STEPS AHEAD — Magnetic (1986-2013) RM | Serie Jazz Best Collection 1000 – 10 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The last Steps Ahead recording to feature Michael Brecker, this album finds the band exploring the use of electronic instruments and synthesis. Michael Brecker's use of the Akai E.W.I. (electronic wind instrument) is astonishing. Paul Kohler
Tracklist :
1.    Trains 7:31
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Guitar [Guitar Synthesizer] – Chuck Loeb
Bass – Victor Bailey
Drums [Acoustic, Electric], Percussion – Peter Erskine
Engineer – Malcolm Pollack, Neil Dorfsman, Rick Kerr
Engineer [Assistant] – Jamie Chaleff, Ken Steiger, Rick Begin
Guitar – Hiram Bullock
Mixed By – Malcolm Pollack
Programmed By [Synthesizer Programming] – Robby Kilgore
Synthesizer – Kenny Kirkland
Tenor Saxophone [Steiner Ewi] – Michael Brecker
Vibraphone [Synthi-vibes], Keyboards – Mike Mainieri
Written-By – Mike Mainieri
2.    Beirut 8:15
Bass – Victor Bailey
Drums [Acoustic, Electric], Percussion – Peter Erskine
Engineer [Assistant] – Scott Ansell
Engineer, Mixed By – James Farber
Guitar, Guitar [Guitar Synthesizer] – Chuck Loeb
Programmed By [Synthesizer Programming] – Robby Kilgore
Saxophone [Steiner Ewi, Oberheim Xpander] – Michael Brecker
Vibraphone [Synthi-vibes], Keyboards – Mike Mainieri
Written-By – C. Loeb, M. Brecker, M. Mainieri, P. Erskine, V. Bailey
3.    Cajun 6:16
Banjo – Peter Schwimmer
Bass – Victor Bailey
Drums – Peter Erskine
Engineer [Assistant] – Scott Ansell
Engineer, Mixed By – James Farber
Guitar, Guitar [Guitar Synthesizer] – Chuck Loeb
Programmed By [Synthesizer Programming] – Robby Kilgore
Tenor Saxophone [Steiner Ewi, Oberheim Xpander] – Michael Brecker
Vibraphone [Synthi-vibes] – Mike Mainieri
Written-By – Michael Brecker
4.    In A Sentimental Mood 3:30
Engineer – Joe Barbaria
Engineer [Assistant] – Bridget Daly
Keyboards – Mike Mainieri
Mixed By – Michel Sauvage
Programmed By [Synthesizer Programming] – Phil Ashley
Saxophone [Steiner Ewi, Oberheim Xpander] – Michael Brecker
Written-By – Duke Ellington
5.    Magnetic Love 5:33
Backing Vocals – Diva Gray, Janis Pendarvis, Jocelyn Brown
Drum Programming – Jimmy Bralower
Engineer – Jay Rifkin, Joe Barbaria, Malcolm Pollack
Engineer [Assistant] – Bridget Daly, Jamie Chaleff, Robin Lane
Guitar – Paul Jackson
Lead Vocals – Dianne Reeves
Mixed By – Michael Brauer
Synthesizer – Mike Mainieri, Scott Martin 
Synthesizer [Synclavier Sampling] – Andy Topeka
Synthesizer, Synthesizer [Sequencing] – Phil Ashley
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Written-By – Mike Mainieri, Scott Martin 
6.    Sumo 5:50
Bass – Victor Bailey
Drum Programming – Jimmy Bralower
Drums, Percussion – Peter Erskine
Engineer – Neil Dorfsman, Rick Kerr
Engineer [Assistant] – Kevin Killian, Rick Begin, Tim Purvis
Guitar, Guitar [Guitar Synthesizer] – Chuck Loeb
Mixed By – Tom Lord-Alge
Programmed By [Synthesizer Programming], Piano – Robby Kilgore
Tenor Saxophone [Steiner Ewi] – Michael Brecker
Vibraphone [Synthi-vibes] – Mike Mainieri
Written-By – Michael Brecker
7.    All The Tea In China 5:03
Bass – Victor Bailey
Engineer – Andrew Heermans
Engineer [Assistant] – Tim Purvis
Guitar – Chuck Loeb
Mixed By – Tom Lord-Alge
Programmed By [Oberheim Xpander Programming] – Robby Kilgore
Synthesizer – Mitchel Forman
Synthesizer, Percussion – Peter Erskine
Tenor Saxophone [Steiner Ewi, Oberheim Xpander] – Michael Brecker
Vibraphone – Mike Mainieri
Written-By – Peter Erskine
8.    Something I Said 4:23
Bass – Victor Bailey
Drums, Synthesizer – Peter Erskine
Engineer – James Farber
Engineer [Assistant] – Ken Steiger, Scott Ansell
Guitar – Chuck Loeb
Mixed By – Malcolm Pollack
Piano [Acoustic], Synthesizer – Warren Bernhardt
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Vibraphone [Synthi-vibes] – Mike Mainieri
Written-By – Peter Erskine
9.    Reprise (Magnetic Love) 1:15
Written-By – Mike Mainieri, Scott Martin 

ERIC MARIENTHAL — It's Love (2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is among contemporary jazz's busiest talents. On the day that It's Love was released, Marienthal also played a starring role on the Jeff Lorber Fusion entry Galaxy. The two albums reflect Marienthal's varied talents, as both a creative improviser and a lover of groove-oriented popular music. It's Love was produced by guitarist Chuck Loeb, who also appears throughout the set. Also in this studio band are Yellowjackets' keyboardist Russell Ferrante, drummer Gary Novak, and bassist Tim Lefebvre. Marienthal's love of pop-soul is displayed on the album's opening number, a cover of Brenda Russell's iconic "Get Here." Introduced by Ferrante's piano and spare percussion and guitar, Marienthal's alto moves right into the melody and sticks close while digging deep into his horn's grain for emotion. When the key change happens, he syncopates the lyric flow and allows the melody to guide him. While this track has been covered by many singers, pulling it off in a contemporary jazz setting isn't easy. The temptation to show off one's chops at the expense of the tune is everywhere; Marienthal's discipline keeps him honest and he lets its original intent flow right through to the listener. He switches gears on a 21st century reading of Irving Mills' "In a Sentimental Mood," which doesn't resemble any instrumental version out there -- Loeb's solo guitar intro evokes Wes Montgomery before Ferrante and Marienthal enter and return what has long been a vehicle for jazz improvisation back into a lyric song. The title track is a haunting ballad co-written by Marienthal and Loeb, while the latter's "Two in One" is a midtempo groover with Marienthal soloing on soprano. "Babycakes" and "St. Moritz" were co-composed by the saxophonist with Lorber. The former evokes the Crusaders circa 1969 and 1970 as Marienthal uses Wilton Felder's soulful phrasing in a gospelized groove while Loeb plays tasty fills à la Larry Carlton. Lorber contributes keyboards and additional guitar, too. On "St. Moritz," Till Brönner's trumpet adds depth, density, and an added lyricism to the breezy Caribbean atmosphere until the midway point, where it gets nocturnal and funky. It's Love is a (mostly) laid-back offering, yet it's solid: beautifully arranged and executed, its silky production and emotive undertones, make it a perfect Valentine's Day soundtrack to boot. 
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <- 
Tracklist :
1.    Get Here 4:29
 Brenda Russell 
2.    In A Sentimental Mood 5:20
 Irving Mills 
3.    Can't Buy Me Love 5:48
 John Lennon / Paul McCartney 
4.    It's Love 5:52
 Chuck Loeb / Eric Marienthal 
5.    Two In One 6:21
 Chuck Loeb
6.    Costa Del Soul 5:20
 Chuck Loeb / Eric Marienthal 
7.    Babycakes 4:41
 Jeff Lorber / Eric Marienthal 
8.    Cafe Royale 6:00
 Russell Ferrante / Eric Marienthal 
9.    St. Moritz 5:25
 Jeff Lorber / Eric Marienthal 
10.    When I Found You 4:21
 Brian Culbertson / Eric Marienthal 
Credits :
Brian Culbertson - Composer, Engineer, Featured Artist, Keyboards, Mixing, Piano, Producer
Chuck Loeb - Arranger, Composer, Engineer, Featured Artist, Guitar, Keyboards, Producer
David Charles - Featured Artist, Percussion, Percussion Engineer
Eric Marienthal - Arranger, Clarinet, Composer, Engineer, Executive Producer, Flute, Primary Artist, Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor)
Gary Novak - Drums, Featured Artist
Jeff Lorber - Composer, Engineer, Featured Artist, Guitar, Keyboards
Jimmy Haslip - Bass (Electric), Featured Artist
Pat Bianchi - Featured Artist, Organ (Hammond)
Russell Ferrante - Composer, Featured Artist, Keyboards, Piano
Till Brönner - Featured Artist, Trumpet
Tim Lefebvre - Bass (Electric), Featured Artist

FOURPLAY — Silver (2015) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Silver marks the silver anniversary of Grammy-nominated jazz collective Fourplay, a supergroup consisting of bassist Nathan East, keyboardist Bob James, guitarist Chuck Loeb (who joined five years ago) and drummer Harvey Mason. Over their 25 year history, the four musicians have continued to explore together and celebrate their unprecedented bond with their most wide-ranging and gratifying recording to date. Following the theme of the occasion, most of the original compositions play off the anniversary and just like its namesake, Silver shines, each track a brilliant example of what has made this formidable ensemble one of the most respected in the jazz world. Former members Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton return to Fourplay as guest artists on the album.

    On Silver, Fourplay celebrates that unprecedented bond with their most wide-ranging and gratifying recording to date. Following the theme of the occasion, most of the 10 new original compositions comprising Silver play off of the anniversary, bearing titles such as Sterling, Precious Metal and A Silver Lining. Just like its namesake, Silver shines, each track a brilliant example of what has made this formidable ensemble each of whom also has a highly successful career outside of the band one of the most respected in the jazz world. Silver also reunites two key earlier members of Fourplay with the current lineup: Larry Carlton, the world-class guitarist; and original Fourplay guitarist Lee Ritenour. Also featured is a high-profile guest player, the beloved saxophonist Kirk Whalum.

    For each member of Fourplay, the group s ability to remain so creative after so many years together has been a reward in itself. Says Nathan East, It became apparent from our very first album that this particular group of musicians had a special sound. We appreciate whatever that chemistry or magic has been between us and have had a great time on our journey together as we ve developed our music. Fourplay is four voices melding together to create a truly distinct and recognizable sound, says Harvey Mason, explaining the quartet s ability to continually find new avenues of expression. This group has so much musical experience that the accompanying and the listening are over the top. We ve all been sidemen as well as leaders and we cover the gamut of musical genres. It s a great feeling to know you can go in any direction and you ll be supported and pushed. We work together that is what you hear when you listen to Fourplay. web
Tracklist :
1.    Quicksilver  (6:44)
2.    Horace  (4:26)
3.    Sterling  (7:32)
4.    A Silver Lining (4:53)
5.    Silverado  (5:55)
Guitar – Larry Carlton
Organ – Mitch Forman
6.    Mine  (5:35)
7.    Silver Streak (6:23)
Backing Vocals – Chris Wells
8.    Precious Metal 7:22
Tenor Saxophone – Kirk Whalum
9.    Aniversario  (4:10)
Synth – Tom Keane
10.    Windmill  (5:38)
Guitar – Lee Ritenour
Keyboards [Additional] – John Beasley
Credits :
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Synth – Chuck Loeb
Bass, Vocals – Nathan East
Drums, Percussion, Vibraphone, Synth – Harvey Mason
Piano, Electric Piano [Rhodes], Synthesizer – Bob James
Producer – Fourplay 

EDDIE DANIELS — Nepenthe (1990) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

One of the world's great clarinetists, Eddie Daniels is primarily in the spotlight during this modern jazz set. He is joined by guitarist Chuck Loeb (who is excellent in support and as a secondary solo voice), bassist John Patitucci, either Dave Weckl or Adam Nussbaum on drums, and percussionist Sammy Figueroa. They perform seven diverse Daniels originals (complex but swinging), plus two by Loeb and the standards "Soul Eyes" and "Equinox." This release is not as memorable as Daniels' flashier and more spectacular recordings (it is more mellow at times), but it does contain plenty of subtle creativity and effortless (but brilliant) clarinet solos. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
 1 Sun Dance 4:18
Chuck Loeb
 2 Equinox 6:06
John Coltrane
 3 Nepenthe 5:19
Eddie Daniels
 4 Waltz of Another Color 6:43
Eddie Daniels
 5 Sueños (Dreams) 5:40
Eddie Daniels
 6 Chaser 4:03
Eddie Daniels
 7 The Only One 6:09
Eddie Daniels
 8 Soul Eyes 6:11
Mal Waldron
 9 The Chant 5:52
Chuck Loeb
 10 Quiet Space 4:35
Eddie Daniels
 11 Reverie for a Rainy Day 5:18
Eddie Daniels
Credits :
Bass, Acoustic Bass – John Patitucci
Clarinet – Eddie Daniels
Drums – Adam Nussbaum (tracks: 4,6,8,11), Dave Weckl
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Chuck Loeb
Percussion – Sammy Figueroa 

CARMEN CUESTA-LOEB — Dreams (2002) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Dreams 5:46
Written-By – C. Cuesta
2    Invitation 5:23
Written-By – B. Kaper, P. F. Webster
3    Vuelvo A Ti 5:33
Written-By – C. Cuesta
4    No Te Olvidare 4:35
Written-By – C. Cuesta
5    Blue Kiss 4:12
Written-By – C. Cuesta, C. Loeb
6    Corcovado 4:45
Written-By – A. C. Jobim
7    Estrana 4:50
Written-By – C. Cuesta
8    The Shadow Of Your Smile 5:06
Written-By – J. Mandel, P. F. Webster
9    Something 4:00
Written-By – G. Harrison
10    Until 5:17
Written-By – C. Cuesta
11    The Garden 5:01
Written-By – C. Cuesta
12    My Romance 5:05
Written-By – L. Hart, R. Rodgers
Credits :
Arranged By, Producer [Produced By] – Carmen Cuesta-Loeb, Chuck Loeb
Backing Vocals – Lizzy Loeb (tracks: 6)
Bass – John Patitucci, Kevin Katz, Will Lee
Drums – Brian Dunne, Wolfgang Haffner
Flugelhorn – Till Brönner (tracks: 6)
Guitar, Keyboards, Drum Programming – Chuck Loeb
Keyboards, Piano – Mike Ricchiuti (tracks: 11)
Percussion – David Charles
Piano – Bob James (tracks: 4)
Tenor Saxophone – Andy Snitzer (tracks: 7), Michael Brecker (tracks: 1)
Vocals – Carmen Cuesta-Loeb 

BILL EVANS — The Alternative Man (1986) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The fact that Bill Evans' years as a Miles Davis sideman had so positive an effect on him is evident on The Alternative Man -- an unpredictable fusion date that, although overproduced at times, is full of spirited blowing and adventurous composing. Ranging from the reggae-influenced "The Path of Resistance" to the addictive "Let the Juice Loose!" to the angular "Jojo," Evans' material is consistently impressive. A Michael Brecker disciple but definitely his own man, Evans tends to be robust and aggressive on tenor and more reflective on soprano. Guest John McLaughlin (electric guitar) is characteristically persuasive on the poetic "Flight of the Falcon." Alex Henderson
Tracklist :
1    The Alternative Man 5:45
Bass Guitar – Mark Egan
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Electric Guitar – Jeff Golub
Keyboards – Mitchel Forman
2    The Path Of Least Resistance 4:37
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Electric Guitar – Sid McGinnis
Keyboards – Clifford Carter
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Vocals, Composed By – Clifford Carter
3    Let The Juice Loose 5:40
Bass Guitar – Marcus Miller
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Electric Guitar – Hiram Bullock
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Trumpet – Lew Soloff
4    Gardiners Garden 4:30
Bass – Mark Egan
Electric Guitar, Composed By – Chuck Loeb
Percussion – Danny Gottlieb
5    Survival Of The Fittest 3:25
Acoustic Guitar – John McLaughlin
Bass – Mark Egan
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Grand Piano – Mitchel Forman
Keyboards – Clifford Carter
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
6    Jojo 6:21
Composed By – Rich Meitin
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Electric Guitar – Sid McGinnis
Keyboards, Composed By – Clifford Carter
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
7    The Cry In Her Eyes 5:41
Bass Guitar – Marcus Miller
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Electric Guitar – Dave Hart, Hiram Bullock
8    Miles Away 5:24
Bass Guitar – Marcus Miller
Drums – Al Foster
9    Flight Of The Falcon 7:23
Acoustic Guitar – John McLaughlin
Bass – Mark Egan
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Grand Piano – Mitchel Forman
Keyboards – Clifford Carter
Percussion – Manolo Badrena

BILL EVANS - Touch (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Mixing laid-back melodies with go-for-broke jams with some of the greatest names in modern instrumental music, saxophonist Bill Evans lives in the middle ground between smooth jazz and what could easily be termed of as contemporary jazz fusion. On his Zebra Records debut, Touch, the distinction is based on each song's sense of adventure. "In Your Heart," for instance, is the kind of right in the pocket, sweet little slice of passion that radio drools over, made unique (as Evans does on all tunes) by switching off from the high tones of the soprano with the darker shades of tenor to better discuss the emotional complexities of love. Likewise there's the cool, urban-flavored "Remember," which features subtle vocal chanting floating off in the distance. But then there's the edgier side of Evans intertwining his soprano with Lew Soloff's staccato trumpet energy on the brisk blues of "Dixie Hop," and kicking up all sorts of dust on the last two tunes, "Back to the Walls" and the ten-minute "Country Mile." "Back to the Walls" blends both of Evans's axes with Soloff's trumpet, an African vocal chant, the insistent wah-wah guitar of Adam Rogers, and a jamming Memphis soul-inspired horn section featuring Soloff and trombonist Conrad Herving as the Voodoo Horns. by Jonathan Widran 

Tracklist:
1     Wild Ride     3:41
2     In Your Heart     4:46
3     Remembering     4:30
4     Dixie Hop     4:54
5     Girl By The Sea     5:20
6     Nashville Cowboys     4:01
7     Touch     5:00
8     Little Hands     4:44
9     Skippin'     4:46
10     BackTo The Walls     5:30
11     Country Mile     10:32
Credits:
Acoustic Bass – Chris Minh Doky
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – Tim Lefebvre
Bass – Mark Egan, Victor Bailey
Drum Programming – Michael Colina, Zach Danziger
Drums – Lionel Cordew, Vinnie Colaiuta
Grand Piano – Jim Beard
Grand Piano, Keyboards [Additional] – Henry Hey
Guitar – Adam Rogers, Chuck Loeb, Dean Brown, Lee Ritenour
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Producer, Written-By, Arranged By – Bill Evans
Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Keyboards – Bill Evans
Trombone – Conrad Herwig
Trumpet – Lew Soloff, Wallace Roney
Vocals – Lani Groves, Philip Hamilton

MIKE CATALANO - A Manhattan Affair (2007) APE (image+.cue), lossless

A follow-up of sorts to his 1989 debut A Rio Affair, A Manhattan Affair features pianist/composer Mike Catalano performing his crisp and breezy smooth jazz that touches on melodic rock, lightly funky R&B and bossa nova. Joining Catalano here are not only his superb rhythm section of bassist Will Lee and drummer Peter Erskine, but also a bevy of name artists and longtime Catalano associates including guitarist Chuck Loeb, trumpeter Randy Brecker, keyboardist Bob James, bassist Nico Assumpção and others. Fans of organic '70s fusion and contemporary pop should find much to enjoy here as Catalano delivers a sparkling afterglow version of "Beauty and the Beast," turns the Beatles' "Fool on the Hill" into a perfect soft rock noir ballad and showcases vocalist Ivan Lins' deeply emotive vocals on the atmospheric Brazilian classic "Dindi." Similarly engaging are such catchy Catalano originals as the cinematic and danceable "Take Me Back to Rio," the smoky ballad "Lelena," the driving Weather Report-esque "Moonlight in Baja" and the moodily funky lead-off single "Smooth as Silk." These are refreshing, often lushly arranged and endlessly melodic cuts that make the most of Catalano's tasteful keyboard chops. by Matt Collar  

BILL EVANS - Petite Blonde (1992) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

CARMEN CUESTA - Mi Bossa Nova [2010] APE (image+.cue), lossless

The Spanish singer Carmen Cuesta has long had a love for the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim and other bossa nova composers, though her earlier CDs have focused more on originals co-written with her husband, guitarist Chuck Loeb. But bossa nova reigns supreme on this 2011 release, with Loeb contributing well-produced backgrounds for Cuesta's fresh, pleasing alto voice. Initially she worked on translating the Portuguese lyrics into Spanish, only to be stymied by legal issues after she was well underway with her work. In any case, Cuesta is able to convey the elegance of these timeless melodies. Her vocals capture the longing of the lyric to "Retrato em Branco e Preto" in a heartfelt performance. Cuesta is equally sensual in her interpretation of "Meditaçao." Her flawless rendition of Luis Bonfá's "Manha de Carnaval" could easily be used in a film soundtrack. Cuesta and Loeb's daughters Christina and Lizzy are added on flutes for their mother's "Jobim," her warm tribute to her inspiration for this CD. Throughout the date, Chuck Loeb's orchestrations and acoustic guitar solos add to the beauty of Carmen Cuesta's performances. It's easy to understand why they enjoy making music together as documented in Mi Bossa Nova.  by Ken Dryden   
Tracklist 
1 Triste
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
2 Fotografia
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
3 Retrarto Em Branco E Preto
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim, Francisco Buarque De Hollanda
4 O Barquinho
Written-By – Menescal Batalha, Boscoli
5 Pois É
Written-By – Jobim, Buarque
6 Jobim
Written-By – Carmen Cuesta
7 Modinha
Written-By – Jobim, De Moraes
8 Tormenta
Written-By – Carmen Cuesta
9 Manha De Carnaval
Written-By – Weiss, Pereti, Creatore, Bonfa, De Moraes
10 Chega De Saudade
Written-By – Jobim, De Moraes
11 Meditaçao
Written-By – Jobim, Mendonca, Gimbel
Credits
Bass – Christian Diener (tracks: 2,3,5,7,9)
Drums – Brian Dunne
Flute – Christina Loeb (tracks: 6), Lizzy Loeb (tracks: 6)
Flute [Solo] – David Mann (tracks: 6)
Guitar, Keyboards, Bass – Chuck Loeb (tracks: 1,4,6,8,10,11)
Harmonica – Howard Levy (tracks: 8)
Percussion – David Charles
Piano – Matt King
Producer – Carmen Cuesta-Loeb, Chuck Loeb

CARMEN CUESTA - Mi Bossa Nova 

[2010] C.A.R.E. / APE (image+.cue), lossless

O Púbis da Rosa