Monday, July 8, 2019

João Gilberto - By Your Side

Styles: Bossa Nova, Latin Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:40
Size: 171,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:26)  1. Insensatez
(1:57)  2. é Luxo Só
(2:02)  3. Chega De Saudade
(3:23)  4. One Note Samba
(2:32)  5. O Barquinho
(2:23)  6. Maria Ninguém
(2:23)  7. O Amor Em Paz
(1:58)  8. Desafinado
(2:37)  9. Manhã De Carnaval
(2:06) 10. Brigas Nunca Mais
(2:17) 11. Hó Bá Lá Lá
(2:00) 12. Morena Boca De Ouro
(2:25) 13. O Nosso Amor
(1:21) 14. Lobo Bobo
(2:22) 15. Samba De Minha Terra
(1:35) 16. Aos Pés Da Cruz
(2:00) 17. O Pato
(1:47) 18. Saudade Fez Um Samba
(1:58) 19. Corcovado
(1:39) 20. Samba De Uma Nota Só
(2:17) 21. Saudade Da Bahia
(1:54) 22. Amor Certinho
(2:53) 23. A Felicidade
(1:49) 24. Só Em Teus Braços
(1:45) 25. Se é Tarde Me Perdoa
(1:47) 26. Meditação
(2:51) 27. Coisa Mais Linda
(2:32) 28. Vocé E Eu
(2:14) 29. Este Seu Olhar
(1:51) 30. Discussão
(1:17) 31. Bim Bom
(2:06) 32. Rosa Morena
(1:38) 33. Um Abraço No Bonfá
(1:28) 34. Doralice
(1:53) 35. A Primeira Vez

When talking about bossa nova, perhaps the signature pop music sound of Brazil, frequently the first name to come to one's lips is that of Antonio Carlos Jobim. With songs like "The Girl From Ipanema" and "Desafindo," Jobim pretty much set the standard for the creation of the bossa nova in the mid-'50s. However, as is often the case, others come along and take the genre in a new direction, reinventing through radical reinterpretation, be it lyrically, rhythmically, or in live performance, making the music theirs. And if Jobim gets credit for laying the foundation of bossa nova, then the genre was brilliantly reimagined (and, arguably, defined) by the singer/songwriter and guitarist João Gilberto. In his native country he is called O Mito (The Legend), a deserving nickname, for since he began recording in late '50s Gilberto, with his signature soft, near-whispering croon, set a standard few have equaled.  Born in 1931 in Juazeiro in the northeastern state of Brazil known as Bahia, Gilberto seemed obsessed with music almost from the moment he emerged from the womb. His grandfather bought him his first guitar at age 14 (much to the dismay of João's father). Within a year, the result of near constant practicing, he was the leader of a band made up of school friends. During this time Gilberto was absorbing the rhythmic subtlety of the Brazilian pop songs of the day, while also taking in the rich sounds of swing jazz (Duke Ellington and Tommy Dorsey), as well as the light opera singing of Jeanette MacDonald. At 18, Gilberto gave up on his small town life and headed to Bahia's largest city, Salvador, to get a foothold in the music industry performing on live radio shows. Although he was given the opportunity to sing, instant stardom was not in the offing, but his brief appearances on the radio brought him to the attention of Antonio Maria, who wanted Gilberto to become the lead singer for the popular radio band Garotos da Lua (Boys From the Moon) and move to Rio de Janeiro.  Gilberto stayed in the band only a year. 

He was fired after the rest of the group could take no more of his lackadaisical attitude. Gilberto was frequently late for rehearsals and performances, and in a move reminiscent of American pop star Sly Stone, would occasionally not show up at all. After his dismissal from the group Gilberto lived a seminomadic life. For years he had no fixed address, drifting from friend to friend and acquaintance to acquaintance, living off their kindness and rarely if ever contributing to the household expenses. Evidently Gilberto was such charming company that his emotional carelessness and fiscal apathy were never an issue that or he had extremely patient and generous friends. It was during this underachieving bohemian period that Gilberto kept an extremely low profile. Instead of using his time with Garotos da Luna as a springboard for other recording and performing possibilities, he became apathetic, constantly smoking large quantities of marijuana, playing the odd club gig, and refusing work he considered beneath him (this included gigs at clubs where people talked during the performance). Although gifted with considerable talent as a singer and guitar player, it seemed as though Gilberto would fail to attain the success and notoriety he deserved if only due to apathy that verged on lethargy. After nearly a decade of aimlessness Gilberto joined forces with singer Luis Telles, who encouraged Gilberto to leave Rio for a semibucolic life in the city of Pôrto Alegre. Telles, who functioned as a combination public relations guru and sugar daddy, made sure the demanding Gilberto wanted for nothing and would concentrate on his music. It turned out to be a successful, if expensive strategy. Within a few months Gilberto (who at this point had given up his prodigious marijuana consumption and was now partaking in nothing stronger than fruit juice) was the toast of Pôrto Alegre, the musician everyone wanted to see. It was also during this extended apprenticeship that Gilberto perfected his unique vocal style and guitar playing. So breathy and nasally it is almost defies description, in many ways he uses all the things one is taught not to do as a singer and has made them into an instantly recognizable style. Not even established crooners such as Bing Crosby and Perry Como sang more quietly or with less vibrato. 

This, along with his rhythmically idiosyncratic approach to playing the guitar  an intensely syncopated plucking of the strings that flowed with his singing  made for some exhilarating music, and by the time of his first record, Chega de Saudade (1959), Gilberto became widely known as the man who made bossa nova what it is.  True to form, however, Gilberto took the road less traveled, and after the success of his debut record and the two follow-up releases, he left Brazil to settle in the United States, where he lived until 1980. During this period he recorded some amazing records, working with saxophonist Stan Getz and recording music by older Brazilian songwriters such as Dorival Caymmi and Ary Barroso. 

He returned to Brazil in the early '80s and since then has worked with virtually every big name in Brazilian pop, including Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Maria Bethania, Gal Costa, and Chico Buarque. He never saw record sales like the aforementioned performers, but all of them regard him as a profound influence on their work. True to his image as enigmatic and eccentric, Gilberto lives a semireclusive lifestyle secure in the knowledge that, decades ago, he changed the course of Brazilian culture by making the bossa nova his music, as well as the music of Brazil. ~ John Dougan https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jo%C3%A3o-gilberto-mn0000785283/biography

R.I.P.
Born: June 10, 1931 - Juazeiro, Bahia, Brazil.
Died:  July 6, 2019 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

By Your Side

Maruja Muci - Tiempos Modernos

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:39
Size: 108,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:33)  1. Primavera
(5:27)  2. Mantra
(5:32)  3. Algún Lugar
(4:48)  4. Tiempos Modernos
(4:34)  5. Promiscua Soledad
(5:03)  6. Pensamiento Libre
(4:50)  7. Besos
(4:05)  8. Adiós
(3:09)  9. Canción de Cuna
(4:34) 10. The Final Countdown

On her third self-released disc, Venezuelan singer Maruja Muci concentrates on a songwriting side (her two previous CDs were largely cover sets) that reveals strong Brazilian influences, starting with "Primavera," a modern bossa with electronic elements reminiscent of the kind often favored by Brazil's Bebel Gilberto. Muci, however, makes the sound her own with her strong delivery and sparse instrumentation that enriches her voice instead of covering it with excess. She nods to her country's musical influences on "Mantra," an effects-laden track that features superior percussion work from Alberto Vergara and Diego Alvarez Munoz. A notable moment comes with "Algun Lugar," a gently romantic ballad that revolves around Adrian Holtz's acoustic guitar and Muci's double-tracked vocals. "Promiscua Soledad" is the most pop-inflected tune, which opens with the sound of a train, followed by electronic drums and Muci's soft rap vocals. Other tracks include "Pensiamento Libre," a tune that blends rock tendencies with Middle Eastern beats, and the Flamenco-tinged "Besos." Tiempos Modernos closes with its sole English-language track, a cover of Europa's "The Final Countdown." Muci's down-tempo, sexy treatment could easily have appeared in a late 1970s James Bond film; consciously or not, the arrangement borrows from songs like Shirley Basseys "Moonraker" and Gladys Knight's "License To Kill." Muci as of 2010, yet to perform in the U.S. sounds incredibly comfortable. The eclectic blend of traditional rhythms, jazz and pop are highly enjoyable, and Tiempos Modernos just might be the disc that breaks her into the international market. ~ Ernest Barteldes https://www.allaboutjazz.com/tiempos-modernos-self-produced-review-by-ernest-barteldes.php

Personnel: Maruja Muci: vocals, arrangements;  Carlos Camarasa:guitar;  Adam Ross: guitar,arrangements;  Kurt Uenala: bass, arrangements;  Alberto Vergara, William Troconis; percussion;  Adrian Holtz: drum programming;  Diego Alvarez Munoz: cajon, percussion.

Tiempos Modernos

Dave Valentin - Land of the Third Eye

Styles: Jazz Funk
Year: 1980
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:21
Size: 102,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:38)  1. Sidra's Dream
(5:44)  2. Astro-March
(5:04)  3. Open Your Eyes
(4:26)  4. Fantasy
(6:56)  5. Land of the Third Eye
(6:27)  6. The Tellers
(6:56)  7. Pana Fuerte (Strong Friendship)
(4:05)  8. Sidra's Dream - Single Version

A fantastic funky album from flute man Dave Valentin done right after his time on the New York Latin underground, including some work with Ricardo Marrerro and in that lean, sharp sound of the early years of the GRP label! The vibe here is more CTI than the smoother later sound of the imprint and the arrangements have plenty of space for Dave's flute to soar out in Bobbi Humphrey-like solos amidst larger charts from Dave Grusin, Dennis Ball, and Valentin himself. Grusin also plays a fair bit of keyboards on the record, Marcus Miller plays bass, and one track features sweet guest vocals from Luther Vandross and Patti Austin. Titles include "Open Your Eyes", "Fantasy", "Astro March", "Land Of The Third Eye", and "Sidra's Dream". CD features a bonus 7" mix of "Sidra's Dream".  © 1996-2019, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/863731/Dave-Valentin:Land-Of-The-Third-Eye-with-bonus-track

Personnel:  Arranged By – Dave Grusin, Dave Valentin, Dennis Bell, Michael Viñas; Bass – Lincoln Goines, Marcus Miller; Chorus – Jeff Norell, Luther Vandross, Patti Austin; Congas – Rafael de Jesus, Roger Squitero; Drums – Buddy Williams, Tito Marrero; Guitar – Jeff Mironov, Michael Viñas; Piano – Dave Grusin, Jorge Dalto, Oscar Hernandez

Land of the Third Eye

Ellis Larkins - Blue and Sentimental

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:27
Size: 96,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:07)  1. Am I Blue
(3:52)  2. Interlude # 1
(3:03)  3. Blue Prelude
(4:19)  4. At Loose Ends
(2:59)  5. Blue and Sentimental
(4:28)  6. Ode to Marie
(3:05)  7. Blue Moon
(3:21)  8. Interlude # 2
(3:21)  9. Time
(3:12) 10. Blue Again
(3:47) 11. Four Bar Intro With Tag
(2:48) 12. A Blues Serenade

Famous for his subtle chord voicings and ability to accompany singers, Ellis Larkins has been in great demand throughout his long career. His parents were musicians (his mother played piano while his father was a violinist) and Larkins was hailed as a prodigy early on, appearing with an orchestra when he was 11. After graduating from the Peabody Conservatory and Juilliard, Larkins was part of Edmond Hall's group in the mid-'40s; recorded with Mildred Bailey, Coleman Hawkins, and Dicky Wells; and then worked regularly at the Village Vanguard and the Blue Angel in New York over a 20-year period. His duet records with Ella Fitzgerald and Ruby Braff in the 1950s are masterpieces in subtlety, and he was also a busy studio player. During the 1960s, Larkins worked with singers Joe Williams, Jane Harvey, Georgia Gibbs, and even Eartha Kitt and Harry Belafonte; since then, Larkins has continued playing in New York clubs with a wide variety of singers. He recorded as a leader for Storyville and Decca in the 1950s, for Halcyon and Black & Blue in the 1970s, had additional duets with Braff for Chiaroscuro, and was featured on a couple of dates for Concord, including a 1992 recital at Maybeck Recital Hall. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ellis-larkins-mn0000172626/biography

Personnel: Ellis Larkins - Piano; Jim Crawford - Drums; Joe Benjamin - Bass; Skeeter Best - Guitar

Blue and Sentimental

Chris Byars - A Hundred Years from Today

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:25
Size: 149,0 MB
Art: Front

(8:14)  1. Intention
(5:16)  2. A Hundred Years from Today
(6:08)  3. San Juan Hill
(5:24)  4. Money Can't Buy
(7:40)  5. All the Things Are Redd
(5:48)  6. Lovelace
(5:21)  7. Elevated Tracks
(5:27)  8. Flight
(5:52)  9. Incognito
(9:11) 10. Mountain Top

Intentional or not, it’s a sobering thought experiment considering the current state of regional, national, and global affairs: Will the humans still inhabiting the planet a century hence be living in an egalitarian ecotopia or a desiccated totalitarian wasteland? Very probably the answer is something in-between those extremes. A Hundred Years from Today is also the title of saxophonist/composer Chris Byars’ latest Steeplechase venture (his tenth) and a hoary Victor Young show tune first published in 1933. Byars knows his jazz history better than most and the session is interspersed with all sorts of underlying meaning throughout the nine inventively arranged originals that join the Young-scripted heirloom. The date differs from Byars past projects as well in terms of personnel. Contractual conflicts precluded guitarist and band regular Pasquale Grasso from taking part, so the leader retooled the tunes to compensate for his chordal absence. Reduced to a sextet, the group still has a broad and varied sound forwarded by the returning horns of trombonist John Mosca, altoist Zaid Nasser, and bass clarinetist Stefano Doglioni. Bassist Ari Roland and drummer Phil Stewart are both first call prospects when a Byars date comes up as well and neither man disappoints in his appointed role. Byars fields tenor for the duration, but his charts are just as likely to tap his colleagues for solo honors as the brisk Lucky Thompson-dedicated “Intention” makes conclusively clear through salvos from everyone. Other tunes carry different dedicatees. 

“San Juan Hill” doffs figurative beret to Monk in honoring the pianist’s native neighborhood through an intricate 34-bar architecture. Stewart is particularly prominent here, bridging gaps with crisp fills and keeping a cantilevering time. “Money Can’t Buy” honors Tadd Dameron in another 34-bar circuit this time grafted to a ballad tempo and another string of concise solos with Nasser’s piquant alto constructions the standout. “All the Things are Redd” reveals both its honoree (Freddie Redd) and its chordal sourcing (“All the Things You Are”) in a single titular swoop and benefits from another nimble exchange of fours between drummer and horns. Byars’ many years as a fixture at Smalls, a Greenwich Village jazz club, brought him into direct contact with a handful of criminally-unsung first generation hard-boppers. Answering to the first name Jimmy, “Lovelace” was one of the most demanding and dedicated among them. The piece borrows from the bebop staple “Tune Up” and honors the late drummer through a rapid-fire exchange of solo statements anchored by Stewart’s blurred sticks. Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, Gigi Gryce, and Dizzy Gillespie earn honorifics through subsequent tracks capping with the cerulean-hued “Mountain Top” where Byars’ once again tests his bandmates’ mettle on an obstacle course sprint peppered with incisive solos. Conditions a century from now remain far from certain, but there’s both certainty and quality to be had herein. ~ Derek Taylor https://dustedmagazine.tumblr.com/post/185108605202/chris-byars-a-hundred-years-from-today

Personnel: Chris Byars (tenor saxophone), John Mosca (trombone), Zaid Nasser (alto saxophone), Stefano Doglioni (bass clarinet), Ari Roland (bass), Phil Stewart (drums)

A Hundred Years from Today

Sunday, July 7, 2019

Kenny Barron - New York Attitude

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:22
Size: 133,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:01)  1. New York Attitude
(5:50)  2. Embraceable You - Take 2
(5:40)  3. Joanne Julia
(5:26)  4. My One Sin
(6:53)  5. Bemsha Swing
(8:02)  6. Autumn In New York
(5:11)  7. Lemuria
(6:29)  8. You Don't Know What Love Is
(7:50)  9. Embraceable You - Take 1

Pianist Kenny Barron's star began to rise in the 1980 as he recorded more frequently as a leader. Uptown releases such as this one have been hard to find because of erratic distribution, but this trio date with bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Frederick Waites (in one of his last record dates prior to his death in 1989) is worth the effort to acquire it. The title track, a driving post-bop Barron original, captures the hustle and bustle as well as the cockiness of a stereotypical New York City resident. "Joanne Julia" is a shimmering samba dedicated to the pianist's wife. "Lemuria" is an earlier Barron work written while he was playing with Yusef Lateef, and this adventurous up-tempo piece, reminiscent in some ways of McCoy Tyner's aggressive style of writing, features the trio's best playing on the date. As a charter member of the group Sphere, it is only appropriate for Barron to include a Thelonious Monk composition; his unusual bassline within the introduction to "Bemsha Swing" is worth the purchase price of this CD. This Kenny Barron CD was previously issued by Uptown as an LP entitled Autumn in New York, but this re-release adds an alternate take of "Embraceable You" and a dazzling solo rendition of "You Don't Know What Love Is." The pristine sound achieved by legendary engineer Rudy van Gelder is an added bonus. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/new-york-attitude-mw0000421988

Personnel: Piano – Kenny Barron ; Bass – Rufus Reid; Drums – Frederick Waits

New York Attitude

Anna Wilson - The Long Way

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:58
Size: 107,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:55)  1. The Bus Ride
(4:16)  2. Its Got Me
(5:19)  3. Come On
(5:04)  4. Broken
(3:27)  5. Crave
(5:33)  6. Finally
(4:20)  7. NYC Subway Rider
(4:43)  8. Always The Same
(4:35)  9. I'm Not Defeated
(5:42) 10. The Long Way

If there were an industry award for perserverance, singer-songwriter Anna WIlson would take the prize.  Het debut album, due August 5, is appropriately titled "The Long Way".  It took six years and four record labels to get Wilson's introspective artistry to the public.  Wilson managed to land deals with Capitol, Interscope, and Island/Def Jam, but each time found herself in the wake of label mergers and record company politics. "I knew it was going to be hard.  I just didn't know it was going to be this hard," says Wilson, whose music has drawn comparisons to Norah joens and Stevie Nicks.  "The thing that kept me going was knowing inside that this is all I ever really wanted to do.  I was determined to do it until I actually got the music out in the marketplace." Wilson got that opportunity when Mike Curb signed her to Curb Records' pop division.  Her first single, "The Bus Ride," goes to Triple A radio on on June 23.  The song was also featured in the Gwyneth Paltrow movie "A View From The Top". Wilson grew up near Philadelphia, but moved to Music City 10 years ago.  "I moved to Nashville to immerse myself in the songwriting community," she says.  "I wanted to learn the craft and was just trying to find my artistic place and voice through songwriting.  That's what drew me to Nashville, and I started finding that voice after being here a couple years. Nashville is an incredible community and a very musical place.  I am proud to be a part of it."  By Debra Evans Price (Special Report)

This debut CD by Anna Wilson offers ten original songs written or co-written by the artist.  A former Island/Def Jam recording artist, Wilson is currently a staff writer at Curb Music Group in Nashville and will release her debut CD on her own independent label, Transfer Records, this fall.  Her unique voice reminds me of the torch singers of the Forties with a contemporary lilt to it.  I like it.  Mike Curb would do well to take a good listen to this album himself.  Anna Wilson has what it takes to both as a writer and an artist to capture the musical minds of America. By Brad Fischer Nashville Music Guide http://annawilson.com/tag/the-long-way/

The Long Way

Pete Escovedo - E Music

Styles: Latin Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:41
Size: 114,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:29)  1. Mis Amigos
(5:07)  2. Si Te Contara
(5:46)  3. La Samba
(4:05)  4. Praise And Worship
(5:41)  5. Te Vas
(5:08)  6. Ah Bailar Cha Cha Cha
(5:45)  7. Setembro
(4:36)  8. E Street Mambo
(5:32)  9. Miles Away
(3:28) 10. Escolandia

A “tipico” album of smooth jazz and Salsa, Pete Escovedo’s 5th Concord release is reminiscent of Tito Puente’s popular appeal. Mambo, guajira, cha cha cha, bolero and samba provide the listener a romantic evening with gentle, flowing motion. Escovedo’s heartfelt vocals, sensitive guest instrumentalists and his family’s rhythmic, percussive accompaniments drive the session. Son Peter Michael, daughters Sheila & Zina, and wife Juanita help balance the latest family project. Since the early 1950s, family has influenced Escovedo’s professional music choices. His brothers played guitar, sang, and shared a professional interest in Latin percussion. Pete and his brother, Thomas “Coke” Escovedo, performed with Carlos Santana for quite some time before forming their own 14-piece jazz-influenced band, Azteca. Singing with a light, expressive tenor voice and entertaining with timbales & congas, Escovedo evokes romantic scenes through song. Soloists Justo Almario, Ray Vega, Ramon Flores, Art Velasco, Francisco Torres, George Duke and Joe Rotundi lend creative energy and passion. The fiery, Afro-Cuban “Escolandia” lends a traditional touch. And just in time for Mardi Gras, Almario’s soprano sax feature on “La Samba” seems to ooze the sun’s warmth amid a chorus of lovely wordless vocals. It’s a love fest for Valentine’s Day, appropriately caressed by such familiar phrases as “Bueno, mi famlia” and “Yo te quiero mucho.” ~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/e-music-pete-escovedo-concord-music-group-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: Pete Escovedo- timbales, lead vocals, bongos, congas, cowbell, percussion; Sheila E.- vocals, drums, percussion, congas, guiro, bell; Peter Michael Escovedo- drums, vocals, congas, percussion; Juanita Escovedo- guiro, percussion; Zina Escovedo- vocals, percussion; Joe Rotundi, George Duke- piano; Renato Neto- keyboards; Oskar Cartaya- electric bass; Mike Shapiro- drums; Ray Obiedo- guitar; Justo Almario- flute, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone; Ramon Flores, Daniel Fernero, Harry Kim- trumpet; Ray Vega- trumpet, flugelhorn; Arturo Velasco, Francisco Torres- trombone; Mirley

E Music

Tito Puente - Dancemania'99: Live at Birdland

Styles: Latin Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:03
Size: 173,3 MB
Art: Front

( 1:11)  1. Lullaby of Birdland
( 8:34)  2. Mambo Inn
( 8:34)  3. Cayuco
( 6:40)  4. Complicacion
( 7:45)  5. Mambo En Blues
( 8:31)  6. Babarabatiri
(10:48)  7. Donde Vas
( 6:54)  8. Flauta Y Timbal
( 7:54)  9. Mas Rajo
( 8:06) 10. Cua Cua

Although it doesn't rank with Tito Puente's best live records, Dancemania '99: Live at Birdland is still a dynamic listen. The bandleader runs through his best and most popular mambos, and even if the music isn't among his richest, it's still thoroughly entertaining and worth the time of any of Puente's aficionados. ~ Terry Jenkins https://www.allmusic.com/album/dancemania-99-live-at-birdland-mw0000041364

Personnel:   Percussion, Chorus – Tito Puente;  Bass – Carlos Henriquez, Ruben Rodriguez; Bongos – John Rodriguez; Chorus – Joe King ; Congas – Jose Madera; Flute – Dave Valentin; Piano, Chorus – Sonny Bravo; Saxophone [Alto] – Bobby Porcelli, Peter Yellin; Saxophone [Baritone] – Mitchell Frohman ; Saxophone [Tenor] – Mario Rivera ; Trombone – Juan Pablo Torres, Kevin D. Bryan, Lewis Kahn, Reynaldo Jorge; Trumpet – Hector Colon, John Walsh, Raymond Vega, Thomas Lopez; Vocals – Frankie Morales

Dancemania'99: Live at Birdland

Eddy Howard - The Best of Eddy Howard: The Mercury Years

Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:00
Size: 160,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:04)  1. To Each His Own
(2:39)  2. The Rickety Rickshaw Man
(3:11)  3. (I Love You) for Sentimental Reasons
(2:57)  4. The Girl that I Marry
(2:56)  5. My Adobe Hacienda
(3:00)  6. Heartaches
(3:02)  7. I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder
(3:10)  8. Ragtime Cowboy Joe
(2:31)  9. Kate (Have I Come Too Early Too Late)
(2:45) 10. Now Is The Hour
(2:52) 11. On A Slow Boat To China
(2:38) 12. Room Full of Roses
(2:55) 13. Maybe It's Because
(2:47) 14. To Think You've Chosen Me
(2:48) 15. Sin (It's No Sin)
(2:57) 16. Be Anything (But Be Mine)
(2:42) 17. Auf Wiedersehn Sweetheart
(2:37) 18. A Penny A Kiss
(2:35) 19. Mademoiselle
(2:19) 20. Gomen Nasai (Forgive Me)
(2:08) 21. Till We Two Are One
(2:41) 22. Melancholy Me
(2:51) 23. The Anniversary Waltz
(2:10) 24. Happy Birthday
(2:36) 25. Careless

The Best of the Mercury Years contains 25 of Eddy Howard's biggest hits and best-known songs, including "Room Full of Roses" and "Sin (It's No Sin)." All of the material on this single-disc compilation was culled from Howard's Mercury and Majestic recordings, and it offers a good introduction to the bandleader's mainstream, dance-oriented traditional pop. ~ Rodney Batdorf https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-best-of-eddy-howard-the-mercury-years-mw0000649011

The Best of Eddy Howard: The Mercury Years

Saturday, July 6, 2019

Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band - 2 the Max

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:49
Size: 167,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:22)  1. Matty's Royal Garden Blues
(3:41)  2. Song of India
(3:12)  3. Jumpin' at the Woodside
(3:37)  4. New Orleans
(3:32)  5. April in Paris
(4:50)  6. Blue Skies
(4:17)  7. Late Date
(5:21)  8. Makin' Whoopee
(5:27)  9. The Mooch
(6:18) 10. Skyliner
(4:14) 11. You Took Advantage of Me
(4:22) 12. Singin' the Blues
(2:58) 13. The Kid From Burbank (Redbank)
(4:34) 14. I Cover the Waterfront
(3:56) 15. Davenport Blues
(5:05) 16. The Battle Hymn of the Republic
(2:55) 17. America the Beautiful

A solid Dixieland trombonist who is a fixture at classic jazz festivals, Bill Allred started playing in bands while in high school. He worked locally with the Dixie Lads, the Davenport Jazz Band, and the Reedy Creek Jazz Band. In 1971, he settled in Florida and has often played at Disney World. Allred, who toured with Wild Bill Davison, has recorded as a leader for several small labels (including Fat Cat's Jazz, World Jazz, and in 1995 for Nagel-Heyer), and his son, John Allred (who plays in a similar style and sometimes teams up with his father), had a quartet date for Arbors in 1993. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bill-allred-mn0000067864

2 the Max

Carla Helmbrecht - One For My Baby

Styles: Vocal 
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:14
Size: 141,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:57)  1. It Never Entered My Mind
(4:36)  2. Mood Indigo
(3:30)  3. Dream A Little Dream Of Me
(5:48)  4. Love For Sale
(6:23)  5. One For My Baby
(4:56)  6. Where Do You Start?
(2:52)  7. Just In Time
(8:10)  8. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most
(4:29)  9. Moonlight In Vermont
(4:50) 10. Song To A Seagull
(5:06) 11. Sweet Angel
(4:32) 12. Fly Me To The Moon

Carla Helmbrecht, a new name, starts off her set quite successfully with one of the saddest ballads ever written, Rodgers And Hart's "It Never Entered My Mind." After pulling that one off, the highly appealing singer gradually lightens up the mood with "Mood Indigo" and "Dream a Little Dream of Me" before successfully plunging into "Love for Sale," a song with Cole Porter lyrics that still sounds modern and a touch scary today. Helmbrecht does not improvise all that much and her scatting is mostly worked out in advance but her expressive powers are quite high and she is at her best on ballads. Her octet includes pianist Frank Mantooth, Kim Richmond on alto and clarinet, trumpeter Clay Jenkins and trombonist Chris Seiter; they all get opportunites to solo. Helmbrecht closes down her memorable program with a funky version of "Moonlight in Vermont" and a salsified "Fly Me to the Moon." ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/one-for-my-baby-mw0000648236

Personnel:  Vocals – Carla Helmbrecht; Alto Saxophone – Kim Richmond; Clarinet – Kim Richmond; Drums – Steve Meador; Flugelhorn – Clay Jenkins; Piano – Frank Mantooth; Trombone – Chris Seiter; Trumpet – Clay Jenkins

One For My Baby

Rachel Z - I Will Possess Your Heart

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:57
Size: 147,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:14)  1. There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
(6:18)  2. Angry Chair
(5:57)  3. Lost!
(5:36)  4. Prelude to a Kiss
(7:56)  5. In Your Room
(7:03)  6. I Will Possess Your Heart
(6:51)  7. Heart of Gold
(5:47)  8. Det Tar Tid
(6:28)  9. Sour Girl
(6:43) 10. When You Were Young

Over the latter half of the '90s, pianist/keyboardist Rachel Z blossomed into one of the top female performers in contemporary mainstream jazz. Because of her work in fusion and jazz-pop, she hasn't always enjoyed universally high critical regard, but it's clear that commercial accessibility doesn't constitute the full breadth of her ambition. Plus, the more she came into her own as a solo artist, the more committed she became to spotlighting and collaborating with other female jazz players. Rachel Z was born Rachel Nicolazzo in Manhattan; her mother was an opera singer, and so Rachel began voice training at the mere age of two, adding classical piano lessons at seven. At 15, she began playing in a Steely Dan cover band, and discovered jazz when she heard Miles Davis' Miles Smiles while attending a summer program at Boston's Berklee School of Music. Upon returning to Manhattan, she formed her own quintet, Nardis; she later graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Joanne Brackeen, and gigged with several prominent artists in the Boston area, including George Garzone, Miroslav Vitous, and Bob Moses. She returned to Manhattan once again in 1988, first touring with Conservatory classmate Najee and then joining the fusion group Steps Ahead. Drawn to fusion because that was where the gigs were, Nicolazzo also played with Al DiMeola (Kiss My Axe), Larry Coryell, Special EFX, and Angela Bofill during this period, and also collaborated with Najee on 1990's big-selling smooth jazz hit Tokyo Blue, co-writing the title track and playing on the supporting tour. It was Steps Ahead leader/vibraphonist Mike Mainieri who suggested Nicolazzo change her name to Rachel Z, which was simply easier to spell. In 1993, a year after she debuted with Steps Ahead on Yin-Yang, Mainieri produced Rachel Z's first album as a leader, Trust the Universe. Released on Columbia, it displayed the influence of Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, and also spawned a smooth jazz radio hit in "Nardis." In 1994, she began collaborating heavily with saxophone legend Wayne Shorter on his Verve debut and comeback effort, High Life, orchestrating his compositions (mostly on synth) and adding her own synthesizer and piano work. Released in 1995, the results were a commercial and (for the most part) critical success, winning a Grammy for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. 

After serving as musical director on the supporting tour, Z officially left Steps Ahead and signed with Mainieri's NYC label as a solo artist. Her label debut, A Room of One's Own, was a series of compositions dedicated to the female artists (in all fields) who'd inspired her. Appropriately, her backing group which featured, among others, her regular trio of the time in bassist Tracy Wormworth and drummer Cindy Blackman was heavily weighted toward female musicians. Released in 1996, the accessible acoustic jazz of A Room of One's Own was generally well-reviewed. For her next project, Z signed with GRP and cut a hip-hop-flavored smooth jazz outing dubbed Love Is the Power, which was informed by her recent divorce and released in 1998. The following year, she participated in the fusion supergroup Vertú with former Return to Forever rhythm section Stanley Clarke and Lenny White, and subsequently returned to acoustic jazz with her next album for Tone Center. On the Milkyway Express: A Tribute to the Music of Wayne Shorter featured her young new trio of bassist Miriam Sullivan and drummer Allison Miller, with whom she'd been playing for several years and now made her primary group. Additionally, she and Sullivan began playing together in a rock-oriented outfit called Peacebox. Although her own career was going quite well, an invitation from Peter Gabriel to perform on his 20 city U.S. tour in 2002 was too much to resist. She found herself going on the road at the same time her newest solo album, Moon at the Window, was arriving in stores. A disc of Joni Mitchell covers and interpretations, the album was very personal to Rachel, but the chance to work with Gabriel was one of the few reasons she would purposefully not tour behind her own record. ~ Steve Huey https://www.allmusic.com/artist/rachel-z-mn0000380614/biography

Personnel:  Rachel Z (piano); Maeve Royce (bass); Omar Hakim (drums); Marcus Gilmore (drums)

I Will Possess Your Heart

Tony Martin - The Best of Tony Martin: The Mercury Years

Styles: Vocal, Easy Listening 
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:51
Size: 178,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:09)  1. To Each His Own
(3:11)  2. I Don't Know Why
(3:04)  3. A Gal In Calico
(3:03)  4. Dreamland Rendezuous
(3:16)  5. I'll See You In My Dreams
(3:04)  6. Without You
(3:10)  7. And Then It's Heaven
(3:15)  8. Guilty
(3:04)  9. Rumors Are Flying
(2:45) 10. As You Desire Me
(2:49) 11. I Never Loved Anyone
(3:12) 12. I Miss That Feeling
(3:07) 13. Sonata
(3:08) 14. If I Love Again
(3:06) 15. Years And Years Ago
(2:51) 16. I Kiss Your Hand, Madame
(3:13) 17. Stardust
(3:07) 18. Dreams Are A Dime A Dozen
(2:59) 19. Make Believe
(3:12) 20. All The Things You Are
(3:07) 21. Would You Believe Me
(2:28) 22. That Old Black Magic
(3:03) 23. Body & Soul
(3:07) 24. Tea For Two
(3:10) 25. As Time Goes By

The Best of the Mercury Years is a 25-track collection of Tony Martin's recordings for Mercury. The compilation contains every track Martin recorded for Mercury, including his hit "To Each His Own," making it the definitive retrospective of his tenure at the label. Even though the collection is complete and lovingly produced, it's concentration on one particular portion of his career makes The Best of the Mercury Years an adequete, but not perfect, introduction. ~ Thomas Erlewine https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-best-of-tony-martin-the-mercury-years-mw0000649014

The Best of Tony Martin: The Mercury Years

Harold Danko, Kirk Knuffke - Play Date

Styles: Piano And Cornet Jazz 
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:02
Size: 148,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:58)  1. Flight to Denmark (Take 1)
(2:26)  2. Openepo
(8:17)  3. Misty Thursday
(2:36)  4. Marmot's Muse
(4:43)  5. Stonewall Blues
(4:22)  6. Chance and Choice
(3:54)  7. Flight to Denmark (Take 2)
(2:40)  8. Lanota
(4:38)  9. Wut'less
(2:30) 10. Keko
(6:35) 11. Undecided Lady
(3:47) 12. No Score
(6:26) 13. Layout Blues
(2:55) 14. The Aleators
(3:09) 15. Flight to Denmark (Take 3)

A really beautiful little record one that continues the best recent Steeplechase modes of both of the musicians the tribute recordings of pianist Harold Danko, and the use of the cornet of Kirk Knuffke in very intimate, special sorts of settings! The tribute in this case is Duke Jordan whose music comprises half of the set, and is then balanced by co-creations by Danko and Knuffke the sorts of tunes that are perfect for the meeting of these two very distinct instrumentalists, especially Kirk whose way of phrasing the cornet really seems to bring out all these different sides and shapes that we're not sure we've ever heard in Harold's music before. The set features three very distinct takes on "Fight To Denmark", plus "Openepo", "Marmot's Muse", "Misty Thursday", "Wutless", "The Aleators", "Layout Blues", "Keko", and "Undecided Lady".  © 1996-2019, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/914985

Personnel:  Piano – Harold Danko;  Cornet – Kirk Knuffke

Play Date

Friday, July 5, 2019

Pepper Adams, Donald Byrd - Motor City Scene

Styles: Saxophone And Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1961/2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:46
Size: 98,4 MB
Art: Front

(10:12)  1. Stardust
(10:42)  2. Philson
( 8:03)  3. Trio
( 8:34)  4. Libeccio
( 5:12)  5. Bitty Ditty

A reissue of a session originally released in 1961, Motor City Scene is an excellent example of the wealth of talent in the Detroit area during the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Co-led by trumpeter Donald Byrd and baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams, the cast includes a veritable who’s who of jazzmen on their respective instruments: pianist Tommy Flanagan, guitarist Kenny Burrell, bassist Paul Chambers, and the drums of Louis Hayes. The opening cut, Hoagy Carmichael’s ballad “Star Dust,” is music to get lost in. With Adams and Burrell laying out, we’re treated to Byrd’s majestic tone, reverence for the song’s melody, and exquisite sense of drama. Not to be outdone, Flanagan makes a lovely statement of his own before Byrd enters for a second solo and takes the tune out. Adams shines on his own composition “Philson,” when he begins lazily and then develops lines with his customary bite and precision. Chambers’ rock solid walking bass and Hayes’ crackling snare drum accents ignite an up-tempo version of Errol Garner’s “Trio,” in which Burrell takes three striking choruses of single note lines. The highlight of the session is another Adams’ tune, “Libeccio.” The alternating Latin and straight jazz sections seem to bring out the best in all of the soloists who are clearly inspired by Hayes’ fills. The session ends with “Bitty Ditty,” a memorable composition by another Detroit area jazzman, Thad Jones, which features some of Flanagan’s best playing on the date. The five cuts and (by today’s standards) short playing time of Motor City Scene left me wanting more.~ David A.Orthmann https://www.allaboutjazz.com/motor-city-scene-donald-byrd-rhino-records-review-by-david-a-orthmann.php?width=1920

Personnel: Trumpet – Donald Byrd; Saxophone – Pepper Adams; Drums – "Hey" Lewis;  Bass – Paul Chambers ; Guitar – Kenny Burrell; Piano – Tommy Flanagan

Motor City Scene

James Williams, Emil Viklický - Together

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1982
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:11
Size: 102,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:58)  1. For My Nephews
(4:13)  2. One For J. W.
(6:29)  3. Blue In Dark-Green
(4:23)  4. You'D Be So Nice To Come Home To
(7:52)  5. Double Play
(4:44)  6. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
(5:53)  7. 1977 A. D.
(4:37)  8. Rhythm-a-Ning

This is one of the more unusual records in the sizable discography of James Williams; it is a 1981 duo piano session with Czech pianist Emil Viklicky, issued by the Supraphon label in Czechoslovakia. Viklicky became familiar with Williams' work during a visit to the U.S. in 1978 and later studied at Berklee, though after Williams had already left the faculty to work as a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. By the time of their 1981 meeting in the studio in Prague, each musician brought compelling originals to the session, as well as seeking to find new ground in time-tested standards and classic jazz compositions. Williams' intriguing jazz waltz "For My Nephews" proves to be a strong opener. Viklicky's driving bop tribute "One for J.W." also works extremely well. 

Cole Porter's "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" is tackled at a brisk tempo with a bossa nova undercurrent. The pianists devour Thelonious Monk's "Rhythm-A-Ning" with a playful interpretation. Whether or not this excellent record is still available in the Czech Republic, it is unlikely to be easy to find elsewhere.~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/together-mw0000992579

Personnel:  Piano – Emil Viklicky, James Williams

Together

Jon Gordon - Evolution

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2009
Time: 63:48
Size: 103,2 MB
Art: Front

( 1:31)  1. Prelude (Grace)
( 9:16)  2. Evolution
( 7:56)  3. Shane
( 9:23)  4. Currents
(10:02)  5. Bloom
( 6:21)  6. One for Liam
( 2:55)  7. Contemplation
( 7:40)  8. Veil
( 8:40)  9. Individuation

Evolution, from saxophonist and composer, Jon Gordon, is a fine record. It sparkles with mature ideas, unbridled creativity, and soul-searching profundity. There is also polished musicianship throughout. This is where the special quality of the music of this record lies that it is not just built on an ediface of ideas suggested by its title, but on the superb development and delivery of these through an extravagantly aural suite. To that extent this work is not unlike some others including the John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble Eternal Interlude (Sunnyside Records, 2009) or even George Russell much earlier, African Game (Blue Note, 1986), albeit on a relatively smaller scale. Essentially, though, like those other landmark recordings, this one too is a kind of "Book of Ways." Its composer and musicians posit that the only constant in life is change. Although almost completely composed throughout, the music, is largely played in an idiom best suited deliver such a message jazz. As it progresses the music spins interminably and even elastically turning over harmonically several times before it concludes in an explosive crescendo. That instruments, specifically the three sets of strings, usually associated with chamber music are added on some tracks in no way interferes with the inherent swing of the performance. The start of the record is spiritual:

"Prelude" is subtitled "Grace." This short overture is somber, sways gently, proferring balance for "Evolution," which follows immediately. The strings continue to provide occasional accents to this piece, central to the whole record. The music undulates with contrapuntal, inward looking sections. Gordon's alto saxophone solo emerges about 2m 48s into the piece, from behind a bleating bass clarinet, moaning trombone, and ponderous strings. Navigating peaks and troughs in expressive harmonics about 2 minutes later in a stark fading note, Gordon hands over to pianist, Sean Wayland who makes sparkling runs and arpeggios, developing the evolution until the ensemble returns toward the end, to leave the piece somewhat hanging on a minor chord, with good reason. "Currents," "Bloom," "Contemplation," and "Veil" are all thematically and sonically connected individual works. It is still all about change, and the score continues to be somber, stiriring and yet radiant. A certain kinetic energy emboldens the music throughout. Though evenly expressed the ensemble does leave ample room for a "breakout" of sorts. "Currents" features a splendid trombone solo by Alan Ferber The trombonist is critical to the composition, but sadly, he does not solo more than just twice. His instrument is the most human speechlike of all and despite Kristin Berardi's fine vocals would have added exponentially to the music.  "Shane" and "One for Liam" (brilliant solos including those by pianist Bill Charlap) are portraits of Gordon's children, a step in the evolution of "self" and thus key to this suite. This culmination is majestically expressed in "Individuation," from its superb bass clarinet intro and trombone counterpoint to the dramatic conclusion of this work. ~ Raul D'Gama Rose https://www.allaboutjazz.com/evolution-jon-gordon-artist-share-review-by-raul-dgama-rose.php

Personnel: Jon Gordon: alto saxophone, soprano saxophones, piano (1); John Ellis: tenor saxophone (2, 4, 5, 8, 9); Doug Yates: bass clarinet (2, 4, 5, 8, 9); Dave Smith: trumpet (2, 4, 5, 8, 9); Alan Ferber: trombone (2, 4, 5, 8, 9); Sara Coswell: violin (1, 2, 7); Andie Springer: violin (1, 2, 7); Jody Redhage: cello (1, 2, 7); Nate Radley: guitar (2, 4, 5, 8, 9); Sean Wayland: piano (2, 4, 5, 8, 9); Matt Chohesy: bass (2, 4, 5, 8, 9); Mark Ferber: drums (2, 4, 5, 8, 9); Rogerio Boccato: percussion (2, 4, 5, 8, 9); Kristin Berardi: vocals (4, 5); Bill Charlap: piano (3, 6).

Evolution

Jim Snidero - Waves of Calm

Styles: Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:39
Size: 114,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:29)  1. Waves of Calm
(8:54)  2. Truth
(6:13)  3. Old Folks
(6:55)  4. Visions
(5:23)  5. I Fall in Love Too Easily
(6:33)  6. Dad Song
(6:28)  7. If I Had You
(5:40)  8. Estuary

Saxophonist Jim Snidero turns his adept post-bop skills inward on the introspective, if still engaging 2019 session Waves of Calm. The album, which comes on the heels of several exuberant projects including 2016's Miles Davis-influenced MD66, and 2018's Jubilation! Celebrating Cannonball Adderley, is in part a response to his father's battle with Parkinson's Disease  a struggle that ended with his passing shortly after the album was finished. While by no means a ballads album, though there are several here including a gorgeously moving rendition of "Old Folks," Waves of Calm is a work of far-eyed rumination that leaves plenty of room for searching, harmonically creative improvisation. Joining Snidero once again is his Jubilation! bandmate trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, as well as pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Nat Reeves, and drummer Jonathan Barber. Together they play with a warmth and style that is the epitome of post-bop sophistication. In some ways, the album is a balanced mix of the influences Snidero has been investigating since the early 2010s. Both "Visions," which features Evans on Fender Rhodes, and the angular "Truth" evoke Miles Davis' late-'60s modalism. Similarly, "Dad Song" is dusky Latin groover that brings to mind the classic hard bop recordings of Horace Silver. Equally evocative is the languid title track, which pulls the listener along as if floating on a boat in a soft evening breeze. As the title implies, Waves of Calm is the sound of Snidero taking a deep, tension-relieving breath before jumping back into the flow of life. ~ Matt Collar https://www.allmusic.com/album/waves-of-calm-mw0003253530

Personnel: Jim Snidero, alto saxophone; Jeremy Pelt, trumpet (2, 4, 6, 8); Orrin Evans, piano, Fender Rhodes; Nat Reeves, bass; Jonathan Barber, drums.

Waves of Calm

Thursday, July 4, 2019

Ramsey Lewis Trio - What's New

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:09
Size: 90,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:47)  1. What's New
(3:09)  2. Carmen
(4:06)  3. Old Devil Moon
(4:38)  4. Delilah
(3:27)  5. I'll Remember April
(3:58)  6. Bei Mir Bist Du Schon
(6:34)  7. Folk Ballad
(3:12)  8. C.C. Rider
(5:15)  9. But Not for Me

Lewis earned his first gold record, as well as a Grammy award for Best Jazz Performance, for their swinging version of Dobie Gray’s hit “The In Crowd.” He returned to the pop charts in 1966 with versions of “Hang On Sloopy” and “Wade In The Water.” Throughout the years, Lewis’ trio has undergone membership changes, all the while staying true to Lewis’ high musical standards. After Young and Holt left Lewis’ trio to form their own group, the pianist hired a new rhythm section with Cleveland Eaton on bass and Maurice White on drums. When White left the band to form Earth, Wind & Fire, Morris Jennings signed on as the trio’s new percussionist. White returned to produce Lewis’ 1974 smash album entitled Sun Goddess, in which Lewis first experimented with electronic keyboards and featured Earth, Wind & Fire on the album. In 1983, Lewis returned to the studio with Young and Holt for the album Reunion. Throughout his illustrious career, Lewis who is a NEA Jazz Master, has also joined forces with countless other artists to create new and innovative music. In 1984, he collaborated with Nancy Wilson on The Two of Us, in 1988he recorded with London’s Philharmonic Orchestra for the album A Classic Encounter, and in 1989 Lewis and Dr. Billy Taylor cut a set of piano duets in We Meet Again. In 1995, Lewis launched the side project Urban Knights, in which he collaborated with a handful of successful crossover jazz stars, including Grover Washington, Jr., Earl Klugh, and Dave Koz. In 1997, Lewis added disc jockey to his resume, hosting a popular show on Chicago’s WNUA-FM that ran until 2009. 

A new show was syndicated in 2006 under the name Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis and was broadcast on jazz radio stations across the country. In 2006,a well-received 13-episode Legends of Jazz television series hosted by Lewis was broadcast by PBS on public TV nationwide and featured live performances by a variety of jazz artists including Larry Gray, Lonnie Smith, Joey Defrancesco, Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, Kurt Elling, Benny Golson, Pat Metheny and Tony Bennett. Lately, Ramsey has been touring with Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind & Fire), John Pizzarelli and Ann Hampton Callaway. After having played for years in an acoustic trio, Lewis returned to his electric roots. The three time Grammy winner released a new CD Taking Another Look Deluxe Edition, featuring a new electric quintet with Henry Johnson on guitar, Michael Logan on keys, Joshua Ramos on bass and Charles Heath on drums. On the CD, Lewis rekindles his 1974 career-defining album Sun Goddess through a collection of re-recorded tracks from the original disc perfectly balanced with five new tunes. “Jungle Strut” had all the attitude of its 1974 original and Lewis made magic on the Fender Rhodes in “Tambura.” 

And rather than re-recording the title track “Sun Goddess”, Lewis beautifully re-edited the original studio recording featuring Earth, Wind and Fire. Lewis and his Electric Band breathed new life into classic covers, such as the high octane rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Living For The City” for which Ramsey shot a great video and the tender interpretation of the timeless “Betcha By Golly Wow.” The CD also featured three bonus tracks. The legendary Dr. John served up some Cajun style funk with his rendition of “Jungle Strut”. Then up and comers and jazz fusion funksters Kung Fu turned in a mesmerizing version of “Tambura.” Finally, TAUK delivered an amazing take on “Sharing Her Journey” that clearly established them as a band to watch. "I've recorded maybe 70-80 albums, and this album is definitely among the top five" said Lewis. Showing no signs of slowing down, Ramsey is currently working on a new record which he will begin recording in August with his long time band known as the Urban Knights.  An all-star jazz, R&B and funk band which features Grammy nominated guitarist Henry Johnson, drummer Charles Heath, bassist Joshua Ramos and keyboardist Tim Gant. https://www.ramseylewis.com/biography

What's New