Deborah J. Carter - Girl-Talking! Live in Concert

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:17
Size: 157,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:39) 1. My Favourite Things
(3:14) 2. Sister Sadie
(5:57) 3. New York State Of Mind
(6:24) 4. Yesterday
(5:09) 5. Red Top
(4:47) 6. Girl talk
(4:11) 7. Perfect Stranger
(4:14) 8. The Whistle Man
(5:40) 9. Ten Minutes Till The Savages Come
(3:48) 10. Between The Raindrops
(5:15) 11. Ahmad's Blues
(5:32) 12. You've Proven Your Point (Bongo Beep)
(3:43) 13. Ten Minutes In Paris
(3:38) 14. Sabado (Barri Sa Coma)

Deborah J. Carter is the epitome of a world class jazz singer. Born in the U.S. with ties in Hawaii and Japan, her home now is in Europe. Her current concert schedule agenda is a global itinerary of performances from Cristofori, Amsterdam to Madrid Spain. Her new recording, Girl-Talking!, highlights one of her live performances at the Pannonica jazz club in Hague, Holland in 2003. The concert features Carter with her working trio performing a variety of popular covers and jazz influenced songs. From her first note it's evident that Carter is a pro. With a polished and elegant voice and diva-like skills, Carter gives the audience an entertaining performance. The first set begins with a version of the classic "My Favorite Thing," which gives light to Carter's panache as she sings with playful exuberance while the band delivers equally engaging music. She's in total control when she scats, chats, and vocalizes on Horace Silver's "Sister Sadie." The modern classic "New York State of Mind" is refreshingly smooth as the trio swings along with Carter's lithe lyrics.

Other gems include a moving version of John Lennon's timeless "Yesterday" where Carter soulfully expresses the haunting melody. The second set begins with the colorful "Whistle Man" as Carter's range stretches boundaries with ease. The trio aptly accentuates the singer with solid playing that leaves ample room for discovery on each tune. On the blues-themed "Ten Minute Till the Savage Comes," pianist Colen Molenaar and bassist Mark Zandvald share impressive solos and drummer Enrique Firpi displays crisp rhythmic skills on the bonus track "Sabado (Barr Si Coma)." With captivating vocals, good music, and the right atmosphere, Girl-Talking! is yet another entertaining glimpse of a jazz songstress who deserves a wider audience. It's easy to hear why Deborah Carter is popular with our fellow jazz fans across the ocean.By Mark F. Turner https://www.allaboutjazz.com/girl-talking-deborah-j-carter-timeless-records-review-by-mark-f-turner.php

Girl-Talking! Live in Concert

---

The Full Circle Quartet and The South Downs Ensemble with Mandy Pannett - Meanders In The South Downs

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2023
Time: 130:30
File: MP3 @ 128K/s
Size: 120,1 MB
Art: Front

(35:32) 1. Part 1 - Meanders In The South Downs
(33:06) 2. Part 2 - Meanders In The South Downs
(27:14) 3. Part 3 - Meanders In The South Downs
(34:38) 4. Part 4 - Meanders In The South Downs

With over 2 hours of content in 4 parts of around 30 minutes each (download); 38 tracks (Double-CD), this album includes twelve new arrangements for Quartet with The South Downs Ensemble alongside ten of the original pieces recorded by The Full Circle Quartet on their album “The South Downs Suite”, all put into context by Mandy Pannett's recordings of her poems from the book of the same name and field recordings of the sounds of the South Downs.

The titles of the new pieces refer to the poems by Mandy Pannett and to the paintings of Polly Dutton that are also featured in the book. Book available separately on The South Downs Suite page.

The collaboration comes full circle.

The South Downs Ensemble has The Full Circle Quartet at its core, with additional parts written for flutes, clarinets, cornets, flugelhorns, trombones, euphoniums and percussion, both tuned and untuned.

New arrangements for the Ensemble expand the music already composed and recorded by the Quartet creating companion pieces for many of the Quartet tunes. Each arrangement contains elements borrowed and/or adapted from the music on the Quartet album. The sound of the Ensemble refers back, nostalgically, to the many village silver bands heard growing up in Sussex in the 1960s and 1970s.

The Full Circle Quartet:

Josephine Davies - soprano and tenor saxophones
Joss Peach - piano, keyboards, percussion, voice
Terry Pack - acoustic and electric basses, voice
Angus Bishop - drums and percussion

The South Downs Ensemble:

Kate Hogg - concert and alto flutes
Michelle Andrews - clarinet and bass clarinet
Mike Hext - trombone, flugelbone and euphonium
Nick Trish - cornet, flugelhorn, soprano cornet and piccolo trumpet
Richard Horne - glockenspiel, vibraphone, xylophone, marimba, timpani, tenor drum, tambourines
Mike Saunders - sound design

Meanders In The South Downs

---

Thomas Marriott - Constraints & Liberations

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:12
Size: 124,4 MB
Art: Front

( 4:14)  1. Diagram
(10:46)  2. Up From Under
( 7:33)  3. Constraints and Liberations
( 6:56)  4. Waking Dream
( 9:35)  5. Early Riser
(10:43)  6. Clues
( 4:22)  7. Treadstone

Trumpeter Thomas Marriott keeps growing as an artist. He has released CDs at a healthy pace since 2005: an introduction for many perhaps unwary jazz fans to some warped country western flavor on Crazy: The Music of Willie Nelson (Origin Records, 2008); cranking an all-star quintet up in a modern mainstream mode on Flexicon (Origin Records, 2009); and letting it rip on a two-trumpet blow fest with fellow brass man Ray Vega on East-West Trumpet Summit (Origin Records, 2010). Constraints and Liberations ups his output to two releases in 2010. Spontaneity has always been a big part of Marriott's jazz game, but with Constraints and Liberations, it seems he has gone deeper into that mode. The set opens with his original "Diagram." A bright splendor of two-horn harmony introduces the tune with a teaming of the leader's open horn and Hans Teuber's haunting tenor saxophone, leading to a shift into brass/reed conversation, with Teuber telepathically finishing Marriott's opening statement. Here, and throughout the set, the rhythm team pianist Gary Versace; bassist Jeff Johnson, and drummer John Bishop maintains a low key tumult that keeps things on edge.

The sound of Constraints and Liberations is often moody and atmospheric, giving the impression of a soundtrack from a movie dealing with impending danger. Marriott is in excellent form, his tone by turns bright or dark, clean or murky, and sometimes anguished, always telling an eloquent story.

Teuber's tenor has a distinctive sound, cool and hollow, and somehow diaphanous, like a saxophone played by a disconcerted ghost, while the versatile Versace who has contributed brilliantly to Maria Schneider's orchestra on accordion, and on organ, piano and accordion on numerous sideman dates including drummers John Hollenbeck and Matt Wilson, well as his own discs as leader slips into any accompanist/soloist task at hand, with a fluid sparkle on the title tune, or a quirky solo aside on "Diagram." "Waking Dream" opens with piano teardrops accompanied by a gorgeously introspective muted trumpet. Johnson's bass looms in and lies low, adding, with Bishop's whispering drums, a foundation to the abstraction. "Clues" introduces, in its inception, a late night, foreboding dark alley feeling, bass and drums lurking in the shadows, Marriott and Versace trying to shine a light. Thomas Marriott keeps moving the art forward. Constraints and Liberations may be his best so far.
By Dan McClenaghan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/constraints-and-liberations-thomas-marriott-origin-records-review-By-Dan-Mcclenaghan.php


Personnel: Thomas Marriott: trumpet;  Hans Teuber: tenor saxophone;  Gary Versace: piano;  Jeff Johnson: bass;  John Bishop: drums.

Constraints & Liberations

---

Art Farmer & Donald Byrd - 2 Trumpets

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1956
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:42
Size: 98,1 MB
Art: Front

( 7:42) 1. The Third
( 7:38) 2. Contour
( 5:13) 3. When Your Lover Has Gone
(14:29) 4. Dig
( 6:39) 5. Round Midnight

2 Trumpets is an album by trumpeters Art Farmer and Donald Byrd, recorded in 1956 and released on the Prestige label. They are joined by Jackie McLean in the front line for the uptempo pieces but have a ballad quartet track apiece. In a contemporaneous review, Billboard was positive, commenting that it is a "very enjoyable LP for the modern jazz customer".

In Ron Wynn's review for Allmusic, he stated: "This nice date puts two top trumpets together".The Penguin Guide to Jazz gave it two-and-a-half stars out of four, describing it as "capable but routine".https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Trumpets

Personnel: Art Farmer – trumpet; Donald Byrd - trumpet; Jackie McLean – alto saxophone; Barry Harris – piano; Doug Watkins – bass; Art Taylor – drums

2 Trumpets

---

Aga Zaryan - My Lullaby

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:29
Size: 120,2 MB
Art: Front

( 3:13)  1. To See A World
( 5:18)  2. Waltz For Debby
( 4:23)  3. I've Got The World On A String
( 5:22)  4. My Lullaby
( 5:13)  5. You And The Night And The Music
( 3:41)  6. I Put A Spell On You
(12:01)  7. Never Said (Chan's Song) / Trust Me
( 4:46)  8. Still We Dream (Ugly Beauty)
( 3:53)  9. I Hear Music
( 4:35) 10. Polka Dots And Moonbeams

This is the debut album by the undeniable present-day diva of Polish Jazz, vocalist Aga Zaryan. Recorded over a decade ago, when Zaryan was completely anonymous, it exhibits for the first time an outstanding talent, fresh and innocent on one hand and remarkably mature and daring on the other. Backed up by a classic Jazz quartet, Zaryan performs ten standards, which were arranged by pianist Michal Tokaj. The other quartet members are veteran Polish Jazz saxophonist Tomasz Szukalski, bassist extraordinaire Darek Oleszkiewicz and drummer Lukasz Zyta.  The fact that Zaryan received her primary school education in UK enables her to sing in English, free from a foreign accent, which often annoys English-speaking audiences. But the lack of a foreign accent is by far not what is so remarkable about this album. It is the choice of material and the highly personal interpretation of the songs, which is strikingly original and aesthetically pleasing.

She is able to twist and turn the familiar tunes around her small finger so to speak, with ease and elegance which is simply charming and highly sophisticated.  Another forte of the album is Zaryan´s extraordinary rapport with the quartet members, especially with bass player Darek Oleszkiewicz. Several of the tunes are by and large duets between the vocals and the bass and those are simply breathtaking. Szukalski is an ideal partner as well, constructing concise but wonderfully structured solos, always brilliantly complimenting the music. The entire quartet does a truly beautiful job, supporting the singer without overshadowing her for even a single moment. Such wonderful balance between a vocalist and her group is extremely rare and contributes immensely to the overall success of this recording. In retrospect one can easily hear all the elements, which over time amalgamated into present day Aga Zaryan and her outstanding abilities. This debut album remains a timeless beauty and a favorite album, which I intend to revisit time and again. Extraordinary!By Adam Baruch http://www.adambaruch.com/reviews_item.asp?item=104071

My Lullaby

---

Eddie Higgins Trio - Speaking Of Jobim

Styles: Piano Jazz

Label: Sunny Side

Year: 1998

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 58:02

Size: 132,9 MB

Art: Front

(5:40)  1. O Morro Nao Tem Vez

(6:51)  2. I Was Just One More For You

(4:38)  3. Brigas, Nunca Mais

(4:35)  4. Falando de Amor

(3:53)  5. Two Kites

(4:16)  6. Bonita

(5:21)  7. Voce e Eu

(6:32)  8. Choro

(6:26)  9. Felicidade

(3:17) 10. So Tinha De Ser Com Voce

(3:52) 11. Caminhos Cuzados

(2:34) 12. Inutil Paisagem

By now everyone has heard at least one of Antonio Carlos Jobim's beautiful compositions, if only his most famous ones, "Girl From Ipanema" or "Desafinado," playing poppishly in an elevator or mall somewhere. His work has been recorded by every combination of instrument and voice, including Sinatra's. What distinguishes this CD from hundreds of others is its inclusion of 11 relatively obscure Jobim tunes, and the way this classy trio succeeds in communicating the essence of his special gifts with a minimum of fuss and feathers. (One track is a Carlos Lyra composition, "Voce e Eu," which blends in nicely.) The arrangements are elegant, combining jazz and Brazilian rhythms to gently swing the melodies and highlight Jobim's lush harmonies. The under-recognized pianist Eddie Higgins is a delight: Straightforward, relaxed, and varied, he sizzles on the up-tempo "Two Kites" and does a gorgeous rubato turn on "Inutil Pasagem" (Useless Landscape), one of Jobim's most heartbreaking songs.

The always melodic bassist Jay Leonhart has some wonderfully warm solos, and demonstrates his superb bowing technique on several tracks, including the lovely "Bonita," while drummer Terry Clarke is consistently sensitive and vital, whether lofting a samba or swaying a ballad. It's difficult to pick highlights from this collection of sparkling gems, but it's easy to recommend it. An excellent introduction to Jobim's unique beauty, it will also appeal to long-term fans who already have an extensive collection of his work. Highly recommended.By Judith Schlesinger http://www.allmusic.com/album/speaking-of-jobim-mw0000620445.

Personnel: Eddie Higgins (piano); Jay Leonhart (bass); Terry Clarke (drums).

Speaking Of Jobim

---

Shaynee Rainbolt - Charmed Life: Shaynee Rainbolt Sings Russell Garcia

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:40
Size: 130,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:13)  1. When I First Saw You
(4:06)  2. Flyin Free
(4:13)  3. I Remember
(3:34)  4. Soft Warm Lips
(3:14)  5. Come Home Again
(4:12)  6. Sounds in the Night
(2:08)  7. What to Do
(3:25)  8. After Winter
(3:19)  9. Go Slow
(4:11) 10. When I Go I Go All the Way
(2:31) 11. Haunted by Desire
(3:36) 12. Livin' in Harmony
(5:13) 13. Warm and Wonderful
(3:51) 14. Five A.M.
(3:23) 15. The Time Traveler
(3:24) 16. Charmed Life

One of the tracks included on this great vocal tribute to the music of Russell Garcia (and Gina Garcia, his wife of more than a half-century, who wrote the majority of the lyrics) is entitled “Warm and Wonderful.” As we learn from Don Heckman’s impressively edifying liner notes, the song’s beautiful, central chord was inspired by a street address. But it also provides an ideal description of Shaynee Rainbolt’s voice, sweet as jasmine and honeysuckle, bold as brass and yet as seductive as a candlelit boudoir.

As Heckman tells the story, after two widely praised platters of standards, Rainbolt wanted to take a new tack for her third release. Serendipitously, a friend introduced her to Julie London’s sultry recording of Garcia’s “Go Slow.” Determined to seek out more of the legendary composer-arranger’s work, Rainbolt traced the 92-year-old Garcia to New Zealand (where he now lives), then to Sherman Oaks (where he spends most summers). They met, Rainbolt began digging through a trunk full of Garcia songs, then convinced Garcia to not only arrange and conduct the ensuing album, but to also add his Four Trombone Band to the mix and himself play vibes.

The resultant 16 tracks embrace the immense breadth of Garcia’s talents, extending from the noirish propulsion of “Sounds in the Night” and enigmatic mistiness of “Five A.M.” to the sweeping, heartbroken grandeur of “Come Home Again” and swingin’ ebullience of “Flyin’ Free” (written as a birthday present for Count Basie). But ears alone aren’t enough to fully appreciate Charmed Life. You’ll need your eyes, too, to follow along with Heckman’s notes, for the stories behind the songs are as enticing as the tunes themselves.By Christopher Loudon; http://jazztimes.com/articles/21202-charmed-life-shaynee-rainbolt-sings-russell-garcia-shaynee-rainbolt

Charmed Life: Shaynee Rainbolt Sings Russell Garcia

---

Swing Out Sister - It's Better to Travel

Styles: Jazz
Year: 1987
Time: 63:43
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 147,0 MB
Art: Front

(3:46) 1. Breakout
(6:29) 2. Twilight World
(4:51) 3. After Hours
(4:18) 4. Blue Mood
(3:55) 5. Surrender
(4:05) 6. Fooled by a Smile
(4:39) 7. Communion
(3:46) 8. It's not enough
(4:32) 9. Theme (from "It's better to travel")
(5:49) 10. Breakout (nad mix)
(6:39) 11. Surrender (stuff gun mix)
(6:09) 12. Twilight World (remix)
(4:40) 13. Communion (instrumental)

Two CD set. Digitally remastered and expanded edition. Swing Out Sister's 1987 debut 'It's Better to Travel' is a dreamy collection of mostly electronic pop songs that manages to sound warmly organic through the judicious use of real strings and horns and Drewery's lovely voice, which recalls the throaty purr of vintage Dusty Springfield.

The album spawned a worldwide hit in the coolly sophisticated 'Twilight World' and an all-time classic in the sunny opening track 'Breakout'. The album tracks like the Northern soul-tinged 'Fooled by a Smile' and the cinematic instrumental 'Theme From It's Better To Travel', are every bit as good as the singles, and the well-paced album has a natural flow.By Editorial Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/Its-Better-Travel-SWING-SISTER/dp/B00804W4Z2

It's Better to Travel

---

The Full Circle Quartet - Open Water

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2024
Time: 58:41
File: MP3 @ 128K/s
Size: 53,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:09) 1. Tributaries
(9:16) 2. Pilgrimage Open Water
(0:43) 3. Flow
(7:25) 4. Open Water
(5:36) 5. Song For Biko
(5:11) 6. Weighless
(7:56) 7. Hunter's Moon
(5:55) 8. Hirundelle
(4:03) 9. World Beyond World
(9:24) 10. Evening Sun

f the Open Water album contains some fine compositions and excellent playing from all, then the group manage to eclipse their own achievements with the remarkable, and stunningly beautiful, Meanders in the South Downs. In tandem with the South Downs Ensemble, the Full Circle Quartet revisit ten of the compositions from their The South Downs Suite album with expanded arrangements that bring a new glow to the music, along with new pieces and poetry written and read by Mandy Pannett.

The music is marvellously conceived as a suite that plays over 2CDs over a two-hour duration that is totally absorbing. The arrangements are full of detail, and the sense of familiarity comforting as one recognises tune heard from the Quartet’s 2023 album, but Terry Pack cannot help but get up to mischief in working elements of one composition into another. One of pianist Josh Peach’s compositions gets two outings, firstly as a ‘Ravillious’ which is a ballad version of his tune ‘Selborne’ and then as an up tempo number under its original title.

It is often the little touches, often subtle that make the music such delight. Josephine Davies’s ‘The Dance of the Dragonfly’ with the original quartet arrangement enhanced by additional woodwinds as the piece winds down.

Throughout the two discs there are readings of original poetry by Mandy Pannett recounting the history of the South Downs that bring an additional dimension to the music that add immeasurably to the enjoyment of this exceptional release.
https://jazzviews.net/the-full-circle-quartet-open-water-the-full-circle-quartet-the-south-downs-ensemble-with-mandy-pannett-meanders-in-the-south-downs/

Personnel: Josephine Davies (Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Voice); Joss Peach (Piano, Percussion and Voice); Terry Pack (Double Bass and Voice); Angus Bishop (Drums, Percussion and Voice)

Open Water

---

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

---

The Full Circle Quartet - The South Downs Suite

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2023
Time: 76:58
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 176,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:23) 1. Oasis
(5:59) 2. Pathways
(6:44) 3. The Dance of the Dragonfly
(5:36) 4. River Runs
(6:04) 5. Amberley
(3:44) 6. Cathedral
(7:31) 7. Chalk and Flint
(4:28) 8. Selborne
(6:47) 9. One January Morning
(6:50) 10. For Now: Jack and Jill
(8:20) 11. La Belle Dame de Belle Tout
(5:06) 12. Seven Sisters
(5:20) 13. A Walk In The Woods

There is a happy tradition of pastoral celebration not just in British classical music, but in jazz as well. Recently we’ve had James Kitchman evoking his beloved Northumberland on Rain Shadows with Bruno Heinem, while Kate Westbrook’s Granite band is embued with the soul of Dartmoor and the West country. The Full Circle Quartet takes the concept several steps beyond, however.

Poetry and books of painting are hard behind this release plus a follow up of ensemble pieces. And all based on a vivid vision of the sights, sounds and nature of the South Downs. There are generic songs, such as the subtle awakening of ‘Oasis’ or the fittingly flighty ‘Dance of the Dragonfly’ by Davies. But there’s site specific songs too, like the moodily beautiful ‘Seven Sisters’ inspired by the chalk cliffs of the East Sussex coast.

But the suite’s not all bucolic romanticism. Indeed, much of the music was born from the band’s experiences of lockdown, a mix of isolation, awe and awareness of nature’s indifference to humanity. All the members compose, and the band plays with great service to the music. But it’s hard not to single out Davies, nightingale blithe on soprano and variously dark toned, even vicious on tenor. We’re lucky to be witnessing a generation of saxophonists like Davies, Trish Clowes, Tori Freestone and newer stars like Emma Rawicz and Asha Parkinson bringing a fresher sensibility to Adolphe’s invention.By Andy Robson https://www.jazzwise.com/review/the-full-circle-quartet-the-south-downs-suite

Personnel: Angus Bishop (d, perc); Joss Peach (p, v, perc); Josephine Davies (ts, ss); Michelle Andrews (b-flat cl, bcl); Kate Hogg (flhn, af); Terry Pack (b, v)

The South Downs Suite

---

Milt Jackson - At The Kosei Nenkin

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:51
Size: 169.1 MB
Styles: Vibraphone jazz
Year: 1977/1998
Art: Front

[ 8:46] 1. Killer Joe
[ 4:04] 2. Get Happy
[10:22] 3. All Blues
[ 8:15] 4. St. Thomas
[10:05] 5. The Prophet Speaks
[ 7:18] 6. Bolivia
[ 7:19] 7. Birk's Works
[ 6:49] 8. Stolen Moments
[10:50] 9. Bye Bye Blackbird

Bass – Ray Brown; Drums – Billy Higgins; Piano – Cedar Walton; Tenor Saxophone – Teddy Edwards; Vibraphone – Milt Jackson.

This double album features vibraphonist Milt Jackson with some of his best musical friends (tenor-saxophonist Teddy Edwards, pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Billy Higgins) for a typically swinging set of standards. It is particularly welcome to hear the underrated Edwards in this setting and all of the musicians are in top form on such superior songs as "Killer Joe," "St. Thomas," "Bolivia" and "Bye Bye Blackbird."

At The Kosei Nenkin

---

Aga Zaryan - Picking Up the Pieces

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:46
Size: 102,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:26)  1. Day Dream
(4:23)  2. Throw It Away
(1:58)  3. Picking Up The Pieces
(4:21)  4. Woman's Work
(4:03)  5. Answer Me
(5:18)  6. The Man I Love
(5:03)  7. Here's to Life
(4:31)  8. It Might As Well Be Spring
(3:24)  9. Sophisticated Lady
(5:12) 10. Suzanne
(3:03) 11. Tender As a Rose

Gifted vocalist Aga Zaryan conveys the finest of the history of jazz to today's audiences, continuing the traditions of great artists like Shirley Horn, Carmen McRae and Joni Mitchell. Aga Zaryan is a producer and lyricist but first and foremost, a highly charismatic artist and personality. She has been successful in integrating ambitious artistic goals with popular appeal, recording four albums to date, all of which have earned gold, platinum or multi-platinum status in Poland. In 2008 she was honored with the Polish music industry's most prestigious prize - the Fryderyk Chopin Award. She was nominated for the title of Woman of The Year 2008 by Gazeta Wyborcza-Wysokie Obcasy, one of Poland's most influential and widely circulated newspapers. Aga was also named Jazz Vocalist of The Year in the European Jazz Forum Magazine's yearly Jazz Top readers' poll in 2007, 2008 and 2009. She has appeared in clubs and at festivals in Poland, England, the USA, Germany, Norway, Israel, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Norway, France, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Turkey, Portugal, Russia and Iceland. Aga Zaryan born January 17, 1976 is an internationally recognized jazz vocalist of the new generation. She is known for her distinctive style, class and intimate approach to singing, with a characteristic lightness of phrasing and warm, slightly matte-toned voice.  

Aga was born in Warsaw, Poland. Her father being a classical pianist, and her mother an English language educator and author, she travelled widely throughout Europe with her parents early on, spending part of her childhood and attending primary school in Manchester, UK. In addition to classical works, both of Aga's parents shared a passion for the music of Stevie Wonder, Weather Report, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, The Beatles, and various other popular artists. This provided Aga with exposure to wide range of contemporary music, starting at an early age. After returning to Poland from the UK she became involved in playing tennis competitively, and went on to win the Warsaw Tennis Championship at the age of 14. More Bio ~ http://www.zaryan.com/index1.php

Awards:
'Best Polish Female Jazz Vocalist' Jazz Forum's Readers Awards 2007 & 2008 & 2009,  'Best Poetic Album' Fryderyk Award for 'Beauty is Dying' 2008, '50 Most Important Ladies of the Capital 2008' - Zycie Warszawy (Warsaw press), 'Best New Artist' Mateusz Award - Polish National Radio 3 award for 'Picking up the Pieces' 2007, Second Prize at the International Jazz Vocalists' Competition in Zamosc, PL - 1998 Nominations 'Woman of the Year 2008' - Gazeta Wyborcza magazine (Wysokie Obcasy) 'Wdechy' 2007 'Co Jest Grane' (Whats going on) magazine's Warsaw cultural awards, 'Best Polish Jazz Vocalist' Jazz Forum's Reader's Awards 2004 and 2005 'Best Jazz Album' "My Lullaby" Fryderyk 2002 By http://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/agazaryan

Picking Up the Pieces

---

Antonella Consolo - The Second Time Around

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2004
Time: 77:43
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 194,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:51) 1. Solitary Moon
(3:47) 2. I've Got The World On A String
(5:40) 3. The Second Time Around
(5:42) 4. Save Your Love For Me
(3:40) 5. Moody's Mood For Love
(3:51) 6. Tu Por Que
(4:24) 7. Sicily
(7:24) 8. Once I Loved
(5:40) 9. I Get A Kick Out Of You
(6:29) 10. Sophisticated Lady
(6:04) 11. It Had To Be You
(4:36) 12. I Should Care
(5:06) 13. Autumn in New York
(5:18) 14. Misty
(5:04) 15. Bye, bye Blackbird

Antonella Consolo: vocals / Giuseppe Emmanuele: piano / Stefano D'Anna: alto, tenor sax / Danilo Moccia: trombone / Beppe Caruso: trombone / Mario Cavallaro: trumpet / Bebo Fera:guitar/ Marco Ricci: double bass/ Stefano Bagnoli: drums/ PHILOLOGY - W380.2 

The Second Time Around

---

Dick Katz - In High Profile

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:35
Size: 88.3 MB
Styles: Bop, Swing
Year: 1984/2016
Art: Front

[4:08] 1. Laverne Walk
[4:43] 2. Crazy She Calls Me
[4:49] 3. A Few Bars For Basie
[4:26] 4. But Not For Me
[5:56] 5. Cousin Mar
[4:48] 6. Friday The 13th
[5:16] 7. Lament
[4:25] 8. No Matter What

Bass – Marc Johnson; Drums – Al Harewood; Flute, Tenor Saxophone – Frank Wess; Piano – Dick Katz; Trombone – Jimmy Knepper.

Through the years, pianist Dick Katz through played an important role behind the scenes on many recording dates, including notable sets by Helen Merrill and Lee Konitz. He has led relatively few sessions of his own, making this quintet outing with Frank Wess (mostly on flute but taking "A Few Bars for Basie" on tenor), trombonist Jimmy Knepper, bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Al Harewood a special occasion. Actually, the horns sit out on four of the eight selections, which are more spontaneous trio features, while the full band tracks sport Katz's colorful arrangements. Highlights of the now out-of-print set include Oscar Pettiford's "Laverne Walk," "Crazy She Calls Me," John Coltrane's "Cousin Mary," and Thelonious Monk's "Friday the 13th." ~Scott Yanow

In High Profile

---

Stan Kenton - Lush Interlude And Kenton Touch

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2003
Time: 42:36
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 98,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:20) 1. Interlude
(4:19) 2. Collaboration
(4:03) 3. Opus In Pastels
(3:32) 4. A Theme For My Lady
(3:33) 5. Artistry In Bolero
(6:33) 6. Concerto To End All Concertos
(2:51) 7. Machito
(4:36) 8. Theme To The West
(4:13) 9. Lush Waltz
(4:32) 10. Artistry In Rhythm

A pair of Pete Rugolo-arranged classics from 1958, both featuring string sections and legendary West Coast jazz musicians like Red Mitchell, Shelley Manne and Laurindo Almeida! In fact, this pairing went together so well that we’re putting it out on a two-CD set, since the two albums didn’t fit on a single CD. "Lush Interlude" dramatically re-interprets the Kenton standards "Interlude," "Collaboration," "Opus in Pastels," "A Theme for My Lady," "Artistry in Bolero," "Concerto to End All Concertos," "Machito," "Theme to the West," "Artistry in Rhythm," and the new composition "Lush Waltz." "The Kenton Touch," meanwhile, features sparkling Bill Holman charts on "Salute," "Monotony," "Elegy for Alto," "Theme for Sunday," "Ballade for Drums," "Minor Riff," "The End of the World," "Opus in Chartreuse," "Painted Rhythm," and "A Rose for David." A Collectors’ Choice Music exclusive! By Editorial Reviews http://www.amazon.com/The-Kenton-Touch-Lush-Interlude/dp/B00008A8I8

Lush Interlude

---

Stan Kenton - Kenton Touch
Styles: Jazz
Year: 2003
Time: 37:16
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 85,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:57) 1. Salute
(3:48) 2. Monotony
(3:12) 3. Elegy For Alto
(5:26) 4. Theme For Sunday
(3:08) 5. Ballade For Drums
(3:30) 6. Minor Riff
(2:31) 7. The End Of The World
(3:28) 8. Opus In Chartreuse
(5:25) 9. Painted Rhythm
(2:46) 10. A Rose For David

Dave Pell Octet - Jazz For Dancing And listening Disc 1, Disc 2

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2012
Time: 50:53
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 117,3 MB
Art: Front

(2:53) 1. How Are Things In Glocca Morra?
(4:04) 2. Memphis in June
(2:53) 3. Deep in the Heart of Texas
(4:24) 4. New Orleans
(2:55) 5. White Cliffs of Dover
(3:53) 6. Sunday In Savannah
(2:45) 7. Isle Of Capri
(2:53) 8. Shuffle Off to Buffalo
(3:37) 9. Paris in the Spring
(3:19) 10. On A Slow Boat To China
(3:23) 11. London in July
(2:32) 12. Flying Down to Rio
(2:49) 13. I Had the Craziest Dream
(3:24) 14. Jazz Wagner
(2:24) 15. Mike's Peak
(2:36) 16. Poopsie

---

Dave Pell Octet - Jazz For Dancing And listening Disc 2
Styles: Jazz
Year: 2012
Time: 53:07
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 122,3 MB
Art: Front

(2:52) 1. Star Eyes
(2:43) 2. Klump Jump
(2:40) 3. My Heart Belongs to Daddy
(2:05) 4. On The Good Ship Lollipop
(3:28) 5. Can't We Be Friends
(3:33) 6. I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling
(3:30) 7. Love Is the Sweetest Thing
(2:13) 8. I've Got A Crush On You
(3:29) 9. If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight
(3:05) 10. Let's Do It
(3:09) 11. Just One More Chance
(4:19) 12. Who Walks In When I Walk Out
(3:11) 13. You can't pull the wool over my eyes
(4:54) 14. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
(4:31) 15. Solitude
(3:19) 16. I've Found A New Baby

The Dave Pell Octet was one of the most successful West Coast modern jazz combos in the 50s, playing a stimulating and swinging repertoire ideal for the groups aims. Dave Pell favoured variations on the melody rather than the harmonic emphasis heard in the work of his contemporaries. The deftly crafted arrangements, by Marty Paich, Shorty Rogers, Johnny Mandel, Wes Hensel, Bill Holman, Jack Montrose, André Previn, and Jimmy Giuffre, established the groups sound and personality, and offered shrewdly placed spots for its stellar soloists.

They were a hit everywhere, with concerts and teenage dances notable showcases for the unit. With three of its key personnel, Pell, Don Fagerquist and Ray Sims, honed by years as star soloists of Les Browns band, the Octets cohesion was remarkable. These originally Atlantic and Capitol sessions also featured the wonderfully swinging sound of Bob Gordons baritone sax. Elected New Star of the Year in the 1955 Down Beat critics poll, he was killed in an automobile accident two months after these recordings were made. His work here remains a brilliant display of his great talent. https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/dave-pell-albums/4717-jazz-for-dancing-and-listening-2-cd-digipack-edition.html

Personnel: Don Fagerquist (tp), Ray Sims (tb), Dave Pell (ts, b-cl), Bob Gordon, Marty Berman (bs), Donn Trenner, Paul Smith, André Previn, Claude Williamson (p), Tony Rizzi (g), Buddy Clark, Rolly Bundock, Mel Pollan (b), Bill Richmond, Jack Sperling, Irv Kluger (d), Roy Harte (bongos), Marty Paich, Wes Hensel, Johnny Mandel, Shorty Rogers, Jimmy Giuffre, Jack Montrose (arr)

Jazz For Dancing And listening Disc 1, Disc 2

---

Judith Owen - Come On & Get It

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:09
Size: 127,7 MB
Art: Front

(3:28) 1. Blossom's Blues
(2:52) 2. Satchel Mouth Baby
(3:37) 3. The Spinach Song
(2:55) 4. Tess's Torch Song
(5:57) 5. He's a Tramp
(3:52) 6. He's a Real Gone Guy
(3:03) 7. Big Long Slidin' Thing
(3:16) 8. Fine Brown Frame
(2:47) 9. Everything I've Got Belongs to You
(4:12) 10. Come on & Get It, Honey
(4:57) 11. Nice Girls Don't Stay for Breakfast
(3:28) 12. Why Don't You Do Right?
(3:03) 13. Snatch & Grab It
(3:36) 14. Long John Blues

Welsh singer-pianist Judith Owen now lives in New Orleans. She’s recorded and toured with Richard Thompson and she supported Bryan Ferry during his UK tour.

Owen became intrigued as a young girl by the risqué lyrics of female vocalists after finding records by Nellie Lutcher and Julia Lee that had been hidden by her father. Come On & Get It (Owen’s 13th album) celebrates these and kindred singers like Dinah Washington and Blossom Dearie who delivered similarly suggestive songs in the 40s and 50s. One of them, Julie London’s Nice Girls Don’t Stay For Breakfast, was actually first recorded in 1967, but no one’s complaining.

In keeping with the spirit of things, just as Julia Lee’s band was called “Her Boyfriends”, Owen refers to hers as “Her Gentlemen Callers”. On cornet is Kevin Louis who’s played with Jimmy Heath, Carmen Lundy and Gary Bartz amongst others. His splendid accompaniments are much in the manner of John Chilton’s trumpet playing with that other salty songster, George Melly. The excellent David Torkanowsky (Cyrille Aimée) is on piano; Lex Warshawsky (Cyrille Aimée and Adonis Rose) is on bass and in-demand Pedro Segundo (Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, Dennis Rollins and Kansas Smitty) is on drums. For a taste, try this: Blossom’s Blues.

Every song on the album is a gem delivered with crystal clear intonation by Owen and superb musicianship from the band. There are guest artists along the way who I understand to include 89-year-old Preservation Hall Jazz Band reedsman Charlie Gabriel, Donald Harrison Jr, Jason Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Evan Christopher and saxophonist Ricardo Pascal. I think they mostly feature in the recording’s three big-band numbers and there’s great saxophone playing on some of the tracks but unfortunately there’s a lack of detail about any of the artists on the promotional CD that I received. Perhaps more information will be on the commercially available issue. Either way, it’s a smashing album and highly recommended.https://jazzjournal.co.uk/2022/10/04/judith-owen-come-on-get-it/

Come On & Get It

---

Gene Ammons - Gene Ammons Swinging the Jugg

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 32:18
Size: 74,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:17)  1. Swinging the Jugg
(5:44)  2. Round Midnight
(5:23)  3. Look of Love
(5:42)  4. Lover Man
(4:34)  5. Just the Blues
(6:35)  6. Confessing the Blues

Gene Ammons, who had a huge and immediately recognizable tone on tenor, was a very flexible player who could play bebop with the best (always battling his friend Sonny Stitt to a tie) yet was an influence on the R&B world. Some of his ballad renditions became hits and, despite two unfortunate interruptions in his career, Ammons remained a popular attraction for 25 years. Son of the great boogie-woogie pianist Albert Ammons, Gene Ammons (who was nicknamed "Jug") left Chicago at age 18 to work with King Kolax's band. He originally came to fame as a key soloist with Billy Eckstine's orchestra during 1944-1947, trading off with Dexter Gordon on the famous Eckstine record Blowing the Blues Away. 

Other than a notable stint with Woody Herman's Third Herd in 1949 and an attempt at co-leading a two tenor group in the early '50s with Sonny Stitt, Ammons worked as a single throughout his career, recording frequently (most notably for Prestige) in settings ranging from quartets and organ combos to all-star jam sessions. Drug problems kept him in prison during much of 1958-1960 and, due to a particularly stiff sentence, 1962-1969. When Ammons returned to the scene in 1969, he opened up his style a bit, including some of the emotional cries of the avant-garde while utilizing funky rhythm sections, but he was still able to battle Sonny Stitt on his own terms. Ironically the last song that he ever recorded (just a short time before he was diagnosed with terminal cancer) was "Goodbye."~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/gene-ammons-mn0000160198/biography
 

Personnel: Tenor Saxophone – Gene Ammons; Drums  – Bob Guthrie; Guitar  – George Freeman; Organ  – Bob Pierce

Gene Ammons Swinging the Jugg

---

Billy Eckstine - Momento Brasileiro

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1979
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 34:22
Size: 55,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:07)  1. Cidade Maravilhosa
(3:11)  2. I Apologize
(3:19)  3. Corcovado
(3:05)  4. Where Or When
(3:42)  5. Dindi
(4:25)  6. Dora
(4:41)  7. Vivo Sonhando
(4:50)  8. Você e  Eu
(2:58)  9. Insensatez

One of the most distinctive of all ballad singers, Eckstine was both a pivotal figure in the history of jazz (because of his commitment to bebop) and the first black singer to achieve lasting success in the pop mainstream. After winning a talent contest in 1930 by imitating Cab Calloway, Eckstine sang briefly with Tommy Myles’ band, before returning to college.  On the recommendation of composer and tenor saxophonist Buddy Johnson he joined Earl Hines’ band in 1939 as singer and  occasionally  playing  trumpet  and in turn  encouraged  Hines to sign up Charlie Parker and Sarah Vaughan. Eckstine’s recordings with the band include ‘Stormy Monday Blues’ and his own ‘Jelly Jelly’. In 1943, he quit to go solo but in 1944 formed his own big band, a modern swing band committed almost exclusively to bebop, to the point where Eckstine’s stylized vocals regularly took second place to the playing of Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Art Blakey, Charlie Parker, Fats Navarro, Gene Ammons and Kenny Dorham, among others. 

The band was badly recorded and badly managed and in 1947 Eckstine folded it to go solo. However, the support Eckstine gave bop musicians at that time was crucial. Even before folding his band, Eckstine had recorded solo to support it, scoring two million-sellers in 1945 with ‘Cottage for Sale’ and a revival of ‘Prisoner of Love’. Far more successful than his band recordings, though more mannered and pompously sung, these prefigured Eckstine’s future career. Where before black bands had played ballads, jazz and dance music, in the immediate post-war years they had to choose. Lacking an interest in the blues and frustrated by the failure of his big band, Eckstine, at first reluctantly, turned to ballads. Henceforth his successes would be in the pop charts. 

In 1947, he was one of the first signings to the newly established MGM Records and had immediate hits with revivals of ‘Everything I Have Is Yours’ (1947), Richard Rodgers’ and Lorenz Hart’s ‘Blue Moon’ (1948), and Duke Ellington’s, Irving Mills and Juan Tizol’s ‘Caravan’ (1949). He had further success in 1950 with Victor Young’s theme song to ‘My Foolish Heart’ and a revival of the 1931 Bing Crosby hit, ‘I Apologize’. However, unlike Nat ‘King’ Cole who followed him into the pop charts, Eckstine’s singing, especially his exaggerated vibrato, sounded increasingly mannered and he was unable to sustain his recording success throughout the decade. His best record of the fifties was the thrilling duet with Sarah Vaughan, ‘Passing Strangers’, a minor hit in 1957. Eckstine later concentrated on live appearances, regularly crossing the world, and recorded only intermittently. In 1967, he briefly joined Motown and in 1981 recorded the impressive ‘Something More’. ~ Bio http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/billyeckstine

Momento Brasileiro

---