HERBIE MANN — The Beat Goes On (1967-2014) RM | Jazz Best Collection 1000 – 10 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Herbie Mann was quite unpredictable in the 1960s -- from one album to the next, you never knew if he would embrace hard bop, bossa nova, Latin jazz, soul-jazz, or whatever else he was in the mood for. He could be commercial one minute, esoteric and experimental the next. One of Mann's more commercial LPs from that period, The Beat Goes On, is a generally funky, groove-oriented soul-jazz effort with strong Latin leanings. Much of the material brings to mind Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers, and comparisons to Pucho are unavoidable on cuts that range from Mann's "More Rice Than Peas, Please" to a version of Sonny & Cher's "The Beat Goes On" and a Latin boogaloo interpretation of Joe Liggins' "The Honeydripper" (which features King Curtis on tenor sax). Afro-Cuban rhythms are a high priority, although Mann gets into more of a bossa nova groove on vibist Dave Pike's "Dream Garden." Jazz purists hated this release, but let them say what they will -- this LP is full of highly infectious grooves and makes a great party album. Regrettably, The Beat Goes On has long been out of print -- so if you're a lover of Latin-flavored soul-jazz and come across a copy somewhere, grab it immediately. Alex Henderson
Tracklist :
1. No Matter What Shape 3:25 
Written-By – Granville Burland / Arranged By – Jimmy Wisner 
2. More Rice Than Peas, Please 3:30 
Written-By – Herbie Mann / Arranged By – Jimmy Wisner 
3. Hey Ho 2:45 
Written-By – Herbie Hancock / Arranged By – Jimmy Wisner 
4. The Honeydripper 2:45 
Written-By – Joe Liggins / Arranged By – Jimmy Wisner 
5. The Beat Goes On 2:50 
Written-By – Sonny Bono / Arranged By – Jimmy Wisner 
6. Swingin´ Shepherd Blues 3:05 
Written-By – Kenny Jacobson, Moe Koffman, Rhoda Roberts / Arranged By – Jimmy Wisner 
7. West African High Life 2:40 
Written-By – Herbie Mann / Arranged By – Rene Hernandez
8. Dream Garden 4:37 
Written, Arranged By – Dave Pike
9. Soul Montuno 2:58 
Written-By – Rene Hernandez / Arranged By – Jimmy Wisner 
10. Is Paris Burning? 2:37
Written-By – Maurice Jarre / Arranged By – Jimmy Wisner 
Credits :
Alto Flute, (tracks: 8), Flute (tracks: 1, 2, 9, 10) – Herbie Mann
Bass – Jack Six (tracks: 8), Reggie Workman (tracks: 1 to 3)
Concertmaster [String Section] – Gene Orloff (tracks: 1 to 3)
Congas – Carlos "Patato" Valdes (tracks: 1 to 3)
Drums – Bobby Thomas (tracks: 8), Bruno Carr (tracks: 1 to 3)
Guitar – Attila Zoller (tracks: 8)
Piano – Don Friedman (tracks: 8), Jimmy Wisner (tracks: 1 to 3)
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – King Curtis (tracks: 4)
Trumpet, Soloist – Clark Terry (tracks: 7)
Vibraphone – Roy Ayers (tracks: 1 to 3)  

CHARLIE VENTURA – 1949-1951 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1309 (2003) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Most of the music on this CD from tenor saxophonist Charlie Ventura was formerly scarce. That is certainly true of his RCA recordings that feature his short-lived big band performing seven Duke Ellington compositions. While some of the solos are conventional, the arrangements of George Williams and particularly George Russell are certainly unusual in spots, quite impressionistic. In 1950 Ventura had another big band that also did not last. Its seven selections (five of which were previously unreleased) often utilize haunting vocals by the Honeydreamers and/or Lucy Reed, including "You've Got a Date With the Blues" and "Lonesome Darling." After that orchestra broke up, Ventura returned to playing with small groups. The final two dates on this CD were recorded for Norman Granz's Clef label; a quintet outing with trumpeter Conte Candoli that features boppish versions of six swing standards, and a quartet set with vocals from Betty Bennett, bassist Chubby Jackson, and the Blentones. Although not quite essential, this collection from Classics is valuable in making former rarities available. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :