STANLEY JORDAN — Friends (2011) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Stanley Jordan's innovative touch technique, often played in a solo setting at the beginning of his career in the mid-'80s, was a breath of fresh air. He has since been an explorer open to many styles, as heard on this collaboration with a number of different musicians. He is still very much a force as a soloist, yet not one to hog the spotlight with his formidable abilities. Jordan is joined by Kenny Garrett (on soprano sax), trumpeter Nicholas Payton, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Kenwood Dennard for his blazing post-bop anthem "Capital J." The same lineup is used for the mellow contemporary ballad "Bathed in Light" with Dennard overdubbing on keyboard; the robust solos and crisp ensemble work keep things from degrading into run-of-the-mill smooth jazz. Jordan collaborates with several different guitarists. Octogenarian Bucky Pizzarelli, a master of seven-string guitar who is equally capable playing lead and rhythm, is on hand for a gently swinging, bluesy "Lil' Darlin'," while Russell Malone joins the leader and Pizzarelli for an explosive take of "Seven Come Eleven" (a tune Pizzarelli doubtlessly played many times during his time with Benny Goodman). Mike Stern accompanies Jordan for a brisk workout of "Giant Steps," with Dennard sticking to soft brushwork. Guitarist Charlie Hunter is on hand for Jordan's funky "Walkin' the Dog" and Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl," the latter in which the leader plays piano with one hand and guitar with the other. Perhaps the most unusual track is an adaptation of the "Romantic Intermezzo" from Béla Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra, with Jordan playing piano (his first instrument) accompanied by the brilliant violinist Regina Carter, demonstrating Jordan's love for a good melody regardless of the style of music. Jazz fans who have lost track of Stanley Jordan since his early solo recordings will have their ears opened by this diverse, successful meeting with his many friends. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Capital J    6:40
 Stanley Jordan
2    Walkin' The Dog    6:12
 Stanley Jordan
3    Lil' Darlin'    5:43
 Neal Hefti
4    Giant Steps    4:33
 John Coltrane
5    I Kissed A Girl    5:46
 Cathy Dennis / Dr. Luke / Max Martin / Katy Perry
6    Samba Delight    5:30
 Stanley Jordan
7    Seven Come Eleven    5:33
 Charlie Christian / Benny Goodman
8    Bathed In Light    7:49
 Stanley Jordan
9    Romantic Intermezzo From Bartok's Concerto For Orchestra    8:33
 Béla Bartók
10    Reverie    3:59
 Claude Debussy
11    One For Milton    4:08
 Kenwood Dennard / Stanley Jordan / Russell Malone
Credits :
Contrabass – Charnett Moffett (tracks: 5,6,10), Christian McBride (tracks: 1,8)
Drums – Kenwood Dennard (tracks: 1 to 8,10,11)
Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli (tracks: 3,6), Charlie Hunter (tracks: 2,5), Mike Stern (tracks: 4), Russell Malone (tracks: 6,11), Stanley Jordan
Piano – Stanley Jordan (tracks: 5,9)
Soprano Saxophone – Kenny Garrett (tracks: 1,8), Ronnie Laws (tracks: 7)
Trumpet – Nicholas Payton (tracks: 1,8)
Violin – Regina Carter (tracks: 7,9)

TERESA BREWER — Live At Carnegie Hall & Montreaux, Switzerland (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Two previously unissued live concerts from 1978 and 1983 find Teresa in rare form, singing and swinging in front of big bands simply top-heavy with great players. Kicking off with a duet with Dizzy Gillespie on "It Don't Mean a Thing" (where Dizzy plays a Jew's harp funkier than any electronic gizmo you can think of), Brewer puts the torch to tunes like "After You've Gone," "St. Louis Blues," and a smoky medley of "It Had to Be You" and "I've Got a Crush on You." The Montreux set repeats many of the same tunes, but with Clark Terry in the fold, Teresa is recharged, and the different interpretations make for very interesting comparisons. Anyone who wants to file Brewer in the "pop singer" category only needs to hear her sink her formidable chops into this material with a hot band kicking behind her. Cub Koda

Tracklist :
1    It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)    3:54
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
2    Breakin' Up Is Hard To Do    3:32
Howard Greenfield / Neil Sedaka
3    St. Louis Blues    3:14
W.C. Handy
4    After You've Gone    4:12
Henry Creamer / Turner Layton
5    Medley: It Had To Be You / I've Got A Crush On You    4:07
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / Isham Jones / Gus Kahn
6    Romance In The Dark    3:49
Lillian "Lil" Green
7    Mood Indigo    4:53
Barney Bigard / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
8    Some Songs    3:52
Dennis Linde
9    That's When The Music Takes Me    3:20
Neil Sedaka
10    Medley: I Ain't Got Nobody / Baby Won't You Please Come Home    5:29
Roger Graham / Charles Warfield / Clarence Williams / Spencer Williams
11    Fats Waller Medley: We Love You Fats / Ain't Misbehavin' / Find Out What They Like / The Joint Is Jumpin'    6:22
Teresa Brewer / Harry Brooks / J.C. Johnson / Frank Owens / Andy Razaf / Bob Thiele / Fats Waller
12    Come On And Drive Me Crazy    3:30
Teresa Brewer
13    It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)    4:01
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
14    Mood Indigo    4:27
Barney Bigard / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
15    St. Louis Blues    3:34
W.C. Handy
16    New Orleans    5:47
Frank Guida
Personnel Includes :
Teresa Brewer - Vocals
Dizzy Gillespie - Vocals, Jews Harp
Cootie Williams, Clark Terry - Trumpet
Bucky Pizzarelli - Acoustic Guitar
Hiram Bullock - Electric Guitar
Derek Smith, Patrick Coil - Piano

HOWARD ALDEN AND BUCKY PIZZARELLI — In A Mellow Tone (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Howard Alden and Bucky Pizzarelli played together a number of times over the years during jazz parties and in concerts, though the two seven-string guitarists never made a full CD together until In a Mellow Tone (though Alden appeared on a few tracks of Pizzarelli's A Portrait). Both heirs to the legacy of guitarist George Van Eps (who popularized the instrument), these two masters make magic on any session in which either of them takes place; combining the two meant that there was no reason for any additional players. With the extra string providing each man the ability to play a bassline for the other, they have a ball in the studio as they trade off playing gems like their cooking renditions of "In a Mellow Tone," "Cherokee," and "Three Little Words." Their slightly brisker treatment of Claude Thornhill's theme song "Snow Fall" works beautifully, while their intimate approach to "What's New" is among the best versions available on record or CD. They also capture the playful spirit of "Jitterbug Waltz" with a brilliant arrangement. Alden tackles both the haunting "In the Dark" and a brief take of "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" as solos. The sale of this highly recommended CD benefits the Sante Fe Jazz Foundation, which assisted Alden when illness limited his ability to tour for an extended period. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1. In a Mellow Tone (Ellington, Gabler) - 7:32
2. Do Nothing 'Till You Hear from Me (Ellington, Russell) - 7:04
3. Tangerine (Mercer, Schertzinger) - 4:59
4. Snow Fall (Thornhill) - 5:23
5. Cherokee (Noble) - 5:11
6. In the Dark (Beiderbercke) - 3:03
7. The Very Thought of You (Noble) - 4:09
8. Three Little Words (Kalmar, Ruby) - 3:53
9. What's New? (Burke, Haggart) - 6:07
10. Moon Glow (DeLange, Hudson, Mills) - 4:58
11. Jitterbug Waltz (Maltby, Waller) - 6:15
12. I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles (Brockman, Kellette, Kendis ...) - 1:22
13. Blues for Emmett (Alden, Pizzarelli) - 5:23
Credits :
Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli (tracks: 1 to 5, 7 to 11, 13), Howard Alden

STAN GETZ | ZOOT SIMS - Double Exposure (1969-1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Stan Getz Quartet  
1    The Song Is You 5:55
Written-By – Jerome Kern
2    O Grande Amor 6:03
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
3    For Jane 3:20
Written-By – Jack DeJohnette
4    Dane's Chant 7:28
Written-By – Stanley Cowell
5    Major General 6:25
Written-By – Jack DeJohnette
Credits :
Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Piano – Stanley Cowell
Tenor Saxophone – Stan Getz

Zoot Sims Quartet    
6    Nirvana 4:12
Written-By – Zoot Sims
7    Indiana 4:00
Written-By – Ballard MacDonald, James F. Hanley
8    Memories Of You 4:04
Written-By – Andy Razaf
9    Come Rain Or Come Shine 4:37
Written-By – Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer
10    Up A Lazy River 3:24
Written-By – Hoagy Carmichael
11    Send In The Clowns 2:31
Written-By – Stephen Sondheim
Credits :
Bass – Milt Hinton
Drums – Buddy Rich
Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli
Tenor Saxophone – Zoot Sims
Notas.
Recorded 1969, Europe.

ZOOT SIMS - Somebody Loves Me (1974-2003) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1     Sommerset 4:13
Torrie Zito   
2     Honeysuckle Rose 4:00
Andy Razaf / Fats Waller
3     A Summer Thing 3:21
Torrie Zito   
4     Somebody Loves Me 3:37
Buddy DeSylva / George Gershwin / Ballard MacDonald
5     Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You 2:56
Andy Razaf / Don Redman   
6     Nirvana 4:17
Zoot Sims / Stephen Sondheim   
7     (Back Home Again In) Indiana 4:04
James F. Hanley / Ballard MacDonald
8     Memories of You 4:07
Eubie Blake / Andy Razaf   
9     Come Rain or Come Shine 4:38
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer   
10     Lazy River 3:23
Sidney Arodin / Hoagy Carmichael
11     Send in the Clowns 2:31
Stephen Sondheim   
12     Air Mail Special 6:45
Charlie Christian / Benny Goodman / Jimmy Mundy
13     Ham Hock Blues 9:29
Lionel Hampton
14     Ring Dem Bells 4:21
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
Credits :
Bass – George Duvivier (pistas: 11 to 13), Milt Hinton (pistas: 1 to 10)
Drums – Buddy Rich (pistas: 1 to 4, 6 to 13), Stan Kay (pistas: 5)
Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli (pistas: 1 to 10)
Piano – Teddy Wilson (pistas: 11 to 13)
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Zoot Sims
Vibraphone – Lionel Hampton (pistas: 11 to 13)
Vocals [First Chorus] – Zoot Sims (pistas: 5)
Vocals [Second Chorus] – Buddy Rich (pistas: 5)

JOE VENUTI | ZOOT SIMS - Joe Venuti and Zoot Sims (1975-1988) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Violinist Joe Venuti's three recordings with tenorman Zoot Sims are all quite joyful and exciting. This Chiaroscuro recording matches the pair with pianist John Bunch, bassist Milt Hinton, drummer Bobby Rosengarden and, on "Don't Take Your Love from Me," trombonist Spiegel Willcox who was then 73. The small-group swing performances have plenty of life and more often than not are hard-swinging. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     My Honey's Lovin' Arms 3:43
Joseph Meyer / Herman Ruby   
2     Deep Night 3:50
Charles Henderson / Rudy Vallée   
3     Remember 5:03
Irving Berlin   
4     I Got Rhythm 3:36
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin   
5     Avalon 3:43
Buddy DeSylva / Al Jolson / Vincent Rose   
6     I Surrender, Dear 5:08
Harry Barris / Gordon Clifford   
7     Wait Till You See Her 4:29
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers   
8     Russian Lullaby 4:23
Irving Berlin   
9     Lady of the Evening 3:58
Irving Berlin   
10     Where or When 4:23
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers   
11     Lover, Come Back to Me 6:37
Oscar Hammerstein II / Sigmund Romberg   
12     I'll See You in My Dreams 4:42
Isham Jones / Gus Kahn   
13     Don't Take Your Love from Me 3:04
Henry Nemo   
14     Shine 3:19
Lew Brown / Ford Dabney / Cecil Mack
Credits :
Bass – Milt Hinton (pistas: 5 to 14)
Drums – Bobby Rosengarden (pistas: 5 to 14), Cliff Leeman (pistas: 1 to 4)
Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli (pistas: 1 to 4)
Piano – Dick Hyman (pistas: 1 to 4), John Bunch (pistas: 5 to 14)
Tenor Saxophone – Zoot Sims (pistas: 1 to 8, 10 to 14)
Trombone – Spiegle Wilcox (pistas: 13)
Violin – Joe Venuti

ZOOT SIMS | BUCKY PIZZARELLI - Elegiac (1980-1996) WV (image+.cue), lossless

This generally interesting but only adequately recorded set, which was issued for the first time on this 1996 CD, features duets played by Zoot Sims (doubling on tenor and soprano) and guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli. The pair mostly sticks to swinging standards, other than Neal Hefti's "Fred" and Rod McKuen's "Jean," and there are some strong moments (particularly on "Lester Leaps In," "Limehouse Blues" and "Softly As In a Morning Sunrise"), but one does miss the bass and drums after awhile. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Lester Leaps In 4:29
Lester Young    
2     Willow Weep for Me 7:28
Ann Ronell    
3     Limehouse Blues 5:20
Philip Braham / Douglas Furber    
4     My Old Flame 5:49
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston    
5     In a Mellow Tone 4:22
Duke Ellington / Milt Gabler    
6     I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) 2:20
Duke Ellington / Paul Francis Webster    
7     Satin Doll 2:42
Duke Ellington / Johnny Mercer / Billy Strayhorn    
8     Take the "A" Train 2:56
Billy Strayhorn    
9     Fred 6:35
Neal Hefti    
10     Jean 6:50
Rod McKuen    
11     Stompin' at the Savoy 5:46
Benny Goodman / Andy Razaf / Edgar Sampson / Chick Webb    
12     Memories of You 5:56
Eubie Blake / Andy Razaf    
13     Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise 4:30
Oscar Hammerstein II / Sigmund Romberg    
14     The Girl from Ipanema 4:32
Norman Gimbel / Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
Credits :
Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone (10-13) – Zoot Sims

KEN PEPLOWSKI GYPSY JAZZ BAND - Gypsy Lamento (2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Ken Peplowski has long shown interest in a number of different jazz styles, but this CD is his first strictly Gypsy swing session. Recruiting two of the most versatile guitarists for the date, Bucky Pizzarelli and Howard Alden, veterans Frank Tate on bass and Chuck Redd on drums, and the promising young violinist Aaron Weinstein (on selected tracks), Peplowski alternates between tenor sax and clarinet, covering a set list that is mostly drawn from the Quintet of the Hot Club of France and postwar Django Reinhardt records. The reed player showcases both instruments in his delightful take of "Please," overlapping them in spots via overdubbing. Peplowski takes a back seat to the two guitarists in "Nuages," with Pizzarelli taking the opening solo (easily identified by anyone who has heard him play this standard in person) and Alden following the leader's feature. Weinstein takes part in the chugging "Minor Swing," sounding very mature for his tender years. "Anouman" is one of Reinhardt's gems from near the end of his life; surprisingly, it is infrequently performed. Peplowski's lyrical, spacious clarinet is a highlight of this moving rendition. This enjoyable tribute to Django Reinhardt merits a follow-up CD. One minor beef: unless one can read the Japanese-only liner notes, it is nearly impossible to tell which guitarist is soloing on several selections; presumably the duties are shared. by Ken Dryden
Tracklist:
1    Topsy    7:14
Written-By – E. Durham, E. Battle
2    Anouman    4:37
Written-By – D. Reinhardt
3    Crepuscule    4:49
Written-By – D. Reinhardt
4    Tears    4:21
5    I'm Confessin'    7:28
Written-By – Al. J. Neiburg, D. Dougherty, E. Reynolds
6    Minor Swing    4:30
Written-By – D. Reinhardt
7    Solitude    4:19
Written-By – D. Ellington
8    Nympheus    5:13
9    Please    5:56
Written-By – Robin, Reinger
10    Nuages    5:28
11    I've Had My Moments    4:21
Written-By – W. Donaldson
12    Time On My Hands    2:45
Credits:
Bass – Frank Tate
Drums – Chuck Redd
Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli, Howard Alden
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Ken Peplowski
Violin – Aaron Weinstein

 

ALEX PANGMAN — Have a Little Fun (2013) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Some of These Days 2:17  
Shelton Brooks / Paul Rardin
2    Are You Having Any Fun 2:23  
Sammy Fain / Jack Yellen
3    The Fog Song 4:15
Alex Pangman
4    The Panic Is On 3:36
George Clark / Bert Clarke / Winston Collins Tharp / Thomas Waller
5    I'm Confessin' 3:01   
Doc Daugherty / Al J. Neiburg / Ellis Reynolds
6    It Felt So Good to Be So Bad 3:50    
Alex Pangman
7    Just One More Chance 3:06    
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston
8    Shanghai Lil 4:11
Al Dubin / Harry Warren
9    Out of Nowhere 4:26    
John W. Green / Edward Heyman
10    Stardust 3:55
Hoagy Carmichael / Mitchell Parish
11    Melancholy Lullaby 3:24  
Alex Pangman
12    Topsy Turvy 3:22     
Alex Pangman
13    Undecided 2:48  
Sydney Robin / Charlie Shavers
14    Some of These Days (Intro) 0:30
Shelton Brooks / Paul Rardin
Credits:
Bass – Chris Banks (tracks: 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 13), Michael Herring (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 7, 9 to 11)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Ross Wooridge (tracks: 4, 6, 8, 12, 13)
Drums – Chris Lamont (tracks: 6, 8, 12, 13), Glenn Anderson (tracks: 3, 4)
Guitar – Jesse Barksdale (tracks: 3, 4, 6, 12, 13)
Guitar [Guest] – Bucky Pizzarelli (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 7, 9 to 11)
Piano – Peter Hill (tracks: 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 13)
Producer – Alex Pangman, Don Kerr
Trombone – Laurie Bower (tracks: 3)
Trumpet – Brigham Phillips (tracks: 4, 6, 8, 12, 13)
Violin – Drew Jurecka (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 7, 9 to 11)
Vocals – Alex Pangman

BUCKY PIZZARELLI - Challis In Wonderland (2011) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bucky Pizzarelli salutes arranger Bill Challis, who was responsible for many of the most important charts played by the Jean Goldkette Orchestra and Paul Whiteman's Orchestra, along with helping transcribe the handful of compositions by legendary cornetist Bix Beiderbecke. In his eighties at the time of these sessions, the seven-string guitarist shows no signs of slowing down, joined by bassist Jerry Bruno and on a few tracks adding his son John on guitar or a swinging string quartet led by the talented young violinist Aaron Weinstein with string arrangements by Dick Lieb. Most of the repertoire includes music of the '20s and '30s, with two exceptions. Pizzarelli's original "Challis in Wonderland" is a lush, laid-back ballad saluting the arranger performed as a guitar duet, while Bob Haggart's timeless ballad "What's New" has long been a part of the leader's repertoire. Zez Confrey (the novelty pianist and composer of "Kitten on the Keys") penned the obscure "Romanza," played as an intimate father/son duet. The trio's intricate reading of Beiderbecke's "In the Dark" is a lyrical masterpiece. Pizzarelli is buoyed by the strings in his breezy, toe-tapping rendition of Beiderbecke's "Davenport Blues," while the cornetist's "In a Mist" has long been a brilliant, expected solo feature for the guitarist at jazz parties. Weinstein switches to mandolin for a swinging setting of "Oh Baby" with the leader and Bruno. These rewarding sessions by Bucky Pizzarelli provide ample proof that the master guitarist keeps the spirits of Bix Beiderbecke and Bill Challis very much alive. by Ken Dryden   
Tracklist
1 Sunday 4:59
Chester Cohn / Bennie Krueger / Ned Miller / Jule Stein
2 Sugar 4:05
Edna Alexander / Sidney D. Mitchell / Maceo Pinkard
3 Challis in Wonderland 4:01
Bucky Pizzarelli
4 Davenport Blues 7:09
Bix Beiderbecke
5 In the Dark 3:00
Bix Beiderbecke
6 Romanza 1:29
Zez Comfrey
7 Singing the Blues 5:38
Con Conrad / Sam M. Lewis / J. Russel Robinson / Joe Young
8 In a Mist  4:52
Bix Beiderbecke
9 Oh Baby  3:40
Owen Murphy
10 Sugar 5:55
Edna Alexander / Sidney D. Mitchell / Maceo Pinkard
11 Candlelights 5:11
Bix Beiderbecke
12 What's New 6:38
Johnny Burke / Bob Haggart
13 I'm Coming Virginia 4:54
Will Marion Cook / Donald Heywood
14 Flashes 2:58
Bix Beiderbecke
Personnel:
Bucky Pizzarelli - acoustic guitar, 7-string guitar
John Pizzarelli - 7-string guitar
Jerry Bruno - bass
Dick Lieb Strings:
Aaron Weinstein - violin, mandolin
Svetlana Tsoneva - violin
Olivia Koppell - viola
Jesse Levy - cello

BUCKY PIZZARELLI - Challis In Wonderland 

(2011) ARBORS / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

O Púbis da Rosa

SCOTT HAMILTON & BUCKY PIZZARELLI - Red Door : Remember Zoot Sims [1998] APE (tracks+.cue), lossless

As of 1998, when this CD was released, Scott Hamilton had recorded over 30 albums as a leader for Concord. Although all are quite worthwhile, the swing tenor's consistency and unchanged style since the 1970s have resulted in a certain sameness and predictability to his recordings. This release, however, definitely stands apart from the crowd, for it is a set of tenor/guitar duets that Hamilton performs with Bucky Pizzarelli. A tribute to Zoot Sims (one of Hamilton's early influences), this is a very successful outing. Pizzarelli's mastery of the seven-string guitar allows him to play basslines behind solos, so one never misses the other instruments. Although the duo performs a variety of standards, there are also some lesser-known pieces among the highlights including the title cut, Al Cohn's "Two Funky People," the Sims/Cohn collaboration "Morning Fun," and the obscure "In the Middle of a Kiss." Both Hamilton and Pizzarelli sound inspired in this format, stretching themselves while always swinging. Pizz had recorded a duo album with Sims back in 1973, and Zoot also cut a full set with guitarist Joe Pass a couple years later. This excellent, slightly offbeat outing is on the same level as those two and is highly recommended to fans of swinging mainstream jazz. by Scott Yanow  
Tracklist:
1 It Had to Be You 7:37
Isham Jones / Gus Kahn
2 Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You 5:53
Andy Razaf / Don Redman
3 The Red Door 4:57
Gerry Mulligan / Zoot Sims
4 Dream of You 5:24
Jimmie Lunceford / Michael Morales / Sy Oliver
5 Jitterbug Waltz 5:43
Richard Maltby, Jr. / Fats Waller
6 Two Funky People 5:21
Al Cohn
7 Just You, Just Me 5:02
Jesse Greer / Raymond Klages
8 In the Middle of a Kiss 5:28
Sam Coslow
9 Morning Fun 4:17
Al Cohn / Zoot Sims
10 It's All Right With Me 7:18
Cole Porter
Credits
Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli
Tenor Saxophone – Scott Hamilton

SCOTT HAMILTON & BUCKY PIZZARELLI - Red Door : Remember Zoot Sims 

[1998] Concord / APE (tracks+.cue), lossless

O Púbis da Rosa

JESSICA MOLASKEY - Make Believe (2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Veteran Broadway actress Jessica Molaskey's third CD for PS Classics is a mix of favorites from musicals and standards from the Great American Songbook, though many of these compositions have not been recorded much at all for quite some time. Backed by a band that includes husband John Pizzarelli on guitar along with her guitarist father-in-law Bucky Pizzarelli, trombonist John Mosca, tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, and a number of superb New York-based musicians, Molaskey's acting skills come across even though the listener can't see her perform these timeless tunes. She sounds young and flirty in "I Cain't Say No" (from Oklahoma!) in a superb orchestration by John Clayton, while restoring the often omitted verse. She soars in the stunning strings and piano arrangement of "Make Believe." But one of the assets of Molaskey's choice of songs is rediscovering overlooked gems like "Stepsisters' Lament," making the most of its hilarious lyrics in a rapid-fire rendition. A very welcome guest is singer Adam Guettel (Richard Rodgers' grandson) in the warm duet of Rodgers' melancholy "Glad to Be Unhappy" with a brilliant orchestration by Don Sebesky. Husband John Pizzarelli sings with his wife in the humorous interwoven medley of Jon Hendricks' bop classic "Cloudburst" and Stephen Sondheim's "Getting Married Today," a real laugh riot arranged by Jason Robert Brown. Molaskey jointly wrote the bittersweet ballad "Cradle and All" with Ricky Ian Gordon, which features another fine orchestration by Sebesky. The only thing better than listening to this outstanding CD is getting to hear Jessica Molaskey perform in person.  by Ken Dryden 
Tracklist:
1 I Cain't Say No
Arranged By – John Clayton
Orchestrated By – John Clayton
Written-By – Rodgers & Hammerstein
2 Guys And Dolls
Arranged By – John Clayton
Orchestrated By – John Clayton
Written-By – Frank Loesser
3 Make Believe
Arranged By – Larry Goldings
Orchestrated By – Don Sebesky
Written By – Hammerstein-Kern
4 Stepsisters' Lament
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Don Sebesky
Written-By – Rodgers & Hammerstein
5 Glad To Be Happy
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Don Sebesky
Written-By – Rodgers & Hart
6 Hey, Look Me Over, [With A Touch Of] Big Spender
Written-By – Carolyn Leigh, Cy Coleman, Dorothy Fields
7 So Many People
Written-By – Stephen Sondheim
8 Medley
Orchestrated By – Don Sebesky
8a Cloudburst
Written-By – Jon Hendricks
8b Getting Married Today
Written-By – Stephen Sondheim
9 Growing Pains
Written-By – Arthur Schwartz, Dorothy Fields
10 All That Jazz
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Clayton
Written-By – Kander And Ebb
11 Right As The Rain
Written-By – E.Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen
12 You're A Builder Upper
Written-By – E.Y. Harburg, Harold Arlen, Ira Gershwin
13 Cradle And All
Orchestrated By – Don Sebesky
Written-By – Jessica Molaskey, Ricky Ian Gordon
14 Goodnight My Someone
Written-By – Meredith Willson
Credits
Alto Saxophone – Andy Fusco
Baritone Saxophone – Ken Berger
Bass – Martin Pizzarelli
Cello – Clay Ruede
Drums – Tony Tedesco
Flute – Pam Sklar, Shelley Woodworth
Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli (tracks: 9)
Lead Vocals, Liner Notes – Jessica Molaskey
Piano – Larry Goldings (tracks: 3, 7, 11, 14), Lee Musiker, Ray Kennedy (tracks: 6, 8)
Producer – John Pizzarelli
Tenor Saxophone – Harry Allen
Trombone – John Mosca
Trumpet – "Bud" Burridge, Tony Kadleck
Viola – Conway Kuo
Violin – Antoine Silverman, Paul Woodiel
Vocals – Adam Guettel (tracks: 5), John Pizzarelli (tracks: 8) 

JESSICA MOLASKEY - A Kiss to Build a Dream On (2008) FLAC (tracks), lossless

When Broadway actress Jessica Molaskey met jazz guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli, an engaging partnership (both musical and marital) was formed. Molaskey enjoyed the musical family she married into, including father and guitarist Bucky and brother-in-law/bassist Martin, all of whom join her on her first CD for a purely jazz label. Rounding out the band is the talented young violinist Aaron Weinstein, a swinging, sensitive player in the Stéphane Grappelli tradition whose maturity on his instrument belies his youth. One of Molaskey's greatest strengths is her effortless ability to convey the emotion of each song without overdoing it, while her vocals are always right on the money. She also chose quite a few pieces that have long fallen into obscurity, including the upbeat "Happy Habit," the brightly swinging "Hello Sunshine Hello" (which interpolates "You Are My Sunshine" and utilizes multi-tracked vocals), and "Breezin' Along with the Breeze." John joins her for an intimate vocal duet of "Tea for Two" that includes the oft-omitted verse, along with their warm original "Hiding in Plain Sight," the latter adding guest Larry Fuller on piano. She also chose a pair of Stephen Sondheim songs, offering a playful rendition of "Everybody Loves Louis" (from Sunday in the Park with George and the sentimental ballad "Isn't He Something" (from Bounce. Jessica Molaskey will warm an audience of any size with this superb release. by Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
1 Happy Habit 3:46
Dorothy Fields / Arthur Schwartz 
2 Medley: You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby/Baby Face 4:20
Harry Akst / Benny Davis / Johnny Mercer / Harry Warren 
3 Hello Sunshine Hello 3:28
Jack Murray / Charles Tobias 
4 A Kiss to Build a Dream On 4:11
Oscar Hammerstein II / Bert Kalmar / Harry Ruby 
5 Everybody Loves Louis 3:17
Stephen Sondheim 
6 Tea for Two 4:09
Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans 
7 Take Me To You 3:41
Jessica Molaskey / John Pizzarelli 
8 Breezin' Along With the Breeze 4:12
Haven Gillespie / Seymour Simons / Richard A. Whiting 
9 Isn't He Something 3:47
Stephen Sondheim 
10 Hiding In Plain Sight 3:46
Jessica Molaskey / John Pizzarelli 
11 I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover 3:07
Mort Dixon / Harry Woods 
12 You're Nobody till Somebody Loves You 5:51
Larry Stock 
13 Ain't Misbehavin' 5:53
Harry Brooks / Andy Razaf / Fats Waller 
14 Bye Bye Blues 4:49
Dave Bennett / Chauncey Gray / Fred Hamm / Bert Lown 
15 Heart's Desire 2:48
Alan Broadbent / Dave Frishberg
Credits :
Jessica Molaskey, Composer, Cover Design, Vocals
Bucky Pizzarelli, Guitar
John Pizzarelli, Vocals
Martin Pizzarelli, Bass, Bass Instrument
Aaron Weinstein, Violin

CAROL SLOANE - We'll Meet Again (2009) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Carol Sloane has paid her dues over a career that stretches over half a century, surviving the various detours into temporary fads and the fickle whims of the jazz marketplace. For her 37th album as a leader, the vocalist chose to omit both piano and drums, looking toward a cleaner, more intimate sound, which she achieves throughout the sessions. She could have hardly picked a better guitarist than Bucky Pizzarelli, a master who seems to have accompanied nearly everyone and has encyclopedic knowledge of thousands of songs, along with one of her biggest fans, tenor saxophonist/clarinetist Ken Peplowski (who has long told jazz journalists that she is one of his favorite vocalists), and veteran bassist Steve LaSpina. The Basie-like swing setting of "Exactly Like You," adding young violinist Aaron Weinstein to the trio, will have listeners tapping their feet along with it. Joe Williams' longtime pianist Norman Simmons wrote "If You Could Love Me" back in the 1950s, though the song never caught a wide audience -- Sloane's warm bossa nova setting is complemented by Peplowski's lyrical clarinet. Sloane exhibits both warmth and playfulness in "Zoot Walks In," opening with an unaccompanied half-chorus, then follows it with a snappy segment accompanied solely by LaSpina's walking bass. Peplowski salutes the late great Zoot Sims with a spirited tenor solo, after which Weinstein adds a wry chorus on violin in the manner of Ray Nance. Sloane is at her very best tackling the bittersweet "A Cottage for Sale," imbuing it with emotion without getting carried away. Carol Sloane is like a fine vintage wine; her voice keeps improving with time.  Ken Dryden 
Tracklist :
1 Exactly Like You 5:43
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
2 Something to Remember You By 3:24
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz
3 Anytime, Anyday, Anywhere 2:40
Ned Washington / Lee Wiley / Victor Young
4 I Haven't Got Anything Better to Do 6:32
Lee Pockriss / Paul Vance
5 If You Could Love Me 2:37
Norman Simmons
6 Why Don't You Do Right 3:36
Kansas Joe McCoy
7 The Meaning of the Blues 4:42
Bobby Troup / Leah Worth
8 Zoot Walks In 5:51
Dave Frishberg
 9 Where Are You? 6:35
Harold Adamson / Jimmy McHugh
 10 Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year 6:29
Frank Loesser
 11 A Cottage for Sale 5:18
Larry Conley / Willard Robison
12 I Never Loved Anyone 4:45
George R. Brown
 13 We'll Meet Again 3:24
Hughie Charles / Ross Parker
Credits
Steve LaSpina Bass
Ken Peplowski Clarinet, Sax (Tenor)
Bucky Pizzarelli Guitar
Carol Sloane Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals