PAUL DESMOND · GERRY MULLIGAN — Two Of A Mind (1962) RM | Two Version | Original Columbia Jazz Classics Series | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Altoist Paul Desmond and baritonist Gerry Mulligan always made for a perfect team during their infrequent collaborations. Both of the saxophonists had immediately distinctive light tones, strong wits, and the ability to improvise melodically. Here the two masterful reed players are featured in pianoless quartets that also include Wendell Marshall, Joe Benjamin or John Beal on bass, and Connie Kay or Mel Lewis on drums. The songs all utilize common chord changes, including the two "originals" ("Two of a Mind" and "Blight of the Fumble Bee"), and the interplay between Desmond and Mulligan is consistently delightful. Highly recommended. [Some reissues add five bonus tracks: two alternate takes of album tracks, a laid-back take of "Easy Living" that shows off Mulligan's way with a ballad, and two takes of "Untitled Blues Waltz" that feature Jim Hall on guitar and a very squeaky drum pedal.] Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    All The Things You Are 5:48
Written-By – Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II
2    Stardust 8:20
Written-By – Hoagy Carmichael, Mitchell Parish
3    Two Of A Mind 5:45
Written-By – Paul Desmond
4    Blight Of The Fumble Bee 6:33
Written-By – Gerry Mulligan
5    The Way You Look Tonight 7:19
Written-By – Dorothy Fields, Jerome Kern
6    Out Of Nowhere 6:42
Written-By – Edward Heyman, Johnny Green
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Paul Desmond
Baritone Saxophone – Gerry Mulligan
Bass – Joe Benjamin (tracks: 3, 5, 6), John Beal (tracks: 4), Wendell Marshall (tracks: 1, 2)
Drums – Connie Kay (tracks: 1, 2, 4), Mel Lewis (tracks: 3, 5, 6)

MARGE DODSON — In The Still Of The Night (1959) Vynil LP | MONO | FLAC (tracks) 24-48Hz

In the Still of the Night is Marge Dodson's initial effort for Columbia and neither she nor the label's A&R man, the indefatigable Mitch Miller, were taking no chances. All the tunes on the program are major entries in the Great American Songbook, with a full half of them from the pens of the Gershwin brothers or the team of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. Dodson delivers them all competently with a pleasant, clear voice with good diction, medium range and virtually no vibrato, sounding like a blend of Dinah Shore and June Christy. But she brings nothing distinctive to the vocal table on this album, except for an unusual rendition of "Little Girl Blue." Here she uses a quirky beat pattern giving a different interpretation than one usually hears. To her credit, she also does a respectable, mid-tempo version of "But Not for Me." She is accompanied on all but one of the tracks by an assortment of small groups led by Michael Colicchio. On "Little Girl Blue," her husband Coleridge Perkinson does the honors. However, there is one constant on each track, her principal support is supplied by a bass player, never identified. The other instruments play subsidiary roles. Dodson was to cut another album for Columbia and one for Decca then seems to have disappeared not even remembered by a footnote in any of the standard works on vocal jazz.  Dave Nathan 
Tracklist :
1. Sand in My Shoes 3:30  
Frank Loesser / Victor Schertzinger
2. Someone to Watch over Me 3:20 
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
3. Spring Is Here 3:00 
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
4. But Not for Me 3:13 
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
5. The End of a Love Affair 3:00 
Edward Redding
6. Looking for a Boy 2:55 
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
7. Little Girl Blue  4:22
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
8. When Your Lover Has Gone 2:20 
Einar A. Swan
9. These Foolish Things 3:25 
Harry Link / Holt Marvell / Jack Strachey
10. The Man I Love 2:45 
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
11. I Cover the Waterfront 3:26 
Johnny Green / Edward Heyman
12. In the Still of the Night 1:50
Cole Porter
Credits :
Vocals - Marge Dodson
Accompanied By - Michael Colicchio (tracks: 1 to 6, 8, 12), Coleridge Perkinson (tracks: 7)

LAMBERT, HENDRICKS & ROSS — Everybody's Boppin (1989) RM | Columbia Jazz Masterpieces Series | Two Version | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Lambert, Hendricks and Ross made their debut on Columbia in 1959, and this CD contains not only all of the music from their first CBS album, but five titles from two later records. This set has many memorable classics from the great singers Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks (the top vocalese lyricist) and Annie Ross. Highlights include the upbeat "Charleston Alley," a remake of Ross' "Twisted," the heated "Cloudburst," Hendricks' humorous "Gimme That Wine," "Summertime" (a recreation of Miles Davis' version with Gil Evans), and "Come on Home." Although Lambert, Hendricks and Ross only lasted a few years, their influence on other vocal groups was enormous. This set is a perfect place for collectors to begin to explore their vocal magic. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Charleston Alley 3:18
 Horace Henderson / Jon Hendricks / Leroy Kirkland 
2. Moanin' 2:34
 Bobby Timmons 
3. Twisted 2:15
 Wardell Gray / Annie Ross 
4. Bijou 3:16
 Ralph Burns / Jon Hendricks 
5. Cloudburst 2:15
 Jimmy Harris / Leroy Kirkland 
6. Centerpiece 2:26
 Harry "Sweets" Edison / Jon Hendricks 
7. Gimme That Wine 2:58
 Jon Hendricks 
8; Sermonette 3:47
 Cannonball Adderley / Jon Hendricks 
9. Summertime 1:43
 George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / DuBose Heyward 
10. Everybody's Boppin' 4:11
 Jon Hendricks 
11. Home Cookin' 4:25
 Horace Silver 
12. Blue 3:48
 Gildo Mahones 
13. Come On Home 5:26
 Horace Silver 
14. Cottontail 2:55
 Duke Ellington 
15. Midnight Indigo 2:33
 Duke Ellington 
Credits :
Bass – Charles "Ike" Isaacs
Drums – Jimmy Wormworth (tracks: 4, 7 to 15), Walter Lee Bolden (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 6)
Performer – The Ike Isaacs Trio (tracks: 11 to 14)
Piano – Gildo Mahones
Trumpet – Harry 'Sweets' Edison (tracks: 1 to 10)
Vocals – Annie Ross, Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks

MILES DAVIS — Porgy And Bess (1959) Six Version | RM | SACD | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Tomes are available annotating the importance of this recording. The musical and social impact of Miles Davis, his collaborative efforts with Gil Evans, and in particular their reinvention of George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess are indeed profound. However, the most efficient method of extricating the rhetoric and opining is to experience the recording. Few other musical teams would have had the ability to remain true to the undiluted spirit and multifaceted nuance of this epic work. However, no other musical teams were Miles Davis and Gil Evans. It was Evans' intimate knowledge of the composition as well as the performer that allowed him to so definitively capture the essence of both. The four dates needed to complete work on Porgy and Bess include contributions from several members of his most recent musical aggregate: Julian "Cannonball" Adderley (alto sax), Paul Chambers (bass), and Jimmy Cobb (drums). Although the focus and emphasis is squarely on Davis throughout, the contributions of the quartet on "Prayer (Oh Doctor Jesus)," "I Loves You, Porgy," and "There's a Boat That's Leaving Soon for New York" are immeasurable. They provide a delicate balance in style and, under the direction of Evans, incorporate much of the same energy and intonation here as they did to their post-bop recordings. There is infinitely more happening on Porgy and Bess, however, with much of the evidence existing in the subtle significance of the hauntingly lyrical passages from Danny Banks' (alto flute) solos, which commence on "Fishermen, Strawberry and Devil Crab." Or the emotive bass and tuba duet that runs throughout "Buzzard Song." The impeccable digital remastering and subsequent reissue -- which likewise applies to the Miles Davis & Gil Evans: The Complete Columbia Studio Recordings box set -- only magnifies the refulgence of Porgy and Bess. Likewise, two previously unissued performances have been appended to the original baker's dozen. No observation or collection of American jazz can be deemed complete without this recording. Lindsay Planer

(1983, CBS/Sony – 35DP 61) +
(1987, RM | CBS Jazz Masterpieces Series) +
(1997, RM | Columbia Jazz Series) +
(2000, RM | Master Sound Series) +
(2006, RM | The Original Jacket Collection Series) +
(2019, SHM-CD | Ultradisc UHR, Original Master Recording Series) 

Tracklist :
1    The Buzzard Song 4:07
2    Bess, You Is My Woman Now 5:12

3    Gone    3:38
4    Gone, Gone, Gone 2:05
5    Summertime 3:20
6    Bess, Oh Where's My Bess    4:31
7    Prayer (Oh Doctor Jesus)    4:40
8    Fishermen, Strawberry And Devil Crab 4:06
9    My Man's Gone Now    6:13
10    It Ain't Necessarily So 4:23
11    Here Come De Honey Man    1:18
12    I Loves You, Porgy 3:38
13    There's A Boat That's Leaving Soon For New York 3:26
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Cannonball Adderley
Arranged By, Conductor – Gil Evans
Bass – Paul Chambers
Drums – Philly Joe Jones (tracks: 3, 4, 9, 15), Jimmy Cobb (tracks: 1, 2, 5 to 8, 10 to 14)
Flugelhorn – Miles Davis
Flute [Alto Flute], Bass Clarinet – Danny Bank
Flute, Flute [Alto Flute], Clarinet – Jerome Richardson (tracks: 1, 5 to 7, 12 to 14), Phil Bodner (tracks: 2 to 4, 8 to 11, 15), Romeo Penque
French Horn – Gunther Schuller, Julius Watkins, Willie Ruff
Trombone – Frank Rehak, Jimmy Cleveland, Joe Bennett, Dick Hixon
Trumpet – Bernie Glow, Ernie Royal, Johnny Coles, Louis Mucci
Trumpet [Lead] – Miles Davis (tracks: 2, 8, 10, 11)
Tuba – Bill Barber

JAMES CARTER — JC on the Set (1994) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Twenty-five at the time of this CD, James Carter had already absorbed much of the tradition. His debut as a leader includes compositions by the classic tenors Don Byas and John Hardee, Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady" and even a Sun Ra ballad. He also shows that he has the courage to play completely outside whenever it seems logical to him; in fact on the title cut Carter moves from Gene Ammons and Illinois Jacquet to outbursts a la David Murray in the stratosphere. But most importantly, at this early stage James Carter already had his own sound. He switches between the tenor (his main ax) to alto and baritone, shows self-restraint on the ballads and fills his improvisations with continual surprises. Joined by the supportive pianist Craig Taborn, bassist Jaribu Shahid and drummer Tani Tabbal, James Carter puts on quite a tour-de-force throughout this very impressive set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 JC On The Set  6:25
Written-By – J. Carter
2 Baby Girl Blues  7:47
Written-By – J. Carter
3 Worried And Blue 8:07
Written-By – D. Byas
4 Blues For A Nomadic Princess  13:50
Written-By – J. Carter
5 Caravan  9:43
Written-By – D. Ellington, I. Mills, J. Tizol
6 Hour Of Parting  8:18
Written-By – Sun Ra
7 Lunatic  4:18
Written-By – J. Hardee
8 Sophisticated Lady  6:41
Written-By – D. Ellington, I. Mills, M. Parrish
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – James Carter
Bass – Jaribu Shahid
Drums – Tani Tabbal
Piano – Craig Taborn

JOHN TROPEA — Tropea (1975) Two Version (1996, Fusion Super 1800 Series) + (2014, RM | Blu-spec CD | FLAC (image+tracks+.cue), lossless

By the time guitarist John Tropea had recorded his solo debut on the tiny Marlin imprint in 1976, he had been a session guitarist for nearly a decade. His understated, decidedly non-show-off playing graced records by everyone from Laura Nyro to Deodato (including Prelude and Deodato 2), from Ashford & Simpson to Bo Diddley, from Billy Cobham to Peter Allen, from Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway to Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Luiz Bonfá, and Ray Bryant. After this he played with everyone from Alice Cooper to Lalo Schifrin and Kurtis Blow and way, way beyond. Tropea's cast of studio players is a who's who of the '70s, '80s, and '90s. The core band on this funky, squeaky clean, keyboard, horn, and guitar driven set are bassist Will Lee, keyboardist Don Grolnick, percussionist Rubens Bassini, and drummers Steve Gadd and Rick Marotta -- one in each channel. Some of the guest appearances are stellar: David Sanborn's trademark emotionally rich saxophone is heard on "Muff," and Bob Mintzer's wonderful flute playing on his "Cisco Disco" (which is truly funk and not disco), and Deodato plays keyboards on the beautiful "Dreams." There is a heavyweight reed section with Mintzer, Sanborn, and Michael Brecker among its members and horns that include Randy Brecker, Sam Burtis, and Dave Taylor, to name a few. Yes, this was the 1970s: there are strings with Gene Orloff among them. The tunes? Hip, funky numbers like "Tambourine," with a restrained but toothy fuzz solo by Tropea, great congas by Bassini, and a well balanced but dynamic horn chart. "7th Heaven" is a smoother workout, with punchy actual and keyboard basslines, with great breakbeat work by both drummers. Despite its mid-tempo jaunt, the thing is deep with enough of an uptown soul chorus to make it a popular stepper with the club crowd. It's tunes like these, as well as Mintzer's and Tropea's "The Jingle," that place records like this more on the CTI side of things than in the hardcore Fuzak realm. These selections are songs, not collections of riffs, vamps, and solos. When solos occur in these tunes, they do so with respect to arrangement and groove. It also sounds more lifelike than a lot of what was coming out of L.A. at the time, because it has a decidedly East Coast sensibility. Tropea's production job is expert and tight, but it's his arrangements and orchestrations that are really impressive. The opportunities for excess here with all these superchopper players are many, but not once does any of this album lapse into mere glossy show and sheen. This is one of the truly great forgotten jazz-funk sets of the '70s.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
 1.  Tambourine - 4:40
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea

Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – J. Tropea
2. 7th Heaven - 4:13
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – Don Grolnick
3. The Jingle - 4:39
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Don Payne
Contrabass [Matracca] – C. Conrad
Drums – Alan Schwartzberg
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards – Kenny Ascher
Percussion – Nick Remo, Ron Tropea, Rubens Bassini
Written-By – John Tropea
4. Just Blue - 8:17
Alto Saxophone, Soloist – George Young
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Written-By – John Tropea
5. Muff - 5:59
Arranged By – R. Marotta, W. Lee
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Saxophone, Soloist – Dave Sanborn
Written-By – Marotta, Lee
Written-By, Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
6. Cisco Disco (Bob Mintzer) - 4:35
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Flute [Flutes] – Bob Mintzer
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – Bob Mintzer
7. Tha Bratt (David Spinozza) - 5:07
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Lead Guitar – John Tropea
Rhythm Guitar, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – David Spinozza
Written-By – David Spinozza
8. Dreams - 4:46
Bass – Richard Davis
Drums – Rick Marotta
Keyboards, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Eumir Deodato
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Trombone, Soloist – Sam Burtis
Written-By, Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea

JO STAFFORD — Swingin' Down Broadway (1958) Vinyl LP | Mono | FLAC (tracks) 24-96Hz

Tracklist :
A1          Anything Goes  2:44
   Written By – Cole Porter
A2          The Gentleman Is A Dope  2:53
   Written By – Richard Rodgers / Oscar Hammerstein II
A3        I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)  2:57
   Written By – Duke Ellington / Paul Francis Webster
A4          Old Devil Moon  2:34
   Written By – Burton Lane / E.Y. Harburg
A5          Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home  3:39
   Written By – Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
A6          Tomorrow Mountain  2:45
   Written By – Duke Ellington / John Latouche
B1          Love For Sale  3:50
   Written By – Cole Porter
B2        Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe  2:44
   Written By – Harold Arlen / E.Y. Harburg
B3        How High The Moon  3:03
   Written By – Morgan Lewis / Nancy Hamilton
B4        Speak Low  2:14
   Written By – Kurt Weill / Ogden Nash
B5    It Never Entered My Mind  2:37
   Written By – Richard Rodgers / Lorenz Hart
B6      Taking A Chance On Love  2:55         
   Written By – Vernon Duke / John Latouche / Ted Fetter
Personnel:
– Jo Stafford- Vocals
with Paul Weston and his Orchestra

ANITA BRYANT — Kisses Sweeter Than Wine (1961) Vinyl, LP | Mono | FLAC (image+.cue) 24-96Hz

Tracklist :
A1 True Love 2:49
Written-By – Cole Porter
A2 My Heart Cries For You 2:47
Written-By – C. Sigman, P. Faith
A3 Unchained Melody 3:30
Written-By – A. North, H. Zaret
A4 Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? 3:06
Written-By – S. Wiseman
A5 In The Chapel In The Moonlight 3:05
Written-By – B. Hill
A6 I Can Dream, Can't I? 3:02
Written-By – I. Kahal, S. Fain
B1 Kisses Sweeter Than Wine 2:46
Written-By – J. Newman, P. Campbell
B2 Vaya Con Dios 3:55
Written-By – B. Pepper, I. James, L. Russell
B3 Please Help Me, I'm Falling 2:48
Written-By – D. Robertson, H. Blair
B4 Love Me Tender 2:40
Written-By – E. Presley, V. Matson
B5 The Twelfth Of Never 2:44
Written-By – J. Livingston, P. F. Webster
B6 May You Always 3:15
Written-By – D. Charles, L. Markes
Credits:
Backing Vocals – The Anita Kerr Singers, The Jordanaires
Guitar – Hank Garland
Music Director – Grady Martin
Producer – Don Law
Vocals – Anita Bryant

ADA MOORE | BUCK CLAYTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA | JIMMY RUSHING — Cat Meets Chick A Story In Jazz (1955) Vinyl, LP | Mono | FLAC (tracks), lossless

As the common format for LPs became 12" rather than 10" in the mid-'50s, record companies and artists struggled to come up with ideas for sustained musical performances lasting 30 to 45 minutes. In 1955, Columbia Records producer Irving Townsend put together a selection of pop songs with the singers Felicia Sanders, Peggy King, and Jerry Vale to come up with Girl Meets Boy, and he had a similar concept in the jazz realm for Cat Meets Chick. Borrowing Jimmy Rushing from Vanguard Records and hiring young Ada Moore, who had recently made her Broadway debut in the musical House of Flowers, he put them in front of an orchestra led by Buck Clayton and had them perform a series of songs in which the story line was that Clayton (through the medium of his trumpet) and Rushing were vying for Moore's attention. For example, Moore would say, "Buck, if I choose you, what are you gonna give me?," which would be a cue for Clayton to launch into "I Can't Give You Anything But Love." "Nothin' but love?" Moore would say, "Uh-huh, you got the wrong girl," after which Clayton would play "The Blues." The concept, of course, was just an excuse to have Rushing and Moore sing a bunch of old favorites before Clayton's band, and that was fine, especially because Moore, sporting a Sarah Vaughan-like alto, held her own against the great blues shouter. Of course, the ruling presence, even in his absence, was Count Basie, who had previously employed both Rushing and Clayton for extended periods. The music had much of the verve and swing of the Basie band, even without the leader being on the date. The story might be silly, but the music was not. William Ruhlmann
Tracklist :
Opening - Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home    0:42
A1a    Unknown Artist–    Opening
A1b    Ada Moore–    Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home
Written-By – Mercer-Arlen
A2    Jimmy Rushing–    Pretty Little Baby 1:32
Written-By – Bernie, P. Baker, S. Silvers
A3    Ada Moore–    I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling 2:26
Written-By – B. Rose, Waller, Link
A4    Jimmy Rushing And Ada Moore–    If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight) 2:44
Written-By – Creamer, J. Johnson
A5    Buck Clayton–    Ain't She Sweet 2:39
Written-By – Yellen, Ager
A6    Ada Moore–    Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home 2:17
Written-By – Mercer-Arlen
A7    Buck Clayton And Ada Moore–    You're My Thrill 3:38
Written-By – Gorney, Clare
B1    Ada Moore–    Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea 2:41
Written-By – Arlen, Koehler
B2    Jimmy Rushing–    Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You 2:36
Written-By – Razaf, Redman
B3    Jimmy Rushing–    Cool Breeze, Woman 2:28
Written-By – Rushing
B4    Buck Clayton–    I Can't Give You Anything But Love 2:02
Written-By – Fields-McHugh
B5    Buck Clayton–    The Blues    1:20
Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home - After You've Gone - Conclusion    4:42
B6a    Ada Moore–    Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home
Written-By – Mercer-Arlen
B6b    Jimmy Rushing And Buck Clayton–    After You've Gone
Written-By – Creamer, Layton
B6c    Unknown Artist–    Conclusion
Credits :
Arranged By – Buck Clayton
Bass – Aaron Bell, Milt Hinton
Drums – Jo Jones, James Osie Johnson
Guitar – Steve Jordan
Piano – Ken Kersey, Sir Charles Thompson
Saxophone – Bud Johnson, Eddy Barefield, Willard Brown
Trombone – Dicky Wells
Trumpet – Buck Clayton, Emmett Berry
Vocals – Ada Moore, Jimmy Rushing

STEVE KUHN — The Early 70's (1971-2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is the almost more about the other Jazz side of Steve Khun the vocalist, not the Pianist. When he plays piano, it is within the language of avant garde classical, and the presence of a string quartet affirms that soundscape, yet the Jeckyll to the Hyde of that is the singing is mellifluous, accompanied by gentle Electric piano. It is in the spirit of Michael Franks, and a delight in being so. In a long and distinguished career with some of jazz' s greats, this is his oddity. Yet for the most part, the unusual experiment works, I think for the most part that there is a nostalgia for early fusion, and this is the sleeper in that format. The best instrumental tracks on the lp are comparable with the Return to Forever tracks with no guitarist on them. The later Kuhn ECM albums embrace that early hard to post bop language and have him back in the piano seat without the vocal mike. Mark Harrington
Tracklist :
1    The Zoo (a.k.a. Pearlie's Swine)    5:29
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
2    Silver    4:38
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
3    Tomorrow's Son (a.k.a. Time To Go)    3:23
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
4    The Heat Of The Moment    1:56
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
5    Saharan (a.k.a. The Baby)    4:46
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
6    The Drinking Song (a.k.a. Hold Out Your Hand)    3:12
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
7    The Meaning Of Love    2:54
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
8    Remembering Tomorrow (a.k.a. Ulla)    4:22
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
9    A Change Of Face    3:34
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
10    Day Dreaming 2:59
Written-By – Aretha Franklin
11    Something Everywhere    4:47
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
12    Trance    4:41
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
13    Last Tango In Paris 2:37
Written-By – Gato Barbieri
14    Life's Backward Glance    3:06
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – Ron Carter (tracks: 1 to 8)
Arranged By – Gary McFarland (tracks: 1 to 8), Steve Kuhn (tracks: 1 to 8)
Conductor – Gary McFarland (tracks: 1 to 8)
Drums – Billy Cobham (tracks: 1 to 8), Bruce Ditmas (tracks: 9 to 14)
Electric Bass – Steve Swallow (tracks: 9 to 14)
Electric Piano – Steve Kuhn
Percussion – Susan Evans (tracks: 9 to 14)
Percussion [Latin] – Airto Moreira (tracks: 1 to 8)
Piano – Steve Kuhn (tracks: 1 to 8)
Vocals – Steve Kuhn (tracks: 1 to 8, 14)

THE MILLS BROTHERS — Four Boys And A Guitar : The Essential Mills Brothers (1995) MONO | Serie Art Deco | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Essential Mills Brothers: Four Boys and a Guitar is a 20-track collection of the vocal group's takes on pop standards like "Bugle Call Rag" and "Dinah, " but not many of their biggest hits. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :
1    Dinah     3:00
 Harry Akst / Sam M. Lewis / Joe Young
2    Shine    3:19
 Lew Brown / Ford Dabney / Cecil Mack
3    I Heard     2:27
 Don Redman
4    How'm I Doin', Hey-Hey     2:29
 Lem Fowler / Don Redman
5    Rockin' Chair     3:12
 Hoagy Carmichael
6    Chinatown, My Chinatown     2:37
 William Jerome / Jean Schwartz
7    Sweet Sue, Just You     2:59
 Will J. Harris / Victor Young
8    St. Louis Blues     2:22
 W.C. Handy
9    Bugle Call Rag     2:01
 Billy Meyers / Jack Pettis / Elmer Schoebel
10    Dirt Dishing Daisy     3:16
 Larry Klein
11    Diga, Diga Doo     3:08
 Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
12    Doin' The New Low Down     3:10
 Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
13    Fiddlin' Joe     2:25
 James Cavanaugh / Irving Mills
14    Swing It, Sister     2:34
 Harold Adamson / Burton Lane
15    Jungle Fever     3:10
 Walter Donaldson
16    Put On Your Old Grey Bonnet     2:39
 Stanley Murphy / Percy Wenrich
17    Sleepy Head     3:03
 Walter Donaldson / Gus Kahn
18    My Little Grass Shack In Kealkekua, Hawaii     2:35
 Bill Cogswell / Tommy Harrison / Johnny Noble
All Credits :

MILES DAVIS QUINTET — Miles Smiles (1966) Three Version (1998, RM | Serie Columbia Jazz) + (2006, RM | Serie The Original Jacket Collection) + (2018, RM | SACD, Hybrid, | Ultradisc UHR, Original Master Recording 24-48.1Hz) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

With their second album, Miles Smiles, the second Miles Davis Quintet really began to hit their stride, delving deeper into the more adventurous, exploratory side of their signature sound. This is clear as soon as "Orbits" comes crashing out the gate, but it's not just the fast, manic material that has an edge -- slower, quieter numbers are mercurial, not just in how they shift melodies and chords, but how the voicing and phrasing never settles into a comfortable groove. This is music that demands attention, never taking predictable paths or easy choices. Its greatest triumph is that it masks this adventurousness within music that is warm and accessible -- it just never acts that way. No matter how accessible this is, what's so utterly brilliant about it is that the group never brings it forth to the audience. They're playing for each other, pushing and prodding each other in an effort to discover new territory. As such, this crackles with vitality, sounding fresh decades after its release. And, like its predecessor, ESP, this freshness informs the writing as well, as the originals are memorable, yet open-ended and nervy, setting (and creating) standards for modern bop that were emulated well into the new century. Arguably, this quintet was never better than they are here, when all their strengths are in full bloom. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :
1    Orbits    4:35
 Wayne Shorter
2    Circle    5:52
 Miles Davis
3    Footprints    9:44
 Wayne Shorter
4    Dolores    6:20
 Wayne Shorter
5    Freedom Jazz Dance    7:11
 Eddie Harris
6    Ginger Bread Boy    7:40
 Jimmy Heath
Credits :
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Tony Williams
Piano – Herbie Hancock
Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax] – Wayne Shorter
Trumpet – Miles Davis

HERBIE HANCOCK | CHICK COREA — An Evening with Herbie Hancock & Chick Corea In Concert (1978-1998) RM | Serie Columbia Jazz | 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Since Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock had by 1978 spent several years mostly playing electric keyboards, their acoustic duet tour surprised many listeners who thought that they would always specialize in fusion. This double album contains many fine performances including lengthy versions of "Maiden Voyage" and "La Fiesta" but it is the striding by Corea and Hancock on "Liza" that is most unique. Scott Yanow
Tracklist 1 :
1    Someday My Prince Will Come    12:39
 Frank Churchill / Larry Morey
2    Liza (All The Clouds'll Roll Away)    9:00
 George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / Gus Kahn
3    Button Up    17:37
 Chick Corea / Herbie Hancock
Tracklist 2 :
1    Introduction Of Herbie Hancock By Chick Corea    0:41
2    February Moment    15:47
 Herbie Hancock
3    Maiden Voyage    13:31
 Herbie Hancock
4    La Fiesta    22:02
 Chick Corea
Credits :
Grand Piano – Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock

HERBIE HANCOCK – Quartet (1982) FLAC (image+.cue) lossless

This is an extremely symbolic album, for Herbie Hancock and the V.S.O.P. rhythm section essentially pass the torch of the '80s acoustic jazz revival to the younger generation, as personified by then 19-year-old Wynton Marsalis. Recorded during a break on a tour of Japan, a month before Marsalis made his first Columbia album, the technically fearless teenaged trumpeter mostly plays the eager student, imitating Miles, Freddie Hubbard, and Clifford Brown, obviously relishing the challenge of keeping up with his world-class cohorts. Things start out conventionally enough with a couple of Monk standards, and then they progress into the mid-'60s Miles Davis post-bop zone, with Ron Carter and Tony Williams driving Marsalis and Hancock relentlessly forward. Several staples from the Miles/V.S.O.P. repertoire turn up ("The Eye of the Hurricane," "The Sorcerer," "Pee Wee"), and there is one wistful ballad, "I Fall in Love Too Easily," where Marsalis sounds a bit callow, not yet the master colorist. Hancock remains a complex, stimulating acoustic pianist, the years of disco having taken no toll whatsoever on his musicianship. This looked like it would be a Japan-only release, but since the buzz on Marsalis was so loud, CBS put it out in the U.S. in 1983, fanning the flames even more.  Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist :
1    Well You Needn't 6:26
Written-By – T. Monk
2    'Round Midnight 6:38
Written-By – B. Hanighen, C. Williams, T. Monk
3    Clear Ways 5:01
Written-By – T. Williams
4    A Quick Sketch 16:24
Written-By – R. Carter
5    The Eye Of The Hurricane 8:03
Written-By – H. Hancock
6    Parade 7:56
Written-By – R. Carter
7    The Sorcerer 7:18
Written-By – H. Hancock
8    Pee Wee 4:32
Written-By – T. Williams
9    I Fall In Love Too Easily 5:53
Written-By – J. Styne-S. Cahn
Credits :
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Tony Williams
Piano – Herbie Hancock
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis

ELVIN JONES SPECIAL QUARTET — Tribute To John Coltrane " A Love Supreme" (1994) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Recorded live at a Tokyo nightclub, the "special" in special quartet is trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. Functioning as the lone horn in the ensemble and supported by two of his former sidemen, pianist Marcus Roberts and bassist Reginald Veal, in a group led by one of jazz's greatest drummers, Marsalis' improvisational abilities are displayed prominently on this program of two John Coltrane compositions, one by Marsalis, and a swinging rendition of "Happy Birthday" for a member of the audience. The highlight of this recording is a 47-minute version of the first three movements of Coltrane's "A Love Supreme." Whether ripping off fast runs or blaring held high notes, Marsalis shows himself as a player deserving of his notoriety. Jones is his usual powerful polyrhythmic self, while Roberts and Veal offer solid support. The rest of the program includes Coltrane's ballad "Dear Lord" and Marsalis' tribute to Jones, "Blues for Veen." An essential recording for Jones and Marsalis completists. Greg Turner
Tracklist :
1    A Love Supreme: Pt. 1 Acknowledgement/Pt. 2 Resolution/Pt. 3 Pursuance 47:16
Arranged By – Wynton Marsalis
Composed By – J. Coltrane
2    Dear Lord 6:32
Arranged By – Wynton Marsalis
Composed By – J. Coltrane
3    Happy Birthday For "Yuka" 7:24
Traditional
Arranged By – Elvin Jones
4    Blues To Veen 15:04
Arranged By – Wynton Marsalis
Composed By – W. Marsalis
Credits :
Bass – Reginald Veal
Drums, Music Director – Elvin Jones
Piano – Marcus Roberts
Trumpet, Guest [Special Guest Artist] – Wynton Marsalis

JIMMY GIUFFRE — Free Fall (1962-1998) RM | APE (image+.cue), lossless

 Jimmy Giuffre's 1962 recording for Columbia with his trio is one of the most revolutionary recordings to come out of the 1960s. While Coltrane and Coleman and Taylor were trying to tear music down from the inside out to discover what it really counted for, Giuffre was quietly creating his own microtonal revolution that was being overlooked by other avant-gardists in jazz. On Free Fall, Giuffre, pianist Paul Bley, and bassist Steve Swallow embarked on a voyage even farther-reaching than their previous two Verve albums, Fusion and Thesis (both recorded in 1961), in their search of pointillistic harmony, open-toned playing, and the power of the nuanced phrase to open new vistas for solo or group improvisation. The original album is comprised of five clarinet solos, two duets for clarinet and bass, and three trio pieces. The CD reissue adds five more clarinet solos to the bank and makes it a stunning view of Giuffre as a master of the idiom of not only jazz free improvisation but also a fine interpreter of the musical languages being discussed by classical composers Darius Milhaud, Stravinsky, Messiaen, and even Morton Feldman and Earle Brown. All of Giuffre's clarinet studies -- particularly "Man Alone," "Yggdrasill," and "Present Motion" -- are studies in tonal coloration, where phraseology opens onto second and third tonal ideas being layered atop one another to de-emphasize one or the other. Of the group interactions, "Threewe" and "Spasmodic" offer the view of intertwining chromatic pointillism as it shapes itself linguistically between one instrument and the next without concern for a dominant harmony, rhythm, or melody. Indeed, Free Fall was such radical music, no one, literally no one, was ready for it and the group disbanded shortly thereafter on a night when they made only 35 cents apiece for a set. Reissued in 1999, Free Fall predates all of the European microtonal studies and is indeed an inspiration to all who have
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1. Propulsion (3:07)
 Jimmy Giuffre
2. Threewe (4:11)
 Jimmy Giuffre
3. Ornothoids (2:43)
 Jimmy Giuffre
4. Dichotomy (3:57)
 Jimmy Giuffre
5. Man Alone (2:18)
 Jimmy Giuffre
6. Spasmodic (3:27)
 Jimmy Giuffre
7. Yggdrasill (2:32)
 Jimmy Giuffre
8. Divided Man (1:53)
 Jimmy Giuffre
9. Primordial Call (2:17)
 Jimmy Giuffre
10. The Five Ways (10:19)
 Jimmy Giuffre
11. Present Notion (3:41)
 Jimmy Giuffre
12. Motion Suspended (3:16)
 Jimmy Giuffre
13. Future Plans (3:56)
 Jimmy Giuffre
14. Past Mistakes (2:05)
 Jimmy Giuffre
15. Time Will Tell (3:49)
 Jimmy Giuffre
16. Let's See (3:26)
 Jimmy Giuffre
Credits :
Paul Bley - Piano (tracks 2, 6, 10, 12)
Jimmy Giuffre - Clarinet
Steve Swallow - Double Bass (tracks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12)

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

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

BILLY COBHAM — Alivemutherforya (1978-2002) RM | Serie Columbia Jazz | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Drummer Billy Cobham is heard on this live set heading an all-star quintet also including Tom Scott on tenor, soprano and lyricon, keyboardist Mark Soskin, guitarist Steve Khan and electric bassist Alphonso Johnson. Although the music is mostly funky and uses plenty of electronics (Scott sounds quite faceless on lyricon), there are some strong solos, particularly from Khan and Scott (when he is on tenor). The six group originals are highlighted by "Bahama Mama," "Some Punk Funk" and "On a Magic Carpet Ride." Due to the amount of variety and spontaneity, Alivemutherforya is superior to most of these musicians' individual projects of the era. Scott Yanow

Tracklist  :
1 "Anteres" - The Star 5:35
Soloist [Lyricon] – Tom Scott
2 Bahama Mama 8:29
Composed By – Alphonso Johnson
Mixed By – Dennis MacKay
Soloist [Electric Fretless Bass] – Alphonso Johnson
Soloist [Guitar] – Steve Khan
3 Shadows 7:51
Soloist [Acoustic Guitar] – Steve Khan
Soloist [Soprano Sax] – Tom Scott
4 Some Punk Funk 4:31
Composed By – Steve Khan
Soloist [Guitar] – Steve Khan
Soloist [Tenor Sax] – Tom Scott
5 Spindrift 7:21
Soloist [Acoustic Piano] – Mark Soskin
Soloist [Soprano Sax] – Tom Scott
6 On A Magic Carpet Ride 7:22
Soloist [Drums] – Billy Cobham
Soloist [Fender Rhodes] – Mark Soskin
Soloist [Guitar] – Steve Khan
Soloist [Tenor Sax] – Tom Scott
Credits
Bass [Electric, Electric Fretless], Synthesizer [Bass Pedal], Chapman Stick [Electric Stick] – Alphonso Johnson
 Composed By – Billy Cobham (tracks: 1, 6), Tom Scott (tracks: 3, 5)
 Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Steve Khan
Lyricon, Percussion, Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Tom Scott
Percussion – Billy Cobham
Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Clavinet, Synthesizer [Arp Odyssey, Mini-moog, Arp, String Ensemble] – Mark Soskin
Producer – Alphonso Johnson, Billy Cobham, Steve Khan, Tom Scott

MICHEL LEGRAND — I Love Paris (1954-1994) RM | Serie MasterSound | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Michel Legrand was only 22 when he created this best-selling theme album, a selection of Paris-centered standards from both sides of the Atlantic, scored for his own slightly jazzy orchestral ensemble. It's probably one of the few easy listening records (or any album until much later) where the work was meant to be listened to as a whole: Legrand blends 16 songs together into a sort of suite, beginning with church bells chiming in the square, then taking off on a musical journey around the city. The arrangements are heavy on the strings and accordion and not, as the label now touts, Miles Davis, who is not very discernible -- if there at all. (Davis certainly took part later in "Legrand Jazz"). Considering that the young Legrand cut this album as a quick way to make money, the resulting success (and the doors that it opened for him) are remarkable. Ted Mills

Tracklist  
1. I Love Paris (2:37)
2. Mademoiselle De Paris (2:29)
3. Paris (1:48)
4. Autumn Leaves (Les Feuilles Mortes) (3:31)
5. Under The Bridges Of Paris (Sous Les Ponts De Paris) (1:09)
6. Le Seine (4:30)
7. Paris In The Spring (1:57)
8. Paris Canaille (2:11)
9. April In Paris (3:38)
10. A Paris (2:08)
11. La Vie En Rose (2:19)
12. Under Paris Skies (Sous Le Ciel De Paris) (2:26)
13. Paris, Je T'Aime (Paris, Stay The Same) (1:34)
14. The Song From 'Moulin Rouge' (3:40)
15. The Last Time I Saw Paris (2:47)
Credits
Arranged By, Conductor – Michel Legrand
Orchestra – Michel Legrand Et Sa Grande Formation

JOHN McLAUGHLIN | JACO PASTORIUS | TONY WILLIAMS — Trio Of Doom (1979-2007) RM | Two Version | APE (image+.cue), lossless + FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Certainly the potential of a recording by this trio featuring guitarist John McLaughlin and drummer Tony Williams (both members of Lifetime with organist Larry Young) along with bassist Jaco Pastorius -- aka the Trio of Doom -- is enormous. This compilation contains a performance of the trio at the Havana Jam in 1979, a U.S. State Department-sponsored cultural tour by a large number of American musicians who played on the same stage as Cuban aces. The band rehearsed and had about 25 minutes on the stage. Five days after leaving Cuba, the band reconvened in a New York City studio and recut most of the tracks. The studio versions (cuts six, seven, and ten) were released on a pair of various-artists compilations from the Cuban concert. McLaughlin felt at the time that the live performances were unusable because of Pastorius' playing. He relates the details in brief in the liner notes by Bill Milkowski. What this means, of course, is that out of ten cuts here, seven have never been released before. That said, the sum total of all the music that the group cut together is a little less than 40 minutes. From this, the opening drum solo by Williams takes up nearly three, and 20 seconds is of an alternate take of the drummer's "Para Oriente." But this is not a dodgy rip simply assembled to make money from the stuff of myth. Well, it is designed to make money from myth, but there is some seriously intense music here.

For starters, Williams' drum solo that opens the album is to die for. There is no excess, no showing off -- only an intense orgy of rhythm. When McLaughlin and Pastorius join him, the crowd must have gone crazy because he shifts nonstop into the guitarist's composition "Dark Prince." While his solo is overdriven, distorted, and rangy, full of angles and twists and turns, Jaco's playing on the head, and in taking the tune out, is solid. Perhaps at the time this didn't seem up to snuff, but it's hard to hear that based on the disc. The entire band is engaged with focused attention, ascending scalar and harmonic peaks together for its six and a half minutes. It is followed by a beautiful ballad by Pastorius called "Continuum," which appeared on his self-titled solo debut for Columbia. It's a gorgeous and deeply melodic ballad, and the bassist's playing is intensely soulful and lyrical. McLaughlin's chord shadings and voicings are not only supportive, they bring weight and depth, as does the beautiful hi-hat work of Williams. (Speaking of which, on "Dark Prince" and elsewhere, it's obvious that Williams is the true inventor of the blastbeat, not some generic heavy metal drummer. To hear his incessant bass drum and chronic cymbal-and-snare workouts is inspiring.) "Are You the One, Are You the One?," written by McLaughlin, closes the live set, and it's a funky, kinetic, and knotty jam with Williams playing breaks as well as pummeling the toms to get the funk up out of the thing. Pastorius' groove is incessant, even when he is matching the guitarist note for contrapuntal note. That's the good news. The studio versions of these cuts may "sound" better technically -- mostly due to the amplification and balance given the drum kit -- but they lack the raw edginess of the live sides. Still, fans of the fusion era, and those interested in any of these personas, will be much edified by what is found here. If only there were more of it.  
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist:
1 Drum Improvisation   2:26
Tony Williams
2 Dark Prince 6:36
John McLaughlin
3 Continuum 5:11
Jaco Pastorius
4 Para Oriente 5:42
Tony Williams
5 Are You the One, Are You the One? 4:54
John McLaughlin
6 Dark Prince 4:08
John McLaughlin
7 Continuum 3:49
Jaco Pastorius
8 Para Oriente 1:05
Tony Williams
9 Para Oriente 0:20
Tony Williams
10 Para Oriente 5:28
Tony Williams
Credits
 Bass – Jaco Pastorius
 Drums – Tony Williams
 Guitar – John McLaughlin