophone, solo (2); Andy Axelrad: alto saxophone; Luis Hernandez: tenor saxophone, solos; Vince Norman: tenor saxophone; Rob Holmes: baritone saxophone; Chris Walter: lead trumpet; Nick Cooper: trumpet; Greg Reese: trumpet; Tim Stanley: trumpet, solo; Dan Drew: lead trombone; Jim McFalls: trombone; Mark Morgan: bass trombone; Harry Appelman: piano; J.J. Wright: piano (3); Max Murray: bass; Joe McCarthy: drums, percussion (bells, timbale, clave, chekere, shakers); Robert Quintero: percussion (congas, bongos, maracas).

Afro Bop Alliance

Mary Lou Williams - Lady Piano

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1955
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:41
Size: 104,4 MB
Art: Front

(2:06)  1. Fandangle
(3:26)  2. Mama, Pin a Rose On Me
(3:36)  3. Roll' em
(3:32)  4. Sweet Sue
(5:15)  5. Lullaby of the Leaves
(2:17)  6. Taurus
(3:30)  7. Jericho
(4:44)  8. I Love Him
(4:00)  9. Amy
(4:40) 10. Talk of the Tawn
(3:30) 11. I Love You
(4:00) 12. Easy Blues

To say that Mary Lou Williams had a long and productive career is an understatement. Although for decades she was often called jazz's greatest female musician (and one has to admire what must have been a nonstop battle against sexism), she would have been considered a major artist no matter what her sex. Just the fact that Williams and Duke Ellington were virtually the only stride pianists to modernize their style through the years would have been enough to guarantee her a place in jazz history books. Williams managed to always sound modern during a half-century career without forgetting her roots or how to play in the older styles. Born Mary Elfrieda Scruggs (although she soon took the name of her stepfather and was known as Mary Lou Burley), she taught herself the piano by ear and was playing in public at the age of six. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Williams' life was always filled with music. When she was 13, she started working in vaudeville, and three years later married saxophonist John Williams. They moved to Memphis, and she made her debut on records with Synco Jazzers. John soon joined Andy Kirk's orchestra, which was based in Kansas City, in 1929. Williams wrote arrangements for the band, filled in for an absent pianist on Kirk's first recording session, and eventually became a member of the orchestra herself. Her arrangements were largely responsible for the band's distinctive sound and eventual success. Williams was soon recognized as Kirk's top soloist, a stride pianist who impressed everyone (even Jelly Roll Morton). In addition, she wrote such songs such as "Roll 'Em" (a killer hit for Benny Goodman) and "What's Your Story Morning Glory" and contributed arrangements to other big bands, including those of Goodman, Earl Hines, and Tommy Dorsey. Mary Lou Williams stayed with Kirk until 1942, by which time she had divorced John Williams and married trumpeter Harold "Shorty" Baker. She co-led a combo with Baker before he joined Duke Ellington. 

Williams did some writing for Duke (most notably her rearrangement of "Blue Skies" into a horn battle called "Trumpets No End") and played briefly with Benny Goodman's bebop group in 1948. She had gradually modernized her style and by the early to mid-'40s was actively encouraging the young modernists who would lead the bebop revolution, including Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Tadd Dameron, and Dizzy Gillespie. Williams' "Zodiac Suite" showed off some of her modern ideas, and her "In the Land of Oo-Bla-Dee" was a bebop fable recorded by Gillespie.  Williams lived in Europe from 1952-1954 and then became very involved in the Catholic religion. She retired from music for a few years before appearing as a guest with Dizzy Gillespie's orchestra at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival. Williams returned to jazz and by the early '70s sounded more like a young modal player (clearly she was familiar with McCoy Tyner) than a survivor of the 1920s. Although she did not care for the avant-garde, she occasionally played quite freely, although a 1977 duo concert with Cecil Taylor was a complete fiasco. Williams wrote three masses and a cantana, was a star at Benny Goodman's 40th-anniversary Carnegie Hall concert in 1978, taught at Duke University, and often planned her later concerts as a history of jazz recital. By the time she passed away at the age of 71, she had a list of accomplishments that could have filled three lifetimes.  

Mary Lou Williams recorded through the years as a leader for many labels including Brunswick (a pair of piano solos in 1930), Decca (1938), Columbia, Savoy, extensively for Asch and Folkways during 1944-1947, Victor, King (1949), Atlantic, Circle, Vogue, Prestige, Blue Star, Jazztone, her own Mary label (1970-1974), Chiaroscuro, SteepleChase, and finally Pablo (1977-1978).~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/mary-lou-williams-mn0000859820/biography

Lady Piano

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Donald Harrison, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham - New York Cool

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:24
Size: 146,5 MB
Art: Front

(10:51)  1. Body and Soul
(10:28)  2. Harrisburg Address
( 8:39)  3. Easy Living
( 9:31)  4. I'll Remember April
(10:34)  5. Star Eyes
( 8:32)  6. Third Plane
( 4:46)  7. Blues For Happy People

Altoist Donald Harrison gained his initial fame in the late '70s when he was a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, following that up by co-leading a notable quintet with trumpeter Terence Blanchard. Although he never quite became a poll winner or a major influential force, Harrison has always been a solid improviser. New York Cool moves his career up a notch and is one of his finest recordings to date. Reuniting in 2005 with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Billy Cobham (the trio had recorded Heroes for the Nagel Heyer label in 2002), Harrison and his sidemen constantly challenge each other, with each of the musicians feeling free to set the direction of the performances. The repertoire is comprised of "Body and Soul," "Harrisburg Address" (based on "I Got Rhythm"), "Easy Living," "I'll Remember April," "Star Eyes," Ron Carter's "Third Plane" (which deserves to become a standard), and the medium-tempo "Blues for Happy People." The musicians feed off each other's ideas and their interplay is full of subtle surprises and unpredictable moments. New York Cool demonstrates that there is plenty of life still to be found in bebop standards when they are played in creative fashion. Highly recommended.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/new-york-cool-live-at-the-blue-note-mw0000349623

Personnel:  Donald Harrison - alto saxophone;  Ron Carter - bass;  Billy Cobham - drums.

New York Cool

Della Reese - The Classic Della

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1962
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:38
Size: 84,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:49)  1. The Story of a Starry Night
(3:35)  2. These Are the Things I Love
(3:07)  3. If You Are But a Dream
(3:39)  4. My Reverie
(2:42)  5. Take My Heart
(3:02)  6. Stranger in Paradise
(2:38)  7. Gone
(3:24)  8. Serenade
(2:58)  9. Moon Love
(2:42) 10. Softly My Love
(3:20) 11. Till The End of Time
(2:36) 12. Don't you know

The pun in the title of Della Reese's most popular album for RCA Victor refers to the musical basis for these 12 songs: classical pieces originally composed by Tchaikovsky ("Symphony No. 6," "Melodie Op. 42"), Debussy ("Reverie"), Schubert ("Serenade"), Chopin ("Etude in E, Op. 10 No. 3," "Polonaise No. 6 Op. 53"), and Puccini ("Musetta's Waltz Song" from La Boheme), among others. The idea is a full-length expansion of her 1959 single, "Don't You Know," one of the biggest hits of her career (and also included here). Fortunately, Della Reese's voice as strong, controlled, and pitch-perfect as it had proven in the past is up to the challenge of such heavy material. Meanwhile, Glenn Osser's arrangements are gauzy and string-heavy, quite suited for the material and Reese's vocals. Though it's not a definitive performance, Reese admirably stretches her grasp of popular song by assimilating pieces from the classical repertoire.~ John Bush https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-classic-della-mw0000469815

The Classic Della