ERNESTINE ANDERSON — Never Make Your Move Too Soon (1980) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The title cut of this near-classic album became a sort of theme song for Ernestine Anderson, but it is not the only high point. The singer sounds in top form on such fine material as "As Long As I Live," a touching "Old Folks," "My Shining Hour," and "Poor Butterfly." With fine assistance from pianist Monty Alexander, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Frank Gant, Ernestine Anderson is heard throughout in prime form, sounding quite enthusiastic and powerful. Highly recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Never Make Your Move Too Soon 3:31
Stix Hooper / Will Jennings
2     What a Diff'rence a Day Made 4:47
Stanley Adams / María Mendez Grever    
3     As Long as I Live 4:40
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler    
4     Old Folks 7:17
Dedette Lee Hill / Willard Robison    
5     Just One More Chance 5:30
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston    
6     My Shining Hour 3:34
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer    
7     Why Did I Choose You? 4:22
Michael Leonard / Herbert Martin
8     Poor Butterfly 5:35
John Golden / Raymond Hubbell
Credits :
Bass – Ray Brown
Drums – Frank Gant
Piano – Monty Alexander
Vocals – Ernestine Anderson

CARLOS BARBOSA-LIMA — Plays The Music of Antonio Carlos Jobim & George Gershwin (1982-1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Carlos Barbosa-Lima is a superb Brazilian classical guitarist who has a beautiful tone. On his debut for Concord Concerto (the first of many releases), Barbosa-Lima performs six pieces by Antonio Carlos Jobim and eight by George Gershwin. The guitarist mixes together hits with some lesser-known tunes. Highlights include "Desafinado," "Corcovado," two of Gershwin's Preludes," "'S Wonderful" and "The Man I Love." Not an improviser, Barbosa-Lima worked out inventive and melodic renditions of these classic melodies, some of which are quite concise; "'S Wonderful" is only five seconds over a minute long. A strong example of the beautiful music of Carlos Barbosa-Lima. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Caminho De Pedra 2:38
 (Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius De Moraes)
2.    Desafinado 3:11    
(Antônio Carlos Jobim / Newton Mendonça)
3.    Estrada Branca    3:04
 (Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius De Moraes)
4.    Stone Flower 3:22    
 (Antônio Carlos Jobim)
5.    Corcovado    3:48
 (Antônio Carlos Jobim)
6.    Amparo 3:42
 (Antônio Carlos Jobim)
7.    One Note Samba 1:10    
(Antônio Carlos Jobim / Newton Mendonça)
8.    Modinha 1:18    
(Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius De Moraes)
9.    Canta Mais 3:23    
(Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius De Moraes / Chico Buarque De Holanda)
10.    Prelude #2 2:41    
(George Gershwin)
11.    Prelude #1 2:18
(George Gershwin)
12.    Promenade    3:51
(George Gershwin)
13.    Summertime 3:40    
 (George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / DuBose Heyward)
14.    Swanee 1:44    
 (Irving Caesar / George Gershwin) 
15.    'S Wonderful 3:04     
 (George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin) 
16.    Merry Andrew 3:33
 (George Gershwin)
17.    The Man I Love 1:18
(George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin) 
Credits :
Acoustic Guitar, Arranged By – Carlos Barbosa-Lima 

CHRIS POTTER — Unspoken (1997) 24-44.1Hz | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Working with drummer Jack DeJohnette, bassist Dave Holland, and guitarist John Scofield, saxophonist Chris Potter recorded his most adventurous record to date with Unspoken. Although his powerhouse rhythm section sometimes overwhelms him, Potter flexes more creative muscle throughout Unspoken, resulting in an engaging, frequently provocative listen. Leo Stanley
Tracklist :
1     Wistful     7:45
 Chris Potter 
2     Seven Eleven     9:08
 Chris Potter 
3     Hieroglyph     6:00
 Chris Potter 
4     Amsterdam Blues     7:50
 Chris Potter 
5     Et Tu, Bruté?     7:12
 Chris Potter 
6     Unspoken     5:41
 Chris Potter 
7     No Cigar     5:18
 Chris Potter 
8     Time Zone     8:55
 Chris Potter 
9     New Vision     7:11 
 Chris Potter 
Credits :
Chris Potter - Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor)
Jack DeJohnette - Drums
Dave Holland - Bass
John Scofield - Guitar

NNENNA FREELON — Maiden Voyage (1998) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Nnenna Freelon's fifth CD should establish her as one of the top jazz singers of the 1990s. Rather than stick to typical jazz standards, she explore women's songs (or at least lyrics) from many fields of music. Her compelling interpretation of the title track, with its infrequently heard lyric by Mrs. Herbie Hancock, is followed by a hypnotic original lyric written by Freelon for Marian McPartland's "Threnody," titled "Sepia Wing" in its vocal incarnation. One of the more unusual songs selected is folk singer Buffy Saint-Marie's "Until It's Time for You to Go"; Freelon drastically rearranged this tune by changing the melody line and adding an uptempo vamp, and Bob Mintzer's soprano sax accents are also a nice touch. The moody lament written by the late Laura Nyro, "Buy and Sell," is also an intriguing chart by the singer. Of course, she's no slouch with standard Broadway fare either, as her lively duet with guitarist Joe Beck proves. Ken Dryden

Tracklist :

1 Come Into My Life 5:22

Written-By – Nona Hendryx

2 Four Women 4:54

Written-By – Nina Simone

3 Maiden Voyage 8:26

Lyrics By – Jean Hancock

Music By – Herbie Hancock

Piano – Herbie Hancock

4 Buy And Sell 5:29

Written-By – Laura Nyro

5 Future News Blues 4:43

Written-By – Nnenna Freelon

6 Until It's Time For You To Go 6:00

Written-By – Buffy Sainte-Marie

7 Women Be Wise 8:08

Written-By – Sippie Wallace

8 Sepia Wing 5:46

Lyrics By – Nnenna Freelon

Music By – Marian McPartland

9 Pick Yourself Up 4:09

Lyrics By – Dorothy Fields

Music By – Jerome Kern

10 I Won't Dance 4:33

Lyrics By – Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh, Oscar Hammerstein II, Otto Harbach

Music By – Jerome Kern

11 Inside A Silent Tear 4:30

Lyrics By – Linda Albert

Music By – Blossom Dearie

12 Sing Me Down 4:18

Written-By – Nnenna Freelon

Credits :

Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer (tracks: 2, 4, 7)
Cello – Jesse Levy (tracks: 2, 4)
Double Bass – Avishai Cohen (tracks: 1-6, 12), Peter Washington (tracks: 8, 10, 11)
Drums – Clarence Penn (tracks: 8, 10, 11), Danny Gottlieb (tracks: 1-6, 12)
Flute – Dave Valentin (tracks: 8, 10)
Guitar – Joe Beck (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12)
Percussion – Sammy Figueroa (tracks: 1-6, 8, 10, 11, 12)
Piano – Michael Abene (tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12)
Soprano Saxophone – Bob Mintzer (tracks: 1, 6)
Tenor Saxophone – Dick Oatts (tracks: 10, 11)
Trombone – Ed Neumeister (tracks: 10)
Vocals – Nnenna Freelon

COREA, CLARKE & WHITE — Forever (2011) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This double-disc set documents Return to Forever's unplugged tour of 2009. Its 19 tracks consist mainly of rearranged RTF tunes and jazz standards for piano trio, though there are wonderful surprises on disc two. Disc one is taken directly from concert appearances across the globe. The standards work well -- considering how busy Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, and Lenny White can be together as well as solo. "On Green Dolphin Street," "Waltz for Debby," and "Hackensack" all swing, though they do feature moments of RTF's requisite knotty counterpoint. Originals include Clarke's new tune, the beautiful "La Canción de Sophia," as well as "Bud Powell" and "Windows" from two Corea solo recordings, and "Señor Mouse" and "No Mystery," both RTF tunes, round it out. The small complaint is that these three play so stridently and "perfectly" that they sound more like a studio band instead of a quick-thinking live unit. Everything is exceptionally played and recorded. The gems are saved for disc two, which consists mainly of rehearsals for the tour recorded at Mad Hatter Studios in San Francisco, complete with off-mike banter. Corea dons his Rhodes and other keyboards for an excellent version of "Captain Marvel" and a fully fused-out “Señor Mouse,” “Space Circus,” and “After the Rain,” all with original RTF guitarist Bill Connors playing his ass off with his former and future bandmates (Frank Gambale will assume guitar duties on tour). Violinist Jean-Luc Ponty will also join the new band formally in 2012, and he begins in that role here, appearing on "Armando's Rhumba" (he played on the original off Corea's My Spanish Heart LP), his own "Renaissance," a fine rendition of "I Loves You, Porgy" (one of two tunes with Chaka Khan on vocals), "After the Cosmic Rain," and "Space Circus." The other two surprises on disc two are a very soulful duet between Corea (on acoustic piano) and White on John Coltrane's "Crescent" and a stellar acoustic trio version of RTF's standard "500 Miles High," which was recorded at the Monterey Jazz Festival and contains plenty of fire. With its looseness, this second disc offers the real dynamic potential for RTF in the future and reveals the depth of near symbiotic communication between the bandmembers.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist 1 :
1. On Green Dolphin Street 8:41
 Kaper / Washington
2. Waltz for Debby 9:55
  Bill Evans
3. Bud Powell 7:10
  Chick Corea
4. La Canción de Sofia 7:38
 Stanley Clarke
5. Windows 8:54
 Chick Corea
6. Hackensack  7:30
 Thelonious Monk
7. No Mystery 10:55
 Chick Corea
8. Señor Mouse 12:06
  Chick Corea
Tracklist 2 :
1. Captain Marvel 4:13
 Chick Corea
2. Señor Mouse 12:06
  Chick Corea
3. Crescent 1:45
  John Coltrane
4. Armando's Rhumba 5:12
 Chick Corea
5. Renaissance 5:29
 Jean-Luc Ponty
6. High Wire--The Aerialist 3:41
 Chick Corea
7. I Loves You Porgy 5:13
  George Gershwin / DuBose Heyward
8. After the Cosmic Rain 10:38
 Stanley Clarke
9. Space Circus 6:06
 Chick Corea
10. 500 Miles High 12:45
 Chick Corea
Credits :
Chick Corea - Piano (CD1, CD2#3-7, CD2#10) Keyboards (CD2#1-2, CD2#8-9)
Stanley Clarke - Acoustic Bass (CD1, CD2#1, CD2#4-7, CD2#10), Electric Bass (CD2#2, CD2#8-9)
Lenny White - Drums (CD1, CD2#1-3, CDF2#5-10)
Bill Connors - Guitar (CD2#2, CD2#7-9)
Jean-Luc Ponty - Violin (CD2#4-5, CD2#7-9)
Chaka Khan - Vocals (CD2#6-7)

CHICK COREA — The Ultimate Adventure (2007) Two Version | APE (image+.cue), lossless + FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For the second time in two years, Chick Corea has assembled a band to give aural illustration to the fantasy writings of L. Ron Hubbard. For those who have trouble with Hubbard and his teachings, this may be a red flag to avoid the record altogether. The Ultimate Adventure is a tale that draws on characters from the Arabian Nights -- there is an ad for the book in the back of the CD booklet. With that out of the way, one has to deal with the music entirely on its own terms. Corea has spent decades playing both electric and acoustic jazz. This is the first time since 1976's My Spanish Heart that he has woven his love of both so completely into a single album. There are more than a few echoes here that call upon the ghosts of the earliest Return to Forever band -- primarily in the gorgeous flute playing of Hubert Laws and Jorge Pardo, in the saxophone artistry of Tim Garland, the drumming of Steve Gadd, and the percussion wizardry of not only Airto Moreira, but also of Hossam Ramzy -- just to name a few of this album's players. But as always, it's Corea's compositions and playing that make or break any of his outings. This one is complex, knotty, and contains nuevo flamenco sketches and exotic melodic grooves and rhythms from "North Africa" and the Middle East. The second part of the opening suite "Three Ghouls" -- which makes it ghoul number two, apparently -- showcases Corea on the electric piano and electronic percussion with Laws playing soulful and slightly funky. His flute gets double-tracked as it floats above Moreira and bassist Carles Benavent. It's spacey, airy groove is intoxicating. It morphs into the knotty percussive and slightly "out" part three, where palmas -- handclapped rhythms -- by Corea, Gadd, and Benavent are contrasted to the dissonant acoustic piano and funky Rhodes woven side by side in counterpoint. This stands in contrast to the electric, short, fused-out, three-part suite entitled "Moseb the Executioner." The first part is a tangled mix up of Garland and Corea's Rhodes. It ends in a percussion orgy by Moreira and Ruben Dantas with palmas by the entire band. There are gorgeous melodic interludes in "North Africa" courtesy of Pardo and Corea. "Flight from Karoof" is simply a fusion gem. Ultimately, Ultimate Adventure works extremely well; it's inspired, takes chances, and is compositionally a small wonder. Above all, it sounds like Corea and his band had a ball making it. Recommended for fusion-heads.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
Three Ghouls    
1    Part 1    1:38
2    Part 2    4:01
3    Part 3    3:11
4    City Of Brass    6:39
5    Queen Tedmur    5:15
El Stephen    
6    Part 1    6:39
7    Part 2    1:47
8    King & Queen    6:06
Moseb The Executioner    
9    Part 1    1:39
10    Part 2    2:20
11    Part 3    1:55
12    North Africa    6:24
Flight From Karoof    
13    Part 1    6:12
14    Part 2    1:36
15    Planes Of Existence, Part 1    5:26
Arabian Nights    
16    Part 1    4:31
17    Part 2    2:38
18    Gods & Devils    2:16
19    Planes Of Existence, Part 2    2:50
Credits :
Acoustic Guitar, Guitar – Frank Gambale
Bass Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Tim Garland
Bass, Handclaps [Palmas] – Carlos Benavent
Drums – Tom Brechtlein, Vinnie Colaiuta
Drums, Handclaps [Palmas] – Steve Gadd
Flute – Hubert Laws
Flute [C-Flute], Soprano Saxophone, Handclaps [Palmas], Alto Flute – Jorge Pardo
Percussion – Hossam Ramzy
Percussion, Shaker, Voice – Airto Moreira
Percussion, Tambourine, Pandeiro, Handclaps [Palmas] – Rubem Dantas
Synthesizer, Percussion, Piano, Producer, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Percussion [Electronic], Handclaps [Palmas] – Chick Corea

EDEN ATWOOD — A Night in the Life (1996) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Eden Atwood is occasionally reminiscent of Lee Wiley in her ability to bring jazz feeling to lyrics without actually improvising all that much. Atwood really understands the words that she interprets, and even when interpreting well-known tunes (as on this CD, when she sings "When the Sun Comes Out," "The Folks Who Live on the Hill," and "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most"), she makes the music sound quite fresh and timely. Assisted by pianist Jeremy Kahn, bassist Larry Kohut, drummer Joel Spencer, and (on four songs) the fiery tenor of Chris Potter, the young singer shows a great deal of maturity on this session; she takes a song apiece as a duet with each of her rhythm section mates, and even "Moon River" (which has her joined only by bassist Kohut) is a success. Recommended. Scott Yanow 
Tracklist :
1 When the Sun Comes Out 4:44
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler 
2 I've Grown Accustomed to His Face 6:04
Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe 
3 Willow Weep for Me 5:28
Ann Ronell 
4 The Folks Who Live on the Hill 6:04
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern 
5 If I Love Again 4:40
Jack Murray / Ben Oakland 
6 I Could Have Told You 4:36
James Van Heusen / Carl Sigman / Arthur Williams 
7 Spring Can Really Hang You up the Most 5:31
Fran Landesman / Tommy Wolf 
8 Medley: Lost in the Stars/So Many Stars 7:48
Maxwell Anderson / Kurt Weill 
9 You Taught My Heart to Sing 4:52
Sammy Cahn / McCoy Tyner 
10 Why Did I Choose You? 5:26
Michael Leonard / Herbert Martin 
11 Moon River 3:28
Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer 
Credits :
Bass – Larry Kohut (tracks: 1-3, 5-11)
Drums – Joel Spencer (tracks: 1-3, 5-10)
Piano – Jeremy Kahn (tracks: 1-6, 8-10)
Tenor Saxophone – Chris Potter (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7)
Vocals – Eden Atwood

THE CHRIS POTTER QUARTET — Vertigo (1998) Concord Records Celebrating 25 Years Series | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Shortly before the recording of Vertigo, Chris Potter suffered partial hearing loss after undergoing treatments for Ménière’s disease, an inner ear condition. Vertigo was in fact one of the symptoms he had been experiencing. Despite (or perhaps because of) the somewhat frightening circumstance that led to its title, Vertigo is Potter's most mature and expressive work to date. "Almost Home" and "Wake Up" are two of his prettiest, most memorable melodies. "Fishy" and the title track feature bass clarinet overdubs that double Scott Colley's basslines, to great effect. "Shiva" opens the record with an angular melodic line, stated in unison with utmost precision by Potter and guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, whose warm yet crisp tone is a delight. Drummer Billy Drummond trades 12-bar solo statements with Colley on "Long Walk, Short Pier," the first of three tracks to feature guest tenor man Joe Lovano. ("This Will Be," based on the standard "My Shining Hour," and "Modeen's Mood," a free-form tribute to drummer Paul Motian, are the other two.) "Act III, Scene I" is a rubato meditation on the most famous Shakespeare soliloquy of them all ("To be or not to be"). Even more than Unspoken, Potter's superstar session with John Scofield, Dave Holland, and Jack DeJohnette, Vertigo reveals Potter as a player and composer with an uncommonly personal vision. David R. Adler
Tracklist :
 1. Shiva 8:05
 Chris Potter
2. Vertigo 8:27
 Chris Potter
3. Long Walk, Short Pier 8:07
 Chris Potter
4. Act III, Scene I 3:38
 Chris Potter
5. Fishy 6:31
 Chris Potter
6. This Will Be 7:01
 Chris Potter
7. Almost Home 5:49
 Chris Potter
8. Modeen's Mood 9:32
 Chris Potter
9. Wake Up 5:59
 Chris Potter
Credits :
Chris Potter - Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Bass Clarinet, Piano
Kurt Rosenwinkel - Guitar
Scott Colley - Bass
Billy Drummond - Drums
Joe Lovano - Tenor Saxophone (tracks 3, 6, 8)

THE STEVE KUHN TRIO — Looking Back (1991) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Steve Kuhn is in a fun-loving mood on this trio date from 1990, accompanied by bassist David Finck and drummer Lewis Nash. His one original of the session, "Looking Back," is full of humorous moments in a driving post-bop setting, and his lagging a bit behind the beat while giving Dave Brubeck's "The Duke" a bit of an oriental sound at times is almost tongue-in-cheek. But not everything is played with a twinkle in his eye; "Stella by Starlight" is lush and dramatic, as is Michel Colombier's pretty ballad "Emmanuel." Kuhn captures the droll mood of the golden oldie "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You" with a campy, almost country-flavored approach. This is an outstanding date by a veteran musician who's always deserving of wider recognition for his efforts. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Looking Back 7:01
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
2    The Duke 5:39
Written-By – Dave Brubeck
3    How Insensitive 5:52
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim, Norman Gimbel, Vinicius De Moraes
4    Stella By Starlight 7:21
Written-By – Ned Washington, Victor Young
5    Alone Together 8:40
Written-By – Howard Dietz - Arthur Schwartz
6    Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You 5:05
Written-By – Andy Razaf, Don Redman
7    Baubles, Bangles And Beads 5:57
Written-By – George Forrest, Robert Wright
8    Zingaro 3:57
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
9    Will You Still Be Mine 5:13
Written-By – Matt Dennis, Thomas Adair
10    Emmanuel 3:57
Written-By – Michel Colombier
Credits :
Double Bass – David Finck
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Drums – Lewis Nash

STEVE KUHN — Live at Maybeck Recital Hall, Volume Thirteen (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Steve Kuhn is generally not thought of as a solo pianist because he has rarely recorded in that format, but this 1990 concert at Maybeck Recital Hall is one of his most memorable releases. "Old Folks" is a chestnut favored by a lot of swing and bop pianists, but Kuhn's unique approach to it explores a larger range of the keyboard than most players, while powering it with a striding bassline that alternates a lot more than one would expect. He has a lot of fun introducing Miles Davis' "Solar," at first playing around with what sounds like a Scottish dirge and sneaking into a bit of the song while giving it an Oriental flavor, before getting down to business. Both "I Remember You" and "Autumn in New York" are long but fascinating interpretations, as the pianist deconstructs and rebuilds each of them with very fresh approaches. This very satisfying concert CD is well-worth acquiring. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Old Folks 6:35
Written-By – Dedette Lee Hill, Willard Robison
2    Solar 9:47
Written-By – Miles Davis
3    Don't Explain 8:26
Written-By – Arthur Herzog, Jr., Billie Holiday
4    I Remember You 10:22
Written-By – Johnny Mercer, Victor Schertzinger
5    Autumn In New York 10:55
Written-By – Vernon Duke
6    The Meaning Of The Blues 6:15
Written-By – Bobby Troup, Leah Worth
Credits :
Piano – Steve Kuhn

MAYNARD FERGUSON & BIG BOP NOUVEAU — One More Trip to Birdland (1996-2003) SACD, Hybrid | FLAC (image + .cue), lossless

Even at the age of 67, Maynard Ferguson shows on this CD that he could still belt out the high notes. His "Big Bop Noveau" band consists of four trumpets, trombonist Tom Garling (who takes a rockish guitar solo on "Birdland"), Matt Wallace and Chris Farr on saxophones, and a rhythm section. With the exception of "Birdland," the music is strictly bebop, with plenty of screaming trumpet and heated playing; Wallace's alto outbursts often take honors. Highlights include "Manteca," "Cajun Cookin'," "Milestones" and a hyper "It Don't Mean a Thing." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    You Got It 4:09
Composed By – Tom Garling
2    Manteca 6:21
Arranged By – Marko Marcinko
Composed By – Dizzy Gillespie, Walter Fuller, Luciano Gonzales
3    The Vibe 7:12
Composed By – Tom Garling
4    Cajun Cookin' 7:07
Composed By – Denis DiBlasio
5    Milestones 5:31
Arranged By – Tom Garling
Composed By – Miles Davis
6    She Was Too Good To Me 6:23
Arranged By – Tom Garling
Composed By – Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
7    Birdland 4:11
Arranged By – Chip McNeill
Composed By – Josef Zawinul
8    Blues From Around Here 7:34
Composed By – Alan Baylock
9    It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing 4:20
Arranged By – Chip McNeill
Composed By – Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Matt Wallace, Vocals (tracks: 6)
Bass – Phil Palombi
Drums – Marko Marcinko, Percussion, (tracks: 4)
Keyboards – Dan Zank
Soprano Saxophone – Chris Farr
Tenor Saxophone – Chris Farr, Matt Wallace
Trombone – Tom Garling, Guitar, (tracks: 7)
Trumpet – Carl Fischer, Larry Foyen, Maynard Ferguson, Scott Englebright

JIMMY BRUNO WITH SPECIAL GUEST JOEY DeFRANCESCO — Like That (1996) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Although Like That was recorded in New York, many of the people involved with the project were Philadelphians. The pleasing hard bop date unites Jimmy Bruno's Philly-based trio of the 1990s (which includes bassist Craig Thomas and drummer Steve Holloway) with organist/trumpeter and Philly native Joey DeFrancesco, while the liner notes were written by guitar great Pat Martino (another Philadelphian). Producer Allen Farnham, however, lived close to New York in northern New Jersey. Bruno's guitar and DeFrancesco's organ prove highly compatible on selections ranging from Sam Jones' "Unit Seven" and Jerome Kern's "The Way You Look Tonight" to Bruno originals such as the sentimental "Waltz for Nancy," the angular "Raezer's Edge," and the mellifluous "Night Dreamer." Although DeFrancesco plays organ on most of the 11 songs, he switches to the trumpet and favors a Miles Davis-influenced mute on relaxed versions of "There Is No Greater Love" and "Stars Fell on Alabama." Bruno's Concord output has been quite consistent, and this fine CD is no exception. Alex Henderson
Tracklist :
1. E.V.     4:39
 Craig Thomas
2. Raezer's Edge     5:03
 Jimmy Bruno
3. Waltz For Nancy     5:41
 Jimmy Bruno
4. There Is No Greater Love     6:12
 Isham Jones / Marty Symes
5. The Iguana's Uncle     4:24
 Jimmy Bruno
6. Pat's House     5:23
 Jimmy Bruno
7. Night Dreamer     6:15
 Jimmy Bruno
8. The Way You Look Tonight     5:24
 Dorothy Fields / Jerome Kern
9. Like That     4:48
 Jimmy Bruno
10. Stars Fell On Alabama     3:26
 Mitchell Parish / Frank Perkins
11. Unit Seven     8:08
 Sam Jones
Credits :
Jimmy Bruno - Guitar
Joey DeFrancesco - Organ, Trumpet
Steve Holloway - Drums
Craig Thomas - Acoustic and Electric Bass  

CHICK COREA — Plays (2020) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Chick Corea's piano work radiates a readily-discernible dignity and if that virtue does not actually belie the lighthearted tone of this title (or his unctuous between-song repartee), then it certainly sets out in much sharper relief the whimsy and serendipity that is also intrinsic to his well-schooled and practiced approach to the instrument. Accordingly—and hardly surprisingly—a composer of such renown as this man offers reverence for all the tunes he chooses, regardless of the source, and that attribute may be the overriding thread of continuity across these two CDs. Doug Collette   All Tracks & Credits :

CHARLIE BYRD | BARNEY KESSEL | HERB ELLIS — Great Guitars (1975) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Charlie Byrd was teamed up with Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis (along with bassist Joe Byrd and drummer John Rae) for this rather exciting concert. While Ellis and Kessel have three unaccompanied duets, the inclusion of Byrd (thought of as a Brazilian specialist rather than a bopper) is the wild card that makes this set a major success. While Byrd is excellent on his features "Charlie's Blues" and "O Barquinho," it is the three stomps featuring all the guitarists ("Undecided," "Topsy" and "Benny's Bugle") that are most memorable. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Undecided    6:19
 Sydney Robin / Charlie Shavers
2    O Barquinho    4:41
 Ronaldo Bôscoli / Roberto Menescal
3    Slow Burn    5:33
 Barney Kessel
4    Charlie's Blues    8:17
 Charlie Byrd
5    Topsy    5:44
 Edgar Battle / Eddie Durham
6    Latin Groove    4:26
 Barney Kessel
7    Down Home Blues    3:57
 Herb Ellis / Barney Kessel
8    H And B Guitar Boogie    4:08
 Herb Ellis / Barney Kessel
9    Benny's Bugle    5:37
 Benny Goodman
Credits :
Bass – Joe Byrd
Drums – John Rae
Guitar – Barney Kessel, Charlie Byrd, Herb Ellis

THE BARNEY KESSEL TRIO — Jellybeans (1981-1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 On this fairly typical trio set, guitarist Barney Kessel is joined by bassist Bob Maize and drummer Jimmie Smith. "Stella by Starlight," "St. Thomas" and "Shiny Stockings" generate some heat; there are three Kessel originals and also two veteran ballads. The music swings without giving listeners any real surprises, but Kessel's fans can consider this one of his best Concord recordings. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Jellybeans    4:08
 Barney Kessel
2    Stella By Starlight    5:46
 Ned Washington / Victor Young
3    Mermaid    4:27
 Barney Kessel
4    My Foolish Heart    4:34
 Ned Washington / Victor Young
5    Juarez After Dark    4:26
 Barney Kessel
6    I've Never Been In Love Before    5:19
 Frank Loesser
7    St. Thomas    4:45
 Sonny Rollins
8    Shiny Stockings    5:14
 Frank Foster
Credits :
Bass – Bob Maize
Drums – Jimmie Smith
Guitar – Barney Kessel

JON FADDIS — Legacy (1986) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After too long a period in the studios, talented trumpeter Jon Faddis returned to jazz with this brilliant effort. Best known for his ability to closely emulate his idol, Dizzy Gillespie (far from an easy feat), Faddis pays tribute to Gillespie with "Night in Tunisia" and "Things to Come." However, he also does a close imitation of Roy Eldridge on "Little Jazz," pays homage to Louis Armstrong on "West End Blues," shows sensitivity on Thad Jones' "A Child Is Born," and performs three other numbers. With the assistance of tenor saxophonist Harold Land, pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Mel Lewis, Jon Faddis is in superb form throughout this outstanding release, his definitive recording. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    West End Blues 5:35
Written-By – Clarence Williams, Joe "King" Oliver
2    Little Jazz 5:37
Written-By – Roy Eldridge
3    Night In Tunisia 6:02
Written-By – Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Paparelli, Jon Hendricks
4    Instigator 4:44
Written-By – Jon Faddis
5    Things To Come 3:31
Written-By – Dizzy Gillespie, Gil Fuller
6    A Child Is Born 7:00
Written-By – Thad Jones
7    Li'l Darlin' 4:09
Written-By – Neal Hefti
8    Whisper Not 5:31
Written-By – Benny Golson, Leonard Feather
Credits
Bass – Ray Brown
Drums – Mel Lewis
Flugelhorn, Trumpet – Jon Faddis
Piano – Kenny Barron
Tenor Saxophone – Harold Land

JOHN McLAUGHLIN • CHICK COREA — Five Peace Band Live (2009) 2CD | APE (image+.cue), lossless

Chick Corea and John McLaughlin share one of the great pedigrees in the music of the 20th century: they were both key sidemen on Miles Davis' seminal albums In a Silent Way and Bitches Brew. They have played together since those heady days, as a duo or as sit-in guests. Five Peace Band was Corea's idea of putting together a dream band to play all kinds of jazz, and he approached McLaughlin. Corea chose the other members in saxophonist Kenny Garrett, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, and bassist Christian McBride. The group toured for nearly a year following Corea's Return to Forever reunion tour, and this double CD was compiled from that jaunt. It's true that on paper supergroups are suspicious offerings. Not so here. This band includes three younger -- yet veteran -- musicians who team wonderfully with the two legends on this set. Of the eight pieces included here, five are originals -- three by McLaughlin and a pair by Corea -- along with Davis' "In a Silent Way/It's About That Time" (with Herbie Hancock guesting), Jackie McLean's "Dr. Jackle," and a reading of the standard "Someday My Prince Will Come" (a duet between pianist and guitarist that elegantly closes disc two). McLaughlin's compositions are fairly recent; they were recorded with his 4th Dimension group on his excellent Floating Point and Industrial Zen albums. As one can imagine, this material is played here the way it was there -- only more so -- as extremely engaging 21st century electric fusion. His other piece, "Señor C.S.," is reimagined from the studio version on Industrial Zen. Here it is played harder and faster yet gives away none of its Latin groove, and instead comes off as a new, much more technically ambitious mutation of samba.

It should be noted that the rhythm section here is nothing less than startling. McBride is equally at home on an electric bass, and his sense of fire, funkiness, and dynamic range is in every note. Colaiuta is simply one of the most talented and exciting drummers out there, and creates an art form of dressing his timekeeping in impeccable and imaginative ways. Corea's tunes are closer to something resembling mainstream jazz -- though the gorgeous and lengthy (it clocks in at over 27 minutes) "Hymn to Andromeda" moves gradually and beautifully to the outside, with beautiful playing by Garrett and McLaughlin, who can still handle non-fusion material with invention, restraint, and taste. Disc two begins with an odd, idiosyncratic reading of McLean's "Dr. Jackle" as an attempt to stretch hard bop toward something (via Corea's arrangement) -- but what it is, isn't quite clear. The version of "In a Silent Way/It's About That Time" with Hancock is the album's high point. He plays an electric piano and creates the necessary incantatory vibe in the ethereal, soft, speculative beginning for Corea to simply caress into being. McLaughlin just floats about as an accompanist to the keys, and when he does play single lines, they become hesitant, soft, direction-pointing exercises toward what is to come. When the tune splits and becomes more aggressive in the latter half, the band gels and he finds himself in the maelstrom as the two keyboardists vie for dominance and the rhythm section creates a sense of pulse and excitement. His solo is brief and to the point yet full of knots and turns -- his trading lines with Garrett is especially tantalizing. Five Peace Band re-creates an extremely ambitious and beautifully executed gig, where all players were firing on all cylinders.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist 1 :
1. Raju (John McLaughlin) – 12:29
2. The Disguise (Chick Corea) – 13:32
3. New Blues, Old Bruise (John McLaughlin) – 14:06
4. Hymn to Andromeda (Chick Corea) – 27:45
Tracklist 2 :
1. Dr. Jackle (Jackie McLean) – 22:53
2. Senor C.S. (John McLaughlin) – 20:15
3. In a Silent Way / It's About That Time (Miles Davis, Joe Zawinul) – 20:06
4. Someday My Prince Will Come (Frank Churchill, Larry Morey) – 7:42
Personnel :
Chick Corea - Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, Synthesizer
Kenny Garrett - Alto Saxophone
John McLaughlin - Electric Guitar
Christian McBride - Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass
Vinnie Colaiuta - Drums, Percussion

TAL FARLOW — A Sign of the Times (1977-1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Tal Farlow's debut for the Concord label was only his second album as a leader since 1959. Farlow, who had given up the hectic lifestyle of a full-time jazz musician to become a sign painter who played guitar on the side, had not lost any of his power or creative swing through the years. Teamed up in a drumless trio with pianist Hank Jones and bassist Ray Brown, Farlow is in typically brilliant form on such numbers as a rapid "Fascinating Rhythm," a slower-than-usual "Stompin' at the Savoy," Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way" and even "Put on a Happy Face." This CD is a fine example of Tal Farlow's talents. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Fascinating Rhythm (Gershwin-Gershwin) - 4:11
2. You Don't Know What Love Is (Raye-DePaul) - 4:08
3. Put on a Happy Face (Adams-Strouse) - 4:21
4. Stompin' at the Savoy (Webb-Sampson-Razaf-Goodman) - 7:39
5. Georgia on My Mind (Carmichael-Gorrell) - 3:45
6. You Are Too Beautiful (Rodgers-Hart) - 5:07
7. In Your Own Sweet Way (Brubeck) - 3:13
8. Bayside Blues (Brown) - 7:05
Credits :
Tal Farlow - Guitar
Ray Brown - Bass
Hank Jones - Piano

TAL FARLOW — Chromatic Palette (1981-1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This album is most notable for the interplay between veteran guitarist Tal Farlow and pianist Tommy Flanagan. With bassist Gary Mazzaroppi completing the trio, the musicians perform Tal's "Blue Art, Too" (based on a blues), plus seven superior standards, including "Nuages," "If I Were a Bell" and "St. Thomas." In general, the music is on the relaxed side but there is plenty of inner heat to be felt on the fine set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. In a Mellow Tone (Ellington, Gabler) - 7:32
2. Do Nothing 'Till You Hear from Me (Ellington, Russell) - 7:04
3. Tangerine (Mercer, Schertzinger) - 4:59
4. Snow Fall (Thornhill) - 5:23
5. Cherokee (Noble) - 5:11
6. In the Dark (Beiderbercke) - 3:03
7. The Very Thought of You (Noble) - 4:09
8. Three Little Words (Kalmar, Ruby) - 3:53
9. What's New? (Burke, Haggart) - 6:07
10. Moon Glow (DeLange, Hudson, Mills) - 4:58
11. Jitterbug Waltz (Maltby, Waller) - 6:15
12. I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles (Brockman, Kellette, Kendis ...) - 1:22
13. Blues for Emmett (Alden, Pizzarelli) - 5:23
Credits :
Bass – Gary Mazzaroppi
Guitar – Tal Farlow
Piano – Tommy Flanagan

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

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