CURTIS FULLER — The Boss of the Soul-Stream Trombone (1960-1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 An obscure set by trombonist Curtis Fuller that was originally put out by the Warwick label, this otherwise unremarkable set is sparked by the inclusion of the young trumpeter Freddie Hubbard (recently arrived from Indianapolis) and tenor saxophonist Yusef Lateef. With veteran bebopper Walter Bishop on piano and two players from Quincy Jones' big band (bassist Buddy Catlett and drummer Stu Martin), Fuller performs four originals and three standards (including "If I Were a Bell"). Hubbard's fiery statements often steal the show. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

JOHNNY HODGES AND HIS ORCHESTRA - Perdido + Creamy (2 LP on 1 CD) (2010) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

These 1955 Johnny Hodges sessions feature two remarkable units including mostly musicians who had been long associated with Duke Ellington. Among them were two excellent trumpet players with clear ideas about Hodges: Clark Terry and Harold Shorty Baker. In Terrys laconic opinion, Johnny had always been true to himself. In the meantime, Baker once said that Nobody knows what Johnny Hodges feels inside as he walks out to the mike. He may look as though hes on his last walk to the gallows, but he appreciates the applause and he thanks the audience with a million dollars worth of melody!.

Their insights testify to the respect and regard Johnny Hodges (1907-1970) enjoyed among musicians. That his popularity with the public, in a five decade of professional activity, should remain undiminished, similarly testifies to the fact that artistic ability and integrity do not always go unnoticed and unrewarded. freshsound
Tracklist :
JOHNNY HODGES - Perdido
1. Rose Room (6:49)
2. Blues for Basie (6:19)
3. Mood Indigo (6:19)
4. Squatty Roo (6:49)
5. Perdido (6:27)
Tracks #1-5 originally issued as:
"Perdido" (Verve MGV-8179).
Personnel :
Harold 'Shorty' Baker (tp), Lawrence Brown (tb), Johnny Hodges (as), Arthur 'Babe' Clarke (ts), Leroy Lovett (p), Johnny Williams (b) and Louie Bellson (d). Recorded in New York City, on January 7, 1955.
JOHNNY HODGES - Creamy
6. Honey Bunny (6:37)
7. Passion (3:20)
8. Pretty Little Girl (2:28)
9. No Use Kickin (10:32)
10. Ballad Medley (15:19)
-Whispering
-Tenderly
-Dont Take Your Love from Me
-Prelude to A Kiss
-Polka Dots and Moonbeams
-Passion Flower
11. Scufflin (8:13)
Personnel :
Clark Terry (tp), Lawrence Brown (tb), Jimmy Hamilton (cl, ts), Johnny Hodges (as), Harry Carney (bs), Billy Strayhorn (p), Jimmy Woode (b) and Sonny Greer (d). Recorded in New York City, on September 8, 1955.

AL COHN - The Sax Section (1956-2010) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Al Cohn's writing for small groups is always appealing, and this Epic LP is no exception. Leading three separate groups consisting of various reeds (and no brass) plus a rhythm section, Cohn obtains marvelous results from his groups of all-stars and veteran session musicians. The first session concentrates on saxophones, including Cohn and Eddie Wasserman on tenor saxes, Sam Marowitz and Gene Quill on alto saxes, with Sol Schlinger on the baritone sax. Cohn's swinging "Shazam" brings the swing era to mind, while "Tears by Me Out the Heart" is a warm ballad.
The second meeting is more of a mixed bag, with Boomie Richman, Peanuts Hucko, Romeo Penque, Phil Bodner, Charlie O'Kane, and the leader switching out between various reed instruments from one track to the next. Particularly effective is Cohn's exotic arrangement of "While My Lady Sleeps," featuring two flutes in the lead, backed by oboe, clarinet, and bass clarinet. The final date matches three tenor saxophonists (Zoot Sims and Eddie Wasserman joining the leader) and Sol Schlinger again on baritone. The feeling throughout these tracks touches on the work of the big bands of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Woody Herman, always swinging, with plenty of hot solos and tight ensembles. This long-unavailable record is worth acquiring, but it will require both a tedious search and a sizable investment. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     Reunion 6:54
Hank Mobley    
2     Ultra Marine 6:38
Hank Mobley    
3     Don't Walk 7:48
Hank Mobley    
4     Lower Stratosphere 10:36
Hank Mobley    
5     Mobley's Musings 6:04
Hank Mobley
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax] – Gene Quill (tracks: 1, 4, 9, 12)
Alto Saxophone [Lead] [Alto Sax] – Sam Marowitz (tracks: 1, 4, 9, 12)
Baritone Saxophone [Baritone Sax] – Sol Schlinger (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12)
Bass – Milt Hinton
Bass Clarinet – Boomie Richman (tracks: 3, 4, 8, 10), Charlie O'Kane (tracks: 8, 10)
Clarinet – Charlie O'Kane (tracks: 3), Peanuts Hucko (tracks: 3, 4, 8, 10), Phil Bodner (tracks: 3), Romeo Penque (tracks: 3)
Drums – Don Lamond (tracks: 2, 5, 7, 11), Osie Johnson (tracks: 1, 3 to 5, 8 to 10, 12)
English Horn – Romeo Penque (tracks: 10)
Flute – Charlie O'Kane (tracks: 4), Phil Bodner (tracks: 4, 8, 10)
Oboe – Romeo Penque (tracks: 4, 8)
Piano – Hank Jones (tracks: 2, 5, 7, 11), Johnny Williams (tracks: 1, 3 to 5, 8 to 10, 12)
Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax] – Al Cohn (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12), Eddie Wasserman (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12), Zoot Sims (tracks: 2, 5, 7, 11)

AL COHN - Al Cohn And His "Charlie's Tavern" Ensemble (1954-2008) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Al Cohn was something special, a gem among musicians. Writer, arranger, performer, leaderhe was one of those rare creative artists gifted with unlimited imagination and technical resources, with magnificent taste and an unerring insight into the expressiveness of East Coast jazz. In the 50s, the personnel he assembled for the four sessions that make up this CD often relaxed in Charlies Tavern, a congenial watering hole on Broadway across from Birdland, the jazz corner of the world. Despite slight personnel changes, each group was power-packed and, unlike many such outfits, married outstanding individuality to collective cohesiveness. With them, Cohn emphatically demonstrated the allembracing brilliance of the many-faceted talents that earned him the title Mr. Music. freshsoundrecords
Tracklist :
1     Inside Out 6:48
Al Cohn    
2     Autumn Leaves 6:09     
Al Cohn    
3     Serenade for Kathy 6:58
Al Cohn    
4     Move 7:16
Denzil Best    
5     Never Never Land 5:29
Styne / Conmden / Green    
6     Something for Lisa 6:26
Al Cohn    
7     Count Every Star 3:08
Bruno Coquatrix / Sammy Gallop    
8     La Ronde 2:46     
Cochran / Strauss    
9     Breakfast with Joe 4:07
Johnny Carisi    
10     This Reminds Me of You 3:15
Ralph Burns    
11     Cabin in the Sky 3:05     
Duke / Latouche    
12     Lullaby of Birdland 2:22
George Shearing    
13     Cohn My Way 2:54
Manny Albam
Notas.
Tracks #1-3, from the album "East Coast-West Coast Scene" (RCA Victor LJM-1020)
Tracks #4-11 & 13, from the album "Mr. Music" (RCA Victor LJM-1024)
Track #12, from the album "Lullaby of Birdland" (RCA Victor LJM-1146)
Personnel on #1-3:
Al Cohn (ts); Joe Newman (tp); Billy Byers; Eddie Bert (tb); Hal McKusick; Gene Quill (as); Sol Schlinger (bs); Sanford Gold (p); Billy Bauer (g); Milt Hinton (b); Osie Johnson (d).
Recorded in New York City, October 26, 1954
Personnel on #4-5:
Same personnel, but Frank Rehak, trombone, replaces Eddie Bert.
Recorded in New York City, December 22, 1954
Personnel on #6-8:
Same personnel, but Jimmy Raney, guitar, replaces Billy Bauer.
Recorded in New York City, December 23, 1954
Personnel on #9-13:
Al Cohn (ts); Joe Newman (tp); Billy Byers (tb); Gene Quill (as); Sol Schlinger (bs); Sanford Gold (p); Buddy Jones (b); Osie Johnson (d).
Recorded in New York City, December 23, 1954

COLEMAN HAWKINS AND HIS ALL-STARS - The Complete Jazztone Recordings 1954 (2003) FLAC (tracks), lossless

On one day in 1954, tenor sax great Coleman Hawkins recorded a dozen selections for the Jazztone label. The original LP had nine of the songs, but now, with the added time of a CD, all 12 have been brought together. Half feature Hawkins with the rhythm section, and most of these are ballads while the hotter numbers add trumpeter Emmett Berry and trombonist Eddie Bert. The music overall is relaxed and swinging, fitting securely in the modern swing mainstream of the mid-'50s. Hawkins sounds reasonably inspired and it is a rare treat to hear the underrated Emmett Berry in this setting. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Get Happy 5'35
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
2     If I Had You 4'35
Jimmy Campbell / Reginald Connelly / Ted Shapiro
3     Lullaby of Birdland 5'15
George Shearing / George David Weiss
4     Time on My Hands 7'44
Harold Adamson / Mack Gordon / Vincent Youmans
5     Out of Nowhere 6'46
Johnny Green / Edward Heyman
6     Ain't Misbehavin' 7'34
Harry Brooks / Andy Razaf / Fats Waller
7     Blue Lou 5'09
Irving Mills / Edgar Sampson
8     Stompin' at the Savoy 6'18
Benny Goodman / Andy Razaf / Edgar Sampson / Chick Webb
9     Cheek to Cheek 8'07
Irving Berlin
10     Just You, Just Me 6'10
Jesse Greer / Raymond Klages
11     Honeysuckle Rose 3'00
Andy Razaf / Fats Waller
12     Undecided 4'47
Sydney Robin / Charlie Shavers
Credits :
Bass – Milt Hinton
Drums – Jo Jones
Piano – Billy Taylor
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Trombone – Eddie Bert (pistas: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10)
Trumpet – Emmett Berry (pistas: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10)

JOHNNIE PATE TRIO — Complete Recordings 1955-1956 (2013) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

John W. Johnnie Pate (born December 5, 1923, Chicago Heights, Illinois) enjoyed a notable career as a bassist from the late 40s up until the early '60s in the Chicago area, gaining a solid reputation as a strong player in the Oscar Pettiford mold and enlightened composer. On these 1954-1956 sessions for the Talisman and Gig labels, he leads a trio featuring Ronnell Bright, who was a swift, resourceful young pianist whose style recalls the early Oscar Peterson. With drummer Charles Walton, this bright, polished and swinging trio began to be recognized while working first at the London House and then at the Blue Note, where they were the house band in 1954-1955 accompanying great singers such as Lurlean Hunter, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Audrey Morris and Carmen McRae.
With a smoothly flowing, relaxed sound, the groups aim was to combine pleasure with stimulation, and in these terms it largely succeeded. In two tracks here, vocalist Gwen Stevens contributes delightful performances of Pates pretty ballad, I Was a Fool, and Dont Worry About Me, revealing a quiet, warmly expressive voice.
Despite his considerable experience, Pate, unlike Ronnell Bright as a pianist, never received praise commensurate with his talents as a bass player, mainly because his jazz career turned too soon to a different musical direction, when in the 1960s he became a music arranger/producer and a leading figure in the Chicago soul and pop/R&B scenes. www.freshsoundrecords
Tracklist :
1. Oo, Youre a Livin Doll (Johnny Pate) 2:08
2. Midnight Sun (Hampton-Burke) 3:10
3. Montoona (Bright-Walton-Pate) 2:50
4. A Foggy Day (George & Ira Gershwin) 2:45
5. For the Love of Mike (Pate) 3:03
6. I Cant Go Through Life (Without You) (Johnny Pate) 2:50
7. Easy Livin (Wright-Forrests) 2:44
8. This Cant Be Love (Rodgers-Hart) 2:33
9. Danny Boy (Weatherly) 2:36
10. Will You Still Be Mine (Adair-Dennis) 2:36
11. Nancy (Silvers-Van Heusen) 1:57
12. Jeff (Ray Crawford) 3:19
13. Sometimes Im Happy (Caesar-Youmans) 3:01
14. Mood for Milt (Cal Tjader) 2:37
15. The Real McCoy (Johnnie Pate) 2:45
16. Ive Got a Crush on You (George & Ira Gershwin) 2:58
17. Things Aint What They Used to Be (Ellington-Ellington-George) 2:56
18. The Continental (Madison-Conrad) 2:32
19. I Was a Fool (Johnnie Pate) 3:00
20. Thou Swell (Rodgers-Hart) 2:38
21. In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning (Elliot-James) 2:32
22. Dont Worry About Me (Marcel-Wilkins) 2:55
23. Stay in the Know (Johnnie Pate) 2:55
24. Oo, Youre a Livin Doll (Johnnie Pate) 3:00
Personnel:
JOHNNIE PATE TRIO
Ronnell Bright (piano), Johnnie Pate (bass), and Charles Walton (drums)
Bright, Pate & Walton (vocals on #1,11,24), Gwen Stevens (vocals on #19, 22).
Recorded in Chicago 1955 (#1-8), and January 28 (#9-24), 1956
Sources:
Tracks #1-8, originally issued on the 10 album
"Johnnie Pate Trio" (Talisman TLP-1)
Tracks #9-20, originally issued on the 12 album
"Subtle Sounds" (Gig GLP-100)
Tracks #21 & 24, from the 7 single (Gig 200)
Tracks #22 & 23, from the 7 single (Gig 225)

BETTY ST. CLAIRE - Complete Jubilee And Seeco Recordings (2016) Mp3

Born Betty Waddell in Columbus, Ohio, singer Betty St. Claire (1927-1972) was hailed as a “find” when, aged 14, she made her professional debut at the Detroit Club Congo. It led to theatre and club work throughout the Mid-West and the East and, eventually, a place with Dizzy Gillespie’s 1949 big band, as well as jobs with other leading jazz groups like Erroll Garner’s trio and Howard McGhee’s quintet. Musically speaking she was quickly dining at the top table.
She brought to it some striking assets - great time, a warm, illuminating and inviting way with lyrics, and an innately musical approach. They were all wrapped in an attractively husky, even lusty, voice that placed her, as a stylist, in a spot somewhere between Anita O’Day and June Christy that she made her own.
Moving to New York she worked the nightclub circuit and 1955 debuted on record with a program of varied, sophisticated standards on two 10” albums. Made for Jubilee, they confirmed her quality in the company of some of the Big Apple’s most capable jazzmen, among them Phil Sunkel, Billy Byers, Hal McKusick, Jimmy Raney, Barry Galbraith and Addison Farmer. In 1959, now at Seeco, she was backed by a quartet that included jazz notables Mundell Lowe, George Duvivier and Ed Shaughnessy for a relaxed demonstration of her affinity with the Great American Songbook and jazz musicians. freshsound
Tracklist :
Hal McKusick Plays-Betty St. Claire Sings” (1955) 10* JLP15
1    Out Of Nowhere 2:15
Written-By – Heyman, Green
2    What Is There To Say? 3:35
Written-By – Harburg, Duke
3    Almost Like Being In Love 2:46
Written-By – Loewe-Lerner
4    Here Comes Trouble Again    3:22
Tracks #1-4: Phil Sunkel, trumpet; Billy Byers, trombone & arrangements; Hal McKusick, clarinet & alto sax; Gene DiNovi, piano; Jimmy Raney, guitar; Clyde Lombardi, bass; Jimmy Campbell, drums.
Recorded in New York City, January 1955
Cool and Clearer (1955) 10* JLP 1011
5    That Old Black Magic 2:28
Written-By – Arlen-Mercer
6    East Of The Sun 2:29
Written-By – Bowman
7    I Hadn't Anyone Till You 2:18
Written-By – Noble
8    Prelude To A Kiss 3:58
Written-By – Duke Ellington, Irving Gordon, Irving Mills
9    Why Try To Change Me Now 3:18
Written-By – Cy Coleman, Joseph McCarthy
10    My One And Only Love 4:14
Written-By – G. & I. Gershwin
11    Skylark 3:16
Written-By – Carmichael, Mercer
12    Give Me The Simple Life 1:58
Written-By – Harry Ruby, Rube Bloom
Tracks #5-12: Eddie Swanson, piano; Barry Galbraith, guitar; Addison Farmer, bass; Herbie Lovelle, drums.
Recorded in New York City, March 1955
"At Basin Street East” (1959)
13    You Took Advantage Of Me 2:47
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
14    Moonlight In Vermont 3:33
Written-By – Blackburn, Suessdorf
15    Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life 2:59
Written-By – Rida Johnson Young, Victor Herbert
16    'Tis Autumn 3:45
Written-By – Nemo
17    June's A Word 2:25
Written-By – Velona
18    Lonelyville 3:18
Written-By – Hal Hackady, Walter Marks
19    You Turned The Tables On Me 2:04
Written-By – Louis Alter, Sidney Mitchell
20    You're Laughing At Me 3:45
Written-By – Berlin
21    Crazy Rhythm Caesar 3:18
Written-By – Caesar, Meyer, Cahn
22    Easy To Say    4:20
23    I Get A Kick Out Of You 2:12
Written-By – Porter
24    Like Someone In Love 3:10
Written-By – Van Heusen - Burke
Tracks #13-24: Stan Free, piano; Mundell Lowe, guitar; George Duvivier, bass; Ed Shaughnessy, drums.
Recorded in New York City, December 1959

THE BARBARA CARROLL TRIO - Plays Standards Plus "Funny Face" and Other Gershwin tunes (2011) M4A (tracks) lossless [16bits 44.1khz]

This CD presents the two albums The Barbara Carroll Trio recorded for the Verve label in 1957. On the first, "Barbara," she confines herself to piano on a selection of familiar standards, with a strong leaning towards slow ballads. Relaxed and refreshingly at ease, she leisurely explores the tonal colours suggested by the material in a reflective approach to trio playing. On the up-tempo tunes, Mine and Acquaintance, the bassist Joe Shulman's strength and intelligence is evident, while drummer Bill Faite's brushwork is a model of good taste. The second album presents six songs from "Funny Face," along with six from several Gershwin shows. This set contains a pair of nicely off-hand vocals, Who Cares?, and a lightly swinging version of 'S Wonderful that she sings much in the sophisticated style of Bobby Troup. With Joe Shulman on bass, and Joe Petti on drums, the trio s approach displays a blend of imagination, taste, touch, and swing. And though Barbara Carroll was by no means an innovator or trailblazer, she was a talented performer with a distinctive musical personality that enabled her to do justice to her repertoire and communicate musically with the listeners attractive and hardly minor gifts at any level of music. freshsound
Tracklist :
The Barbara Carroll Trio – Barbara (1958)
1. The Trolley Song  4:15
(Martin-Blaine)
2. I've Grown Accustomed to His Face  4:50
(Loewe-Lerner)
3. Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries 3:49
(Henderson-Brown)
4. It Might as Well Be Spring  4:15
(Rodgers-Hammerstein II)
5. Will You Still Be Mine?  3:18
(Adair-Dennis)
6. Love Is Just Around the Corner  4:51
(Gensler-Robin)
7. Easy Living  5:51
(Robin-Rainger)
8. Happy to Make Your Acquaintance  3:07
(Frank Loesser)
9. Blues for Blue Eyes  4:47
(Barbara Carroll)
"The Barbara Carroll Trio Playing Selections from the Paramount Motion Picture 'Funny Face' and other Gershwin Tunes" (1957)
10. Let's Kiss and Make Up 2:12
(George Gershwin)
11. Funny Face 2:54
(George Gershwin)
12. He Loves and She Loves  3:34
(George Gershwin)
13. 'S Wonderful  1:27
(George Gershwin)
14. How Long Has This Been Going On?  3:07
(George Gershwin)
15. Clap Yo' Hands  2:44
(George Gershwin)
16. Let's Call the Whole Thing Off 2:41
(George Gershwin)
17. Someone to Watch Over Me 3:44
(George Gershwin)
18. Who Cares? 2:22
(George Gershwin)
19. They Can't Take That Away from Me  3:01
(George Gershwin)
20. Love Is Here to Stay 4:05
(George Gershwin)
21. They All Laughed  2:32
(George Gershwin)
Personnel on BARBARA:
Barbara Carroll (p)
Joe Shulman (b)
and Bill Faite (d).
Recorded in New York, on November 26, 1957.
Personnel on 'PLAYING SELECTIONS FROM THE PARAMOUNT MOTION
PICTURE ‘FUNNY FACE’ AND OTHER GERSHWIN TUNES':
Barbara Carroll (p, vcl #13 & 18)
Joe Shulman (b)
and Joe Petti (d).
Recorded in New York, March 7 & 8, 1957. 

GLORIA SMYTH + HELYNE STEWART - Like Soul! + Love Moods (2019) M4A (tracks) lossless [16bits 44.1khz]

"This release in Fresh Sound’s Best Voices Time Forgot series sees the pairing of two more overlooked albums from the late 50s and early 60s: Gloria Smyth’s Like Soul! and Helyne Stewart’s Love Moods.
The Gloria Smyth album, from World Pacific, is mixed – some of the uptempo tracks don’t sound that convincing, and although she has a forceful and strong voice, some of the inflections seem a little forced. I feel she is at her best on the slower ones and the ballads, and it is on these that her voice sounds more assured and controlled. She sings attractively on Sittin’ And Sighin’, on which she benefits from the presence of Teddy Edwards’ sensitive tenor accompaniment, and on I’ll Remember April, where both singer and saxophonist use some imaginative phrasing.
Helyne Stewart is a more rounded and stylish vocalist, with good range and accurate pitch, and a voice at times reminiscent of Dinah Washington. Once more Teddy Edwards is involved, both as arranger and as a featured soloist, with a quartet and an all-star septet that includes fellow West Coast players Frank Butler, Art Pepper, Jack Sheldon and Frank Rosolino.
Issued originally on Contemporary Records, the material is a strong selection of standards and well-known numbers and Stewart handles them well, with straightforward interpretations and good accompanying solos – Why Don’t You Do Right is an example in point. A fine follow-on from the Lil Green and Peggy Lee versions, this has blues-tinged contributions from Edwards and pianist Phineas Newborn Jr. How Deep Is The Ocean is notable for her warm and rich delivery and for Pete Jolly’s unobtrusive but soulful background piano, the higher keys riding the wave of the lush horn arrangement." by Matthew Wright
Tracklist :
GLORIA SMYTH - LIKE SOUL! (1960)
1. Running Wild  2:14
(Gibbs-Grey-Wood)
2. Billy 1:59
(Paley-Kendis-Goodwin)
3. Sittin’ and Sighin’ (Prison) 3:35
(D’Vogna White)
4. Imagination 2:59
(Burke-Van Heusen)
5. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child  2:02
(Traditional)
6. I’ll Remember April  3:20
(Raye-DePaul-Johnson)
7. I’ll Be Over  2:10
(Gloria Smyth)
8. Bye Bye Blackbird 2:13
(Henderson-Dixon)
9. When You’re Smiling  2:44
(Shay-Fisher-Goodwin)
10. Gee Baby Ain’t I Good to You  2:34
(Redman-Razaf)
11. Sometimes I’m Happy  3:29
(Youmans-Caesar-Grey)
12. Time After Time 3:44
(Styne-Cahn)
13. It Don’t Mean a Thing 2:32
(Ellington-Mills)
Personnel on “Like Soul!":
Gloria Smyth, vocals
Tracks #4,6,9,12: Teddy Edwards, tenor sax; Les McCann, piano; Leroy Vinnegar, bass; Ron Jefferson, drums.
Recorded at Rex Productions Studio, Los Angeles, May 2, 1960
Tracks #1,11,13: Donald Sleet, trumpet; Daniel Jackson, tenor sax; Terry Trotter, piano; Herbie Lewis, bass; Lenny McBrowne, drums.
Recorded at Rex Productions Studio, Los Angeles, March 1960
Tracks #2,3,8: Teddy Edwards, tenor sax (out #2); Ronnie Ball, piano; Ben Tucker, bass; Al Levitt, drums.
Recorded at Sound Enterprises, Los Angeles, September 12, 1959
Tracks #7,10: Teddy Edwards, tenor sax; Joe Castro, piano; Leroy Vinnegar, bass; Billy Higgins, drums.
Recorded at Sound Enterprises, Los Angeles, September 12, 1959
Track #5: Terry Trotter, piano; Herbie Lewis, bass.
Recorded at Rex Productions Studio, Los Angeles, March 1960
HELYNE STEWART - LOVE MOODS (1961)
14. Love Is Here To Stay 3:22
(George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin)
15. I Hadn't Anyone 'Til You 3:49
(Ray Noble)
16. My Heart Belongs To Daddy 2:04
(Cole Porter)
17. That Old Feeling 3:01
(Lew Brown / Sammy Fain)
18. This Love Of Mine 3:48
(Henry W. Sanicola, Jr. / Sol Parker / Frank Sinatra)
19. The Man I Love 3:11
(George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin)
20. Why Don't You Do Right? (Give Me Some Money Too) 2:56
(Kansas Joe McCoy)
21. How Deep Is The Ocean 3:25
(Irving Berlin)
22. Easy To Love 3:35
(Cole Porter)
23. Besame Mucho 3:24
(Sunny Skylar / Consuelo Velázquez)
24. My Silent Love 3:05
(Edward Heyman / Dana Suesse)
25. This Can't Be Love 2:13
(Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers)
Personnel on "Love Moods":
Helyne Stewart, vocals
Tracks #14,19,21,24: Teddy Edwards Septet
Jack Sheldon, trumpet; Frank Rosolino, trombone; Art Pepper, alto sax; Teddy Edwards, tenor sax, arranger; Pete Jolly, piano; Jimmy Bond, bass; Frank Butler, drums.
Recorded at Contemporary Records, Los Angeles, January 20, 1961
Tracks #15,16,17,18,20,22,23,25: Teddy Edwards Quartet
Teddy Edwards, tenor sax, arranger; Phineas Newborn, Jr., piano; Leroy Vinnegar, bass; Milt Turner, drums.
Recorded at Contemporary Records, Los Angeles, August 21 & 22, 1961

JERI SOUTHERN - Southern Breeze (1958-1989) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

One mark of a great jazz vocalist is the material she picks. Jeri Southern was one of the great students of jazz-era song, and the material she chose for Southern Breeze is strong in two ways -- they're not only great songs, but they're great for her. Never blessed with a strong voice, Southern instead realized the artistic advantages those qualities brought, and often chose torch songs or unlucky-in-love songs that accentuated her seeming weaknesses and everywoman qualities. With charts from arranger genius Marty Paich, Southern opens on a high note, the glib "Down with Love." Yet to come are happy yet forlorn choices "Who Wants to Fall in Love" and "Because He Reminds Me of You" -- Southern even finds the catch in "Crazy He Calls Me." And in true West Coast fashion, the music features brass that swings lightly and a dynamic range that frequently plumbs the depths (including tuba and baritone sax), all possible thanks to Paich's charts and able musicians including Georgie Auld, Don Fagerquist, and Bob Enevoldsen. Upbeat standards get their chance to shine as well -- "Ridin' High," "I Like the Likes of You" -- but most of Southern Breeze is gloriously melancholy. by John Bush
Tracklist :
1    Down with Love 3:14
Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
2    Crazy He Calls Me 3:49
Bob Russell / Carl Sigman
3    Lazy Bones 3:07
Hoagy Carmichael / Johnny Mercer
4    Who Wants to Fall in Love 3:17
Bart Howard
5    Then I'll Be Tired of You 3:50
E.Y. "Yip" Harburg / Arthur Schwartz
6    Ridin' High 2:24
Cole Porter
7    Because He Reminds Me of You 3:16
Mack Gordon / Harry Revel
8    Porgy 3:37
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
9    Are These Really Mine 3:43
Robert Cook / David Saxon / Sunny Skylar
10    Isn't This a Lovely Day 3:01
Irving Berlin
11    Warm Kiss 2:58
Doris Fisher
12    I Like the Likes of You 2:55
Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Herb Geller
Arranged By, Conductor – Marty Paich
Baritone Saxophone – Jack Dulong
Bass – Bud Clark
Drums – Mel Lewis
French Horn – Vince De Rosa
Guitar – Bill Pittman
Tenor Saxophone – Georgie Auld
Trumpet – Don Fagerquist, Frank Beach
Tuba – John Kitzmiller
Valve Trombone – Bob Enevoldsen
Vocals – Jeri Southern

THE WYNTON KELLY TRIO INTRODUCES DONNA DRAKE - Donna Sings Dinah (1968-1990) Mp3

Since the Queen's passing, Redd Foxx has seen and heard dozens of new voices and faces in the many clubs he works, but none that compared to the great Dinah Washington, that is, until he heard Donna Drake.  Since that first listen, Redd has been determined to let the World hear her too.  That determination led to the making of [the] album
Donna Drake was born in Wheeling, West Virginia and come to Detroit at age 3.  The oldest child of four children, she attended Detroit's Northern High chool where she first sang with the school choir and participated in variety show with such school chums as Paul Chambers, Donald Byrd and Barry Harris. After winning a Windsor, Ontario, talent contest, she received a contract for a television show. (...) She worked for a while with the late great Charlie Parker till the time of his death.  After that, a tour of the East and Midwest and parts of Canada, and then a supporting singer for such stars as Gloria Lynn, Betty Carter, Brook Benton and Joe Williams.  Donna's meeting with Redd Foxx took place while he was appearing at Detroit's Charade Club.  Backing Donna is the Wynton Kelly Trio, the same group who for so many years backed Dinah Washington. notes by LP's
Tracklist :
1.    Dream    2:40
Jhonny Mercer
2.    Evil Gal Blues    2:55
Leonard Feather
3.    What A Difference A Day Made    2:20
Maria Grever-Stanley Adams
4.    I Could Have Told You So    3:30
Carl Sigman
5.    Blow Top Blues    3:55
Tab Smith
6.     Don't Go To Strangers    3:35
David Man
7.     Trouble In Mind    3:20
Richard M. Jones
8.    For All We Know    3:35
J. Fred Coots-Bill Engvick
9.    Who Can I Turn To    3:22
Alec Wilder
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Keter Betts
Drums – Jimmy Cobb
Lead Vocals – Donna Drake
Piano – Wynton Kelly 

BEA ABBOTT WITH THE HAL OTIS QUINTET - The Too, Too Marvelous (1957-2014) Mp3

Bea Abbott (1925-2007) was a sultry singer from Rhode Island who started singing as a high-school student in Providence. Her good looks and pretty voice soon got her a break in New York at the age of 19, as the featured vocalist of the Boyd Raeburn orchestra for a few weeks in June 1944. After brief stints in various dance bands, she began building her reputation as a single on the Eastern club circuit, until the early Fifties, when she settled in Chicago, and sang to lounge audiences for the most part of the following two decades.
Beas only album, The Too, Too Marvelous Bea, was recorded in 1957 by Westminster Records. It includes a collection of rhythm tunes and ballads, which allows her to swing but also to demonstrate her more tender and sensitive side. Her warm and pliant voice was deftly backed by the quintet of violinist Hal Otis, who reinforced the sets general atmosphere of lighthearted swinging, not only responding tastefully to Beas moody vocals, but also contributing eight instrumental sides from his own Westminster album Out of Nowhere.
There were many commercially successful vocalists in Bea Abbots time who could not match her intonation and sympathetic understanding of lyrics, and it seems unfair that she is largely forgotten today. As this CD shows, she deserves a better fate than that. fresh sound
Tracklist :
BEA ABBOTT with The Hal Otis Quintet
01. Just You, Just Me (Greer-Klages) 1:51
02. I Hadn't Anyone Till You (Ray Noble) 3:18
03. Mountain Greenery (Rodgers-Hart) 1:28
04. The Very Thought of You (Ray Noble) 3:56
05. Someone to Watch Over Me (G.& I.Gershwin) 2:50
06. Day In - Day Out (Bloom-Mercer) 2:49
07. How Did He Look? (Silver-Shelley) 3:35
08. This Love of Mine (Parker-Sanicola-Sinatra) 2:58
09. Why Shouldn't I? (Cole Porter) 3:04
10. Too Marvelous for Words (Whiting-Mercer) 3:01
11. My Funny Valentine (Rodgers-Hart) 3:09
12. It Had to Be You (Jones-Kahn) 3:59
13. I See Your Face Before Me (Schwartz-Dietz) 3:10
14. April in Paris (Duke-Harburg) 3:01
15. I Can't Give You Anything But Love (Jimmy McHugh-Dorothy Fields) 3:26
16. Almost Like Being In Love (Loewe-Lerner) 1:56
The HAL OTIS Quintet (Instrumental performances)
17. Out of Nowhere (Green-Heyman) 3:14
18. Indiana (Hanley-MacDonald) 2:37
19. Tea for Two (Youmans-Caesar) 3:25
20. Sweet Georgia Brown (Bernie-Pinkard-Casey) 2:06
21. Love Is Just Around the Corner (Gensler-Robin) 4:08
22. Oh, Lady Be Good (G. & I.Gershwin) 3:40
23. I Got Rhythm (G. & I.Gershwin) 2:17
24. Dinah (Akst-Lewis-Young) 2:51
Nota :
Tracks #2,4,5 & 6-14, from the album
"Bea Abbott - The Too, Too Marvelous Bea"
(Westminster WP6078 Mono)
Tracks #1,3 & 15-24 from the album
"Hal Otis Quintet - Out of Nowhere"
(Westminster WST15027 Stereo)
The information above indicates on which LP these tracks were originally issued, but the master for tracks #1-5 on this CD comes from the Sterephonic Sonotape "The Remarkable Voice of Bea Abbott" (Westminster SWB 7035)
Personnel:
Bea Abbott (vocals, on #1-16), Hal Otis (violin), Joe Vito (accordion & piano), John Gray (guitar), Lennie Miller (bass), and Nicke Addante (drums).
Recorded in New York City, November 1957

DONNA HIGHTOWER - Take One! + Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You? (2009) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

During the mid 1950s she recorded R&B songs, for RPM Records, often accompanied by the Maxwell Davis Orchestra as on her 1955 version of "Hands Off". She toured widely in the US, with Louis Jordan, B. B. King, Johnny Mathis, Della Reese and others. While none of her records made the pop or R&B charts, she received good reviews and her discs did perform well in Decca Record's own sales guides, with her "I Ain't In The Mood" ranking #1 on their Sepia (race) charts. By 1958, her career had slowed and she began working for a music publishing firm in New York City, recording demonstration records of new songs. Her version of "Light of Love" — later recorded by Peggy Lee — was heard by record producer Dave Cavanaugh, and as a result of his interest she was signed to Capitol Records. She recorded two albums for Capitol, including Take One! and Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You?, both released in 1959. While noted for her "range and power, [she] was equally compelling doing sentimental, soft ballads."

In 1959, she performed in England, France, Sweden and elsewhere in Europe, later performing with Quincy Jones, The Platters and Johnny Hallyday. She settled in France, then Belgium and finally in the late 1960s, in Madrid. In 1971 she won the Costa del Sol International Song Festival, following which she began recording in Spain for Columbia Records, although her songs were issued in much of Europe by Decca Records. She worked with singer Danny Daniel as a duo, Danny y Donna, and they had a hit in the country with "El Vals de las Mariposas". She also recorded solo, and her most successful record, "This World Today Is A Mess" ("Este Mundo es En Conflicto"), which she co-wrote, was an international hit — though not in the US, where it was not released, or in the UK — in 1972, reportedly selling over one million copies worldwide. She is also known for the song "If You Hold My Hand", which was later sampled for the UK 2007 hit single "Handsfree" by Sonny J.

She returned to the US to live in semi-retirement in Austin, Texas, in 1990. She was active in the Austin Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, and appeared on local radio programs. Her last performance in Spain was at a jazz festival in 2006. She died in Austin in 2013 at the age of 86.

Tracklist:

Take One! (1958)

1. Perfidia (02:27)

2. Maybe You'll Be There (02:47)

3. Lover Come Back to Me (01:57)

4. There, I've Said It Again (02:14)

5. Because of You (02:30)

6. Please Don't Take Your Love Away From Me (02:52)

7. C'est La Vie (02:34)

8. Too Young (02:31)

9. Baby, Get Lost (02:39)

10. I Get A Kick Out Of You (02:26)

11. Anytime, Anyday, Anywhere (02:32)

12. Trouble In Mind (02:33)

Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You? (1959)

13. Every Day I Have The Blues (02:46)

14. Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good to You? (03:06)

15. All Or Nothing At All (01:45)

16. I Laughed To Keep From Crying (02:20)

17. Lonesome And Sorry (01:37)

18. The First To Know (02:31)

19. The Blues Don't Care (02:54)

20. Can't Help It (02:05)

21. Born To Be Blue (02:25)

22. I'll Be Around (02:04)

23. A Cottage For Sale (03:05)

24. I'm Alone Because I Love You (02:32)

Personnel: 

Donna Hightower (vcl), 

Joe Wilder (tp),

 Ben Webster (ts), 

Mundell Lowe (g), 

Hank Jones (p), 

George Duvivier (b), 

Don Lamond (d), 

Sid Feller (dir)

One of the highest tributes to any musician in a recording session is that he or she is a “Take One” artist. Donna Hightower is just that, a singer who delivers perfectly the first time she steps to the mike. In these late Fifties sides she demonstrated the phrasing, taste and skill which marked her as one the brightest new vocalist stars of the time. Backing her are two all-star groups conducted by Sid Feller and featuring some of the greatest soloists of the New York jazz scene, including Joe Wilder, Ben Webster, Hank Jones, Georgie Auld, Mundell Lowe, George Duvivier and Don Lamond.

I was going to say that Donna Hightower "was" - but Ms Hightower was still performing as late as 2006 in her eighties and she doesn't strike me as someone who would take kindly to being placed in the past tense while she's still very much with us, so I'll say "is" - an outstanding jazz, blues and pop singer. All of those talents are on display on "Take One!"

Ms Hightower had an exceptional voice: Big, bold, brassy - with an understated natural vibratto. She could swing, sob, shout, rock-and-roll and burn your house down. Like Sarah Vaughan she could sing almost anything and like the Divine One, she was willing to try. Had it not been for the fact that shortly after she recorded "Gee Baby…." she went to London for a one-week gig at the Stork Club - and then spent the next 31 years in Europe - she might well have been a star in the US. But, we'll never know…. Instead, this CD is, to my knowledge, all that's available today. Fortunately it's an outstanding disc.

The CD is actually two Capitol LPs: "Take One!" recorded in 1958; and, "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You," recorded in 1959.

"Take One!" the LP, was recorded in a session that was actually supposed to be for Dakota Staton. Ms Staton canceled at the last minute and producer Dave Cavanaugh, now stuck with Sid Feller's All-Stars, featuring the likes of saxman Ben Webster, trumpeter Joe Wilder, guitarist Mundell Lowe and pianist Hank Jones cooling their heels with nobody to play for, suddenly remembered Ms Hightower, (who was working for a publishing company in Brooklyn). With three hours notice and no rehersal, Ms Hightower stepped in and stepped up - and man-oh-man, did she nail it! "Take One!" is a set of standards, including: "There I've Said It Again," "Please Don't Take Your Love Away From Me," "I Get a Kick Out of You," and "Trouble in Mind." This is swinging, rollicking '50's jazz and jazzy pop. Every one of the 12 songs in the set is a gem.

Six months later, Ms Hightower was back in the studio again - and this time it was her session. The musical credits for "Gee Baby…," are a little unclear - it was Sid Feller's Orchestra with saxman George Auld, Chauncey Welsh on trombone, and Mr Jones again at the piano - after that, the credits are hazy. But the music certainly isn't. Some jazz, some blues, some pop - Ms Hightower just cranks it up and lets it fly! The 12 song set includes; "Every Day I Have the Blues," "All or Nothing at All," "I'm Alone Because I Love You," and of course, the title song.

The sonics are excellent: Ms Hightower's voice is clear and clean and there's plenty of instrumental separation.

 

RUTH PRICE - Sings With The Johnny Smith Quartet (1956-1989) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This album is a set of standards delivered by Ruth Price (who didn't make enough albums during her performing career), backed by Johnny Smith, one of jazz's eminent guitarists. Smith gained significant attention with his album Moonlight in Vermont, which Down Beat named as jazz album of the year, while Price performed in relative obscurity throughout her short career. Because this CD, originally issued by Teddy Reig's Roost Records, offers just a mite more than a half-hour's worth of music, each note should be savored. Price and Smith work wonderfully well together on tasteful arrangements played in an urbane, intelligent, and subdued manner. There are no pyrotechnics on this session. Their collaboration on "This Heart of Mine" rivals Sarah Vaughan's classic rendition. Gordon Jenkins' "Goodbye," with Smith's dramatic guitar and John Rae's softly stroked vibes playing in support of Price, is a highlight of the album. On "When You Wish Upon a Star," made popular by Ukelele Ike Edwards in Pinocchio, Smith abandons his chordal playing for a single string approach behind Price. While comprised mostly of slow ballads, the serious atmosphere is relieved from time to time with an upbeat number, such as "Time after Time" and a bouncy "Back in Your Own Back Yard," done with swinging merriment. Not blessed with an overwhelming voice or great range, Price concentrates on her interpretive skills as she works her cool vocals with very good results. Price didn't record a lot during her career, but what is available is well worth having. by Dave Nathan  
Tracklist :
1. I'm Nobody's Baby  1:55
Written-By – Davis, Santly, Ager
2. It Never Entered My Mind  3:50
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
3. Wonderful Guy  2:10
Written-By – Rodgers-Hammerstein
4. Until The Real Thing Comes Along  3:55
Written-By – Freeman, Cahn, Chaplin
5. This Heart Of Mine  2:38
Written-By – Freed, Warren
6. When You Wish Upon A Star  3:34
Written-By – Harline, Washington
7. Time After Time  2:35
Written-By – Cahn-Styne
8. Goodbye  3:23
Written-By – G. Jenkins
9. Back In Your Own Back Yard  2:03
Written-By – Jolson, Rose, Dreyer
10. I'll Be Seeing You  3:20
Written-By – Cahal, Fain
11. Run, Little Rain Drop, Run  2:26
Written-By – Warren, Gordon
12. Sleeping Bee  3:20
Written By – Capot, Arlen
Credits :
Bass – Clyde Lombardi
Drum – John Lee
Guitar – Johnny Smith
Vibraphone – John Rae
Vocals – Ruth Price

BEVERLY KENNEY - Sings with Jimmy Jones & the Basie-ites (1956-1989) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Beverly Kenney, one of the most interesting jazz singers of the mid-'50s, led just three albums in her brief career. This set, reissued by the Spanish Fresh Sound label, teams Kenney with pianist Jimmy Jones, four then-current members of Count Basie's band (trumpeter Joe Newman, Frank Wess on tenor and flute, rhythm guitarist Freddie Green, and bassist Eddie Jones), plus former Basie-ite Jo Jones on drums. The light but swinging backing is perfect for Kenney, who excels on such songs as "Nobody Else But Me," "A Fine Romance," "Isn't This a Lovely Day," and "Can't Get Out of This Mood." She deserves to be remembered. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Nobody Else But Me 3:23
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
2 The More I See You 3:08
Mack Gordon / Harry Warren 
3 Old Buttermilk Sky 2:45
Shelton Brooks / Hoagy Carmichael
4 I Never Has Seen Snow 3:50
Harold Arlen / Truman Capote
5 A Fine Romance 2:54
Dorothy Fields / Jerome Kern
6 Who Cares What People Say 2:35
M.K. Jerome / Jack Scholl
7 Makin' Whoopee 2:05
Walter Donaldson / Gus Kahn
8 The Charm of You 2:28
Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
9 Isn't This a Lovely Day? 3:15
Irving Berlin
10 Mairzy Doats 2:44
Milton Drake / Al Hoffman / Jerry Livingston
11 My Kind of Love 2:25
Charles Holdeman
12 Can't Get Out of This Mood 2:47
Frank Loesser / Jimmy McHugh
Credits:
Bass – Eddie Jones
Drums – Jo Jones
Flute, Tenor Saxophone – Frank Wess
Piano – Jimmy Jones
Rhythm Guitar – Freddie Green
Trumpet – Joe Newman
Vocals – Beverly Kenney

HERB ELLIS – Nothing But the Blues (1957-2010) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Herb Ellis considers this is his favorite personal album and it is easy to see why. With trumpeter Roy Eldridge and tenor saxophonist Stan Getz contributing contrasting but equally rewarding solos and lots of inspired riffing while bassist Ray Brown and drummer Stan Levey join Ellis in the pianoless rhythm section, these performances have plenty of color and drive. Ellis does indeed stick to the blues during the original eight selections yet there is also a surprising amount of variety. This CD reissue has been augmented by four numbers from 1958 originally recorded for a European soundtrack. Getz, Eldridge, and Coleman Hawkins all have their features but Dizzy Gillespie fares best. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Pap's Blues 7:06
Ray Brown / Raymond Matthews "Ray" Brown
2 Big Red's Boogie Woogie 5:39
George Clarence Brunies / Herb Ellis
3 Tin Roof Blues 3:00
George Brunies / Georg Brunis / Paul Mares / Ben Pollack / Leon Roppolo / Mel Stitzel / Melville Stitzel
4 Soft Winds 6:02
Benny Goodman
5 Royal Garden Blues 4:46
Clarence Williams / Spencer Williams
6 Patti Cake 6:02
Herb Ellis
7 Blues for Janet 7:13
Ray Brown / Herb Ellis / Stuff Smith
8 Blues for Junior 4:51
Ray Brown
9 Les Tricheurs 3:12
Roy Eldridge / Stan Getz
10 Clo's Blues 3:20
Coleman Hawkins
11 Phil's Tune 4:20
Roy Eldridge
12 Mic's Jump 2:16
Dizzy Gillespie
Credits :
Bass – Ray Brown
Drums – Gus Johnson (tracks: 9 to 12), Stan Levey (tracks: 1 to 8)
Guitar – Herb Ellis
Performer – JATP All-Stars (tracks: 9 to 12)
Piano – Oscar Peterson (tracks: 9 to 12)
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins (tracks: 10), Stan Getz
Trumpet – Dizzy Gillespie (tracks: 12), Roy Eldridge (tracks: 1 to 8, 11)