BILL EVANS – Symbiosis (1974-1994) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans is most often thought of as a "trio" player, as most of his albums have been piano/bass/drums, with the occasional solo or duo album. But he did record a select few albums with orchestras, and that's what makes SYMBIOSIS a special and unique entry in Evans' hugh catalog. Recorded in 1974, it was released in 1994 on CD for the first time. Further, this albums contains no standards or Evans originals--the title piece is a multi-part suite composed, arranged and conducted by Claus Ogerman (who also collaborated with Stan Getz and Frank Sinatra, among many others).

The album runs the stylistic gamut: there are moments of Philip Glass-like minimalism (!), samba-flavored big-band passages, echoes of the early 20th century Russian composers, Third Stream jazz, lush yet slightly ominous string arrangements and '70s film music. Throughout, Evans, alternating between acoustic and electric pianos, shimmers and entrances with his inventively lyrical solos. Not your "typical" Bill Evans album--but that's what makes SYMBIOSIS such a fine, gently challenging listen. AllMusic
Tracklist  :
1st Movement (Moderato, Various Tempi)
1. (a) (7:55)
2. (b) (5:18)
3. (c) (11:55)
2nd Movement (Largo, Andante, Maestoso, Largo)
4. (a) (9:14)
5. (b) (6:47)

The Bill Evans Trio
Bill Evans - Steinway grand piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano
Eddie Gomez - Bass
Marty Morell - Drums

Orchestra conducted by Claus Ogerman
Phil Woods, Jerry Dodgion, Walt Levinsky, Harvey Estrin - Alto Saxophone
Bill Slapin, Don Hammond, Hubert Laws - Flute
George Marge, Phil Bodner - Oboe
Danny Bank, Ron Janelly - Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
Wally Kane - Bassoon
Don MacCourt - Contra Bassoon
Brooks Tillotson, James Buffington, Earl Chapin, Ray Alonge, Al Richmond, Pete Gordon - French Horn
Marvin Stamm, John Frosk, Bernie Glow, Marky Markowitz, Victor Paz, Mel Davis - Trumpet
Urbie Green - Tenor Trombone
Paul Faulise, Tommy Mitchell - Bass Trombone
Don Butterfield - Tuba
George Devens, Dave Carey, Doug Allen - Percussion
Ralph McDonald - Congas
David Nadien - Concertmaster

DANILO PÉREZ — Across The Crystal Sea (Arranged & Conducted by Claus Ogerman) (2008) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Many jazz pianists desire to record with strings at least one time in their careers. Unfortunately, this frequently causes them to play a bit too conservatively, while the strings overwhelm the release. Such is the case on this CD by pianist Danilo Perez with arrangements by Claus Ogerman (who previously worked on recording projects with Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson, among others). The jazz group, which includes bassist Christian McBride, drummer Lewis Nash, and percussionist Luis Quintero, plays acceptably but they clearly are having to rein in too much in deference to the strings. One wonders how Perez has top billing when hearing "Lazy Afternoon," as the piece is nearly two-thirds over by the time he and his group make their entrance, though vocalist Cassandra Wilson shines in the dreamy setting. She also appears in "(All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings," a neglected gem from decades ago; fortunately, Perez isn't shunted aside by the strings in this chart. Ogerman's originals, many of which are derived from themes by classical composers Rachmaninov, Sibelius, Massenet, and others, frankly aren't memorable at all. Skip this disappointing release. Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
1    Across The Crystal Sea    7:13
Claus Ogerman
2    Rays And Shadows    4:41
Claus Ogerman
3    Lazy Afternoon    6:39
John Latouche / Jerome Moross
4    The Purple Condor    8:41
Claus Ogerman
5    If I Forget You    5:39
Claus Ogerman
6    (All Of A Sudden) My Heart Sings    7:44
Henri Herpin / Harold Rome
7    The Saga Of Rita Joe    7:39
Claus Ogerman
8    Another Autumn    9:28
Claus Ogerman
Credits :
Bass – Christian McBride
Concertmaster – Bruce Dukov
Conductor, Arranged By – Claus Ogerman
Drums – Lewis Nash
Percussion – Luis Quintero
Piano – Danilo Perez
Vocals – Cassandra Wilson (pistas: 3, 6)

JOHNNY HODGES - The Eleventh Hour + Sandy's Gone (2012) RM | SHM-CD | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

JOHNNY HODGES - The Eleventh Hour    
1        Something To Live For    2:53
2        In A Sentimental Mood    2:58
3        I Didn't Know About You    2:38
4        Guitar Amour    3:33
5        You Blew Out The Flame In My Heart    2:04
6        Theme From "The Eleventh Hour"    2:15
7        Love Song From "Mutiny On The Bounty"    1:57
8        Solitude     2:37
9        Satin Doll    1:59
10        Don't Blame Me    2:46
11        Prelude To A Kiss    2:41
12        Warm Valley    1:57
Credits 1-12 :
Piano, Organ – Bernie Leighton
Strings, Arranged By, Conductor – Oliver Nelson
Violin – Ray Nance (solo violin #13)
Drums – Osie Johnson
Originally released as Verve
V6-8492
JOHNNY HODGES -    Sandy's Gone   
13        Sandy's Gone    2:09
14        Monkey Shack    2:14
15        Wonderful, Wonderful    2:13
16        Scarlett O'Hara    2:09
17        Candy's Theme    2:12
18        Follow Me    1:51
19        Blue Velvet    2:15
20        So Much In Love    2:19
21        Again    1:54
22        Deep Purple    2:18
23        Since    2:18
24        The Caretakers Theme    2:03
Credits 13-17 :
Johnny Hodges (Alto Sax);
with orchestra arranged and
conducted by Claus Ogerman.
Originally released as Verve
V6-4056

JOÂO GILBERTO - Amoroso + Brasil (1993) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Two of the influential João Gilberto's LPs (Amoroso and Brasil) are combined on this single CD. The former session is pretty definitive with Gilberto interpreting four of Antonio Carlos Jobim's compositions (including "Wave" and "Triste") and four other songs (highlighted by "Besame Mucho," "Estate," and an odd 31-bar rendition of "'S Wonderful"). The strings (arranged by Claus Ogerman) are unnecessary but Gilberto proves to be in prime form. The later album also has its moments of interest (including a Brazilian version of "All of Me") and finds Gilberto backed by Johnny Mandel arrangements and assisted by singers Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Maria Bethania. Overall there is not much variety throughout this gently swinging program but these are a pair of Gilberto's better post-1970 recordings. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
        Amoroso    (1977)
1    'S Wonderful 4:10
Written-By – George & Ira Gershwin
2    Estate 6:27
Written-By – Bruno Brighetti, Bruno Martino
3    Tin Tin Por Tin Tin 3:40
Written-By – Geraldo Jacques, Haroldo Barbosa
4    Besame Mucho 8:46
Written-By – Consuelo Velazquez, Sunny Skylar
5    Wave 4:41
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
6    Caminhos Cruzados 6:14
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
7    Triste 4:19
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
8    Zingaro 6:22
Lyrics By – Chico Buarque
Music By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
    Brasil    (1981)
9    Aquarela Do Brasil 6:34
Written-By – Ary Barroso
10    Disse Alguém (All Of Me) 5:18
Written-By – Gerald Marks, Haroldo Barbosa, Seymour Simons
11    Bahia Com H 5:13
Written-By – Denis Brean
12    No Tabuleiro Da Baiana 4:50
Written-By – Ary Barroso
13    Milagre 4:57
Written-By – Dorival Caymmi
14    Cordeiro De Nanã 1:20
Written-By – Mateus E Dadinho
Créditos
Arranged By, Conductor – Claus Ogerman (faixas: 1 to 8), Johnny Mandel (faixas: 9 to 14)
Bass – Jim Hughart
Cello – Anne Goodman (faixas: 9 to 14), Rober Lebon (faixas: 9 to 14)
Concertmaster – Israel Baker (faixas: 1 to 8)
Contractor – Stan Fishelson (faixas: 9 to 14)
Contractor [Orchestra] – Frank De Caro (faixas: 1 to 8)
Drums – Grady Tate (faixas: 1 to 8), Joe Correro
Flute – Bud Shank (faixas: 9 to 14), Eddie Cainf (faixas: 9 to 14), Glen Garrett (faixas: 9 to 14), Harry Klu (faixas: 9 to 14)
Harp – Stella Castellucci (faixas: 9 to 14)
Keyboards – Clare Fischer (faixas: 9 to 14), Ralph Grierson (faixas: 1 to 8)
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa (faixas: 9 to 14)
Performer – Caetano Veloso (faixas: 9 to 14), Maria Bethania (faixas: 9 to 14)
Synthesizer – Michael Boddicker (faixas: 9 to 14), Milcho Leviev (faixas: 9 to 14)
Viola – David Schwartz (faixas: 9 to 14), Helaine Wittenberg (faixas: 9 to 14), Marilyn Baker (faixas: 9 to 14)
Violin – Bonnie Douglas (faixas: 9 to 14), Harry Bluestone (faixas: 9 to 14), Isabelle Daskoff (faixas: 9 to 14), Israel Baker (faixas: 9 to 14), Jerry Reisler (faixas: 9 to 14), John Wittenberg (faixas: 9 to 14), Joe Goodman (faixas: 9 to 14), Nathan Ross (faixas: 9 to 14), Paul Shure (faixas: 9 to 14), Bob Dubow (faixas: 9 to 14), Bob Lipsett (faixas: 9 to 14)
Violin, Concertmaster – Gerald Vinci (faixas: 9 to 14)
Vocals, Guitar – João Gilberto
Notas
Tracks 1-8 previously released as Amoroso
Tracks 9-14 previously released as Brasil 

ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM - The Composer Plays (1963-1985) RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

In his first American album, Antonio Carlos Jobim presents a dozen of his songs, each one destined to become a standard -- an astounding batting average. Jobim, who claimed to have been out of practice at the time of the session, merely plays single notes on the piano with one hand, punctuated by chords now and then, sticking to his long, undulating melodies with a few passages of jazz improvisation now and then. Yet it is a lovely idea, not a gesture is wasted. Arranger Claus Ogerman unveils many of the trademarks that would define his Creed Taylor-produced albums with Jobim -- the soaring, dying solo flute and spare, brooding unison string lines widening into lush harmony; flutes doubling on top of Jobim's piano chords -- again with an exquisitely spare touch. The songs include "Desafinado," "Corcovado," "Chega de Saudade" (No More Blues), "The Girl From Ipanema," "Meditation," "One Note Samba," and half-a-dozen others (every one of which is included on The Man From Ipanema set). by Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist:
1    The Girl from Ipanema 2:42
Norman Gimbel / Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
2    O Morro 3:35
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
3    Agua de Beber 2:50
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
4    Vivo Sonhando 3:35
Antônio Carlos Jobim        
5    O Morrow Nao Tem Vez (Favela) 3:20
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
6    Insensatez 2:53
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
7    Corcovado 2:25
Antônio Carlos Jobim
8    Samba de Uma Nota So 2:15
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Newton Mendonça
9    Meditation  3:15
Norman Gimbel / Antônio Carlos Jobim / Newton Mendonça
10    Só Danço Samba 2:21
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
11    Chega de Saudade 4:19
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
12    Desafinado 2:44
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Newton Mendonça / Vinícius de Moraes
Credits:
Claus Ogerman - Arranged, Conductor by 
Dom Um Romão - Drums
Antônio Carlos Jobim - Composer, guitar, piano
Jimmy Cleveland – Trombone
Leo Wright - Flute
 George Duvivier - Bass

ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM - Wave (1967-1988) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

When Creed Taylor left Verve/MGM for his own label under the auspices of A&M, he quickly signed Antonio Carlos Jobim and they picked up right where they left off with this stunningly seductive record, possibly Jobim's best. Jobim contributes his sparely rhythmic acoustic guitar, simple melodic piano style, a guest turn at the harpsichord, and even a vocal on "Lamento," while Claus Ogerman lends a romantically brooding hand with the charts. A pair of instant standards are introduced ("Wave," "Triste"), but this album is to be cherished for its absolutely first-rate tunes -- actually miniature tone poems -- that escaped overexposure and thus sound fresh today. The most beautiful sleeper is "Batidinha," where the intuitive Jobim/Ogerman collaboration reaches its peak. One only wishes that this album were longer; 31:45 is not enough. by Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist
1. Wave 2:51
Antônio Carlos Jobim
2. The Red Blouse 5:03
Antônio Carlos Jobim
3. Look To The Sky 2:17
Antônio Carlos Jobim
4. Batidinha 3:13
Antônio Carlos Jobim
5. Triste 2:04
Antônio Carlos Jobim
6. Mojave 2:21
Antônio Carlos Jobim
7. Dialogo 2:50
Antônio Carlos Jobim
8. Lamento 2:42
Antônio Carlos Jobim
9. Antigua 3:07
Antônio Carlos Jobim
10. Captain Bacardi 4:29
Antônio Carlos Jobim
Credits
Arranged By, Conductor – Claus Ogerman
Bass – Ron Carter
Cello – Abe Kessler, Charles McCracken, George Ricci, Harvey Shapiro
Drums – Bobby Rosengarden, Claudio Slon, Dom Um Romão
Flute, Piccolo Flute – Jerome Richardson, Ray Beckenstein, Romeo Penque
French Horn – Joseph Singer
Piano, Guitar, Harpsichord – Antonio Carlos Jobim
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland, Urbie Green
Violin – Bernard Eichen, Emanuel Green, Gene Orloff, Harry Lookofsky, Irving Spice,
Joseph Malignaggi, Julius Held, Leo Kruczek, Lewis Eley, Louis Haber, Louis Stone, Paul Gershman, Raoul Poliakin

ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM - Jobim (1973-2000) RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Though this is one of the more obscure Jobim albums, it did introduce what some believe is Jobim's masterpiece, the hypnotically revolving song "Aguas de Marco" (heard here in Portuguese and English versions). Mostly, however, the record lets listeners in on another side of Jobim, the Debussy/Villa-Lobos-inspired creator of moody instrumental tone poems for films and whatnot, with the instrumental colors filled in by Jobim's old cohort, Claus Ogerman. This was supposed to be a breakthrough for Jobim, bursting out of the bossa nova idiom into uncharted territory, yet a lot of this often undeniably beautiful music merely treads over ground that Villa-Lobos explored long before ("Train to Cordisburgo" especially). In any case, Jobim would explore his serious muse with greater success later on. by Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist:
1    Águas de Março (Waters of March) 3:58
Antônio Carlos Jobim
2    Ana Luiza 5:28
Antônio Carlos Jobim
3    Matita Perê 7:12
Antônio Carlos Jobim
4    Tempo Do Mar 5:14
Antônio Carlos Jobim
5    Mantiqueira Range 3:33
Antônio Carlos Jobim
6    Themes from the Film Cronica da Casa Assassinada / Trem Para Cordisburgo 10:01
Antônio Carlos Jobim
7    Um Rancho Nas Nuvens 4:05
Antônio Carlos Jobim
8    Nuvens Douradas 3:18
Antônio Carlos Jobim
9    Águas de Março (Waters of March) 3:55
Antônio Carlos Jobim
Credits:
Bass – Richard Davis, Ron Carter
Concertmaster, Violin [Tenor] – Harry Lookofsky
Cover [Original] – Paulo Hermanny Jobim
Drums, Percussion – Airto Moreira, João Palma
Flute, Woodwind – Don Hammond, Jerry Dodgion, Phil Bodner, Ray Beckenstein, Romeo Penque
Guitar – Antonio Carlos Jobim (faixas: 1 to 5, 7, 9)
Percussion – George Devens
Piano – Antonio Carlos Jobim
Producer, Arranged By, Conductor – Claus Ogerman
Trombone – Urbie Green (faixas: 7, 8)
Vocals – Antonio Carlos Jobim (faixas: 1 to 3, 6, 9)
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim (faixas: 1 to 4, 6 to 9)

ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM - Urubu (1976-1995) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Urubu is the album that MCA's Jobim probably aspired to be, a total break away from the bossa nova past that is both ambitious and strikingly original. The shock of dissonant strings, percussive and wind sounds from the Brazilian interior greet us on the first track "Bôto," the first of four songs in which a defiant Jobim throws structural complexities at us and sings in Portuguese only. The second four tracks are an even more radical departure; all are classical orchestral pieces, melancholy and even anguished in tone, owing little or nothing to anyone, streaked with imaginative, even avant-garde orchestral touches from Claus Ogerman. Clearly we are not on the Ipanema beach anymore, and although this may be rough going for jazz-minded Jobim fans, the pay-off is a glimpse into the depths of Jobim's soul. by Richard S. Ginell
"Jereba é urubu importante como, aliás, todo urubu. Mas entre eles, urubus, observam-se prioridades."
Tracklist:
1    O Bôto 6:09
Composed By – Antonio Carlos Jobim, Jararaca
Vocals – Miucha
2    Ligia 4:13
Composed By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
3    Correnteza (The Stream) 2:42
Composed By – Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luiz Bonfa
4    Ângela 2:50
Composed By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
5    Saudade Do Brasil 7:26
Composed By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
6    Valse 3:14
Composed By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
7    Arquitetura De Morar (Architecture To Live) 8:09
Composed By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
8    O Homem (Man) 2:31
Composed By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
Credits:
Arranged By, Conductor – Claus Ogerman
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – João Palma
Electric Piano, Vocals, Text By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
Painting – Paulo Jobim
Percussion – Ray Armando
Vocals – Miucha (faixas: 1)

ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM - Terra Brasilis (1980) APE (image+.cue), lossless

 In some ways, this is a strategic retreat for Antonio Carlos Jobim after the classical departures of the '70s – a retrospective of past triumphs, including some of the most trod-upon standards ("Ipanema," "Desafinado," "One-Note Samba," etc.), with Claus Ogerman again at hand. But these are thoughtful retoolings, some subtle, some radical, ranging in backing from a lonely piano to elaborate yet sensitive Ogerman orchestral flights that cram more complexity than ever into the spaces (listen to his beguilingly involved take on "Double Rainbow") with only a few overbearing faux pas. Jobim's own vocals sound increasingly casual in temperament as he serves them up in an unpredictable mixture of Portuguese, English and scat. And there is much unfamiliar material here, often dressed up in a brooding classical manner. by Richard S. Ginel
Tracklist:
1. Dreamer (Vivo Sonhando) 3:05
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Gene Lees
2. Canta Mais (Sing Once More) 4:34
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
3. Olha Maria (Amparo) 4:07
Antônio Carlos Jobim
4. One Note Samba 2:20
Jon Hendricks / Antônio Carlos Jobim / Newton Mendonça
5. Dindi 4:18
Ray Gilbert / Antônio Carlos Jobim
6. Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars (Corcovado) 3:29
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Gene Lees
7. Marina 2:57
Antônio Carlos Jobim
8. Off-Key (Desafinado) 3:28
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Gene Lees / Newton Mendonça
9. Voce Vai Ver (You'll See) 2:58
Antônio Carlos Jobim
10. Estrada Do Sol (Road To The Sun) 2:07
Dolores Durán / Antônio Carlos Jobim
11. The Girl From Ipanema 4:50
Norman Gimbel / Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
12. Double Rainbow 4:06
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Gene Lees
13. Triste 3:07
Antônio Carlos Jobim
14. Wave 3:40
Antônio Carlos Jobim
15. Someone To Light Up My Life (Se Todos Fossem Iguais A Voce) 3:07
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Gene Lees / Vinícius de Moraes
16. Falando De Amor (Speaking Of Love) 3:43
Antônio Carlos Jobim
17. Two Kites 4:39
Antônio Carlos Jobim
18. Modinha (Serenade) 3:39
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
19. Song Of The Sabia (Sabia) 4:07
Norman Gimbel / Antônio Carlos Jobim
20. This Happy Madness (Estrada Branca) 2:49
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Gene Lees / Vinícius de Moraes
Time: 1:11:19
Credits
Arranged By Orchestra, Conductor – Claus Ogerman
Bass – Bob Cranshaw
Drums – Pascoal De Souza Meirelles
Guitar – Oscar Castro-Neves
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Producer – Aloysio De Oliveira
Composed, Vocals, Keyboards – Antonio Carlos Jobim

ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM - A Certain Mr. Jobim (1967-2002) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This album has had a somewhat confusing release history, appearing as it did amid a flurry of activity by Jobim (including his work with Frank Sinatra) and bouncing between several labels since its first release in 1967. Made up of instrumentals as well as songs (all of the latter in English), it was a superb showcase for the melodic aspect of Jobim's art, though the material, like so much of Jobim's work during his explosive first decade of international recognition, represented something of a work in progress, a fact borne out by the subsequent reworking of the stunning closing number, "Zingaro," as "Retrato Em Branco E Preto." Claus Ogerman's musical direction offers a mix of influences, ranging from Dom um Romão's drumming to the presence of the first violinist of the New York Philharmonic, all combining to sympathetic effect. The post-2000 CD remasterings also offer superb sound and excellent annotation. by Bruce Eder
Tracklist  
1    Bonita 2:58
Written-By – Antônio Carlos Jobim, Ray Gilbert
2    Se Todos Fossem Iguais A Vocé 2:19
Written-By – Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius De Mello Moraes
3    Off-Key (Desafinado) 3:08
Written-By – Antônio Carlos Jobim, Gene Lees, Newton Mendonca
4    Photography 2:12
Written-By – Antônio Carlos Jobim, Ray Gilbert
5    Surfboard 2:48
Organ – Dick Hyman
Written-By – Antônio Carlos Jobim
6    Once Again (Outra Vez) 2:09
Written-By – Antônio Carlos Jobim
7    I Was Just One More For You (Esperanca Perdida) 2:27
Written-By – Antônio Carlos Jobim, Billy Blanco, Ray Gilbert
8    Estrada Do Sol 3:31
Written-By – Antônio Carlos Jobim, Dolores Duran
9    Don’t Ever Go Away (Por Causa De Vocé) 2:49
Written-By – Antônio Carlos Jobim, Dolores Duran, Ray Gilbert
10    Zingaro 2:17
Written-By – Antônio Carlos Jobim
Credits
Arranged By, Conductor – Claus Ogerman
Drums – Dom Um Romão
Vocals, Guitar – Antonio Carlos Jobim

CLAUS OGERMAN - Claus Ogerman Featuring Michael Brecker (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

CLAUS OGERMAN / MICHAEL BRECKER - Cityscape (1982) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

German-born composer and arranger Claus Ogerman, born in 1930, must rank as one of the most versatile musicians of the twentieth century. When he was at his peak in the 1970s, writing everything from ballet scores to arrangements for Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, diva Barbra Streisand, and jazz/R&B saxophonist George Benson, there was hardly a radio station on the dial where his music wasn't heard during the course of a typical day -- and he's still quite active. The key to his success has been his ability to stay in the background behind the musician he's working with and yet create something distinctive. This 1982 collaboration with the late jazz saxophonist Michael Brecker is one of his most successful works, not least because the overlap between the extended harmonies of jazz and the chromaticism of the late German Romantic polyphony in which Ogerman was trained is large enough to allow Brecker to operate comfortably -- his improvisations seem to grow naturally out of the background, and the intersections between jazz band and orchestral strings come more easily here than on almost any other crossover between jazz and classical music. The mood is nocturnal and reflective. Brecker at this point had not yet made an album as a bandleader; he was primarily known to those who closely followed jazz and R&B session musicians. The album was originally billed as a release by Claus Ogerman with Michael Brecker. Yet notice how skillfully Ogerman eases the fearsomely talented young saxophonist into the spotlight. The highlight of the album is a three-part suite called In the Presence and Absence of Each Other, and in its middle movement, track 5, the saxophone is silent until about a minute before the end -- yet everything in the piece leads up to this magical explosion of lyricism. The packaging describes this album as a "virtual concerto for saxophone and orchestra with jazz rhythm section," but it's a little more complicated than that -- actually, it's a concerto for jazz band, with saxophone leader, and orchestra. That creates several layers, and it is precisely in handling these layers where jazz/classical crossovers tend to fail -- and where Ogerman succeeds. A very sweet experience for listeners from either side of the divide. by James Manheim  

JOÃO DONATO - The New Sound of Brazil : Piano of João Donato (1965) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This very evocative 1965 recording session was a cause for celebration not only among critics but among the bossa nova-crazed audiences of Brazil and the U.S, and it sold quite well. Donato is a jazz pianist first, and his allegiances in harmony and melody come from there first and foremost. But rhythmically and in his phrasing, he comes from the generation of Brazilian musicians who developed the bossa nova as an art form. His touch is light, his settings are lush and laid-back, and his playing is as much or more from his left hand as his right. Solos on these records are wonderfully improvised, but they reflect the sweet, gorgeous melodies on the front line of these tunes. As such, Donato comes across as an elegant pianist and ensemble player, establishing his individual touch as a leader in that left hand rhythmic bent where he loves those shaded keys. His finest compositions here are his own: the sensual "Amazon," the slightly sassy and savvy "It Didn't End," and his reading of Luiz Bonfá's "Samba de Orfeu," which rivals the original for its ambience and texture with a gorgeous string arrangement courtesy of conductor Claus Ogerman. This is one of Brazil's more moving and beautiful bossa albums, and should not be overlooked by recent fans of the genre or by jazz fans interested in the exotic side of the music. by Thom Jurek  
Tracklist
1 Amazon (Amazonas) 2:31
João Donato
2 Forgotten Places (Coisas Disantes) 2:13
João Donato / João Gilberto
3 Little Boat (O Barquinho) 2:27
Ronaldo Bôscoli / Roberto Menescal
4 Manhã de Carnaval 3:08
Luiz Bonfá / Antônio Maria
5 Lost Hope (Esperança Perdida) 2:07
João Donato
6 And Roses and Roses 2:32
Dorival Caymmi
7 Jungle Flower (Flor Do Mato) 2:41
João Donato
8 Sugarcane Breeze (Vento Do Canavial) 2:29
João Donato
9 How Insensitive (Insensatez) 2:51
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
10 Samba de Orfeu 2:41
Luiz Bonfá
11 Glass Beads (No Coréto) 2:00
João Donato / João Gilberto
12 It Didn't End (Nao Se Acabou) 2:21
João Donato
 Credits
Acoustic Bass – Richard Davis 
Acoustic Guitar – Carlos Lyra, Luiz Bonfá (tracks: 4, 10)
Arranged By, Conductor – Claus Ogerman
Drums – Bill Goodwin
Drums, Percussion – Dom Um Romao
Flute – Jerome Richardson
Piano – João Donato
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland

JOÃO DONATO - The New Sound of Brazil : Piano of João Donato

 (1965 / 2001) RCA / FLAC (tracks), lossless 

O Púbis da Rosa

ASTRUD GILBERTO - The Shadow of Your Smile [1965] VERVE / FLAC

 For her second Verve LP, Astrud Gilberto expanded her range from a raft of Gilberto/Jobim standards to embrace the large and obviously daunting catalogue of classic American pop. With arrangements by Don Sebesky and Claus Ogerman (as well as two by country-mate João Donato), The Shadow of Your Smile can't help but shine a bright spotlight on Gilberto's weak voice, especially when she's singing material previously enlightened by singers with the weight of Frank Sinatra or Sarah Vaughan. Even the intimate, understated arrangements on songs like "Day by Day," the title track, and "Fly Me to the Moon" overshadow the chanteuse's limited range. Brazilian material like the five songs by Luiz Bonfá make for better listening, though the preponderance of flutes, strings, and muted trumpet in the arrangements is very mid-'60s, for better and worse. (And the notes' description of "O Ganso" as an "exercise in vocalise based on bah and dah sounds" is being more than generous.) Certainly, no American vocalist could hope to equal the tortured syntax and somehow endearing performances on these songs; still, Verve did much better by Gilberto later on when they gave her good-time Brazilian songs to sing and didn't attempt to force comparison with standard jazz/pop vocalists.  by John Bush   
Tracklist
1 The Shadow of Your Smile 2:31
Johnny Mandel / Paul Francis Webster
2 Aruanda (Take Me to Aruanda) 2:30
Norman Gimbel
3 Manhã de Carnival 1:57
Antônio Maria
4 Fly Me to the Moon 2:22
Bart Howard
5 The Gentle Rain 2:26
Luiz Bonfá
6 Non-Stop to Brazil 2:27
Luiz Bonfá / Norman Gimbel
7 O Ganso 2:09
Luiz Bonfá
8 Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me) 2:10
Leslie Bricusse / Anthony Newley
9 Day by Day 2:09
Sammy Cahn / Axel Stordahl / Paul Weston
10 Tristeza (Goodbye Sadness) 2:23
Luiz Bonfá / Maria Toledo
11    Funny World 2:24
Alan Brandt
Credits
Arranged By, Conductor – Claus Ogerman (tracks: 4, 8, 9, 11), Don Sebesky (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 6), João Donato (tracks: 7)
Engineer – Bob Simpson, Phil Ramone, Rudy Van Gelder
Producer – Creed Taylor
Trombone – Kai Winding (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 6), Urbie Green (tracks: 4, 8, 9, 11)
Valve Trombone – Bob Brookmeyer (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 6, 10)
Vocals – Astrud Gilberto

ASTRUD GILBERTO - The Shadow of Your Smile 

[1965] VERVE / FLAC / scans

O Púbis da Rosa

DIANA KRALL - Live In Paris [2002]

Tracklist

1 I Love Being Here With You

2 All Or Nothing

3 Let's Fall In Love

4 The Look Of Love

5 Maybe You'll Be There

6 Deed I Do

7 Devil May Care

8 Cry Me A River

9 Under My Skin

10 East Of The Sun

11 I Get Along

12 Pick Yourself Up

13 S'Wonderful

14 Love Letters

15 I Don't Know Enough About You

16 Do It Again

17 A Case Of You

Bonus Videos

1 The Look Of Love

2 Let's Face The Music & Dance

Concert Rehearsal

1 Do It Again

2 The Look Of Love

3 Love Letters

Credits

Acoustic Bass – John Clayton

Acoustic Guitar – John Pisano

Bass – Christian McBride

Conductor [Guest] – Claus Ogerman

Conductor, Directed By – Alan Broadbent

Drums – Jeff Hamilton, Lewis Nash

 Guitar – Anthony Wilson

Keyboards – Rob Mounsey

Percussion – Luis Quintero, Paulinho Da Costa

Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker

Vocals, Piano – Diana Krall

Notes

Recorded live at the Paris Olympia, December 2, 2001

Label: Eagle Eye Media ‎– EE19012

Format: DVD-Video, NTSC 

O Púbis da Rosa

BILL EVANS – Bill Evans Trio with Symphony Orchestra (1966-1984) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This collaboration (reissued on CD) is predictably dull. Bill Evans and his 1965 trio (which also includes bassist Chuck Israels and drummer Larry Bunker) meet a symphony orchestra conducted and arranged by Claus Ogerman. They perform adaptations of six classical themes plus a pair of Evans compositions ("Time Remembered" and "My Bells") but, as one might expect, the strings weigh down the music and Evans' improvisations are somewhat buried beneath the unimaginative arrangements. This is one of Bill Evans' least significant recordings, a weak third stream effort. Scott Yanow

Tracklist :
1. Granadas (Enrique Granados) – 5:54
2. Valse (Johann Sebastian Bach) – 5:52
3. Prelude (Alexander Scriabin) – 3:01
4. Time Remembered (Bill Evans) – 4:10
5. Pavane (Gabriel Fauré) – 4:01
6. Elegia (Elegy) (Claus Ogerman) – 5:12
7. My Bells (Evans) – 3:48
8. Blue Interlude (Frédéric Chopin) – 6:04
Credits :
Bill Evans – Piano
Larry Bunker – Drums
Chuck Israels – Bass
Grady Tate – Drums
Claus Ogerman – Arranger, Conductor