JO STAFFORD — Jo + Jazz (1960-1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The closest Stafford ever came to being a jazz singer. This early '60s release had instrumental touches and a jazz tone, and Stafford sang with more energy and less gimmickry. Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1     Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me) 2:57
Duke Ellington / Lee Gaines
2     For You 2:55
Joe Burke / Al Dubin
3     Midnight Sun 4:37
Sonny Burke / Lionel Hampton / Johnny Mercer
4     You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To 3:23
Cole Porter
5     The Folks Who Live on the Hill 3:32
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
6     I Didn't Know About You 3:30
Duke Ellington / Bob Russell
7     (What Can I Say) After I Say I'm Sorry? 3:08
Walter Donaldson / Abe Lyman
8     Dream of You 2:47
Jimmie Lunceford / Michael Morales
9     Imagination 3:49
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
10     S'posin' 2:48
Paul Denniker / Andy Razaf
11     Day Dream 4:27
Duke Ellington / John Latouche / Billy Strayhorn
12     I've Got the World on a String 3:38
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
Credits :
Saxophone – Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster
Arranged By – Johnny Mandel
Drums – Mel Lewis
Piano – Jimmy Rowles, Russ Freeman
Trumpet – Conte Candoli, Don Fagerquist, Ray Nance
Vocals – Jo Stafford 

CHET BAKER & BUD SHANK — Theme Music from "The James Dean Story" (1958-2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

West coast cool purveyors Chet Baker (trumpet) and Bud Shank team up to provide the incidental soundtrack to The James Dean Story (1958). Granted, the biopic was presumably made to cash in on the actor's untimely demise, but movie buffs also recognize it as one of director Robert Altman's earliest features. The score was written by Leith Stevens, who had previously worked on Private Hell 36 (1954), The Wild One (1954), and the Oscar-winning sci-fi classic Destination Moon (1950). Those credentials may have gotten Stevens the gig, but his contributions remain somewhat of a double-edged sword. Neither Baker, Shank, nor any of the other post-bop luminaries in the makeshift ensemble are able to transcend or expound upon the arguably limiting melodies, such as the hopelessly dated and unintentionally kitschy "Hollywood." That shouldn't suggest that this title is a complete washout, thanks in part to another Tinsel Town-related maestro, Johnny Mandel, whose moody, exploratory "The Search" and understated noir of "Success and Then What?" stand as exemplary. One of Stevens' more affective selections is the ballad "Let Me Be Loved." Perhaps by design, it is noticeably reminiscent of Baker's unofficial theme song, "My Funny Valentine," and is easily the most poignant performance on the platter. Otherwise, the vast majority of the material is little more than ersatz-cool filler, bearing little distinction. From a historical perspective, this seems almost criminal, especially in light of the inordinate talent corralled for the project. Potential consumers and Baker enthusiasts should note that the 1958 Pacific Jazz long player did not include the rare vocal version of "Let Me Be Loved." Lindsay Planer 
Tracklist : 
1. Jimmy's Theme 2:49
 Leith Stevens 
2. The Search 4:44
 Leith Stevens  
3. Lost Love 3:35
 Leith Stevens 
4. People 3:32
 Bob Merrill / Leith Stevens / Jule Styne 
5. The Movie Star 3:32
 Leith Stevens 
6. Fairmont, Indiana 4:30
 Leith Stevens 
7. Rebel At Work 3:41
 Leith Stevens 
8. Success And Then What? 3:53
 Leith Stevens 
9. Let Me Be Loved 4:08
Written-By – Livingston-Evans
10. Hollywood 5:02
 Leith Stevens 
11. Let Me Be Loved (Vocal Version) 2:13
Vocals – Chet Baker
Written-By – J. Livingston / R. Evans
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Charlie Mariano (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 to 11), Herbie Steward
Alto Saxophone, Flute – Bud Shank (tracks: 1 to 6, 8 to 11)
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6, 8 to 11)
Bass – Monte Budwig
Bongos – Mike Pacheco (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6, 8 to 11)
Drums – Mel Lewis
Flute – Don Fagerquist (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6, 8 to 11)
Orchestrated By, Arranged By, Conductor – Bill Holman (tracks: 3 to 6, 9, 11), Johnny Mandel (tracks: 1, 2, 8)
Piano – Claude Williamson
Tenor Saxophone – Bill Holman (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 11), Richie Kamuca (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6, 8 to 11)
Trombone – Milt Bernhart (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6, 8 to 11)
Trumpet – Chet Baker, Ray Linn (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6, 8 to 1

BUDDY RICH AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1946-1948 | The Chronogical Classics – 1099 (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is the first CD from the French Classics reissue series showcasing drummer Buddy Rich as a big-band leader. These 22 titles were recorded between 1946 and 1948 with several of them being V-discs. The tight arrangements of Tadd Dameron, Neil Hefti, Eddie Finckel, Bill Channon, and Turk Van Lake are strict yet thoroughly swinging ensemble playing. Even though Rich led this big band, he does not take center stage over the entire outcome. His Frank Sinatra-influenced vocals are heard here along with those of Dorothy Reid and Linda Larkin. During this three-year period his bands included the likes of Johnny Mandel, Red Rodney, Hal McKusick, Jimmy Giuffre, Warne Marsh, and Allen Eager. With the proven talent heard here it's a shame Rich couldn't sustain his ensembles, but finding gigs as the big-band era was drawing to a close made it economically unfeasible. Rich would not attempt to lead another big band until 1966. Al Campbell  
Tracklist + Credits :