REBECCA PIDGEON — The Raven (1994) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    Kalerka 3:02
Backing Vocals – Coco Kallis, Paul Miller 
2.    The Witch 2:47
Backing Vocals – Coco Kallis, Paul Miller 
3.    The Raven 2:51
Backing Vocals – Coco Kallis, Paul Miller 
4.    You Need Me There 3:40
Backing Vocals – Coco Kallis, Paul Miller 
5.    Grandmother 6:34
Backing Vocals – Elise Morris, Stephanie Smothers
6.    You Got Me 3:01
Backing Vocals – Coco Kallis, Paul Miller 
7.    Heart And Mind 3:16
Backing Vocals – Coco Kallis, Paul Miller 
8.    Her Man Leaves Town 3:32
Backing Vocals – Coco Kallis, Paul Miller 
9.    Seven Hours 4:00
Backing Vocals – Coco Kallis, Paul Miller 
10.    Wendy's Style Shop 3:29
Backing Vocals – Coco Kallis, Paul Miller 
11.    The Height Of Land 3:43
Backing Vocals – Coco Kallis, Paul Miller 
12.    Spanish Harlem 3:35
Backing Vocals – Coco Kallis, Paul Miller 
Written-By – Phil Spector
13.    Remember Me 2:31
Backing Vocals – Elise Morris, Stephanie Smothers
Credits :
Arranged By, Music Director, Piano – Joel Diamond 
Backing Vocals – Coco Kallis, Elise Morris, Paul Miller, Stephanie Smothers (tracks: 5, 13)
Bass – David Finck
Cello – Erik Friedlander
Guitar – George Naha
Guitar, Backing Vocals – Anthony Coote
Percussion – Gary Burke
Synthesizer – Mitch Margold
Tuner [Piano Tuner] – David D'Arcy
Viola – Juliet Haffner
Violin – Laura Seaton, Robert Chausow
Vocals, Guitar, Arranged By – Rebecca Pidgeon

LINDA EDER — It's No Secret Anymore (1999) Two Version | FLAC 24-44.1Hz + APE (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Linda Eder's It's No Secret Anymore celebrates her pregnancy and features tracks from the musical Havana, which her husband/collaborator Frank Wildhorn wrote specifically for her. The album ranges from ballads to big band to Latin styles and includes "Anything Can Happen," a special lullaby written by Wildhorn and lyricist Jack Murphy; and "One For My Baby," the Arlen/Mercer tune made famous by Frank Sinatra. Heather Phares
Tracklist :
1.    It's No Secret Anymore 3:26
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
2.    You Never Remind Me 3:15
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
3.    Romancin' The Blues 3:57
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Jeremy Roberts 
4.    Havana 4:02
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
5.    Why Do People Fall In Love? 3:40
Arranged By – Jeremy Roberts, Linda Eder
Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
6.    I Guess I Love You 3:36
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
7.    This Time Around 4:09
Arranged By [Rhythm Arrangement] – Jeremy Roberts 
Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
8.    Looks Like You Started Something 3:59
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
9.    Little Things 4:07
Arranged By – Jeremy Roberts, Linda Eder
10.    Even Now 4:05
Arranged By – Jeremy Roberts, Linda Eder
Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
11.    Never Dance 4:35
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Chris Hajian
12.    Vienna 6:02
Arranged By [Rhythm Arrangement] – Jeremy Roberts 
Orchestrated By – Kim Scharnberg
13.    Anything Can Happen 2:58
Arranged By [Piano] – Jeremy Roberts 
14.    One For My Baby 4:27
Lyrics By – Johnny Mercer
Music By – Harold Arlen
Credits :
Personnel includes: Linda Eder (vocals); Kim Scharnberg, Jeremy Roberts (conductor); Peter Calo (guitar); Robert Bush (flute); Shelly Woodworth (oboe, English horn); Carl Herman (clarinet); Tom Sescovic (bassoon); Bob Mintzer, Charlie Pillow (saxophone); Randy Brecker, Jim Hynes (trumpet); Birch Johnson, Larry Farrell (trombone); Philip Myers, Bob Carlisle (French horn); Jeremy Roberts (piano, keyboards, programming); David Finck (bass); Mark Walker (drums); Gordon Gottlieb, Steve Kroon (percussion); Will Lee, Russell Velzquez (background vocals).

PAQUITO D'RIVERA -special guest artist- ARTURO SANDOVAL — Reunion (1991-2004) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Reunion was the first time that Paquito D'Rivera and trumpeter Arturo Sandoval recorded together since D'Rivera's defection in 1980; Sandoval had recently left Cuba himself. The co-leaders are joined by a superb band: pianist Danilo Perez, acoustic guitarist Fareed Haque, bassist David Finck, drummer Mark Walker, and Giovanni Hidalgo on conga. The group mostly performs originals plus a couple Chucho Valdes songs, "Body and Soul" (a showcase for Sandoval) and Dizzy Gillespie's "Tanga." Plenty of fireworks occur on this consistently heated Afro-Cuban jazz set and the co-leaders clearly inspire each other. When will they have their next reunion? Scott Yanow

Tracklist :
1. Prologo: Mambo Influenciado 0:27
 Chucho Valdés 
2. Reunion 4:59
 Paquito D'Rivera 
3. Tanga 9:19
 Dizzy Gillespie 
4. Claudia 7:09
 Chucho Valdés 
5. Friday Morning 6:33
 Danilo Pérez 
6. Latin American Suite 5:29
 Fareed Haque / Antonio Lauro 
7. Body & Soul 3:48
 Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour 
8. Caprichosos De La Habana 4:07
 Arturo Sandoval 
9. Epilogo: Mambo Influenciado 0:21
 Chucho Valdés 
Credits :

Paquito D'Rivera - Saxophone

Arturo Sandoval - Trumpet

Giovanni Hidalgo - Percussion

Danilo Perez - Piano

Mark Walker - Drums

David Finck - Bass

Fareed Haque - Guitar 

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 — Remembering Tomorrow (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In a blindfold test it would be easy to identify pianist Steve Kuhn's CD as a stereotypical ECM recording. With its emphasis on space, rather slow development and occasional repetition, the performances of Kuhn, bassist David Finck and drummer Joey Baron (all but one of the 11 pieces are Kuhn originals) only occasionally rise above the level of background music. There are some heated moments on the sixth song ("All the Rest Is the Same") and the tenth ("Bittersweet Passages") but most of this set is rather sleepy and melancholy, not living up to the potential of these talented musicians. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    The Rain Forest    4:03
 Steve Kuhn
2    Oceans In The Sky    7:53
 Steve Kuhn
3    Lullaby    4:46
 Steve Kuhn
4    Trance    8:00
 Steve Kuhn
5    Life's Backward Glance    5:13
 Steve Kuhn
6    All The Rest Is The Same    7:34
 Steve Kuhn
7    Emmanuel 5:03
 Michel Colombier
8    Remembering Tomorrow    7:51
 Steve Kuhn
9    The Feeling Within    6:00
 Steve Kuhn
10    Bittersweet Passages    4:45
 Steve Kuhn
11    Silver    6:53
 Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Double Bass – David Finck
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Drums – Joey Baron

STEVE KUHN — Countdown (1998) FLAC (tracks), lossless

A neglected figure in the overall scheme of modern jazz, perhaps this magnificent recording from the veteran pianist Kuhn will somewhat salve that wound. He is masterfully impressionistic, skillful as any, extra-lyrical, and his talent is in full array with substantive help from bassist David Finck and drummer Billy Drummond. In his flowery liner notes, Rafi Zabor refers to Kuhn's sound as that of utter "refracted beauty" -- a concise and apt a description for Kuhn's consistently brilliant musings. The bulk of the program is standards, reharmonized as the quick-witted John Coltrane title track, the lilting endless melody streams tacked on to "Four," or the "Milestones"-tagged version of "Speak Low" showing that as Kuhn is deep, he's also clever. Adapting "Why Did I Choose You?" as if walking on eggshells with a slight samba beat, Kuhn's dancing figures are steps he invents. Finck's singing bass solo accents the laid-back Benny Carter evergreen "When Lights Are Low," and Kuhn's take on "She's Funny That Way" expands further on this already exceptional melody. There are three of Kuhn's originals, totaling a mere 12 minutes. A recap on the piece from his Sheila Jordan phase, "Last Year's Waltz" gets a regret-filled rubato treatment seen through lavender-colored glasses. "Chalet" is as elegiac as any snow covered mountain home, while "Tomorrow's Son" is a rhapsodic, free entity with more cascading piano. Steve Swallow's "Wrong Together" is also included, weeping with even-keeled swing and repeated inquisitions as to why. This music clearly inspires all kinds of lush, regal imagery. It is Kuhn at his best, one of the more soul-stirring piano trio CDs of recent hearing, and a joy to listen to more than just once. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1    Countdown    3:48
 John Coltrane
2    Chalet    5:07
 Steve Kuhn
3    Last Year's Waltz    3:26
 Steve Kuhn
4    Wrong Together    6:26
 Steve Swallow
5    Four    7:06
 Miles Davis
6    Why Did I Choose You?    4:52
 Michael Leonard / Herbert Martin
7    When Lights Are Low    6:46
 Benny Carter / Cootie Williams
8    She's Funny That Way    4:30
 Neil Moret / Richard A. Whiting
9    Speak Low    9:32
 Ogden Nash / Kurt Weill
10    Tomorrow's Son    3:20
 Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn 

STEVE KUHN — Dedication (1998) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The first of Steve Kuhn's several CDs for Reservoir is a multifaceted trio session with bassist David Finck and drummer Billy Drummond. Kuhn opens with a pair of enjoyable originals, the gliding post-bop "Dedication" and "The Zoo," cast as a melancholy bossa nova. He does justice to two compositions by bassist Steve Swallow, the well-known "Eiderdown" and the more obscure "Please Let Me Go," both of which prominently feature Finck's superb playing. His fresh, somewhat darker approach to Kenny Dorham's catchy "Blue Bossa" starts subtly but grows in intensity. Nor does the leader ignore standards. His bright, swinging take of "It's You or No One," the lush setting of "For Heaven's Sake," and a loping waltz treatment of "Like Someone in Love " all merit high praise. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Dedication    6:13
 Steve Kuhn
2    The Zoo    5:50
 Steve Kuhn
3    I Waited For You    5:51
 Gil Fuller
4    Eiderdown    5:38
 Steve Swallow
5    Please Let Go    7:29
 Steve Swallow
6    It's You Or No One    8:02
 Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
7    For Heaven's Sake    6:12
 Elise Bretton / Sherman Edwards / Don Meyer /
8    Like Someone In Love    7:18
 Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
9    Blue Bossa    5:55
 Kenny Dorham
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — The Best Things (2000) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This third trio CD for Kuhn on Reservoir yields much the same refined, intelligent, eminently enjoyable result as the previous efforts. Bassist David Finck and drummer Billy Drummond are totally in tune with the veteran pianist/leader, whose powers are consistently hovering at a high level these days, stoking the post-boppish fires of his youth with the wisdom and savvy of his years of performing and recording. Kuhn's personal growth curve is most prevalent as you hear the daunting touches within a quietly urgent stance on the well-worn and swung standard "The Best Things in Life Are Free." The pianist throws a tricky change-up on "Confirmation," a swiss-cheese version with giant holes carved out of the melody line, using tension and release effectively from the boppish head to relaxed bridge, liberally sprinkling "merrily we roll along" quotes along the way. Three of Kuhn's originals are included; a refreshingly original 12-bar blues "Two by Two," the very slow ballad "Adagio" featuring three note-patterned wordless vocals from Luciana Souza, and his famous kinetic soul waltz for Thurman Munson, "Poem for #15," a seemingly effortless, easily swung piece, the hallmark of this well-rehearsed and seasoned working trio. Also included is A.C. Jobim's lesser-known delicate waltz/ballad "Luiza," and the Bill Evans-identified, wonderfully rendered romantic evergreen "Portrait of Jennie." Another in a string of very consistent, musically advanced, universally listenable documents in Kuhn's thankfully growing discography. Recommended. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1    The Best Things In Life Are Free 8:26
Written-By – DeSylva, Henderson, Brown
2    Luiza 5:28
Written-By – Jobim
3    Two By Two 6:50
Composed By – Kuhn
4    Portrait Of Jennie 6:26
Written-By – Burge, Robinson
5    Confirmation 8:12
Written-By – Parker
6    Poem For #15 10:45
Composed By – Kuhn
7    Adagio 7:23
Composed By – Kuhn
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Vocals [Vocal] – Luciana Souza (tracks: 7)

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Quiereme Mucho (2001-2008) Serie Venus Millennium Campaign | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Veteran pianist Steve Kuhn and his trio (with bassist David Finck and drummer Al Foster) dig into six Spanish and Mexican melodies with Quiereme Mucho, turning them into straight-ahead jazz. Latin rhythms are largely absent from a set that includes "Andalucia" ("The Breeze and I"), an up-tempo "Besame Mucho" and "Time Was" ("Duerme"). The music in general is boppish and full of wit, with Kuhn often quoting other unexpected songs along the way. Finck and Foster have their brief spots but this is largely Steve Kuhn's show. The music may have been largely de-Latinized but the result is one of Kuhn's most swinging recordings. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Andalucia (The Breeze And I) 8:01
Written-By – E. Lecuona
2    Besame Mucho (Kiss Me Mucho) 8:06
Written-By – C. Velazques
3    Siempre En Mi Corazon (Always In My Heart) 6:49
Written-By – E. Lecuona
4    Duerme (Time Was) 5:41
Written-By – Prado
5    Quiereme Mucho (Yours) 4:56
Written-By – G. Roig
6    Tres Palabras (Without You) 9:45
Written-By – O. Farres
Credits :
Double Bass – Davis Finck
Drums – Al Foster
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Easy To Love (2004-2010) Serie Masterpiece Collections | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Super Jet 5:30
Written-By – T. Dameron
2    Dear Old Stockholm 6:28
Traditional
3    Emily 7:16
Written-By – J. Mandel
4    Airegin 4:44
Written-By – S. Rollins
5    Morning Dew 6:00
Written-By – S. Kuhn
6    New Valley 6:51
Written-By – D. Finck
7    Dream Dancing 8:04
Written-By – C. Porter
8    Two For The Road 5:15
Written-By – H. Mancini
9    Be My Love 9:17
Written-By – N. Brodsky
10    Easy To Love 6:11
Written-By – C. Porter
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Pavane for a Dead Princess (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist Steve Kuhn, accompanied by David Finck and Billy Drummond, explore classical works by a number of top composers from the 19th and 20th centuries on this Japanese release, though they are used as a launching pad for improvisation. Maurice Ravel's "Pavane for a Dead Princess" is recast as a soft samba, also incorporating a bit of an earlier standard that was derived from the French Impressionist's piece, "The Lamp Is Low." Chopin is obviously one of Kuhn's favorite classical composers, as three of his features, highlighted by a dreamy setting of "Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2." He brightens the tempo of Claude Debussy's "Reverie" while retaining its lyricism, while slowing Johannes Brahms' "Lullaby" to a crawl and demonstrating how a master jazz pianist utilizes space as an element of improvisation. Classical purists are always upset with jazz arrangements of "their" music, but anyone who loves both musical worlds will appreciate Steve Kuhn's thoughtful arrangements of music that has easily stood the test of time. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    I'm Always Chasing Rainbows~Fantasy Impromptu 7:22
Composed By – F. Chopin
2    Pavane For A Dead Princess 6:26
Composed By – M. Ravel
3    Moon Love~Symphony #5 2nd Movement 6:49
Composed By – P. Tchaikovsky
4    One Red Rose Forever~Ich Liebe Dich 5:32
Composed By – E.Grieg
5    Swan Lake 6:09
Composed By – P. Tchaikovsky
6    Nocturne In E♭ Major Op9, No2 6:38
Composed By – F. Chopin
7    Reverie 8:09
Composed By – C. Debussy
8    Prelude In E Minor Op28, No4 5:43
Composed By – F. Chopin
9    Full Moon And Empty Arms~Piano Concerto #2 3rd Movement 5:51
Composed By – S. Rachmaninov
10    Pavane 6:32
Composed By – G. Faure
11    Lullaby 3:37
Composed By – J. Brahms
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO – Baubles, Bangles And Beads (2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This trio session by Steve Kuhn includes classical works and pieces adapted into pop songs decades ago. He initially studied classical music as a young man with the mother of baritone saxophonist Serge Chaloff, so he is well grounded in the music. With bassist Dave Finck and Billy Drummond accompanying him, Kuhn's driving, boppish treatments of "Till the End of Time" (based upon Chopin's Polonaise No. 53) and "Stranger in Paradise" (taken from Borodin's Plovetzian Dance) sizzle with energy. His vibrant waltz setting of Erik Satie's Gymnopedie No. 1 is far removed from the Impressionist composer's minimalist conception, with Finck's arco bass solo adding an interesting touch. Borodin's "Baubles, Bangles and Beads" was a favorite of baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan during the 1950s; the trio's introspective approach works equally well. While classical listeners who are unfamiliar with jazz may have reservations, jazz fans will savor these outstanding performances. Ken Dryden

Tracklist :
1    And This Is My Beloved - Nocturne From "Strings Quartet No.2"    4:49

2    Till The End Of Time - Polonaise No.53    6:01
3    Symphony No.3, 3rd Movement    4:58
4    If You Are But A Dream - Romance    4:49
5    Stranger In Paradise - Plovetzian Dance    3:53
6    Gymnopedie No.1    6:05
7    I Think Of You - Piano Concerto No.2, 1st Movement Op.18    5:31
8    Prelude In C Minor No.20, Op28    3:56
9    I Look At Heaven - Piano Concerto In A Minor Op6, 1st Movement    5:10
10    Baubles, Bangles And Beads - Strings Quartet No.2 In D    5:28
11    Vilia - From "The Merry Widow"    4:32
12    Prelude No.7, Op28    5:23
Credits :
Double Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO W/ JOE LOVANO – Mostly Coltrane (2009) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Steve Kuhn was the original pianist in the John Coltrane Quartet, though he was replaced by McCoy Tyner after two months, as Tyner had been Coltrane's initial choice. Though he never recorded with Coltrane, he is steeped in the late saxophonist's music; this tribute covers music from many phases of his career. With tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano, bassist David Finck, and drummer Joey Baron (the latter two being part of the pianist's working trio), Kuhn had the challenge of tackling mostly well-known Coltrane compositions and standards without sounding like a clone, even though he was utilizing the same instrumentation. Fortunately, Kuhn's approach to playing is very distinctly different from McCoy Tyner, while any hints of Coltrane's influence on Lovano are brief. Billy Eckstine's "I Want to Talk About You" shimmers in the pianist's reserved, lyrical trio setting (omitting saxophone), while "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" bursts with energy, with Lovano making a delayed entrance well into the piece. One of the most unusual tracks is "Spiritual," with Lovano playing the tárogató, an Hungarian reed instrument that is related to the oboe, sounding a bit like a soprano sax but with a warmer, less shrill sound. Their extended workout of this Coltrane favorite is more reserved than the composer's several recordings, but here the quartet is at its most adventurous. Kuhn also explores late-period Coltrane songs, such as the meditative "Jimmy's Mode" (showcasing Finck) and the turbulent avant-garde-ish "Configuration," both of which remained unissued until 1994. Mostly Coltrane easily stands out as one of the best CDs among the countless tributes to John Coltrane and is one of Steve Kuhn's essential recordings within his extensive discography. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Welcome    4:56
 John Coltrane
2    Song Of Praise    7:26
 John Coltrane
3    Crescent    6:20
 John Coltrane
4    I Want To Talk About You    5:56
 Billy Eckstine
5    The Night Has A Thousand Eyes    8:41
 Buddy Bernier / Jerome Brainin
6    Living Space    5:08
 John Coltrane
7    Central Park West    3:46
 John Coltrane
8    Like Sonny    6:00
 John Coltrane
9    With Gratitude    3:37
 Steve Kuhn
10    Configuration    4:19
 John Coltrane
11    Jimmy's Mode    6:53
 John Coltrane
12    Spiritual    8:15
 John Coltrane
13    Trance    5:24
  Steve Kuhn
Credits :
Double Bass – David Finck
Drums – Joey Baron
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Producer – Manfred Eicher
Tenor Saxophone, Tárogató [Tarogato] – Joe Lovano

STEVE KUHN TRIO – I Will Wait for You : The Music of Michel Legrand (2014) SACD | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Super Jet 5:30
Written-By – T. Dameron
2    Dear Old Stockholm 6:28
Traditional
3    Emily 7:16
Written-By – J. Mandel
4    Airegin 4:44
Written-By – S. Rollins
5    Morning Dew 6:00
Written-By – S. Kuhn
6    New Valley 6:51
Written-By – D. Finck
7    Dream Dancing 8:04
Written-By – C. Porter
8    Two For The Road 5:15
Written-By – H. Mancini
9    Be My Love 9:17
Written-By – N. Brodsky
10    Easy To Love 6:11
Written-By – C. Porter
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

LEE KONITZ & THE BRAZILIAN BAND — Brazilian Rhapsody (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD focuses primarily on Brazilian standards performed by the Konitz sextet, except for the Brazilian-flavored "Lunasea," written by Peggy Stern, which features her high school choir. "Berimbau" is swinging and percussive, while the well-known "Insensatez" takes many unexpected turns. "Triste" is also a familiar theme played with relish. Vocalist Adela Dalto makes a strong impression with her guest spot on "A Felicidade." Konitz's duet with the phenomenal acoustic guitarist Romero Lubambo on "Manha De Carnaval" is breathtaking. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     Samba Triste 7:28
Billy Blanco / Baden Powell
2     Berimbau 7:27
Ray Gilbert / Vinícius de Moraes / Baden Powell
3     Menina Moca 6:10
Luiz Antonio
4     Triste 6:32
Antônio Carlos Jobim
5     Felicidade 6:27
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
6     Lunasea 5:59
Peggy Stern
7     Manha de Carnaval 4:07
Luiz Bonfá / Antônio Maria
8     Insensatez 6:14
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
Credits :
Acoustic Guitar – Romero Lubambo
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Dave Finck
Drums – Duduka Da Fonseca
Percussion – Waltinho Anastacio
Piano – Peggy Stern
Vocals – Adela Dalto (pistas: 3)

LEE KONITZ & THE BRAZILIAN BAND — Brazilian Serenade (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Lee Konitz has long been a versatile jazz musician, adaptable to many different styles. This Brazilian-flavored session is one of two that the alto saxophonist recorded during the mid-'90s for Venus; his session partners include trumpeter Tom Harrell, guitarist Romero Lubambo, pianist David Kikoski (who mostly sticks to electric piano), bassist David Fink, drummer Duduka Da Fonseca, and percussionist Waltinho Anastácio. As expected, Konitz's light sound works well with the Brazilian favorites they perform, with Harrell being a particularly inspired foil for the leader. The works of Antonio Carlos Jobim are well represented, including breezy takes of "Favela" and "Wave." Harrell's lyrical "September" (featuring him in a fine muted solo) and Konitz's "Brazilian Serenade" also fit the mood of this relaxing CD very well. This rewarding release is well worth investigating. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Favela 7:28
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
2    Once I Loved 6:27
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
3    Recado Bossa Nova 5:20
Composed By – D. Ferreira
4    September 6:01
Composed By – T. Harrell
5    Dindi 7:16
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
6    Wave 5:34
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
7    Meditation 6:32
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
8    Brazilian Serenade 7:44
Composed By – L. Konitz
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Duduka Dafonseca
Guitar – Romero Lubambo
Percussion – Waltinho Anastacio
Trumpet – Tom Harrell

BADI ASSAD - Echoes of Brazil (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Entirely instrumental, Echoes of Brazil finds Badi Assad making the acoustic guitar her sole focus and paying tribute to some of Brazil's many heroes of the instrument. This splendid CD may not be the last word on Brazilian guitarists (who have played a crucial role in samba, choro, bossa nova, tropicalismo and Brazilian classical), but Assad does a fine job of reminding us what some of them contributed. It would have been impossible to tell the entire story on a single CD, and she makes no pretense of her tribute being all-inclusive. Assad, whose only accompaniment is acoustic bassist David Finck, salutes everyone from Garoto and Laurindo Almeida to Egberto Gismonti, Baden Powell and Luiz Bonfá. Much to her credit, she doesn't become a slavish imitator of any of them, and consistently demonstrates that she is a distinctive and impressive representative of the guitar herself. by Alex Henderson
Tracklist :
1    Batucada (Nós E O Rio) 3:16
Written-By – Altamir Penha, Isaías Sávio, Edison Penha
2    Abismo De Rosas 4:35
Written-By – Canhoto
3    Escadão 4:16
Written-By – Laurindo Almeida
4    Emotiva No. 1 3:01
Written-By – Hélio Delmiro
5    Sem Título 2:05
Written-By – Luis Bonfá
6    Bachianinha No. 1 3:23
Written-By – Paulinho Nogueira
7    Interrogando 2:59
Written-By – João Pernambuco
8    Tempo Feliz 3:29
Written-By – Baden Powell
9    Uma Valsa E Dois Amores 3:08
Written-By – Dilermando Reis
10    Estudo Para Violão 4:23
Written-By – Egberto Gismonti
11    Jorge Da Fusa 2:53
Written-By – Garoto
12    Pixaim 2:57
Written-By – Marco Pereira
13    Furiosa 3:47
Written-By – Paulo Bellinati
14    Farewell 3:11
Written-By – Sérgio Assad
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – David Finck
Guitar [Fisher] – Badi Assad
Percussion – Jamey Haddad, Valtinho Anastacio

SHEILA JORDAN — Jazz Child (1999) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Making the supposition that she's an acquired taste, those who enjoy Jordan's unique singing will be thrilled with this release. She's reunited with the resourceful pianist Steve Kuhn who she made exceptional recordings with on ECM (Last Year's Waltz and Playground.) Her breathy, hither-come-yon, soulful voice, with an unmistakable Native American inflection and the quick witted, harmonic bebop foundation of her early days continues to earmark Jordan as one of the most important jazz singers of our time. Three cuts feature the artist with fellow vocalist Theo Bleckmann, and their voices mesh well together, especially on the kitschy, fun loving "Oh Henry." Bleckmann sounds bluesy and like a less histrionic Kurt Elling. The rest of the CD finds Jordan's material all over the map, from a vocal version of Don Cherry's "Art Deco," a revision replete with Indian scat of Steve Kuhn's "The Zoo," a take on Abbey Lincoln's "Bird Alone," and Cheryl Pyle's lyrics to Tom Harrell's "Buffalo Wings." All are outstanding examples of Jordan's uncanny ability to make a song all her own. Ballads like "My Ship," "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress," and "Everything Happens to Me" are further proof of her total command and love for the American popular song tradition. Precious music making can be difficult to grasp, much less embrace, especially from a populist standpoint. Getting next to Jordan's artistry should not be too difficult for the open minded. For those of you who are fans, you'll treasure this as one of her best efforts yet and a vocal jazz highlight of the year. Others can discover Jordan at the peak of her powers and revel in the deep blue, mysterious tones she conjures like no one else. Michael G. Nastos   
Tracklist :
1 Jazz Child 0:33
Sheila Jordan
2 The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress 5:22
Jimmy Webb
3 Reel Time 3:13
Chris Lee
4 Art Deco 6:16
Don Cherry / Sheila Jordan
5 The Zoo 4:17
Steve Kuhn
6 My Ship 4:03
Ira Gershwin / Kurt Weill
7 Oh Henry 3:17
Gil Fuller / Ernie Henry
8 Bird Alone 4:43
Abbey Lincoln
9 Medley: Ballad for Miles/My Funny Valentine 9:27
Lorenz Hart / Sheila Jordan / Richard Rodgers
10 Buffalo Wings 6:21
Tom Harrell / Sheila Jordan / Cheryl Pyle
11 Everything Happens to Me 4:37
Tom Adair / Matt Dennis
12 Medley: Everytime We Say Goodbye/For All We Know 5:38
Sam M. Lewis / Cole Porter
13 Jazz Child (Reprise) 0:36
Sheila Jordan
Credits :
Double Bass – Dave Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn
Vocals – Sheila Jordan, Theo Bleckmann (tracks: 3, 7, 12)

TESSA SOUTER – Beyond The Blue (2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :

1. Prelude To The Sun (Beethoven's Symphony No.7, 2nd Movement) (3:55)

2. Beyond The Blue (Chopin's Prelude In E Minor, Opus 28, No.4) (6:01)

3. The Lamp Is Low (Ravel's Pavane. Adapted By Peter De Rose & Bert Shefter) (6:42)

4. Chiaroscuro (Tomaso Albinoni's Adagio In G Minor) (5:31)

5. Dance With Me (Borodin's Polovetsian Dances) (5:04)

6. Noa's Dream (Schubert's Serenade) (4:44)

7. En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor (Rodrigo's Concierto De Aranjuez) (7:08)

8. My Reverie (Debussy's Reverie. Lyric: Larry Clinton) (4:37)

9. Sunrise (Brahms' Symphony No.3, 3rd Movement) (4:45)

10. Baubles Bangles And Beads (Borodin's String Quartet In D, No.2, 

      2nd Movement. Adapted By Robert Wright & George Forrest) (4:22)

11. The Darkness Of Your Eyes (Faure's Pavane) (5:08)

12. Brand New Day (Faure's Elegy) (5:26)

Credits :

Accordion – Gary Versace

Bass – David Finck

Drums – Billy Drummond

Piano – Steve Kuhn

Saxophone – Joel Frahm

Vibraphone – Joe Locke

Vocals – Tessa Souter

PAQUITO D'RIVERA — TICO! TICO! (1989) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Paquito D'Rivera's alto and clarinet skills were ably displayed on this session, which featured him working in Afro-Latin, salsa, funk, swing and hard bop. Compositions ranged from intense, jam-flavored numbers with torrid solos, like "Recife's Blue" and the title tune, to introspective ballads, group pieces with rhythmically explosive sections and numbers displaying classical influences. The unifying force was D'Rivera, who also played tenor, but was most prominent on clarinet, doing both swing-oriented and looser, freer solos. While not as strict a jazz vehicle as his Columbia dates, this session presented a more eclectic, versatile Paquito D'Rivera. Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1     Danza Caracteristica 5:47
Leo Brouwer
2     Añorado Encuentro 4:47
Alberto Vera, Bea Giraldo
3     Three Venezuelan Waltzes: Valse Criollo 1:03
Antonio Lauro
4     Three Venezuelan Waltzes: El Mardino 1:13
Antonio Lauro
5     Three Venezuelan Waltzes: Carola 1:46
Antonio Lauro
6     Tico-Tico 5:31
Jose Abreu / Ervin Drake / Aloysio Oliveira
7     Song for Maura 6:55
Paquito D'Rivera
8     To Brenda With Love 7:21
Paquito D'Rivera
9     Serenata 7:11
Carlos Franzetti
10     Elizabeth 4:56
Danilo Pérez
11     Chorinho No. 3: Sheep Meadow 2:17
David Chesky
12     Recife's Blue 7:14
Claudio Roditi
Credits :
Bass – David Finck (faixas: 1, 2, 5, 9, 10), Nilson Matta (faixas: 6 to 8, 12)
Drums – Mark Walker (faixas: 1. 2. 5. 9. 10), Porthino (faixas: 6 to 8, 12)
Executive-Producer – Norman Chesky
Guitar – Fareed Haque (faixas: 1), Romero Lubambo (faixas: 6, 8, 11), Tiberio Nascimiento (faixas: 4, 5)
Percussion – Raphael Cruz
Piano – Danilo Perez
Producer, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Paquito D'Rivera