STEVE KUHN — Countdown (1998) FLAC (tracks), lossless

A neglected figure in the overall scheme of modern jazz, perhaps this magnificent recording from the veteran pianist Kuhn will somewhat salve that wound. He is masterfully impressionistic, skillful as any, extra-lyrical, and his talent is in full array with substantive help from bassist David Finck and drummer Billy Drummond. In his flowery liner notes, Rafi Zabor refers to Kuhn's sound as that of utter "refracted beauty" -- a concise and apt a description for Kuhn's consistently brilliant musings. The bulk of the program is standards, reharmonized as the quick-witted John Coltrane title track, the lilting endless melody streams tacked on to "Four," or the "Milestones"-tagged version of "Speak Low" showing that as Kuhn is deep, he's also clever. Adapting "Why Did I Choose You?" as if walking on eggshells with a slight samba beat, Kuhn's dancing figures are steps he invents. Finck's singing bass solo accents the laid-back Benny Carter evergreen "When Lights Are Low," and Kuhn's take on "She's Funny That Way" expands further on this already exceptional melody. There are three of Kuhn's originals, totaling a mere 12 minutes. A recap on the piece from his Sheila Jordan phase, "Last Year's Waltz" gets a regret-filled rubato treatment seen through lavender-colored glasses. "Chalet" is as elegiac as any snow covered mountain home, while "Tomorrow's Son" is a rhapsodic, free entity with more cascading piano. Steve Swallow's "Wrong Together" is also included, weeping with even-keeled swing and repeated inquisitions as to why. This music clearly inspires all kinds of lush, regal imagery. It is Kuhn at his best, one of the more soul-stirring piano trio CDs of recent hearing, and a joy to listen to more than just once. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1    Countdown    3:48
 John Coltrane
2    Chalet    5:07
 Steve Kuhn
3    Last Year's Waltz    3:26
 Steve Kuhn
4    Wrong Together    6:26
 Steve Swallow
5    Four    7:06
 Miles Davis
6    Why Did I Choose You?    4:52
 Michael Leonard / Herbert Martin
7    When Lights Are Low    6:46
 Benny Carter / Cootie Williams
8    She's Funny That Way    4:30
 Neil Moret / Richard A. Whiting
9    Speak Low    9:32
 Ogden Nash / Kurt Weill
10    Tomorrow's Son    3:20
 Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn 

STEVE KUHN — Dedication (1998) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The first of Steve Kuhn's several CDs for Reservoir is a multifaceted trio session with bassist David Finck and drummer Billy Drummond. Kuhn opens with a pair of enjoyable originals, the gliding post-bop "Dedication" and "The Zoo," cast as a melancholy bossa nova. He does justice to two compositions by bassist Steve Swallow, the well-known "Eiderdown" and the more obscure "Please Let Me Go," both of which prominently feature Finck's superb playing. His fresh, somewhat darker approach to Kenny Dorham's catchy "Blue Bossa" starts subtly but grows in intensity. Nor does the leader ignore standards. His bright, swinging take of "It's You or No One," the lush setting of "For Heaven's Sake," and a loping waltz treatment of "Like Someone in Love " all merit high praise. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Dedication    6:13
 Steve Kuhn
2    The Zoo    5:50
 Steve Kuhn
3    I Waited For You    5:51
 Gil Fuller
4    Eiderdown    5:38
 Steve Swallow
5    Please Let Go    7:29
 Steve Swallow
6    It's You Or No One    8:02
 Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
7    For Heaven's Sake    6:12
 Elise Bretton / Sherman Edwards / Don Meyer /
8    Like Someone In Love    7:18
 Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
9    Blue Bossa    5:55
 Kenny Dorham
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — The Best Things (2000) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This third trio CD for Kuhn on Reservoir yields much the same refined, intelligent, eminently enjoyable result as the previous efforts. Bassist David Finck and drummer Billy Drummond are totally in tune with the veteran pianist/leader, whose powers are consistently hovering at a high level these days, stoking the post-boppish fires of his youth with the wisdom and savvy of his years of performing and recording. Kuhn's personal growth curve is most prevalent as you hear the daunting touches within a quietly urgent stance on the well-worn and swung standard "The Best Things in Life Are Free." The pianist throws a tricky change-up on "Confirmation," a swiss-cheese version with giant holes carved out of the melody line, using tension and release effectively from the boppish head to relaxed bridge, liberally sprinkling "merrily we roll along" quotes along the way. Three of Kuhn's originals are included; a refreshingly original 12-bar blues "Two by Two," the very slow ballad "Adagio" featuring three note-patterned wordless vocals from Luciana Souza, and his famous kinetic soul waltz for Thurman Munson, "Poem for #15," a seemingly effortless, easily swung piece, the hallmark of this well-rehearsed and seasoned working trio. Also included is A.C. Jobim's lesser-known delicate waltz/ballad "Luiza," and the Bill Evans-identified, wonderfully rendered romantic evergreen "Portrait of Jennie." Another in a string of very consistent, musically advanced, universally listenable documents in Kuhn's thankfully growing discography. Recommended. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1    The Best Things In Life Are Free 8:26
Written-By – DeSylva, Henderson, Brown
2    Luiza 5:28
Written-By – Jobim
3    Two By Two 6:50
Composed By – Kuhn
4    Portrait Of Jennie 6:26
Written-By – Burge, Robinson
5    Confirmation 8:12
Written-By – Parker
6    Poem For #15 10:45
Composed By – Kuhn
7    Adagio 7:23
Composed By – Kuhn
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Vocals [Vocal] – Luciana Souza (tracks: 7)

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Temptation (2001-2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Steve Kuhn mixes standards and forgotten gems in these 2001 studio sessions with bassist Buster Williams and drummer Billy Drummond. Beginning with a tantalizing take of "Temptation" that has a slight Latin undercurrent, Kuhn finds new directions in these timeless pieces. "Dark Eyes" is another gem that has long fallen out of favor, though Kuhn's intricate workout demonstrates that there is plenty of life left in this decades-old warhorse. His treatment of Michel Legrand's "The Summer Knows" (written as theme music for the early-'70s film Summer of '42) is a bit jagged rather than the usual setting as a straight, slow, bittersweet ballad. John Lewis' "Django" has long been a favorite of jazz musicians, and the trio's elegant setting opens with an imaginative improvisation, slowly working into its well-known theme. Kuhn's sole original, "A Likely Story," is a driving post-bop vehicle that never runs out of steam. It's hard to go wrong by purchasing any Steve Kuhn CD, and this is among his best dates. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Temptation    7:17
2    Dark Eyes    6:06
3    You Better Go Now    6:20
4    The Summer Knows    7:48
5    Love Is Here To Stay    6:40
6    Django    3:30
7    A Likely Story    9:17
8    I Can't Get Started    5:27
Credits :
Double Bass – Buster Williams
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Waltz Red Side (2002-2006) Two Version | RM | Venus Jazz Special Campaign Jazz Giants Series | FLAC & APE (image+.cue), lossless

Recorded over the same three-day stretch as Waltz Blue Side, this trio date by Steve Kuhn features a mix of standards and originals, with the help of a strong rhythm section including bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Billy Drummond, though it is an interactive trio versus piano plus accompaniment group. Henry Mancini's "Charade" has had popular appeal since it appeared as the theme music in the Gregory Peck-Audrey Hepburn film, though it has been infrequently recorded in jazz settings, in spite of its attractive melody. Kuhn's brilliant, leisurely arrangement showcases Gomez extensively, as well as himself. Michel Legrand's "Once Upon a Summertime" has long been a favorite of jazz musicians and Kuhn's romantic setting of this bittersweet ballad is breathtaking. "I'll Take Romance" is a change of pace, providing a brisk waltz treatment. Kuhn's originals include one of his best-known works, the driving "Years Later," along with the elegant ballad "Pastorale." Recommended. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Charade    7:54
2    Remember    7:49
3    Years Later    7:10
4    Once Upon A Summertime    5:08
5    How Am I To Know?    8:13
6    My Buddy    4:53
7    I'll Take Romance    8:13
8    I'm Glad There Is You    5:07
9    Pastorale    4:23
Credits :
Double Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Waltz Blue Side (2002-2004) Two Version | RM | Venus Jazz Special Campaign Jazz Giants Series | FLAC & APE (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    When I Grow Too Old To Dream    4:59
2    Charade    5:46
3    Remember    5:44
4    Years Later    5:24
5    Once Upon A Summertime    4:32
6    I'll Take Romance    7:17
7    I'm Glad There Is You    5:08
8    Pastorale    5:10
9    My Buddy    4:52
Credits :
Double Bass – Gary Peacock
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Easy To Love (2004-2010) Serie Masterpiece Collections | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Super Jet 5:30
Written-By – T. Dameron
2    Dear Old Stockholm 6:28
Traditional
3    Emily 7:16
Written-By – J. Mandel
4    Airegin 4:44
Written-By – S. Rollins
5    Morning Dew 6:00
Written-By – S. Kuhn
6    New Valley 6:51
Written-By – D. Finck
7    Dream Dancing 8:04
Written-By – C. Porter
8    Two For The Road 5:15
Written-By – H. Mancini
9    Be My Love 9:17
Written-By – N. Brodsky
10    Easy To Love 6:11
Written-By – C. Porter
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Pavane for a Dead Princess (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist Steve Kuhn, accompanied by David Finck and Billy Drummond, explore classical works by a number of top composers from the 19th and 20th centuries on this Japanese release, though they are used as a launching pad for improvisation. Maurice Ravel's "Pavane for a Dead Princess" is recast as a soft samba, also incorporating a bit of an earlier standard that was derived from the French Impressionist's piece, "The Lamp Is Low." Chopin is obviously one of Kuhn's favorite classical composers, as three of his features, highlighted by a dreamy setting of "Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2." He brightens the tempo of Claude Debussy's "Reverie" while retaining its lyricism, while slowing Johannes Brahms' "Lullaby" to a crawl and demonstrating how a master jazz pianist utilizes space as an element of improvisation. Classical purists are always upset with jazz arrangements of "their" music, but anyone who loves both musical worlds will appreciate Steve Kuhn's thoughtful arrangements of music that has easily stood the test of time. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    I'm Always Chasing Rainbows~Fantasy Impromptu 7:22
Composed By – F. Chopin
2    Pavane For A Dead Princess 6:26
Composed By – M. Ravel
3    Moon Love~Symphony #5 2nd Movement 6:49
Composed By – P. Tchaikovsky
4    One Red Rose Forever~Ich Liebe Dich 5:32
Composed By – E.Grieg
5    Swan Lake 6:09
Composed By – P. Tchaikovsky
6    Nocturne In E♭ Major Op9, No2 6:38
Composed By – F. Chopin
7    Reverie 8:09
Composed By – C. Debussy
8    Prelude In E Minor Op28, No4 5:43
Composed By – F. Chopin
9    Full Moon And Empty Arms~Piano Concerto #2 3rd Movement 5:51
Composed By – S. Rachmaninov
10    Pavane 6:32
Composed By – G. Faure
11    Lullaby 3:37
Composed By – J. Brahms
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN – Pastorale (2007) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Steve Kuhn has recorded a wide variety of music in his career, sometimes as a sideman (including with Sheila Jordan, Art Farmer, Kenny Dorham and Stan Getz), and more often as a leader. On Pastorale, he returns to his bop-oriented roots. Playing straight-ahead jazz with bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Billy Drummond, Kuhn digs into seven vintage standards plus two of his originals. Kuhn hints at both Bud Powell and Bill Evans in spots while retaining his own musical personality. His improvisations are thoughtful, often joyful and always intriguing, really uplifting "Charade" and coming up with fresh variations to "Remember." This is one of Kuhn's most accessible dates and is highly recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Charade     7:54
2    Remember     7:49
3    Years Later    7:10
4    Once Upon A Summertime     5:08
5    How Am I To Know?    8:13
6    My Buddy    4:53
7    I'll Take Romance    8:13
8    I'm Glad There Is You    5:07
9    Pastorale     4:23
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO – Baubles, Bangles And Beads (2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This trio session by Steve Kuhn includes classical works and pieces adapted into pop songs decades ago. He initially studied classical music as a young man with the mother of baritone saxophonist Serge Chaloff, so he is well grounded in the music. With bassist Dave Finck and Billy Drummond accompanying him, Kuhn's driving, boppish treatments of "Till the End of Time" (based upon Chopin's Polonaise No. 53) and "Stranger in Paradise" (taken from Borodin's Plovetzian Dance) sizzle with energy. His vibrant waltz setting of Erik Satie's Gymnopedie No. 1 is far removed from the Impressionist composer's minimalist conception, with Finck's arco bass solo adding an interesting touch. Borodin's "Baubles, Bangles and Beads" was a favorite of baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan during the 1950s; the trio's introspective approach works equally well. While classical listeners who are unfamiliar with jazz may have reservations, jazz fans will savor these outstanding performances. Ken Dryden

Tracklist :
1    And This Is My Beloved - Nocturne From "Strings Quartet No.2"    4:49

2    Till The End Of Time - Polonaise No.53    6:01
3    Symphony No.3, 3rd Movement    4:58
4    If You Are But A Dream - Romance    4:49
5    Stranger In Paradise - Plovetzian Dance    3:53
6    Gymnopedie No.1    6:05
7    I Think Of You - Piano Concerto No.2, 1st Movement Op.18    5:31
8    Prelude In C Minor No.20, Op28    3:56
9    I Look At Heaven - Piano Concerto In A Minor Op6, 1st Movement    5:10
10    Baubles, Bangles And Beads - Strings Quartet No.2 In D    5:28
11    Vilia - From "The Merry Widow"    4:32
12    Prelude No.7, Op28    5:23
Credits :
Double Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO – I Will Wait for You : The Music of Michel Legrand (2014) SACD | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Super Jet 5:30
Written-By – T. Dameron
2    Dear Old Stockholm 6:28
Traditional
3    Emily 7:16
Written-By – J. Mandel
4    Airegin 4:44
Written-By – S. Rollins
5    Morning Dew 6:00
Written-By – S. Kuhn
6    New Valley 6:51
Written-By – D. Finck
7    Dream Dancing 8:04
Written-By – C. Porter
8    Two For The Road 5:15
Written-By – H. Mancini
9    Be My Love 9:17
Written-By – N. Brodsky
10    Easy To Love 6:11
Written-By – C. Porter
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

LEE KONITZ | PAUL BLEY - Out Of Nowhere (1997) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1    I'll Remember April 6:03
Written-By – Raye, DePaul
2    Lover Man 11:03
Written-By – Davis, Sherman, Ramirez
3    Sweet And Lovely 9:12
Written-By – Arnheim, Tobias, Lemare
4    I Can't Get Started 11:23
Written-By – Gershwin
5    Out Of Nowhere 7:41
Written-By – Heyman, Green
6    Don't Blame Me 8:23
Written-By – McHugh-Fields
7    I Want To Be Happy 6:30
Written-By – Caesar, Youmans
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Jay Anderson
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Paul Bley

LEE KONITZ QUARTET - Dearly Beloved (1997) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1     The Way You Look Tonight 11:38
Dorothy Fields / Jerome Kern
2     Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye 7:45
Cole Porter
3     Someday My Prince Will Come 8:07
Frank Churchill / Larry Morey
4     Bye Bye Blackbird 11:32
Mort Dixon / Ray Henderson
5     Dearly Beloved 10:53
Jerome Kern / Johnny Mercer
6     The Night Has a Thousand Eyes 14:24
Buddy Bernier / Jerry Brainin
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Jay Anderson
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Harold Danko

LEE KONITZ | RICH PERRY - RichLee! (1998) 24bits-44Hz | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1     You Are a Weaver of Dreams 8:47
Victor Young
2     Easy Living 7:56
Ralph Rainger
3     Three Little Words 9:32
Kalmar
4     How Deep is the Ocean 11:54
Irving Berlin
5     Out of Nowhere 3:58
Edward Heyman
6     Moonlight In Vermont 6:59
Karl Suessdorf   
7     I Love You 7:37
Cole Porter
8     Half Nelson 8:29
Miles Davis
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Jay Anderson
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Harold Danko
Tenor Saxophone – Rich Perry

ARCHIE SHEPP QUARTET - True Blue (1999) 32bits-44.1hz | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This 1998 studio recording by tenor sax legend Archie Shepp is a study in blues and ballads as the title might suggest, but it also marks the return of Shepp as a true bandleader. With pianist John Hicks, drummer Billy Drummond, and bassist George Mraz, Shepp sounds more inspired here than he has in literally decades. There is no crutch-like reliance on hard bop and blues stylings, nor is there any over-the-shoulder tosses at being the king of the avant-garde. Instead Shepp focuses on what he does best: being a fine stylist and one of the great blues phraseologists in the business. Opening with Coltrane's "Lonnie's Lament," Shepp goes one better than just saluting his old boss -- he reharmonizes the tune and slows it down, making it a true elegy. On Cole Porter's tunes, Shepp looks to the deep lyricism in Hicks' playing to bring out his best ballad style. The two of them interact so warmly and intimately here, it could have easily been a duet. On Jimmy van Heusen's "But Beautiful," it's Hicks who leads off the tune, but it's Shepp who gives it its body and soul. Beginning to play the melody from deep in the lower register, Shepp traces the harmony out to the edges and coaxes Hicks to follow him; he simultaneously scales back just enough to open him up to fill that space with wonderful flowering chords against his warmer-than-July tone. Shepp offers one original to the mix, "A Little Surprise for the Lady," which is refreshing among all these covers for its shimmering, funky groove and slithering solo; he offers a stunning rendition of "Blue Train" and ends the program with another of the Coltrane book standards, Billy Eckstine's "I Want to Talk About You." But instead of going for Coltrane's leaping and loping harmony in the bridge, Shepp creates a new one based on the bassline instead of the lyric phrase, which adds a certain depth and dimension not heard before, no matter how many times this tune has been interpreted. The only weak spot on the whole date comes from Mraz. His lack of wood in his tone makes all of his fluidity for naught because, as with most of the sessions he plays on, he becomes too limpid to hear. But it's a small complaint for a gorgeous session.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1    Lonnie's Lament 5:25
Written-By – John Coltrane
2    Everytime We Say Goodbye 7:49
Written-By – Cole Porter
3    Time After Time 7:45
Written-By – Jule Styne
4    All Or Nothing At All 9:40
Written-By – Arthur Altman, Jack Lawrence
5    But Beautiful 7:06
Written-By – Jimmy Van Heusen
6    Que Reste-t-il de Nos Amours 8:28
Written-By – Charles Trenet
7    Blue Train 10:32
Written-By – John Coltrane
8    A Little Surprise For The Lady 6:46
Written-By – Archie Shepp
9    I Want To Talk About You
Written-By – Billy Eckstine 9:40
Credits :
Bass – George Mraz
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – John Hicks
Tenor Saxophone, Lead Vocals – Archie Shepp

ARCHIE SHEPP QUARTET - Deja Vu (2001) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Archie Shepp has long established a reputation as a fiery avant-garde jazz stylist, though he is remarkably restrained in this collection of ballads recorded in 2001. The rhapsodic songs help restrain him somewhat, along with the presence of the terrific rhythm section, consisting of pianist Harold Mabern, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Billy Drummond. "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" has a few rough edges to retain Shepp's personal flavor, while the rhumba setting of Sidney Bechet's "Petite Fleur" works well, too. Mabern's lush introduction to "Les Feuilles Mortes" (Autumn Leaves) sets up a touching, spacious arrangement. Shepp opens Lerner & Loewe's infrequently performed "Gigi" unaccompanied, producing a majestic performance. The snappy treatment of "April in Paris" swings like the famous tune should, while he also retains the well-known "Pop Goes the Weasel" quote inserted in Basie's version. All in all, this is an enjoyable date. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life 4'54
 Michel Legrand
2    Petite Fleur 9'20
 Sidney Bechet
3    Les Feuilles Mortes 7'30
 Joseph Kosma / Jacques Prévert
4    L' Ame Des Poetes 7'59
 Charles Trénet
5    Gigi 4'08
 Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe
6    April In Paris 6'34
 Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
7    Sous Le Ciel De Paris 7'50
 Hubert Giraud
8    Deja Vu 3'13
 Archie Shepp
Credits :
Bass – George Mraz
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Harold Mabern
Tenor Saxophone – Archie Shepp

SHEILA JORDAN — Jazz Child (1999) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Making the supposition that she's an acquired taste, those who enjoy Jordan's unique singing will be thrilled with this release. She's reunited with the resourceful pianist Steve Kuhn who she made exceptional recordings with on ECM (Last Year's Waltz and Playground.) Her breathy, hither-come-yon, soulful voice, with an unmistakable Native American inflection and the quick witted, harmonic bebop foundation of her early days continues to earmark Jordan as one of the most important jazz singers of our time. Three cuts feature the artist with fellow vocalist Theo Bleckmann, and their voices mesh well together, especially on the kitschy, fun loving "Oh Henry." Bleckmann sounds bluesy and like a less histrionic Kurt Elling. The rest of the CD finds Jordan's material all over the map, from a vocal version of Don Cherry's "Art Deco," a revision replete with Indian scat of Steve Kuhn's "The Zoo," a take on Abbey Lincoln's "Bird Alone," and Cheryl Pyle's lyrics to Tom Harrell's "Buffalo Wings." All are outstanding examples of Jordan's uncanny ability to make a song all her own. Ballads like "My Ship," "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress," and "Everything Happens to Me" are further proof of her total command and love for the American popular song tradition. Precious music making can be difficult to grasp, much less embrace, especially from a populist standpoint. Getting next to Jordan's artistry should not be too difficult for the open minded. For those of you who are fans, you'll treasure this as one of her best efforts yet and a vocal jazz highlight of the year. Others can discover Jordan at the peak of her powers and revel in the deep blue, mysterious tones she conjures like no one else. Michael G. Nastos   
Tracklist :
1 Jazz Child 0:33
Sheila Jordan
2 The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress 5:22
Jimmy Webb
3 Reel Time 3:13
Chris Lee
4 Art Deco 6:16
Don Cherry / Sheila Jordan
5 The Zoo 4:17
Steve Kuhn
6 My Ship 4:03
Ira Gershwin / Kurt Weill
7 Oh Henry 3:17
Gil Fuller / Ernie Henry
8 Bird Alone 4:43
Abbey Lincoln
9 Medley: Ballad for Miles/My Funny Valentine 9:27
Lorenz Hart / Sheila Jordan / Richard Rodgers
10 Buffalo Wings 6:21
Tom Harrell / Sheila Jordan / Cheryl Pyle
11 Everything Happens to Me 4:37
Tom Adair / Matt Dennis
12 Medley: Everytime We Say Goodbye/For All We Know 5:38
Sam M. Lewis / Cole Porter
13 Jazz Child (Reprise) 0:36
Sheila Jordan
Credits :
Double Bass – Dave Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Vocals – Sheila Jordan, Theo Bleckmann (tracks: 3, 7, 12)

TESSA SOUTER – Nights Of Key Largo (2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Since arriving in New York City, Tessa Souter has built a dedicated following. She was a relative latecomer to jazz, taking time out to raise a family at a young age and work as a journalist before studying at the Manhattan School of music and privately with vocal great Mark Murphy, though she has developed into a formidable singer in a relatively short time. Souter's gorgeous, natural vocals never show pretension or gimmickry, while her taste in songs is amazingly wide-ranging and occasionally risk-taking. For these 2008 sessions, her accompanists include the brilliant pianist Kenny Werner (who works especially well with vocalists), saxophonist Joel Frahm, Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo, veteran first-call bassist Jay Leonhart, and the in-demand drummer Billy Drummond. Souter's lush treatment of "Close Enough for Love" captures the essence of this beautiful standard (a favorite of the late Shirley Horn and many others). The haunting setting of "Morning of the Carnaval" opens with Werner's elegant piano and Leonhart's mournful arco bass, while Souter's spacious, lovely performance is also complemented by Frahm's moving soprano sax. The vocalist uncovered a gem in Benny Carter's neglected "Key Largo," which she casts in a setting that suggests a midnight stroll along the beach with her lover. But Souter is at her most stunning when she tackles songs that one doesn't normally hear in a jazz setting. Her infectious, slinky take of Van Morrison's "Moondance" opens with her sexy vocals over Leonhart's walking bass, with judicious use of reverb that is never overdone. John Lennon's "Imagine" has long been a pop standard, though jazz arrangements have been few and mostly disappointing, but Souter is buoyed by her imaginative rhythm section, though she takes few liberties with it until she is well into the song. Tessa Souter will win you over, as well, if you give her the opportunity. Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
1    The Island    5:59
2    Close Enough For Love    7:12
3    Moondance    4:11
4    So Many Stars    4:24
5    The Look Of Love    3:53
6    You Only Live Twice    4:50
7    Key Largo    3:58
8    Slow Hot Wind    4:33
9    Moon And Sand    4:25
10    I'm Glad There Is You    5:18
11    All Or Nothing At All    4:50
12    Morning Of The Carnival    4:40
13    Imagine    4:40
Credits :
Bass – Jay Leonhart
Drums – Billy Drummond
Guitar – Romero Lubambo
Piano – Kenny Werner
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Joel Frahm
Vocals – Tessa Souter

TESSA SOUTER – Beyond The Blue (2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :

1. Prelude To The Sun (Beethoven's Symphony No.7, 2nd Movement) (3:55)

2. Beyond The Blue (Chopin's Prelude In E Minor, Opus 28, No.4) (6:01)

3. The Lamp Is Low (Ravel's Pavane. Adapted By Peter De Rose & Bert Shefter) (6:42)

4. Chiaroscuro (Tomaso Albinoni's Adagio In G Minor) (5:31)

5. Dance With Me (Borodin's Polovetsian Dances) (5:04)

6. Noa's Dream (Schubert's Serenade) (4:44)

7. En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor (Rodrigo's Concierto De Aranjuez) (7:08)

8. My Reverie (Debussy's Reverie. Lyric: Larry Clinton) (4:37)

9. Sunrise (Brahms' Symphony No.3, 3rd Movement) (4:45)

10. Baubles Bangles And Beads (Borodin's String Quartet In D, No.2, 

      2nd Movement. Adapted By Robert Wright & George Forrest) (4:22)

11. The Darkness Of Your Eyes (Faure's Pavane) (5:08)

12. Brand New Day (Faure's Elegy) (5:26)

Credits :

Accordion – Gary Versace

Bass – David Finck

Drums – Billy Drummond

Piano – Steve Kuhn

Saxophone – Joel Frahm

Vibraphone – Joe Locke

Vocals – Tessa Souter

CARLA BLEY — The Lost Chords (2003) APE (image+.cue), lossless

The Lost Chords are Carla Bley (piano), Andy Sheppard (saxophones), Steve Swallow (electric bass), and Billy Drummond (drums). This self-titled album is a document from the quartet's 2003 European tour. The set begins with the three-part suite "3 Blind Mice," a decidedly straight-ahead set comprised of bluesy hard bop and post-bop tropes. Bley and Sheppard solo and play the front line with great rapport; they complement one another well and their exchanges are relaxed and lyrical. The slightly dissonant angularity of "Hip Hop" reflects Bley's sense of humor as well as her affinity for the funky blues of Horace Silver and Bobby Timmons. "Lost Chords," the nearly 17-minute three-part suite that bookends the album at its close, is one of the most beautifully lyrical pieces Bley has ever composed. Its wide reach across ballad, bop, and modal developments is ambitious, and yet it is also seamless. As showcased to great effect here, Swallow's bass playing, while always subtle and unobtrusive, is such a force in this band that he becomes its entire spine. The depth of communication here is marvelous, and given the level of comfort these musicians have with one another, that feeling of ease is communicated to the listener as well.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1     3 Blind Mice: 3 Blind Mice 5:29
Carla Bley
2     3 Blind Mice: Wink Leak/Traps/Leonard Feather 5:30
Carla Bley
3     3 Blind Mice: The Maze/Blind Mice Redux 4:13
Carla Bley
4     Hip Hop 7:42
Carla Bley
5     Tropical Depression 7:37
Carla Bley
6     Red 6:01
Carla Bley
7     Lost Chords: I 9:07
Carla Bley
8     Lost Chords: II 4:23
Carla Bley
9     Lost Chords: III 3:37
Carla Bley
Credits :
Bass, Mixed By, Producer – Steve Swallow
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano, Composed By – Carla Bley
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Andy Sheppard