Monday, February 6, 2023

Annie Ross - Autumn Rain in The City: Songs for a Rainy Day

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2022
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:11
Size: 76,9 MB
Art: Front

(2:10) 1. Manhattan
(2:19) 2. I Love Paris
(2:41) 3. Gypsy In My Soul
(2:15) 4. The Lady's In Love With You
(2:26) 5. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
(2:22) 6. Don't Worry 'Bout Me
(2:26) 7. I've Told Every Little Star
(2:46) 8. 'T Ain't What You Do
(2:30) 9. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
(2:56) 10. Skylark
(3:22) 11. I Didn't Know About You
(4:52) 12. Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying

Annie Ross has been an abundant contributor to the art of jazz for over 50 years. Born in the UK, she has been a permanent resident of the USA for many years and a US citizen since 2001. The following are some highlights of what has been a long and illustrious career in jazz:

Annie Ross is one of the pioneers of vocalese and the composer of "Twisted", one of the most well known examples of that art, as well as "Farmers Market", "Jackie" and many others. A founding member of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, considered the greatest jazz vocal ensemble of all time, her influence is present in all subsequent practitioners of vocalese. “Twisted“ has been recorded by a host of vocalists, including some not normally associated with jazz, including Joni Mitchell and Bette Midler.

Annie Ross toured in the 50’s with the extraordinary Lionel Hampton band that included Art Farmer, Clifford Brown, Gigi Gryce, and Quincy Jones. Ms. Ross has recorded with James Moody, Kenny Clarke, Milt Jackson, Harry Sweets Edison, the Count Basie band, Louis Armstrong, Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer, Chet Baker and many more. In this variety of settings, she became known as a great jazz singer, masterful at ballads and up tempos, with the ability to swing hard, improvise and make every lyric meaningful and revealing.

As a child, Annie Ross entered a talent show on the radio accompanied by the Paul Whiteman Orchestra, which resulted an a six-month contract with MGM. She went to Hollywood at age eight where she appeared in "The Little Rascals" singing a jazz version of "Loch Lomond." At age eleven she appeared as Judy Garland’s sister in "Presenting Lily Mars." At age 14 she composed the song "Let's Fly", which was subsequently recorded by Johnny Mercer and Jo Stafford.

In Paris in the late 40’s, she met up with musicians involved in modern jazz, including James Moody, Kenny Clarke, Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins, Billy Strayhorn, and displayed an unerring ear and savvy sense of harmony, which was much appreciated. At 19, she recorded “Le Vent Vert” with Moody. Back in the U.S. at age 21 she recorded for Savoy, along with Clarke, Milt Jackson and Percy Heath. She worked on 52nd St. with Max Roach, Tommy Potter and George Wallington and subbed for Billie Holiday at the Apollo Theater. The original recordings of “Twisted” and “Farmer’s Market” were done in 1952 with Wallington on piano and Art Blakey on drums.

Annie Ross has continued to bring the essence of jazz to a broad spectrum of listeners internationally, by touring, through her recordings, conducting workshops, writing, and appearances in film, television and radio.

Currently, Annie Ross is living in New York and is still active as a jazz performer, having recently performed in New York, Scotland, and Spain as well as having recorded a new CD, Let Me Sing.https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/annie-ross

R.I.P.

Born: July 25, 1930, Mitcham, United Kingdom

Died: July 21, 2020, New York, New York, United

Autumn Rain in The City: Songs for a Rainy Day

Richard Galliano - New Yörk Tango Trio

Styles: Accordion Jazz
Year: 2022
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:42
Size: 125,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:53) 1. Vuelvo Al Sur
(5:51) 2. New York Tango
(6:24) 3. Chiquilin De Bachin
(1:44) 4. Gnossienne N°3
(4:14) 5. Chat Pître
(2:23) 6. Chiens Perdus Sans Collier
(4:39) 7. Il Piccolo Circo
(7:39) 8. Waltz For Nicky
(5:33) 9. Tango Pour Claude
(6:50) 10. Milonga Del Angel
(3:27) 11. La Javanaise

Almost certainly, Richard Galliano is the best accordionist alive today. It’s not just a matter of technique. Anyone who can keep a grip on all those buttons and bellows is halfway to being a genius anyway. It’s the delicacy, the light and shade of the ever-changing sounds, the clarity. I find it enchanting. This album was recorded earlier this year at a festival in Cully, a resort on Lake Geneva. Five of the 11 pieces are Galliano compositions and, this being his Tango Band, three are by Astor Piazzolla, his exemplar in that idiom. When Galliano plays Piazzolla the similarity is quite striking.

A good example, the sweetly sad Chiquilin De Bachin, is a little masterpiece in this respect. It also reveals the double talents of Sébastien Giniaux, the trio’s superb guitarist, who plays an eloquent cello here. In contrast, the trio, including bassist Diego Imbert, presents seven-and-a-half minutes of sheer virtuosity with Galliano’s jazz-tinted Waltz for Nicky. The evening ends on a touchingly intimate note, the audience quietly joining in Serge Gainsbourg’s La Javanaise, with Galliano acting as their gentle accompanist.
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/oct/22/richard-galliano-new-york-tango-trio-cully-2022-swiss-radio-days-jazz-series-vol-47-review-an-enchanting-accordion-evening

New Yörk Tango Trio

Eric Alexander - The First Milestone

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:06
Size: 144,6 MB
Art: Front

(8:52)  1. Stand Pat
(7:06)  2. #34 Was Sweetness (for Walter Payton)
(7:36)  3. The First Milestone
(8:41)  4. The Towering Inferno
(8:55)  5. Night Song
(7:15)  6. Last Night When We Were Young
(7:56)  7. The Phineas Trane
(6:40)  8. I'm Glad There Was You

With the release of The First Milestone, Eric Alexander continues to make the transition from a young, hard-blowing tenor saxophonist to a mature soloist and leader of interesting small bands. Alexander is simply getting better at what he’s been doing quite well all along; that is, making high-energy music largely based on the spectrum of straight-ahead jazz of the 50s and 60s. Throughout the disc, his playing has its characteristic intensity, and his solos sound like complete statements rather than a fusion of disparate ideas. As always, Alexander has surrounded himself with bandmates (pianist Harold Mabern, guitarist Pat Martino, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Joe Farnsworth) who push him to the limit and have something of their own to say. Alexander’s sheer joy in making music comes through loud and clear on several cuts, most notably the jaunty “Night Song,” and a funky version of “I’m Glad There Is You,” which is reminiscent of the sounds made during his tenure in the band of Hammond B3 organist Charles Earland. On both tunes, the liberties he takes on the melodies are as interesting as his improvised solos. 

“Last Night When We Were Young” gets a ballad treatment and doesn’t stray very far from that vein even when the tempo doubles in the middle of Alexander’s solo. “34 Was Sweetness,” a deliberate, virile stroll, is a fitting tribute to the late Walter Payton. The contrasting solo approaches of Martino and Mabern are important to the success of the disc. Although Martino appears on only four of the eight tracks, his impeccable single-note lines swing quietly but intensely. Mabern plays with an odd combination of abandon and delicacy, and even at its most restrained, his playing has a startling momentum.
By David A.Orthmann https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-first-milestone-eric-alexander-fantasy-jazz-review-by-david-a-orthmann.php

Personnel: Eric Alexander- tenor saxophone, Pat Martino- guitar, Peter Washington- bass, Joe Farnsworth- drums

The First Milestone

Joe Beck & Ali Ryerson - Alto

Styles: Guitar and Flute Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:21
Size: 121,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:41)  1. Ode To Billy Joe
(3:13)  2. 'Round Midnight
(3:09)  3. Joy Spring
(4:11)  4. Mother's Day
(2:51)  5. Willow Weep For Me
(4:32)  6. Waiting Is The Hardest Part
(3:44)  7. Summertime
(4:51)  8. Scarborough Fair / Norwegian Wood
(3:32)  9. Autumn Leaves
(3:52) 10. Cuidado
(4:13) 11. Song For My Father
(2:59) 12. What Would I Do Without You?
(3:30) 13. Billie's Bounce
(2:55) 14. We Will Meet Again

After an initial listen to this CD I knew full well that I would thoroughly enjoy it, mainly because I am somewhat partial to great jazz guitar work, and this CD certainly has plenty of it. Coincidentally, I have the same last name as one of the featured artists, Joe Beck (no family ties). My first reaction is that Joe's approach to guitar playing reminds me a lot of Tuck (from Tuck and Patty). The music has a similar feel for me, except that Ali Ryerson plays an alto flute for the majority of the leads, whereas Patty provides leads with her exceptional vocals. Joe and Ali have demonstrated a remarkable ability to seamlessly integrate the sounds of an electric guitar with those of an alto flute. Steve Davis rounds out most all of the selections with judicious applications of a variety of percussion that fit so well as to go un-noticed unless you're really listening for them. Joe is able to tune his guitar so that he supplies not only the rhythms and some leads, but the base lines at the same time! This is one CD that I seem to be able to listen to and enjoy, no matter what mood I am in. Definitely a keeper! http://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/contemporary-jazz-cd-reviews/alto-by-joe-beck-ali-ryerson.html

Personnel:  Joe Beck (Guitar); Ali Ryerson (Alto flute); Steve Davis (Percussion).

Alto

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Matt Dusk & Karen Aoki - Lost In Rio

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:56
Size: 131,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:45) 1. Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars
(5:30) 2. Girl From Ipanema
(3:25) 3. Something Stupid
(6:09) 4. Deed I Do
(4:46) 5. Gee Baby Aint I Good To You
(4:01) 6. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
(4:57) 7. Kiss On My List
(4:23) 8. How Insensitive
(4:52) 9. This Masquerade
(4:22) 10. Love Is Here To Stay
(5:11) 11. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(3:29) 12. Just The Two Of Us

Matt Dusk: Jazz musician born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. From an early age he wanted to be a singer, and at the age of 7 he enrolled in a music school in Toronto. He continued to attend for the next 11 years. He initially majored in opera and classical music, but at the age of 17, he changed his style as a vocalist after listening to Tony Bennett and Sarah Vaughan. At the age of 20, he won the first place out of 655 in the Canadian Rookie Contest. Although he once decided to take over the family business, he could not give up his dream of music and enrolled in a music school again.

There he was tutored by Oscar Peterson and learned how to sing jazz and popular music. At the same time, he began to demonstrate his talent as a musician, releasing four CDs while still in school. In November 2004, he released his debut album "Two Shots" on Decca Records. Released in 2006, "Back In Town" became a worldwide hit, and in 2007 he made his debut in Japan. The single with the same name recorded No.1 on the Japanese radio charts, making it an exceptional hit for a jazz artist. In 2013, he released his first album in four years, "My Funny Valentine - The Chet Baker Songbook."

Karen Aoki: Mainly live tour activities, main cast of BS Asahi TV jazz music program, radio cross FM, Love FM, Inter FM, Kobe Kiss FM, Radio Takasaki, now FM Kumamoto and Internet radio JJazz, Net Serving as a navigator. Two of her albums won the Ad Lib Award (Club/Dance Category) from the jazz magazine ADLIB. In 2010, she won the Best Debutante Award in the Newcomer category of the Best Dressed Award. She is in charge of the insert song for the popular movie "Andalusian Goddess Revenge" starring Yuji Oda released in June 2011.

She became a hot topic when she appeared on NHK E-Tele "Three Months Topic English Conversation" ~Fascinating Standard Jazz Version~. In the summer of 2012, she made her first New York performance a success. In the fall of the same year, she was in charge of the insert song for the Fuji TV drama "Married". In September 2012, she recorded a duet song "Ginza no Koi no Monogatari" on Hiroshi Tachi's album, and she appeared on NHK's music program SONGS. In December 2012, she released the album "TRANQUILITY", a collection of love songs arranged in jazz from famous film music. In the summer of 2013, she sang the insert song for the movie Galileo "Midsummer Equation", and in the fall of the same year she sang the theme song for the NHK Saturday drama "Taiyo no Trap". In the summer of 2014, she sang the main theme song for the Fuji TV drama "Hirugao ~ Weekdays 3 o'clock Lovers" starring Aya Ueto. In January 2015, she released her album "Eternal Melody"

Duet album "Matt & Karen Lost in Rio" released. Matt Dusk, the "Frank Sinatra of the 21st century" born in Canada, will appear with Japanese jazz diva Karen Aoki as a guest. Matt made his debut in 2001 after studying under Oscar Peterson. With her sweet voice and neat appearance, she quickly gained popularity, and all her albums were hits.

Karen Aoki started full-fledged activities as a jazz vocalist in 2006, and she is attracting attention as an MC for TV and radio, as well as theme songs for movies and dramas.
In this co-starring album, the two performed breathtaking duets with famous songs such as "The Girl of Ipanema" and "Koi no Hitokoto", and it looks like it will be a stylish and romantic autumn evening.By Product Description - Translate By Google
https://www.amazon.co.jp/Matt-Karen-Lost-Dusk-Aoki/dp/B010OQED2A

Lost In Rio

Massimo Faraò, Mario Castellano - The Double Piano Sessions, Vol.1

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2022
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:12
Size: 154,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:42) 1. Beat's Up
(4:47) 2. I Tought About You
(4:10) 3. Flamingo
(5:29) 4. Twins Blues
(5:37) 5. Hymn to Freedom
(6:56) 6. Theme for Basie
(5:43) 7. These Are Soulful Days
(7:41) 8. Looking for the Light
(5:48) 9. September in the Rain
(5:26) 10. Canto anche se sono stontato
(5:41) 11. Fantasy
(5:07) 12. My One and Only Love

"The blackest of Italian pianists" was born May 16th, 1965, in Genoa. He studied piano with Maestro Flavio Crivelli and began his career collaborating with musicians from the Genoa Area, especially with the bassist Piero Leveratto. In 1993 he was invited for the first time in the USA. He plays with Red Holloway and Albert "Tootie" Heath on a tour on the West Coast. In the same year he founded "We love Jazz" Workshop, now become one of the biggest events in Europe for jazz teaching.

In 1994 he was hired by "Monad Records" in New York and back in the United States as pianoplayer and music director of Shawnn Monteiro's band, with Keter Betts and Bobby Durham. He has played in several european tours with the Nat Adderley Quintet, composed by Antonio Hart, Walter Booker and Jimmy Cobb. In 2001 he joined the Archie Shepp's "Just in Time" Quartet with Wayne Dockery and Bobby Durham.

Since 2001 he is the artistic director for the jazz division of AZZURRA MUSIC label. In 2003 he played at "Jazz Piano Festival" in Lucerne. In November 2004 he played in Japan, where his albums have become bestsellers. He played in Italy, France, Germany, Corsica, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, USA, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Dubai, Luxembourg, Spain, Japan, Yugoslavia,Canada. From 2014 he recorded 12 cd for Venus Records the famous japanese jazz label. He has recorded more than 2 hundred Cds with many Italian and foreign musicians. https://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/artist/massimo-farao

Personnel: Massimo Faraò piano; Mario Castellano piano; Davide Palladin guitar; Nicola Barbon bass

The Double Piano Sessions, Vol.1

Ben Webster - That's All - Autumn Jazz Part.I, Part. II

Album: That's All - Autumn Jazz Part I
Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2022
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 104:38
Size: 249,1 MB

(3:47) 1. That's All
(2:42) 2. Cocktails For Two
(2:33) 3. How Deep Is The Ocean
(2:49) 4. The Ghost Of Dinah
(2:10) 5. Roses Of Picardy
(2:48) 6. Pennies From Heaven
(2:48) 7. Trouble In Mind
(2:49) 8. While We're Dancing
(3:05) 9. Sophisticated Lady
(3:56) 10. Poutin'
(2:54) 11. That's All>
(2:59) 12. Who
(3:02) 13. Tenderly
(3:06) 14. Stardust
(2:58) 15. Hotter Than 'Ell
(3:10) 16. Linger Awhile
(3:11) 17. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
(3:05) 18. Don't Get Around Much Any More
(3:20) 19. Cotton Tail
(3:24) 20. My Funny Valentine
(3:19) 21. The Single Petal Of A Rose
(3:31) 22. I Didn't Know About You
(3:55) 23. Sunday
(3:55) 24. Chelsea Bridge
(3:37) 25. Danny Boy
(3:38) 26. My Greatest Mistake
(5:51) 27. Fajista
(3:41) 28. There Is No Greater Love
(4:10) 29. Coal Train
(4:05) 30. Honey Hill
(4:04) 31. Midnight Blue

Album: That's All - Autumn Jazz Part II
Time: 176:18
Size: 413,2 MB

(3:56) 1. What Am I Here For
(4:23) 2. Ev's Mad
(4:15) 3. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
(4:14) 4. Prisoner Of Love
(4:11) 5. Jive At Six
(4:39) 6. Willow Weep For Me
(4:30) 7. We'll Be Together Again
(4:31) 8. Bounce Blues
(4:45) 9. All Too Soon
(4:47) 10. Prelude To A Kiss
(4:34) 11. Time After Time
(4:39) 12. De-Dar
(4:48) 13. Shine On Harvest Moon
(4:57) 14. When I Fall In Love
(4:49) 15. Early Autumn
(5:39) 16. For Bessie
(5:20) 17. Tangerine
(5:05) 18. Rosita
(6:17) 19. The Touch Of Your Lips
(5:42) 20. The Cat Walk
(5:47) 21. It Never Entered My Mind
(6:53) 22. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
(6:26) 23. Just Friends (Instrumental)
(6:44) 24. Blues For Yolande
(6:42) 25. Bye Bye Blackbird
(7:21) 26. Blues In B Flat
(7:38) 27. Who's Got Rhythm?
(8:12) 28. Blues For Mr. Broadway
(8:24) 29. Ash
(8:25) 30. The Kid And The Brute
(7:28) 31. What Is This Thing Called Love

Ben Webster was considered one of the "big three" of swing tenors along with Coleman Hawkins (his main influence) and Lester Young. He had a tough, raspy, and brutal tone on stomps (with his own distinctive growls) yet on ballads he would turn into a pussy cat and play with warmth and sentiment.

After violin lessons as a child, Webster learned how to play rudimentary piano (his neighbor Pete Johnson taught him to play blues). But after Budd Johnson showed him some basics on the saxophone, Webster played sax in the Young Family Band (which at the time included Lester Young). He had stints with Jap Allen and Blanche Calloway (making his recording debut with the latter) before joining Bennie Moten's Orchestra in time to be one of the stars on a classic session in 1932. Webster spent time with quite a few orchestras in the 1930s (including Andy Kirk, Fletcher Henderson in 1934, Benny Carter, Willie Bryant, Cab Calloway, and the short-lived Teddy Wilson big band).

In 1940 (after short stints in 1935 and 1936), Ben Webster became Duke Ellington's first major tenor soloist. During the next three years he was on many famous recordings, including "Cotton Tail" (which in addition to his memorable solo had a saxophone ensemble arranged by Webster) and "All Too Soon." After leaving Ellington in 1943 (he would return for a time in 1948-1949), Webster worked on 52nd Street; recorded frequently as both a leader and a sideman; had short periods with Raymond Scott, John Kirby, and Sid Catlett; and toured with Jazz at the Philharmonic during several seasons in the 1950s. Although his sound was considered out-of-style by that decade, Webster's work on ballads became quite popular and Norman Granz recorded him on many memorable sessions.

Webster recorded a classic set with Art Tatum and generally worked steadily, but in 1964 he moved permanently to Copenhagen where he played when he pleased during his last decade. Although not all that flexible, Webster could swing with the best and his tone was a later influence on such diverse players as Archie Shepp, Lew Tabackin, Scott Hamilton, and Bennie Wallace.
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/ben-webster

That's All - Autumn Jazz Part I

That's All - Autumn Jazz Part II

Joe Beck & Ali Ryerson - Django

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:27
Size: 128,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:02)  1. People Make The World Go 'Round
(4:35)  2. Laura
(4:45)  3. Django
(4:12)  4. Carioca Blue
(4:55)  5. When I Fall In Love
(4:34)  6. Spain
(4:20)  7. Come Together / Alone Together
(3:50)  8. Tenderly
(4:01)  9. Hobo
(3:03) 10. It Takes Two
(4:51) 11. O Barquinho
(3:47) 12. Nardis
(3:26) 13. Danny Boy

Joe Beck and Ali Ryerson have been working as a team for more than four years, playing concerts and other gigs under the name Duo. This is their second album, and, with the name Django, one would assume it is in honor of guitarist Django Reinhardt. Instead, the set is dedicated to the members of the Modern Jazz Quartet, who pioneered chamber jazz, the style that dominates this session with flautist Ryerson. John Lewis' "Django" is one of the tunes on the agenda that they play within the chamber style. Ryerson's passion for Brazilian music is documented on her six albums for Concord Jazz. She gets to show her mastery of this tempo on "Carioca Blue" and "O Barquinho." Jazz veteran Joe Beck, one of the first to mix jazz and rock guitar, uses an alto guitar which he invented. It provides a strong harmonically mellow and rhythmic cushion upon which Ryerson carries the melody line with her expressive, buoyant flute. Their mutual comfort is evident on such tunes as the medley "Come Together"/"Alone Together" and expresses itself on a haunting rendition of "Tenderly." If anything, this album is epitomized by some striking improvising. The two generally take one chorus, stating the melody, and then let their collective imagination take over. That they play together rather than separately when they extemporize makes this album distinctive. And they do it successfully whether the tune be one by Miles Davis or Johnny Mercer. With just the two instruments, their inventive way of collaborating makes sure that the listener's attention will not drift away. Recommended. ~ Dave Nathan http://www.allmusic.com/album/django-mw0000321312

Personnel: Joe Beck (alto guitar); Ali Ryerson (alto flute).

Django

Saturday, February 4, 2023

Miles Davis - The Miles Davis Quintet: At Peacock Alley Disc 1, Disc 2

Album: The Miles Davis Quintet: At Peacock Alley Disc 1
Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 31:11
Size: 71,9 MB
Art: Front

(0:41) 1. Intro
(5:53) 2. Ah-leu-cha
(5:19) 3. A Foggy Day
(6:35) 4. All of You
(5:13) 5. Woody 'n' You
(7:27) 6. Walkin'

Album: The Miles Davis Quintet: At Peacock Alley Disc 2
Time: 42:48
Size: 98,6 MB

( 5:16) 1. Two Bass Hit
( 7:39) 2. Well You Needn't
( 4:23) 3. Billy Boy
(11:03) 4. All of You
( 6:07) 5. Airegin
( 7:01) 6. Newk #2/Theme
( 1:16) 7. Sign Off-Theme

Miles Davis at Peacock Alley is an unauthorized bootleg album by jazz musician Miles Davis. It was recorded in a two-part broadcast on KXLW-AM on July 14 and July 21, 1956, from Peacock Alley in the Gaslight Square entertainment district of St. Louis. The sessions were hosted by Spider Burks, a local DJ who championed jazz, and was also one of St. Louis’ first black Disc Jockeys.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_Davis_Quintet_at_Peacock_Alley

Personnel: Miles Davis — trumpet; John Coltrane — tenor saxophone; Red Garland — piano; Paul Chambers — bass; Philly Joe Jones — drums

The Miles Davis Quintet: At Peacock Alley Disc 1, Disc 2

Bill Coleman, Don Byas - Bill Coleman Don Byas Combo

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:58
Size: 178.5 MB
Styles: Bop
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[2:44] 1. Announcement
[3:29] 2. Idaho
[3:11] 3. Let's Try Again
[5:18] 4. Body & Soul
[3:04] 5. After You've Gone
[3:16] 6. Ain't Misbehavin'
[4:36] 7. Garni Blues
[2:28] 8. Lady Be Good
[4:02] 9. Just You, Just Me
[4:47] 10. Laura
[6:14] 11. Flying Home
[3:47] 12. The Chase
[5:51] 13. Thee O'clock In The Morning
[3:25] 14. St. James Infirmary
[1:44] 15. How High The Moon
[2:26] 16. Dancers In Love
[4:36] 17. Moon Glow
[5:05] 18. Stormy Weather
[3:42] 19. Hey Ba-Ba-Rebop
[4:04] 20. St. Louis Blues

Two fine musicians in an unfortunate poorly recorded performance.

Bill Coleman Don Byas Combo

Miles Davis - Miles Davis And The Modern Jazz Giants

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:12
Size: 98,5 MB
Art: Front

( 7:59)  1. The Man I Love (Take 2)
(10:46)  2. Swing Spring
( 5:24)  3. 'Round Midnight
( 9:32)  4. Bemsha Swing
( 8:29)  5. The Man I Love (Take 1)

Including sessions recorded the same day as those on Bags Groove, this album includes more classic performances from the date that matched together trumpeter Miles Davis, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, pianist Thelonious Monk, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Kenny Clarke. Davis and Monk actually did not get along all that well, and the trumpeter did not want Monk playing behind his solos. Still, a great deal of brilliant music occurred on the day of their encounter, including "The Man I Love," "Bemsha Swing," and "Swing Spring." ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/miles-davis-and-the-modern-jazz-giants-mw0000199989

Personnel:  Miles Davis – trumpet;  John Coltrane – tenor saxophone;  Milt Jackson – vibraphone;  Thelonious Monk – piano;  Red Garland – piano;  Percy Heath – bass;  Paul Chambers – bass;  Kenny Clarke – drums;  Philly Joe Jones – drums


Miles Davis And The Modern Jazz Giants

Duke Ellington Quartet - Duke's Big Four

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1974
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:25
Size: 88,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:13) 1. Cotton Tail
(5:24) 2. The Blues
(5:07) 3. The Hawk Talks
(5:39) 4. Prelude To A Kiss
(6:36) 5. Love You Madly
(6:04) 6. Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me)
(5:19) 7. Everything But You

One of Duke Ellington's finest small group sessions from his final decade was this frequently exciting quartet date with guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Louie Bellson. Ellington's percussive style always sounded modern and he comes up with consistently strong solos on such numbers as "Love You Madly," "The Hawk Talks" and especially "Cotton Tail," easily keeping up with his younger sidemen. Highly recommended.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-dukes-big-four-mw0000649490

Personnel: Duke Ellington – piano; Joe Pass - guitar; Ray Brown - bass; Louie Bellson - drums

Duke's Big Four

Friday, February 3, 2023

Matt Dusk - Sinatra, Vol. 2

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2022
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:44
Size: 75,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:29) 1. Pennies From Heaven
(3:44) 2. All Or Nothing At All
(2:15) 3. The Nearness Of You
(2:38) 4. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(2:05) 5. I've Got The World On A String
(2:31) 6. Where Or When
(2:47) 7. My Kind Of Town
(2:47) 8. More
(3:17) 9. I Get A Kick Out Of You
(3:26) 10. New York, New York
(3:39) 11. Moonlight In Vermont

Multi-award-winning, Platinum-selling artist Matt Dusk has been enthralling audiences around the world for years, leaving in his wake a series of radio hits, acclaimed albums, and a loyal fan base that continues to grow with every passing year.

He has had three number one radio hits: All About Me, Back in Town and Good News, is an alumnus of the St. Michael’s Choir School and studied under jazz piano legend Oscar Peterson at York University.

Dusk has been awarded four GOLD albums: Two Shots, Good News, JetSetJazz, Sinatra Vol. 2 and four PLATINUM albums: My Funny Valentine, Just The Two of Us, Old School Yule!, and Sinatra Vol. 1

Notable award nominations include, five JUNO awards, one ADISQ, one Róze Gali: Muzyka and a Dimond from Trójka PR3 in Poland.https://www.mattdusk.com/#Bio

– LA Times: Crooners like Toronto’s Matt Dusk has taken what he has learned from the greats and molded it for a modern audience.

– Jazz Times: Blending distinctly Sinatra-esque swagger, Dusk is waist deep in grandiose arrangements that are dripping with Sin City excess and turns the clock back some four decades with excellence

– Billboard: Matt Dusk impressively brings Las Vegas back to the glory days as the standards singer sounds remarkably like Rat Packer Frank Sinatra.

Sinatra, Vol. 2

Bobby Watson - Back Home in Kansas City

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2022
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:49
Size: 151,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:32) 1. Back Home In Kansas City
(7:32) 2. Red Bank Heist
(5:26) 3. Our Love Remains
(6:25) 4. Bon Voyage
(6:33) 5. The Star In The East
(4:38) 6. Mind Wine
(5:41) 7. Celestial
(6:02) 8. Dear Lord
(4:57) 9. Side Steps
(7:15) 10. I'm Glad There Is You
(6:42) 11. Blues For Alto

Saxophonist/composer Bobby Watson draws inspiration from the rich jazz heritage of his Kansas City hometown on his spirited album BACK HOME IN KANSAS CITY, which features an all-star quintet with Watson’s longtime rhythm section of bassist Curtis Lundy and drummer Victor Jones along with pianist Cyrus Chestnut, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, as well as a special guest appearance by vocalist Carmen Lundy.

“Great melodies are immortal, like a sculpture or a painting,” Watson insists. “This album is more about the singing quality of my instrument.”

As the title suggests, Back Home in Kansas City also pays homage to Watson’s hometown and its own rich musical heritage. The saxophonist grew up in KC, leaving to study at the University of Miami and then spending a quarter century making his name in New York City. He returned home in 2000 to serve as Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City's Conservatory of Music & Dance, retiring 20 years later.

His retirement coinciding with the pandemic, Watson found himself with plenty of time to reflect on Kansas City’s importance to his distinctive sound and, gradually, to play for local audiences who helped attune his approach to the blend of soul and balladry that makes up the new album.

“Being out here in Kansas City has given me a chance to slow down and go deeper into what I want to play,” he explains. “The Kansas City audience is a sophisticated audience because of the history of this town. We've got people out here who have heard a lot of music. So I'm not playing down to the audience, and I'm not trying to simplify anything. I'm simply coming out of what I feel in my heart and my soul.”

The title tune is a contrafact (a new melody written over existing chord changes) on “Back Home Again in Indiana,” also famously the basis for Charlie Parker’s “Donna Lee.” The spirited swinger opens the album on a high note, Jones’ crisp percussion nailing every sudden stop before propelling the band forward again. It’s one of three similar Watson tunes on the album; the yearning “Bon Voyage” is based on Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage,” while the brisk “Side Steps” is Watson’s reimagining of John Coltrane’s classic (and notoriously challenging) “Giant Steps.”

Watson also drew the haunting ballad “Dear Lord” from the Coltrane songbook, one of several spotlights on the album for his burnished tone and silken melodicism. Chestnut’s achingly delicate touch sets the tone for a gorgeous version of the standard “I’m Glad There Is You,” featuring one of Watson’s most beautiful and moving solo turns. The album closes with the gritty, self-explanatory “Blues for Alto.”

Watson encouraged his bandmates to bring their own material to the session as well. Jones contributes the stealthy “Red Bank Heist,” which feels like Henry Mancini by way of Art Blakey. Chestnut’s sparkling “A Star in the East” is an easygoing waltz that thrives on the rich melody shared by Watson and Pelt. The trumpeter’s offering is the tender “Celestial,” highlighted by his own muted eloquence.

John Hicks’ “Mind Wine” pays tribute to the late pianist, with whom Watson, Lundy, and Jones all worked extensively. Hicks appears on Watson’s 1988 Blue Note debut, NO QUESTION ABOUT IT, as well as LOVE REMAINS; while Watson and Lundy are part of the quartet for Hicks’ 1988 release NAIMA'S LOVE SONG. “John Hicks was a mighty huge influence on me, Curtis and Victor,” Watson says. “When he passed away, that was one of the saddest moments in our lives. He was extremely near and dear to us.”

The saxophonist has long garnered inspiration from vocalists as well as his sax-playing peers and idols. He invited the acclaimed singer Carmen Lundy to join the band for “Our Love Remains,” co-written by Watson and his wife Pamela. In instrumental form, the song was the title track for his 1986 album LOVE REMAINS and was recorded again for 1992’s PRESENT TENSE. The vocal version has previously been recorded by Kevin Mahogany and Melissa Walker, and Lou Rawls was planning his own rendition prior to his death.

“I love hearing singers tell stories,” Watson says. “Joe Williams, Betty Carter, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Ella, Gregory Porter, Andy Bey and Carmen does that. She's not just singing the melody, she's putting it out there as a story.”

Throughout Back Home in Kansas City, Watson’s gift for telling stories with his saxophone is on vibrant display. “Johnny Griffin told me that when you solo you want to introduce yourself, talk about how your day went, tell how you feel right now and where you want to take the listener – all through music,” he details. “I know that I have enough technique to last me the rest of my life. But what do I want to say with it? We’re all trying to play one grand solo our whole life in different contexts." https://bobbywatsonjazz.bandcamp.com/

Bobby Watson - alto saxophone; Jeremy Pelt - trumpet;Cyrus Chestnut - piano; Curtis Lundy - bass; Victor Jones - drums

Back Home in Kansas City

Stéphane Grappelli - Stéphane Grappelli Au Piano - Passage Gioffredo

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2022
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:58
Size: 83,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:15) 1. Tea For Two
(4:16) 2. Satin Doll
(3:18) 3. Time After Time
(3:18) 4. You Took Advantage Of Me
(3:41) 5. I Only Have Eyes For You
(3:36) 6. Passage Gioffredo
(3:13) 7. Makin' Whoopee
(3:34) 8. You Better Go Now
(3:44) 9. Looking At You
(2:57) 10. All God's Chillun Got Rhythm

Unpublished recordings by Stéphane Grappelli on the piano, for the first time accessible to music lovers. Improvisations around great jazz standards: Tea for Tow, Satin Doll, Time after Time, Looking at you...Stéphane Grappelli will be remembered as a legend of the violin, but we must not forget that the piano was his first instrument. According to him, it was the essential instrument for mastering chords and harmonies.

Although the talented violinist was also an excellent pianist, recorded testimonies of Stéphane Grappelli at the piano are very rare.These unreleased recordings reveal an artist in a playful mood, who, from standards to paraphrases, deploys the full extent of his inspiration, served by an exceptional talent.A magnificent discovery on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the disappearance of the musician!
By Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/St%C3%A9phane-Grappelli-piano-Enregistrements-in%C3%A9dits/dp/B09Q68YQ2G

Stéphane Grappelli Au Piano - Passage Gioffredo

Nathan Davis - London by Night

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:12
Size: 139,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:56)  1. Noite Em Leblon
(5:18)  2. I Thought About You
(6:20)  3. Rio De Janeiro
(4:23)  4. London by Night
(2:48)  5. Dr. Bu
(9:06)  6. But Beautiful
(6:33)  7. You've Changed
(5:37)  8. Shades
(5:53)  9. Lament
(7:14) 10. If I Fell

Nathan Davis split his career between being a fine tenor saxophonist and a jazz educator. He played briefly with Jay McShann in 1955, attended the University of Kansas, spent time in the Army in Berlin (1960-1963), and stayed in Paris where he worked with Kenny Clarke (1963-1969), Eric Dolphy (1964), and Art Taylor. He also toured Europe with Art Blakey (1965) and Ray Charles. Starting in 1969, Davis was a professor of jazz at the University of Pittsburgh and Moorhead State University. His two most important musical associations involved leadership of the Paris Reunion Band (1985-1989) and Roots (which he formed in 1991). After 44 years, Davis retired from the University of Pittsburgh in June 2013. He died of congestive heart failure in Florida in April 2018 at the age of 81. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/nathan-davis-mn0000377691/biography

Personnel: Tenor Saxophone – Nathan Davis; Trumpet – Dusko Goykovich;  Bass – Jimmy Woode; Drums – Al Levitt; Flugelhorn – Dusko Goykovich; Flute – Nathan Davis; Piano – Kenny Drew

London by Night

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Lindsey Webster - Reasons

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2022
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:24
Size: 141,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:52) 1. I Didn't Mean It (Feat. Brian Culbertson)
(5:50) 2. Love Of Your Life (Feat. Nathan East)
(4:34) 3. Just The Night
(5:43) 4. Stay With Me (Feat. Randy Brecker & Kev Choice)
(5:47) 5. Wish You Well
(4:52) 6. The Way
(1:46) 7. 4am
(5:39) 8. Twin Flame
(5:28) 9. You Take Me
(5:18) 10. Reasons
(6:06) 11. I'm Ok (Feat. Nicholas Payton)
(4:24) 12. Stay With Me (Soul Jazz Mix) (Feat. Randy Brecker)

Chart-topping vocalist and songstress Lindsey Webster emerges from lockdown and the end of marriage stronger than ever. Reasons, her fourth album since her 2016 breakout, shows both artistic growth and resiliency.

Now a consistent hit maker in the crossover jazz realm, Webster has the luxury of getting the very best sessionists available to take her songs a bit higher still. Indeed, she enlisted help in guest spots from the likes of Brian Culbertson, Nathan East, Randy Brecker and Nicholas Payton. But as it’s always been, the Lindsey Webster Sound starts with Webster and long-time songwriting partner & keyboardist Keith Slattery, a musical partnership that is going strong as ever even after the marital partnership ended.

We got an early exposure to the advance single “I Didn’t Mean It” that gets the album off on the good foot, putting all of Webster’s strong suits as a vocalist and composer up front.As you go through Reasons, it becomes clearer that this is as much of an RnB record as it is a smooth jazz record, and Webster has fluency in both camps and knows how to put it together into her own personal genre.

For instance, “Love of Your Life” goes deep into Quiet Storm territory, but with lush jazz chords helped along by tasteful synth backing and a vocal bass scat from East. “Twin Flame” is more of that Quiet Storm, reaching its apogee when Webster hits those really high notes. That lushness carries over in the intro “The Way” and settles into a satisfying Philly soul sway. This “Reasons” isn’t the one made into hit by Earth, Wind & Fire but is nevertheless a similarly sweetened slice of soul.

Webster’s slow tunes are equally effectively at setting the right mood: “Just The Night” is a ballad that gets the job done solely off of Webster’s aching vocal delivery. But that segues right into another a snappy mid-tempo funk number “Stay With Me” that nods to the current scene with a guest rap turn from Kev Choice and an historical horn presence via Brecker’s flugelhorn (another mix of the song takes out the rapping).

“Wish You Well” has Webster singing a low, sultry and sassy voice, and Steely Dan-smooth horn backing. More horns add a suave touch to the lightly funky “I’m OK,” and Payton is on hand to deliver a flawless trumpet solo.

Lindsey Webster has been going through a change as she adjusts back into the ups and downs of the single life, providing a lot of fodder for her latest set of songs. But thankfully nothing has changed fundamentally in her craftsmanship and style; it’s still quality soul-satisfying music for grow-nups. https://somethingelsereviews.com/2022/10/07/lindsey-webster-reasons/

Reasons

Bill Coleman - Learning How to Disappear

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2022
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:19
Size: 182,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:36) 1. From Boogie To Funk
(6:32) 2. Afromotive In Blue
(3:25) 3. Come On A My House
(9:46) 4. Have Blues Will Play 'Em
(2:54) 5. Lester Leaps In
(5:10) 6. Colemanology
(5:13) 7. In My Solitude
(2:58) 8. The Blues Jumped Up And Got Me
(4:56) 9. Pound Horn
(6:12) 10. Bill Coleman Blues
(4:06) 11. Mood Indigo
(9:42) 12. Bill, Budd And Butter
(5:50) 13. I Surrender, Dear
(3:09) 14. Si Jolie
(4:43) 15. St. James Infirmary

A mellow-toned swing trumpeter with a distinctive sound and a lyrical style, Bill Coleman was a consistent if never particularly famous musician. In 1927, he went to New York with Cecil and Lloyd Scott's band, with whom he made his recording debut. He worked with Luis Russell (1929-1932) and Charlie Johnson, and then in 1933 traveled to France with Lucky Millinder. Coleman recorded with Fats Waller (1934) and played with Teddy Hill's Orchestra (1934-1935), but then moved to France for the first time in 1935.

While overseas, he recorded frequently as a leader (really coming into his own), with Willie Lewis' Orchestra, and on dates with Django Reinhardt. He ventured as far as Bombay, and spent 1938-1940 in Egypt with Herman Chittison. Returning to New York, Coleman played with Benny Carter, Teddy Wilson, Andy Kirk, Mary Lou Williams, and John Kirby during 1940-1945, and recorded with Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins (both in 1943). However, he preferred life in Europe and, after a period with groups led by Sy Oliver and Billy Kyle, in 1948, Coleman moved permanently back to France, staying active and recording fairly regularly up until his death in 1981. By Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bill-coleman-mn0000068537/biography

Learning How to Disappear

Rickie Lee Jones - It's Like This

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:31
Size: 86,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:35) 1. Show Biz Kids
(5:12) 2. Trouble Man
(2:32) 3. For No One
(1:49) 4. Smile
(5:13) 5. Low Spark of High Heeled Boys
(3:26) 6. On the Street Where You Live
(4:30) 7. I Can't Get Started
(2:50) 8. Up a Lazy River
(2:03) 9. Someone to Watch Over Me
(3:16) 10. Cycles
(1:58) 11. One Hand, One Heart

Not since Billie Holiday has there been a vocalist who so completely transforms a song into her own. On It's Like This, eclectic folkie Rickie Lee Jones envelops standards, showtunes, '70s soul, and even slick jazz-rock, interpreting them with her familiar childlike, breathy shouts. In a very similar vein as 1991's Pop Pop, Jones pulls together a collection of diverse songs from throughout the 20th century and gives them a sparse, fragile spin, kind of like Diana Krall and Björk sharing coffee at an all-night diner.

Produced by Bruce Brody (who has also worked with Maria McKee and Bette Midler), this album is really a showcase for the dynamic vocalist her voice pitching and yawing like a sloop far out at sea. Several notable artists scatter themselves unobtrusively throughout the album like Joe Jackson, Ben Folds, John Pizzarelli, and Taj Mahal; each lend a subtle bassline or harmony vocal, cautiously not stepping on any of Jones' delicate lines.

Her passionate, earthy version of Marvin Gaye's "blaxploitation" hit "Trouble Man" is as soulful as her cover of the Beatles' "For No One" is pleading, each reaching out to the listener like a whisper from an inch away. Jones' unmistakable style is unlike anyone else's, and that fact alone will turn away some potential listeners; however, for fans of gentle jazz-pop, It's Like This is an intimate, dreamy wander through the songbooks of the last century. By Zac Johnson
https://www.allmusic.com/album/its-like-this-mw0000094246

It's Like This

Tim Warfield - Jazz Is ...

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:13
Size: 161,9 MB
Art: Front

(11:55)  1. Silence - The Angels Are Crying
( 8:14)  2. Origins
(10:24)  3. My Shining Hour
( 9:32)  4. The Magic Bag
( 8:43)  5. Tune # 2
(10:28)  6. My Old Country
(10:54)  7. Until Further Notice

Although it exists solely for the purposes of recordings and the occasional live gig, Tim Warfield’s quintet (Warfield- tenor saxophone; Nicholas Payton- trumpet; Cyrus Chestnut- piano; Tarus Mateen- bass; Clarence Penn- drums) has been a marvel to hear over the course of four albums dating back to the critically acclaimed A Cool Blue from 1995. They say the highest compliment that can be paid a jazz artist is the attainment of an individual voice, and in this regard Warfield stands head and shoulders above many of his peers. With a breathy and soulful timbre, his tenor voice is immediately identifiable; his compositions seek to explore a vociferous and spiritual platform that harkens back to the days of Coltrane. Unfolding in the way that a fine novel reveals itself over the course of many chapters, “Silence- The Angels Are Crying” opens with a whisper before unleashing several solo segments taken at a headier tempo. With a ‘60s Milesian flair, “Origins” possesses a catchy stop-and-go melody and a relaxed gait that allows for several extended forays. By contrast, “My Shinning Hour” is almost all Warfield and a tour-de-force it is, filled with exciting climaxes and those upper register ‘cries’ that give the saxophonist his emotional base. With an opening melody that very briefly recalls “Star Eyes,” Warfield’s “Tune #2” moves at a relaxed pace and lets Payton bask in the limelight for awhile. Just listen to the way the trumpeter paces himself and uses space to give a lesson in improvisation at the highest pinnacle. 

Then Warfield enters with that characteristic swagger and a velvet cushion provided by Mateen and Penn. Rounding things out are “The Old Country,” which finds vibe man Stefon Harris in Hutcherson mode during a well-crafted spot; and “Until Further Notice,” another wonder of shifting tempos and a perfect forum for the multifaceted brilliance of Clarence Penn. At its best, this latest installment in the saga of the Tim Warfield group is yet another lesson in the integrity and complexity that can be achieved with working groups who clearly understand the foundations of jazz. ~ C.Andrew Hovan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/jazz-is-tim-warfield-criss-cross-review-by-c-andrew-hovan.php

Personnel: Tim Warfield (tenor sax), Nicholas Payton (trumpet), Stefon Harris (vibes), Cyrus Chestnut (piano), Tarus Mateen (bass), Clarence Penn (drums)

Jazz Is ...