DAVE WECKL— Master Plan (1990) Two Version | APE (image+.cue), lossless & FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Dave Weckl's recording career as a leader was off to a decent start with Master Plan -- not a fantastic start, but a decent one. The drummer had made a name for himself playing with Chick Corea's fusion-oriented Elektric Band and his straight-ahead Akoustic Band, and his admirers greeted this CD with high expectations. But while Master Plan isn't the mind-blowing gem it could have been, it's a competent, enjoyable jazz-rock outing. Weckl has talented guests in keyboardist Jay Oliver, tenor saxman Michael Brecker and Elektric Band colleagues Corea and Eric Marienthal (soprano and alto sax), and he is in good form on pieces that range from the funky "Tower of Inspiration" to the Afro-Cuban-influenced "Festival de Ritmo" and the Brazilian-minded "Auratune." The CD's only hard bop offering is "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise," which finds Weckl forming a trio with pianist Ray Kennedy and bassist Tom Kennedy. Master Plan isn't essential, but it isn't anything to be ashamed of either. Alex Henderson
Tracklist :
1    Tower Of Inspiration 3:58
Written-By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
2    Here And There 6:06
Written-By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
3    Festival De Ritmo 4:50
Written-By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
4    In Common 5:54
Written-By – Jim Mayer, Peter Mayer, Roger Guth
5    Garden Wall 4:32
Written-By – Jim Mayer, Peter Mayer, Roger Guth
6    Auratune 4:45
Written-By – Jay Oliver
7    Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise 4:49
Written-By – Oscar Hammerstein II, Sigmund Romberg
8    Master Plan 8:12
Written-By – Chick Corea
9    Island Magic 4:55
Written-By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Eric Marienthal (tracks: 2, 3)
Bass – Anthony Jackson (tracks: 2 to 5, 8, 9), Tom Kennedy (tracks: 1, 7)
Drums – Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd (tracks: 8)
Guitar – Peter Mayer (tracks: 2, 4)
Keyboards – Jay Oliver (tracks: 1 to 6, 9)
Piano – Chick Corea (tracks: 8), Ray Kennedy (3) (tracks: 7)
Soprano Saxophone – Eric Marienthal (tracks: 2, 4)
Sounds [Brush Overdub] – Dave Weckl (tracks: 4)
Sounds [Sound Effects] – Jay Oliver (tracks: 1)
Synthesizer – Chick Corea (tracks: 5, 9), Jay Oliver (tracks: 6, 8, 9)
Synthesizer [Additional Synthesizer Horns] – Jay Oliver (tracks: 1, 3)
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker (tracks: 5)
Timbales – Dave Weckl (tracks: 2, 9)
Trombone – Bill Reichenbach (2) (tracks: 1, 3)
Trumpet – Jerry Hey (tracks: 1, 3), Scott Alspach (tracks: 6)
Vocals – Peter Mayer (tracks: 6)

DAVE WECKL — Hard-Wired (1994) APE (image+.cue), lossless

 What was true of Master Plan is also true of Dave Weckl's third album as a leader of Hard-Wired -- it isn't the fusion masterpiece Weckl is capable of delivering, but it certainly isn't bad either. This time, the drummer's guests include keyboardist Jay Oliver and bassist Anthony Jackson as well as bassist John Patitucci, who like Weckl, was no longer a member of Chick Corea's Akoustic and Elektric Bands and was making his own albums a priority. The album's main emphasis is fusion that is fairly accessible, yet substantial and improvisatory. Tunes like the Asian-influenced title song and the groove-oriented "Crazy Horse" weren't recorded with hard bop's hard-liners in mind, but at the same time, they don't pander to NAC radio. As enjoyable as this album is, it isn't essential. One sensed that Weckl's best work as a leader was yet to come. Alex Henderson
Tracklist :
1    Hard-Wired 4:02
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Electronic Wind Instrument – Steve Tavaglione
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Dave Weckl
Synth – Jay Oliver
2    Afrique 5:53
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Drums, Programmed By [Percussion] – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Synth – Jay Oliver
Trumpet – Scott Alspach
3    Dis' Place This 6:38
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Drums, Programmed By [Percussion] – Dave Weckl
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
Trumpet, Flugelhorn [Melody] – Scott Alspach
4    In Flight 6:11
Bass Guitar – John Patitucci
Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Synth – Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
5    Crazy Horse 5:41
Alto Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
Bass Guitar – James Genus
Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Trumpet – Scott Alspach
6    Just An Illusion 5:09
Bass Guitar – James Genus
Drums, Programmed By [Percussion] – Dave Weckl
Electronic Wind Instrument [Harmonica] – Steve Tavaglione
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
7    Where's Tom? 5:09
Bass Guitar – James Genus
Drums, Programmed By [Percussion] – Dave Weckl
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
8    In The Pocket 5:29
Alto Saxophone, Saxophone [Section] – Steve Tavaglione
Drums, Loops [samples solo] – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Organ, Synth, Programmed By [Bass] – Jay Oliver
Trumpet [Section] – Scott Alspach
9    Tribute 5:09
Drums – Dave Weckl
Fretless Bass, Acoustic Bass – John Patitucci
Keyboards, Synth, Piano – Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
Credits
Bass – Anthony Jackson (tracks: 1, 2, 3,), James Genus (tracks: 5, 6, 7), John Patitucci (tracks: 4, 9)
Bass [Programming] – Jay Oliver (tracks: 8)
Drum, Drum Programming – Dave Weckl
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Electronic Wind Instrument – Steve Tavaglione
Synthesizer, Piano, Organ – Jay Oliver
Trumpet – Scott Alspach

LALO SCHIFRIN — Towering Toccata (1977-2017) RM | HQC | Serie CTI+RVG Ultimate Remastering Series, CTI PS | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After scoring an unexpected high-profile success with the disco/jazz fusion of Black Widow, Lalo Schifrin quickly recorded a follow-up album in a similar vein. 1977's Towering Toccata replicates the elegant yet dance-friendly style of Black Widow to the tee, right down to the unconventional cover choices. The best of these is the title track, an insistently rhythmic piece that transforms Bach's gothic-organ extravaganza "Toccata and Prelude in F Minor" into a mid-tempo disco workout that backs up Schifrin's jazzy explorations on the electric piano and synthesizer with scratching rhythm guitar and a pronounced dance beat. Other notable moments on this album include "Most Wanted Theme," which is transformed from action-show theme music into a symphonic funk workout, and "Rollercoaster," a funky vamp from the Schifrin soundtrack of the same name that is ideally suited for Towering Toccata's disco/jazz mindset. There is even another monster-movie theme cover in the vein of the previous album's "Jaws"; this time, it's a disco-friendly treatment of John Barry's "Theme From King Kong" that layers atmospheric horn and flute lines over a bottom-heavy rhythm section fueled by wah-wah guitar and synth bass. However, other tracks on Towering Toccata fail to be as distinctive or adventurous as these highlights. For instance, the original tunes ("Macumba," "Midnight Woman") fit the album's mood but are lacking strong hooks and memorable twists in their arrangements that distinguished the originals on Black Widow. This problem of inconsistent material, combined with the fact that the album is basically a stylistic carbon copy of its predecessor, means that it isn't the ideal follow-up to Black Widow that Schifrin fans might have hoped for. That said, the album has enough strong tunes and enough of a consistent sound to please hardcore Lalo Schifrin fans and anyone who loved Black Widow. Donald A. Guarisco  
Tracklist :
1 Towering Toccata 5:02
Soloist, Flute – Jeremy Steig
2 Frances' Theme 4:19
Flute – Jeremy Steig
3 Macumba 6:31
Drums [Dahka-de-bello] – Steve Gadd
Flute – Jeremy Steig
Soloist, Guitar – Eric Gale
4 Eagles In Love 2:49
Lalo Schifrin
5 Theme From King Kong 4:12
Soloist, Guitar – Eric Gale, John Tropea
6 Most Wanted Theme 2:42
Bass – Will Lee
Soloist, Violin [Vitar] – John Blair
7 Midnight Woman 6:09
Bass – Will Lee
Soloist, Flute – Joe Farrell
Soloist, Piano – Lalo Schifrin
8 Roller Coaster 4:48
Drums – Andrew Smith
Credits:
Alto Saxophone – Gerry Niewood
Baritone Saxophone – Ronnie Cuber
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Cello – Alan Shulman, Charles McCracken
Conductor, Arranged By  – Lalo Schifrin
Drums – Steve Gadd
Flute – Dave Tofani, Lou Marini
Keyboards – Clark Spangler
Percussion – Don Armando Bonilla, Ralph MacDonald, Sue Evans
Producer – Creed Taylor
Saxophone – Dave Tofani
Tenor Saxophone – Lou Marini
Trombone – Urbie Green
Trumpet – Burt Collins, John Frosk, John Gatchell
Viola – Manny Vardi, Lamar Alsop
Violin – Charles Libove, David Nadien, Emanuel Green, Marvin Morgenstern, Matthew Raimondi, Max Ellen, Max Pollikoff, Paul Gershman

Al DI MEOLA & LEONID AGUTIN — Cosmopolitan Life (2005) APE (image+.cue), lossless

On COSMOPOLITAN LIFE Russian guitarist, singer, and rock star Leonid Agutin teams up with six-string virtuoso Al Di Meola for a tour through a collection of songs that spans borders and styles. Elements of jazz, Cuban, gypsy music, African, tango, and mainstream pop are brought together to dazzling effect, and while Agutin’s distinctive voice is one of the album’s most notable qualities, it’s the guitar interplay between the two artists that makes COSMOPOLITAN LIFE a satisfying listen. This disc comes recommended to fans of either artist, as well as those that enjoy crossover jazz and music with an international flavor. Anthony Tognazzini
Tracklist :
1    Cuba Africa    5:36
2    Cosmopolitan Life 4:11
Backing Vocals [Back Vocal] – Beatriz Malnic, Lilian Viana, Pedro Ferreira, Rogerio Moura
3    Nobody    4:47
4    Price To Learn    5:30
5    Tango    3:55
6    Smile    4:23
7    Portofino    3:37
8    If I'll Get A Chance... 4:09
Vocals – Angelica Varum
9    Blue River 4:44
Drum [Drum Track] – Vinnie Colaiuta
Recorded By – Ego Works
10    Shade Of Your World    6:15
Video    Cosmopolitan Life    4:08
Personnel :
Acoustic Guitar [Acoustic Guitars], Electric Guitar [Electric Guitars] – Al Di Meola
Acoustic Guitar [Additional] – Anatoly Kotov
Arranged By – Al Di Meola, Albert Fedoseev, Leonid Agutin
Backing Vocals [Back Vocal] – Albert Fedoseev, Artia Lockett, Aster Wilson, Farah Lopez, Randy Singer Group, Ron Taylor, Angelica Varum
Bass – Anthony Jackson, Julio Hernandez, Sergey Korolev, Oleg Tarkhov
Composed By – Leonid Agutin
Drums – Lee Levine, Vinnie Colaiuta, Arthur Gazarov
Keyboards, Piano, Electric Organ [Hammond] – Albert Fedoseev
Lead Vocals [Leading Vocal], Keyboards [Keyboard], Acoustic Guitar – Leonid Agutin
Lyrics By – Alex Sino
Percussion – Gumbi Ortiz, Richard Bravo, Arthur Gazarov
Saxophone – Ed Calle
Soloist [All Solos], Guitar – Al Di Meola
Trombone – John Kricker
Trumpet – Tony Concepcion

AL DI MEOLA — Electric Rendezvous (1982) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Al di Meola's fifth of seven fusion albums as a leader for Columbia is a typically fiery effort, with di Meola joined by keyboardist Jan Hammer, electric bassist Anthony Jackson, drummer Steve Gadd, percussionist Mingo Lewis, and guest spots for flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía ("Passion, Grace & Fire") and keyboardist Philippe Saisse. This lesser-known effort is easily recommended to fans of rock-ish jazz guitar. Scott Yanow
Tracklist  :
1 God Bird Change 3:57
Composed By – Mingo Lewis
2 Electric Rendezvous 7:55
Composed By – Al Di Meola
3 Passion, Grace & Fire 5:40
Composed By – Al Di Meola
4 Cruisin' 4:19
Composed By – Jan Hammer
5 Black Cat Shuffle 3:06
Composed By – Philippe Saisse
6 Ritmo De La Noche 4:21
Composed By – Al Di Meola
7 Somalia 1:40
Composed By – Al Di Meola
8 Jewel Inside A Dream 4:06
Composed By – Al Di Meola
Credits
Bass – Anthony Jackson (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 8)
Drums – Steve Gadd (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 8)
Guitar – Al Di Meola, Paco De Lucia (tracks: 3)
Keyboards – Jan Hammer (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6 to 8), P. Saisse (tracks: 5)
Percussion – Mingo Lewis (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 8)

ARTURO SANDOVAL - Flight to Freedom (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In July 1990, after playing trumpet in his native Cuba for 28 of his 41 years, Arturo Sandoval had the opportunity to defect from Cuba along with his family. A brilliant virtuoso, Sandoval finally was able to play whatever music he wanted without having to satisfy a dictator, and his potential was enormous. On his American debut, Sandoval mostly performs boppish jazz (other than the dull "Marianela") with slight touches of rock and spiced with Latin percussion. The trumpeter shows restraint on the ballads (including a tasty "Body and Soul") and displays plenty of fire on the often-funky uptempo romps, not overdoing the effortless high notes. With the assistance of the high-powered tenor of Ed Calle, the versatile guitarist Rene Luis Toledo, and a variety of talented sidemen (including guest Chick Corea on three songs), Arturo Sandoval's long overdue debut is well-rounded, exciting, and highlighted by a fast rendition of Dizzy Gillespie's "Tanga." by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Flight To Freedom 3:50
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Dave Weckl
Percussion – Long John
Piano – Chick Corea
Saxophone – Ed Calle
Synthesizer – Danilo Perez
Trumpet – Arturo Sandoval
2    Last Time I Saw You 5:04
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Dave Weckl
Percussion – Long John
Piano – Chick Corea
Saxophone – Ed Calle
Synthesizer – Richard Eddy
Trumpet – Arturo Sandoval
3    Caribeno 5:59
Bass – Nicky Orta
Drums, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Orlando Hernandez
Electronic Wind Instrument [EWI], Tenor Saxophone, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Ed Calle
Guitar, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Rene Luis Toledo
Percussion – Long John
Piano – Mike Orta
Trumpet, Timbales, Cowbell, Lead Vocals – Arturo Sandoval
4    Samba De Amore 6:09
Bass – Nicky Orta
Drums – Orlando Hernandez
Flugelhorn – Arturo Sandoval
Flute – Ed Calle
Guitar – Rene Luis Toledo
Piano – Mike Orta
Strings – Alfred Brown, Elliot Rosoff, Eugene Moye, Gene Orloff, Harry Zaratzian, Jesse Levy, John Pintavalle, Matthew Raimondi, Max Ellen, Sanford Allen
5    Psalm 7:47
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Dave Weckl
Flute – Ed Calle
Percussion – Long John
Piano – Chick Corea
Trumpet – Arturo Sandoval
6    Rene's Song 5:08
Bass – Nicky Orta
Drums – Orlando Hernandez
Flugelhorn, Trumpet – Arturo Sandoval
Guitar – Rene Luis Toledo
Percussion – Long John
Piano – Mike Orta
Saxophone – Ed Calle
7    Body And Soul6:43
Acoustic Guitar – Rene Luis Toledo
Bass – Nicky Orta
Drums – Dave Weckl
Flugelhorn – Arturo Sandoval
Percussion – Long John
Piano – Mike Orta
Strings – Alfred Brown, Elliot Rosoff, Eugene Moye, Gene Orloff, Harry Zaratzian, Jesse Levy, John Pintavalle, Matthew Raimondi, Max Ellen, Sanford Allen
8    Tanga 5:53
Bass – Nicky Orta
Drums – Dave Weckl
Guitar – Rene Luis Toledo
Percussion – Long John
Piano – Mike Orta
Saxophone – Ed Calle
Trumpet, Synthesizer – Arturo Sandoval
9    Caprichosos De La Habana 5:08
Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Rene Luis Toledo
Bass, Vocals – Nicky Orta
Drums, Vocals – Orlando Hernandez
Percussion – Long John, Portinho
Synthesizer, Vocals – Mike Orta
Tenor Saxophone, Vocals – Ed Calle
Trumpet, Percussion, Vocals – Arturo Sandoval
Vocals – Joel Dorn, Julia Fuller, Pete King
10    Marianela 5:50
Bass – Nicky Orta
Drums – Dave Weckl
Electronic Wind Instrument [EWI] – Ed Calle
Strings – Alfred Brown, Elliot Rosoff, Eugene Moye, Gene Orloff, Harry Zaratzian, Jesse Levy, John Pintavalle, Matthew Raimondi, Max Ellen, Sanford Allen
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Synthesizer – Arturo Sandoval

MIKE STERN - Odds or Evens (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is a powerhouse date of high-powered fusion, mixing together the sound of rock with the musicianship and improvising of jazz. With the assistance of tenor saxophonist Bob Berg, keyboardist Jim Beard and a rhythm section, guitarist Stern jams through a set of originals that serve as jumping-off devices for fairly long solos. The musicians really stretch themselves within the idiom and even the quieter numbers are full of intensity. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1    Keys    7:28
Mike Stern
2    D.C.    7:40
Mike Stern
3    Common Ground    6:05
Mike Stern
4    Odds Or Evens    7:08
Mike Stern
5    Seven Thirty    6:26
Mike Stern
6    If You Say So    7:36
Mike Stern
7    Sandbox 3:59
Leni Stern
8    Walkie Talkie 6:57
Mike Stern
Credits:
Bass – Anthony Jackson (tracks: 2, 4, 6), Lincoln Goines (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 8)
Drums – Ben Perowsky (tracks: 1, 5, 8), Dennis Chambers (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6)
Percussion – Don Alias
Piano, Synthesizer, Producer – Jim Beard
Saxophone – Bob Berg

MIKE STERN - Who Let the Cats Out? (2006) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

More than two decades into his solo career, Mike Stern, on his 13th album as a leader, continues to prove why he's earned so many "Best Jazz Guitarist" honors through the years. Stern's skills are undeniable, and new ideas never fail to materialize when he's at work. But what makes Stern stand out from the pack of virtuosic guitar technicians is that he always insists on letting his, and his support team's, abilities serve the music, not vice versa. On Who Let the Cats Out?, Stern and his well-chosen crew spill out lick upon impressive lick, but they never get so carried away with themselves that they lose sight of the tune's purpose and structure. Grandiosity is never a factor here, although there are dozens of occasions to applaud these musicians' chops. Richard Bona, the Cameroonian bassist, has worked with Stern before, but here he is given an expanded role, appearing on four tracks and contributing his falsetto-style, scat-like vocals to three of them: On "All You Need," one of the prettiest tracks on the record, Bona provides an uplifting sensuality. He also shines on "We're with You," a ballad featuring Stern on acoustic guitar. Devoid of pyrotechnics, this song of support to those hurting utilizes synth-derived orchestration and a mournful, quiet tone to bring home its emotionalism. Drummer Dave Weckl -- who alternates throughout with the excellent Kim Thompson -- is another major pacesetter here: On "Texas," the often-overdriven Weckl restrains himself, his no-frills drums and Me'Shell NdegéOcello's creative bass chasing Stern's skronky slide while Gregoire Maret's harmonica provides the necessary borderland flavor. The title track, a quasi-swing/bop showpiece, finds Stern -- peeling out some of his most blazing, how'd-he-do-that? riffs -- and trumpet great Roy Hargrove trying to outdo each other and calling it a draw. Stern's soloing throughout the record is, in fact, ceaselessly imaginative: Whether within a total funk exercise like "Roll with It," which borrows Victor Wooten from the Flecktones for bass duties and spotlights sexy sax from Bob Malach, or the moody ballad "KT," on which Stern's guitar escalates in intensity alongside Jim Beard's soulful organ, Stern finds his place within the song's architecture, then rises several levels above what's required of him to present something unexpected and rewardingly original. Only on "Blue Runway," the eight-and-a-half-minute closer, with Anthony Jackson taking over the bass, do the players allow themselves to approach tediousness. Overextending themselves as they shift into hyperdrive, they turn the piece into a jam for its own sake. An anomaly, it doesn't by any means detract from the album's overall quality, though it does allow it to end on a disappointingly self-absorbed note. by Jeff Tamarkin
Tracklist:
1    Tumble Home    8:14
2    KT    7:57
3    Good Questions    4:17
4    Language    7:03
5    We're With You    5:48
6    Leni Goes Shopping    4:38
7    Roll With It    5:02
8    Texas    7:04
9    Who Let The Cats Out?    7:44
10    All You Need    6:57
11    Blue Runaway    8:37
Credits:
Bass – Anthony Jackson, Chris Minh Doky, Meshell Ndegeocello, Victor Wooten
Drums – Dave Weckl, Kim Thompson
Guitar – Mike Stern
Harmonica – Gregoire Maret
Keyboards, Producer – Jim Beard
Saxophone – Bob Franceschini, Bob Malach
Trumpet – Roy Hargrove
Vocals, Bass – Richard Bona 

MIKE STERN - All Over The Place (2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:
1    AJ    8:53
Mike Stern
2    Cameroon    5:46
Mike Stern
3    Out Of The Blue    6:15
Mike Stern
4    As Far As We Know    6:33
Mike Stern
5    Blues For Al    7:06
Mike Stern
6    OCD    8:07
Mike Stern
7    You Never Told Me    6:18
Mike Stern
8    Half Way Home    6:29
Mike Stern
9    Light    6:14
Mike Stern
10    Flipside    7:22
Mike Stern
11    All Over The Place    6:20
Mike Stern
Credits:
Victor Bailey, Tom Kennedy, Will Lee, Victor Wooten - Bass
Jim Beard - Engineer, Fender Rhodes, Hammond B3, Mixing, Piano, Producer, Synthesizer
Richard Bona - Bass, Engineer, Vocals
Randy Brecker - Trumpet
Keith Carlock, Lionel Cordew, Al Foster - Drums
Bob Franceschini, Kenny Garrett, Bob Malach, Chris Potter - Saxophone
Dave Holland - Bass (Acoustic)
Anthony Jackson - Contrabass Guitar
Tim Keiper - Percussion
Esperanza Spalding - Bass (Acoustic), Vocals
Leni Stern - Wah Wah Guitar
Mike Stern - Composer, Guitar, Guitar (Nylon String), Slide Guitar
Kim Thompson, Dave Weckl - Drums

LALO SCHIFRIN - Black Widow (1976-2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although he is best-known for film scores like Bullitt and Enter The Dragon, prolific composer Lalo Schifrin has always maintained a side career as a jazz musician. He racked up a massive success in this field in 1976 with Black Widow, a slick instrumental excursion that combined the musical dexterity of jazz with the dance-friendly rhythms of disco. This album found Schifrin turning his skills as an arranger and keyboardist to a set of material that matched up some unlikely but effective covers with a few originals. Highlights among the covers include "Quiet Village," which transforms the exotica classic into a slow-burning funk vamp dressed with plenty of spacey synthesizer, and "Moonglow & Theme From Picnic," which reworks these classic film themes by giving them keyboard-driven arrangements that are gently nudged along by an insistent beat. Black Widow also spawned a dancefloor hit with Schifrin's imaginative reworking of "Jaws," which transformed John Williams' spooky monster-movie theme into an ominous, percolating slice of nocturnal funk built on wah-wah guitar and Schifrin's elegantly jazzy keyboard excursions. In terms of the original tunes, the standout is the title track, a keyboard showcase that weaves surging strings around a funky bass groove that is fleshed out with all manner of synth and electric piano shadings. The strong disco edge to the proceedings may turn off jazz purists, but Schifrin's imaginative and stylish arrangements keep the music from succumbing to disco-beat boredom, and his expert backup band (including session stalwarts like Andy Newmark and John Tropea) attacks the material with energy and style to burn. The end result is one of the peak albums in Lalo Schifrin's lengthy catalogue and a necessity for anyone interested in his jazz work. by Donald A. Guarisco   
Tracklist:
1 Black Widow 4:15
Written-By – Lalo Schifrin
2 Flamingo 4:28
Written-By – Ed Anderson, Ted Grouya
3 Quiet Village 3:59
Written-By – Les Baxter
4 Moonglow / Theme From Picnic 5:36
Written-By – DeLange, Mills, Hudson
5 Jaws 5:47
Written-By – J. Williams
6 Baia 4:03
Written-By – A. Barroso, R. Gilbert
7 Turning Point 3:28
Written-By – Lalo Schifrin
8 Dragonfly 5:15
Written-By – Lalo Schifrin

- Bonus Tracks - 

9 Frenesi 3:53

10 Tabu 4:33

11 Baia (Alt. Take) 7:44

12 Con Alma 6:30

Credits:
Alto Saxophone – Joe Farrell
Arranged By, Conductor – Lalo Schifrin
Backing Vocals – Patti Austin
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Bass Trombone – Dave Taylor
Congas – Carlos Martin (tracks: 2 to 8)
Drums – Andy Newmark
Flute – George Marge, Jerry Dodgion, Joe Farrell
Flute [Solo] – Hubert Laws (tracks: 5)
Guitar – Eric Gale (tracks: 3), John Tropea
Guitar [Solo] – Jerry Friedman (tracks: 3)
Keyboards – Clark Spangler, Lalo Schifrin
Percussion – Carter Collins, Don Alias, Sue Evans
 Trombone – Barry Rogers, Billy Campbell, Wayne Andre
Trumpet – Jon Faddis
Violin – Charles Libove, David Nadien, Emanuel Green, Harold Kohon, Harry Lookofsky, Matthew Raimondi, Max Ellen, Paul Gershman

AL DI MEOLA - Casino (1978-1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 Following up the superb Elegant Gypsy was no mean feat, but Al di Meola gave it his best shot with the similarly styled Casino, released in 1978. Featuring a core band of Steve Gadd, Anthony Jackson, and Barry Miles (whom di Meola came up with before the guitarist was invited to join Return to Forever), the playing is sharp and fiery, matching the youthful intensity of the leader. Di Meola is a good composer in the fusion idiom, and the four original compositions on Casino, although clearly bearing the mark of Chick Corea's influence, are strong. His "Fantasia Suite for Two Guitars," featuring di Meola accompanying himself via multi-tracking, is beautiful and dramatic, and hints at the guitarist's later all-acoustic works such as Friday Night in San Francisco. "Dark Eye Tango" opens with a slow theme before turning into an uptempo vehicle for di Meola's darting Les Paul. In fact, it is the leader's solos that frequently prevent the Latin grooves and rhythms found on Casino from sounding stale and a bit dated. His trademark staccato phrasing and high-velocity improvisations are what is noticed upon first listen, but di Meola does have an excellent sense of phrasing that is undeniably present. Contrary to popular opinion, he knows how to use his technique to good effect. Casino is not as strong as either Elegant Gypsy or Romantic Warrior, but is nevertheless well worth picking up for fans either of di Meola himself or of the entire 1970s fusion scene. by Daniel Gioffre  
Tracklist:
1 Egyptian Danza 5:57
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Synthesizer [Mini Moog], Organ [Yamaha], Piano [Acoustic] – Barry Miles
2 Chasin' The Voodoo 5:05
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Congas – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Synthesizer [Mini Moog], Piano [Acoustic], Organ, Marimba – Barry Miles
3 Dark Eye Tango 5:25
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Congas, Bongos – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Organ [Yamaha] – Barry Miles
4 Señor Mouse 7:21
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Congas, Bongos – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Organ [Yamaha], Piano [Acoustic], Synthesizer [Mini Moog] – Barry Miles
Fantasia Suite For Two Guitars (5:12)
Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Castanets, Handclaps, Congas, Bongos – Al Di Meola
5.1 Viva La Danzarina
5.2 Guitars Of The Exotic Isle
5.3 Rhapsody Italia
5.4 Bravoto Fantasia
6 Casino 9:29
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Congas, Bongos, Percussion – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar, Percussion – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Piano [Acoustic], Marimba, Organ [Yamaha] – Barry Miles
Timbales, Percussion [Roto Toms] – Eddie Colon

AL DI MEOLA - Splendido Hotel (1980-1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Talk about ambitious. This two-LP set finds guitarist Al di Meola performing with his quintet of the time (featuring keyboardist Philippe Saisse), with studio musicians, solo, in a reunion with pianist Chick Corea, singing a love song, and welcoming veteran Les Paul for a version of "Spanish Eyes." Most of the music works quite well and it shows that di Meola (best-known for his speedy rock-oriented solos) is a surprisingly well-rounded and versatile musician.  by Scott Yanow
 Tracklist  
1 Alien Chase On Arabian Desert 8:55
Bass – Tim Landers
Drums – Robbie Gonzalez
Guitar, Mandola [Mandocello] – Al Di Meola
Keyboards, Marimba – Philippe Saisse
Percussion – Eddie Colon
2 Silent Story In Her Eyes 7:32
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Congas, Bongos – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Robbie Gonzalez
Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Mandola [Mandocello] – Al Di Meola
Keyboards, Marimba – Philippe Saisse
Percussion – Eddie Colon
Piano [Solo] – Chick Corea
Synthesizer [Oberheim] – Peter Cannarozzi
3 Roller Jubilee 4:44
Acoustic Guitar [6 & 12 String], Celesta – Al Di Meola
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electronic Drums [Syndrum], Percussion – Mingo Lewis
Keyboards, Marimba – Philippe Saisse
Synthesizer [Oberheim] – Peter Cannarozzi
4 Two To Tango 4:13
Acoustic Guitar – Al Di Meola
Piano – Chick Corea
5 Al Di's Dream Theme 6:47
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Bass [String Snaps On Second Section] – Tim Landers
Drums – Robbie Gonzalez
Electronic Drums [Syndrum Bomb] – Mingo Lewis
Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Al Di Meola
Keyboards – Philippe Saisse
Percussion – Eddie Colon
Synthesizer [Moog Solo] – Jan Hammer
6 Dinner Music Of The Gods 8:33
Bass – Tim Landers
Drums – Robbie Gonzalez
Guitar, Acoustic Guitar [Fylde] – Al Di Meola
Keyboards, Marimba – Philippe Saisse
Percussion – Eddie Colon
7 Splendido Sundance 4:52
Acoustic Guitar [Ovation] – Al Di Meola
8 I Can Tell 3:58
Keyboards, Synthesizer [Moogbass], Backing Vocals – Philippe Saisse
Lead Vocals, Drums, Guitar – Al Di Meola
9 Spanish Eyes 5:10
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Steve Gadd
Guitar [Left Channel] – Les Paul
Guitar [Right Channel], Acoustic Guitar [Fylde 6 & 12 String], Mandola [Mandocello], Percussion [Castanets] – Al Di Meola
10 Isfahan 11:34
Acoustic Guitar, Mandola [Mandocello] – Al Di Meola
Cello – Dennis Karmzyn*, Raymond J. Kelly*
Piano – Chick Corea
Viola – Carol Shive
Violin – David Campbell
Vocals – The Columbus Boychoir
11 Bianca's Midnight Lullaby 1:54
 Guitar [Fylde], Mandola [Fylde Mandocello] – Al Di Meola

ANTHONY JACKSON | YIORGOS FAKANAS – Interspirit (2010) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

American electric bass guitarist Anthony Jackson has been playing with European musicians for quite some time -- note his collaboration with the Turkish-born pianist Fahir Atakoglu in the 2000s. Here he teams with Greek musician and fellow bass guitarist/composer Yiorgos Fakanas for a set of retro-jazz fusion music that is far from typical. Armed with a large ensemble of contemporary all-stars and lesser known Europeans, Jackson and Fakanas create new music reflective of '70s New York supercharged funk à la the Brecker Brothers, and the mid-period John McLaughlin style of classically oriented jazz that incorporates horns, acoustic strings, and synthesizers. With keyboardist Mitch Forman, guitarist Frank Gambale, and drummer Dave Weckl, the band expands horizons past strictly European traditional or ethnic strains, using them tastefully, while also having a go at getting down with good old rhythm & blues dance beats with big-band type charts. Jackson -- an underrated force on his instrument if there ever was one in the post-Jaco Pastorius era -- plays with a lithe, liquid confidence that almost puts him in the background, yet his unique pulse is ever present. Where the heavier, rhythmic-oriented tracks stand out ("Inner Power" and "Caldera"), the more romantic "Seviglia" with Gambale's Spanish acoustic guitar, and the pretty "Ionio II" evoke the composed, film noir essence of Fakanas. A fully formed and modified chart on Wayne Shorter's "Footprints" is stunning in the way it pays respect to the original version, but takes poetic license in the lengthy introduction, punctuated by the atmospheric flute playing of Takis Paterelis. While things seem a bit calculated, there are many inspired moments and surprises galore, sure to please those who grew up with fusion and who might enjoy nodding their heads or dancing to instrumental jazz. Michael G. Nastos 
Tracklist :

1. Inner Power 8:39

2. Footprints 9:06

3. Cuore Vibes Part 1 1:30

4. Cuore Vibes Part 2 10:08

5. Interspirit 9:40

6. Seviglia 9:58

7. Caldera 8:40

8. Ionio II 8:10

9. Parhelia 7:54

Credits

Acoustic Guitar – Frank Gambale (tracks: 6)

Alto Saxophone – Takis Paterelis (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9)

Baritone Saxophone – Todor Tzachev (tracks: 1, 7)

Bass – Anthony Jackson (tracks: 1,2, 4 to 9), Yiorgos Fakanas (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 9)

Cello – Vangjel Nina (tracks: 3, 4, 6, 8)

Composed By, Arranged By, Producer – Yiorgos Fakanas

Contrabass – Tasos Kazaglis (tracks: 3, 4, 6, 8)

Drums – Dave Weckl (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 9)

Flute – Takis Paterelis (tracks: 2, 5)

Guitar – Frank Gambale (tracks: 1, 5, 7, 9)

Keyboards – Mitch Forman (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 9)

Percussion – Enrique Bu (tracks: 5 to 9)

Piano – Mitch Forman (tracks: 4, 8)

Soprano Saxophone – Takis Paterelis (tracks: 2, 8)

Strings – String Quartet "+Kinisis", The

Tenor Saxophone – Sam Marlielrili (tracks: 1), Tony Lakatos (tracks: 4 to 7, 9)

Trombone – Velislav Stoianov (tracks: 1, 7), Antonis Andreou (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 9)

Trumpet – Mihail Iosifov (tracks: 1, 4 to 7, 9), Manos Theodosakis (tracks: 1, 7)

Viola – Elias Sdoukos (tracks: 3, 4, 6, 8)

Violin – Franc Shestani (tracks: 3, 4, 6, 8), Odysseus Korelis (tracks: 3, 4, 6, 8)

Dennis Chambers - Planet Earth [2005] FLAC

A formidable and ultra-funky presence behind the kit, from Santana to Brecker Brothers, from George Clinton to John Scofield Dennis Chambers is everyone s choice for all-world drummer. On "PLANET EARTH" his third outing as a leader, he s supported by producer Jim Beard. The remarkably versatile drummer says This is the best one yet! 

Among others this album features Kenny Garrett, Adam Rogers, Will Lee, Dean Brown, Anthony Jackson, Bob Malach, the Borneo Horns and Jim Beard.

 Songs / Tracks Listing 

1.Planet Earth (4:40) 

2.Dance Music For Borneo Horns # 13 (2:24) 

3.Amos Ignored (4:40) 

4.Elroy (6:05) 

5.El Is The Sound Of Joy (5:03) 

6.Camel Hump (6:08) 

7.Dance Music For Borneo Horns #6 (4:19) 

8.Overtones Of China (10:14) 

9.Giphini's Song (2:32) 

10.Ant (4:34) 

11.Loose Bloose (6:20) 

12.Dance Music For Borneo Horns #4 (3:13)

Total Time 58:52

Line-up / Musicians 

- Dennis Chambers / drums

- Jim Beard / keyboards

- Dean Brown / guitar(1/3/5/6/8/9)

- Adam Rogers / guitar(4/10/11)

- Anthony Jackson / bass(4/10/11)

- Will Lee / bass(1/3/5/6/8/9)

- Kenny Garrett / alto sax(3/8/11)

- Bob Malach / tenor sax, alto sax, baritone sax, flute(1/3/5/6/8/9)

- Jim Hynes / trumpet(3/5)

- Mike Davis / trombone(3/5)

The Borneo Horns: 

- Lenny Pickett / tenor sax(2/7/12)

- Stan Harrison / alto sax(2/7/12)

- Steve Elson / baritone sax(2/7/12)

O Púbis da Rosa