RALPH MOORE — Images (1989) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The particularly strong material and the all-star lineup (tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore, trumpeter Terence Blanchard, pianist Benny Green, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Kenny Washington) make this a particularly enjoyable set from the tenorman. Although still displaying the inspiration (soundwise) of early-'60s John Coltrane, Moore had developed an increasingly original style within the modern mainstream throughout the 1980s. Highlights of this excellent set include J.J. Johnson's "Enigma" (a ballad feature for Moore), Hank Mobley's "This I Dig of You," and Moore's "Blues for John" (written in tribute to Coltrane). One of Ralph Moore's more significant recordings to date. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Freeway    8:04
 Ralph Moore
2    Enigma    5:29
 J.J. Johnson
3    Episode From A Village Dance    7:37
 Donald Brown
4    Morning Star    8:31
 Rodgers Grant
5    This I Dig Of You    5:36
 Hank Mobley
6    Blues For John    5:04
 Ralph Moore
7    Punjab    6:59
 Joe Henderson
8    One Second, Please    5:01
 Elmo Hope
Credits :
Bass – Peter Washington
Congas – Victor See Yuen (tracks: 3)
Drums – Kenny Washington
Piano – Benny Green
Saxophone – Ralph Moore
Trumpet – Terence Blanchard (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7)

WALLACE RONEY — Crunchin' (1993) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Trumpeter Wallace Roney sounds poignant and fabulous throughout the eight tracks on his latest release. His lines on "What's New" and "You Stepped Out Of A Dream" are full and gorgeous, while his soloing on "Woody'n You" and "Time After Time" has warmth, intensity and edge. Alto saxophonist Antonio Hart chimes in with equal facility and spark, while Geri Allen shows that she is just as outstanding as an accompanist on standards and hard bop as in trios or as a leader. Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1    Woody'n You    4:47
 Dizzy Gillespie
2    What's New    7:49
 Johnny Burke / Bob Haggart
3    Angel Eyes    6:19
 Earl Brent / Matt Dennis
4    Swing Spring    5:37
 Miles Davis
5    Time After Time    5:52
 Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
6    We See    6:49
 Thelonious Monk
7    You Stepped Out Of A Dream    4:16
 Nacio Herb Brown / Gus Kahn
8    Misterioso    12:47
 Nacio Herb Brown / Gus Kahn
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Antonio Hart (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6 to 8)
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Kenny Washington
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Piano – Geri Allen
Trumpet – Wallace Roney

TOMMY FLANAGAN — Jazz Poet (1989-2015) RM | Timeless Jazz Master Collection – 14 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

By the time of this recording, pianist Tommy Flanagan had been performing for decades -- mostly as a sideman -- for a who's who of jazz: players such as Miles Davis, J.J. Johnson, and Sonny Rollins, to name a few. His perfect, yet unassuming style made him the pianist of choice for dozens of musicians. While he has recorded as a leader from time to time, this album may be the best representation of his work available. He performs a set of great tunes ("Caravan," "Willow Weep for Me," "St. Louis Blues," "Lament," and others) in a topflight trio, with George Mraz on bass and Kenny Washington on drums. Flanagan is at the peak of his powers. Never flashy, never showy, this is just outstanding music performed by a true master who is one of the great bop pianists of the 20th century. Steve Loewy
Tracklist  :
1 Raincheck 4:55
Written-By – B. Strayhorn
2 Lament 4:49
Written-By – J.J. Johnson
3 Willow Weep For Me 5:55
Written-By – Ann Ronnel
4 Caravan 6:17
Written-By – Ellington, Mills, Tizol
1 That Tired Routine Called Love 7:04
Written-By – Matt Dennis
6 Glad To Be Unhappy 4:48
Written-By – Rodgers & Hart
7 St. Louis Blues 6:29
Written-By – W. C. Handy
8 Mean Streets 4:14
Written-By – Tommy Flanagan
Credits :
Bass – George Mraz
 Drums – Kenny Washington
 Piano – Tommy Flanagan

DIZZY GILLESPIE – To Bird With Love (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

To Bird with Love: Live at the Blue Note was taken from a month that Dizzy Gillespie was featured at the Blue Note in New York, virtually at the end of his playing career, the 74-year-old trumpeter is quite erratic on this set of bop standards. However, his supporting cast (heard from in different combinations) includes such major players as altoists Jackie McLean, Antonio Hart and Paquito D'Rivera and tenors Benny Golson, Clifford Jordan and David Sanchez, in addition to a strong trio led by pianist Danílo Perez. The sidemen are in generally fine form and Bobby McFerrin literally came out of the audience to scat on "Oo Pa Pa Da." The good spirits and obvious love that these musicians had for Gillespie make up for his technical lapses. Scott Yanow         Tracklist + Credits : 

DIZZY GILLESPIE – To Diz, With Love (Live At The Blue Note) (1992) APE (tracks+.cue), lossless

Dizzy Gillespie's final recording, taken from a month he spent featured at the Blue Note in New York, matches the aging giant with such fellow trumpeters as Jon Faddis, Wynton Marsalis, Claudio Roditi, Wallace Roney, Red Rodney, Charlie Sepulveda and the ancient -- but still brilliant -- Doc Cheatham (who cuts both Diz and Faddis on "Mood Indigo"). Although Gillespie was no longer up to the competition, the love that these fellow trumpeters had for him (and some fine solos) makes this historic CD worth getting. Scott Yanow              Tracklist + Credits :

LEE KONITZ - The Lee Konitz Nonet (1977-1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Lee Konitz Nonet never really prospered, but they recorded several excellent albums. With such top players as flügelhornist John Eckert, trombonist Jimmy Knepper, and baritonist Ronnie Cuber in the group, and colorful arrangements provided by Sy Johnson, this band's repertoire was as wide as one would expect from a Konitz band. Whether it be the Louis Armstrong-associated "Struttin' with Some Barbeque," a Lester Young-inspired "Sometimes I'm Happy," Charlie Parker's "Chi-Chi," "Giant Steps," or some newer originals, the results are frequently superb. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Fanfare 0:40
Lee Konitz
2     Chi-Chi 10:56
Charlie Parker
3     If You Could See Me Now 5:04
Tadd Dameron / Carl Sigman
4     Sometimes I'm Happy 3:20
Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans
5     Giant Steps 5:27
John Coltrane
6     April/April Too 4:48
Eckert / Lennie Tristano
7     Who You 7:25
Jimmy Knepper
8     Stryker's Dues 5:00
Sievert
9     Fourth Dimension 3:44
Lee Konitz
10     Struttin' with Some Barbecue 4:44
Lil Hardin Armstrong / Louis Armstrong / Lil Hardin / Don Raye
11     Hymn Too 0:55
Lee Konitz
12     Jazzspeak 9:35
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Baritone Saxophone – Ronnie Cuber
Bass – Knobby Totah
Bass Trombone – Sam Burtis
Drums – Kenny Washington
Flugelhorn – John Eckert
Piano – Ben Aronov
Piccolo Trumpet, Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Burt Collins
Trombone – Jimmy Knepper

LEE KONITZ QUARTET - Jazz Nocturne (1993-2008) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Although never a poll winner, altoist Lee Konitz has had a more productive and consistently stimulating career than most of his contemporaries, never afraid to improvise fairly freely in his relaxed style. For this Evidence CD, Konitz digs into seven standards with an impressive rhythm section (pianist Kenny Barron, bassist James Genus and drummer Kenny Washington) and constantly comes up with interesting ideas and new twists. There are no phony disguises of familiar tunes with new titles on this date; just creative blowing. Konitz uplifts such often-overplayed material as "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," "Misty," "Alone Together," "Body and Soul" and "My Funny Valentine" without ever becoming predictable; Kenny Barron is in excellent form, too. This CD is recommended as a strong example of Lee Konitz's playing in the '90s. [Jazz Nocturne was reissued on an import-only CD in 1999.] Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To 6:14
Cole Porter
2     Everything Happens to Me 7:18
Tom Adair / Matt Dennis
3     Alone Together 9:15
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz
4     Misty 5:50
Johnny Burke / Erroll Garner
5     Body and Soul 8:52
Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour
6     My Funny Valentine 7:04
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
7     In a Sentimental Mood 6:21
Duke Ellington / Manny Kurtz / Irving Mills
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – James Genus
Drums – Kenny Washington
Piano – Kenny Barron 

LEE KONITZ - Frescalalto (2017) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1     Stella by Starlight 9:35
Victor Young
2     Thingin 6:26
Lee Konitz
3     Darn That Dream 4:58
James Van Heusen
4     Kary's Trance 5:18
Lee Konitz
5     Out of Nowhere 7:27
Johnny Green
6     Gundula 3:26
Lee Konitz    
7     Invitation 9:20
Bronislaw Kaper    
8     Cherokee 3:56
Ray Noble
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Vocals – Lee Konitz
Double Bass – Peter Washington
Drums, Producer – Kenny Washington
Painting, Cover – Patrice Beauséjour
Piano – Kenny Barron

LOU DONALDSON - Caracas (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Lou Donaldson didn't break any new ground in the 1990s; instead, the veteran alto saxophonist excelled by sticking with the type of soul-jazz/hard bop that brought him a lot of commercial success (by jazz standards) in the 1960s. Caracas was recorded in 1993, but it sounds like it could have been recorded 30 years earlier. Regardless, this CD is excellent. Caracas was produced by Bob Porter, who has produced numerous soul-jazz and organ combo dates -- if any producer knows soul-jazz, it's Porter. And not surprisingly, he helps brings out the best in Donaldson, who is joined by organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, drummer Kenny Washington, and the Grant Green-influenced guitarist Peter Bernstein. Donaldson, who was 66 when this CD was recorded, is in fine form on groove-oriented blues (Jimmy Forrest's "Night Train") and romantic ballads (Neal Hefti's "Lil' Darlin'"), as well as one fast bop number: Charlie Parker's "Ornithology." Although the more accessible, groove-oriented stuff is what brought Donaldson the most commercial success, his albums usually contain at least one example of high-speed, Parker-minded bebop and, on Caracas, he acknowledges his Bird roots with "Ornithology." Donaldson will be the first to tell you that he is an instrumentalist first and foremost; however, he does provide the occasional vocal. The enjoyably humorous "Just a Dream (On My Mind)" finds him putting a 1990s spin on lyrics that Chicago blues great Big Bill Broonzy wrote back in the 1930s. Is Caracas essential? Not quite, but it's still a highly rewarding album that will please die-hard soul-jazz enthusiasts. Alex Henderson  
Tracklist :
1     Hot Dog 5:16
Denny Dedmon / Lou Donaldson / Buck Owens    
2     Just a Dream 6:19     
Bill Broonzy    
3     Ornithology 7:07
Benny Harris / Charlie Parker    
4     I Don't Know Why (I Just Do) 4:58
Fred E. Ahlert / Roy Turk    
5     Night Train 9:49
Jimmy Forrest / Lewis Simpkins / Oscar Washington
6     I Be Blue 5:55     
Lonnie Smith
7     Caracas 7:32     
Lou Donaldson    
8     Lil' Darlin' 7:16
Neal Hefti
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lou Donaldson
Congas – Ralph Dorsey (pistas: 1, 7)
Drums – Kenny Washington
Guitar – Peter Bernstein
Organ – Dr. Lonnie Smith 

BENNY CARTER - Harlem Renaissance (1992) 2CD | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Benny Carter is a true marvel. At the time of this recording (a double CD), the classic altoist was already age 84, yet showed no signs of slowing down either his playing or his writing schedule. For his specially assembled big band and The Rutgers University Orchestra (which includes a full string section), Carter wrote entirely new arrangements that demonstrate that his talents have not diminished with age. While the first disc mostly sticks to older material, the second disc is comprised of two new suites "Tales of the Rising Sun" and "Harlem Renaissance." In addition, Carter's alto is often the solo star although he does not hog the spotlight; it just naturally drifts back to him. Scott Yanow
The Benny Carter Big Band    47:24
1    Vine Street Rumble 11:21
Written-By – Benny Carter
2    Sao Paolo 5:05
Written-By – Benny Carter
3    I Can't Get Started 5:42
Written-By – Ira Gershwin, Vernon Duke
4    Stockholm Sweetnin' 5:34
Written-By – Quincy Jones
5    Evening Star 8:31
Written-By – Benny Carter
6    How High The Moon 11:02
Written-By – William M. Lewis, Jr., Nancy Hamilton
The Benny Carter Big Band And The Rutgers University Orchestra    52:58
Tales Of The Rising Sun Suite    25:49
1    August Moon    4:26
2    Teatime    3:51
3    Song Of Long Ago    5:06
4    SamuraI Song    3:07
5    Chow Chow    9:19
Harlem Renaissance Suite    26:29
6    Lament For Langston    5:05
7    Sugar Hill Slow Drag    5:04
8    Happy Feet    6:54
9    Sunday Morning    4:15
10    Happy Feet-Reprise    5:11
All Credits

JOHNNY GRIFFIN & EDDIE 'LOCKJAW' DAVIS - Tough Tenors Back Again! (1984-2008) FLAC (tracks), lossless

During 1960-63, Johnny Griffin and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis teamed up in a two-tenor quintet, inspiring each other to play at their most intense and swinging on a nightly basis. After the band's breakup, Griffin and Davis occasionally had reunions that found them playing as heatedly as ever. This 1998 CD, which released a particularly exciting encounter at Copenhagen's Montmartre in 1984 for the first time, has what might have been their last matchup since Lockjaw passed away two years later. With pianist Harry Pickens, bassist Curtis Lundy and drummer Kenny Washington keeping the momentum moving, the two tough tenors battle it out on a variety of basic material, including "Blues Up and Down" (which has a colorful chorus of conversational commentary by the two tenors before their solos), "Funky Fluke" and "Lester Leaps In." Throughout the heated bebop date, Griffin and Davis are heard at the peak of their powers, and the results are quite memorable. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Blues Up and Down 10'48
Gene Ammons / Sonny Stitt
2     Oh Gee 9'55
Matthew Gee
3     Call It What You Wanna 10'40
Johnny Griffin
4     Funky Fluke 12'09
Bernie Green
5     Hey Lock 14'41
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis
6     Lester Leaps In 11'16
Lester Young
7     Intermission Riff 2'42
Ray Wetzel
Credits :
Bass – Curtis Lundy
Drums – Kenny Washington
Piano – Harry Pickens
Tenor Saxophone – Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis, Johnny Griffin

JOHNNY GRIFFIN & LOCKJAW DAVIS - Johnny Griffin & Lockjaw Davis in Copenhagen (1984-2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Johnny Griffin and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis locked horns and raised a little hell during this exciting blowing session that took place at the Café Montmartre in Copenhagen on July 10, 1984. They were aided and abetted by pianist Harry Pickens, bassist Curtis Lundy, and drummer Kenny Washington -- the same rhythm section that had performed with Griff at the Berlin Friedrichstadtpalast nearly a month earlier. The original "Tough Tenors" formula dates back to the early '60s when Griff and Jaws collaborated on a series of definitive, mainstream two-tenor albums. This live reunion date is a marvel of spontaneous combustion; the horns cavort and jostle, barking and purling with joyous abandon. Sadly, this recording lands near the end of the Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis' discography. He was recorded in Europe by producer Norman Granz in 1985, retreated back to the U.S. and passed away in Culver City, CA in November of 1986. This is a reissue of Storyville (#8298), released in 1998 as Tough Tenors Back Again!. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1     Blues Up and Down 10'49
Gene Ammons / Sonny Stitt
2     Oh, Gee 9'57
Matthew Gee
3     Call It What You Wanna 10'38
Johnny Griffin
4     Funky Fluke 12'12
5     Hey Lock 14'42
6     Lester Leaps In 11'17
Lester Young
7     Intermission Riff 3'20
Ray Wetzel
Credits :
Bass – Curtis Lundy
Drums – Kenny Washington
Piano – Harry Pickens
Tenor Saxophone – Lockjaw Davis, Johnny Griffin

JOHNNY GRIFFIN QUARTET + 3 - Dance Of Passion (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

As with many other jazz legends during the hard bop revival of the '80s, tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin was signed to a major label after having cut titles for a plethora of independent (often European) jazz labels in the late '60s and throughout the '70s. From 1955 until the mid-'60s, Griffin had made a major splash with other young turks like Hank Mobley, Donald Byrd, Lee Morgan, and Coltrane, and became a sought-after sideman by the likes of Thelonious Monk, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, and Wes Montgomery. The rise of rock and soul, though, forced Griffin to move overseas and join several other ex-pat jazz stars. And while Griffin has remained in Europe, he has consistently recorded in the states. This fine 1993 release marks one of Griffin's recent recording triumphs for the above-mentioned major labels and finds him in the company of such stellar guest soloists as trombonist Steve Turre, tuba player Dave Bargeron, and French horn player John Clark; the band's core is made up by Griffin's then regular quartet featuring pianist Michael Weiss, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Kenny Washington. This supple but tight ensemble ably handle Griffin's rich store of seven originals and a cover of Cole Porter's "All Through the Night." The updated hard bop arrangements by Griffin and Weiss are all engaging and prove to be prime solo vehicles for Turre especially; Griffin avails himself admirably too with a somewhat refined, yet still meaty version of his once big and fast tenor sound. A treat for Griffin fans and one of the more enjoyable modern trad dates available. Stephen Cook  
Tracklist :
1     From Here to There 5'22
Johnny Griffin
2     Dance of Passion 8'33
Johnny Griffin
3     Make up Your Mind 5'29
Johnny Griffin
4     The Way It Is 6'53
Johnny Griffin
5     Take My Hand 7'59
Johnny Griffin
6     You've Never Been There! 7'19
Johnny Griffin
7     Dawn 8'06
Johnny Griffin
8     All Through the Night 8'04
Cole Porter
Credits :
Arranged By – Michael Weiss (pistas: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7)
Bass – Peter Washington
Drums – Kenny Washington
French Horn – John Clark
Piano – Michael Weiss
Tenor Saxophone – Johnny Griffin
Trombone – Steve Turre
Tuba – Dave Bergeron

JOHNNY GRIFFIN - The Cat (1990) FLAC (tracks), lossless

His latest -- a tasty, often impressive, outing. Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1     The Cat 9'10
Johnny Griffin
2     Wistful 7'09
Johnny Griffin
3     What Do You Do? 8'20
Johnny Griffin
4     Chicago Calling 6'05
Johnny Griffin
5     Woe Is Me 9'06
Johnny Griffin
6     The Count 5'47
Johnny Griffin
7     63rd Street Theme 5'28
Johnny Griffin
8     Hot Sake 6'57
Johnny Griffin
9     Waltz for Ma 2'37
Johnny Griffin
Credits :
Bass – Dennis Irwin
Drums – Kenny Washington
Piano – Michael Weiss
Tenor Saxophone – Johnny Griffin
Trombone – Curtis Fuller (pistas: 1, 3)
Vibraphone – Steve Nelson (pistas: 3, 6)

JOHNNY GRIFFIN - Isfahan (1993) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Isfahan    10:45
Written-By – Johnny Griffin
2    Take My Hand    9:37
Written-By – Johnny Griffin
3    All Through The Night    6:27
Written-By – Cole Porter
4    Coming On The Hudson    5:15
Written-By – Thelonious Monk
5    Woe Is Me    11:05
Written-By – Johnny Griffin
6    Hush-A-Bye    7:31
Traditional
Arranged By – Johnny Griffin
7    Out Of This World    6:03
Written-By – Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer
8    If I Should Lose You     8:02
Written-By – Leo Robin, Ralph Rainger
Credits :
Bass – Dennis Irwin
Drums – Kenny Washington
Piano – Michael Weiss
Tenor Saxophone – Johnny Griffin

JOHNNY GRIFFIN - Live / Autumn Leaves (1997) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1     Autumn Leaves (Les Feuilles Mortes) 15'41
Joseph Kosma / Johnny Mercer / Jacques Prévert
2     Prelude to a Kiss 13'41
Duke Ellington / Irving Gordon / Irving Mills
3     Blues for Gonzie 8'20
Johnny Griffin     
4     John Charles 10'05
Ronnie Mathews    
5     I Mean You 6'50
Thelonious Monk
Credits :
Bass – Ray Drummond
Drums – Kenny Washington
Piano – Ronnie Mathews
Tenor Saxophone – Johnny Griffin

CLARK TERRY - Live at the Village Gate (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Flugelhornist Clark Terry, three weeks shy of his 70th birthday at the time of this live performance, sounds very much at the peak of his powers throughout Live at the Village Gate. Teamed up with old friend Jimmy Heath, who doubles on tenor and soprano, pianist Don Friedman, bassist Marcus McLauren and drummer Kenny Washington (altoist Paquito D'Rivera guests on "Silly Samba"), Terry performs eight little-known originals. The tunes are all fairly basic, but they inspire these talented musicians to some of their best playing. The hard-swinging music, which includes a trumpet-drums duet on "Brushes & Brass" and some singing from the audience on "Hey Mr. Mumbles," is quite enjoyable, and among the most accessible type of jazz. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Top and Bottom 5'10
Clark Terry
2     Keep, Keep, Keep on Keepin' On 6'01
Clark Terry
3     Silly Samba 8'49
Clark Terry
4     Pint of Bitters 8'30
Clark Terry
5     Sheba 6'35
Clark Terry
6     Brushes and Brass 3'20
Clark Terry
7     Simple Waltz 9'12
Bob Brookmeyer / Clark Terry
8     Hey Mr. Mumbles 11'04
Clark Terry
Credits :
Bass – Marcus McLauren
Composed By – Clark Terry
Drums – Kenny Washington
Piano – Don Friedman
Tenor Saxophone, Sopranino Saxophone – Jimmy Heath
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Clark Terry

CLARK TERRY - Live at the Village Gate 'The Second Set' (1995) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Clark Terry has made so many fine records in the 1990s that virtually all of them are recommended; this Chesky CD is no exception. A quintet date with tenor saxophonist Jimmy Heath, pianist Don Friedman, bassist Marcus McLauren and drummer Kenny Washington, Terry plays a variety of original tunes based on the blues and other fairly common chord changes. The good-humored music (which includes such song titles as "One Foot in the Gutter," "Serenade to a Bus Seat" and "Ode to a Flugelhorn") is quite enjoyable, highlighted by Terry's Mumbles vocal on "Joonji," a few creative singalongs, and lots of exciting flugelhorn playing. This fine set is rounded off by ten minutes of storytelling by Terry that covers Count Basie, Duke Ellington, jazz education, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     One Foot in the Gutter 11'53
Clark Terry
2     Opus Ocean 6'49
Clark Terry
3     Michelle 7'31
Clark Terry
4     Serenade to a Bus Seat 7'18
Clark Terry
5     Joonji 7'09
Clark Terry
6     Ode to a Flugelhorn 9'12
Clark Terry
7     Funky Mama 11'55
Clark Terry
8     Interview 10'42
Credits :
Bass – Marcus McLauren
Drums – Kenny Washington
Executive-Producer – Norman Chesky
Flugelhorn, Trumpet – Clark Terry
Piano – Don Friedman
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath

JANE MONHEIT - Live At The Rainbow Room (2003) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Recorded at the famous New York City restaurant on the 65th floor of Thirty Rockefeller Plaza, Live at the Rainbow Room features jazz vocalist Jane Monheit backed by a 31-piece orchestra conducted by Alan Broadbent along with a solid small jazz ensemble featuring, among others, pianist Michael Kanan, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Kenny Washington. A glamorous singer whose cool pin-up persona calls to mind such '50s icons as June Christy and Julie London, Monheit is also an extremely capable singer. Although her understated approach does not incorporate vocalese or instrument-like solos, her crystalline voice and impeccable phrasing should appeal to fans of mainstream modern jazz and American popular songcraft. Throughout the night Monheit delivers classy and sultry versions of such standards as "Just Squeeze Me" and "It Might as Well Be Spring" as well as tackles such bossa nova classics as "Dindi" and "Waters of March" -- a song she refers to as her favorite to perform. by Matt Collar
Tracklist :
1     [Untitled Track] 0:27        
2     Over the Rainbow 6:11
Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
3     Just a Squeeze 4:07
Duke Ellington / Lee Gaines
4     Chega de Saudade (No More Blues) 3:45
Jon Hendricks / Vinícius de Moraes
5     Dindi 5:09
Ray Gilbert / Antônio Carlos Jobim
6     More Than You Know 4:05
Edward Eliscu / Billy Rose / Vincent Youmans
7     Since You've Asked 4:24
Judy Collins
8     It Might as Well Be Spring 4:09
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers
9     Tea for Two 4:39
Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans
10     Hit the Road to Dreamland 3:44
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
11     Começar de Novo 6:32
Ivan Lins / Victor Manoel N. Martins
12     It Never Entered My Mind 6:56
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
13     Turn Out the Stars 3:01
Bill Evans / John Lees
14     Haunted Heart 5:08
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz
15     Cheek to Cheek 5:15
Irving Berlin
16     Waters of March 4:37
Antônio Carlos Jobim
17     Some Other Time 5:32
Leonard Bernstein / Betty Comden / Adolph Green
Credits :
Arranged By – Alan Broadbent (faixas: 1, 13, 16), Michael Kanan (faixas: 14), Vince Mendoza (faixas: 6, 10)
Bass – Ron Carter (faixas: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16)
Conductor – Alan Broadbent (faixas: 1, 6, 10, 13, 16)
Drums – Kenny Washington (faixas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16)
Guitar – Rene Toledo (faixas: 4, 15)
Guitar [Nylon String] – Rene Toledo (faixas: 3)
Piano – Alan Broadbent (faixas: 12), Kenny Ascher, Michael Kanan (faixas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16)
Vocals – Jane Monheit
Piano, Vocals – Peter Eldridge
Saxophone – Joel Frahm (faixas: 2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15)

AHMAD JAMAL - A Quiet Time (2009) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Well into his golden years, Ahmad Jamal continues to tour and record with the vigor of a man half his age. What is also evident is that his artistic sense is as high as it has ever been, as he consistently doles out fresh new melodies charged by his extraordinary talent, which is hardly reined in. A Quiet Time might be a bit deceiving in that there's plenty of Jamal's energy to go around on this set of originals and two standards, sans ballads except for the finale "I Hear a Rhapsody." With longtime partners in bassist James Cammack and drummer Kenny Washington, Jamal breeds the utmost confidence that his music succeeds on the upper end of modern mainstream jazz. Percussionist Manolo Badrena (ex-Weather Report) spices up the music without overt Latin overtures, and balances the swing inherent in Jamal's style. When you hear Jamal's fast and loose but controlled "Paris After Dark" in swinging or heavy modal context, you know your are listening to an undisputed master craftsman at work. The bouncy track "Flight to Russia" has Cammack's bass locked in tight with the others, while Jamal's bright dancing lines across the keyboard during "Tranquility," and his heavy-to-lighter traipsing of notes for the title track indicate that this pianist has plenty in the tank in terms of sheer artistry. While he does a rather polite version of Randy Weston's "Hi-Fly," the contemporary beat of "The Blooming Flower" suggests it is an updated version of his all-time favorite "Poinciana." More of his originals include the cascading freedom exuded in "Poetry" as notes tumble from waterfalls, while the lilting to free to tick-tock pace of "After JALC" proves Jamal can shift gears at will effortlessly. There's nothing even remotely mediocre or rote about this effort, as Ahmad Jamal proves once again his viability to play jazz piano music is still on the rise, and inspired beyond most mortals. by Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist :
1    Paris After Dark    4:56
Ahmad Jamal
2    The Love Is Lost    4:02
Ahmad Jamal
3    Flight To Russia    7:46
Ahmad Jamal
4    Poetry    6:03
Ahmad Jamal
5    Hi Fly    8:21
Randy Weston
6    My Inspiration    5:15
Ahmad Jamal
7    After JALC (Jazz At Lincoln Center)    6:26
Ahmad Jamal
8    A Quiet Time    6:34
Ahmad Jamal
9    Tranquility    7:23
Ahmad Jamal
10    The Blooming Flower    4:29
Ahmad Jamal
11    I Hear A Rhapsoday    5:18
Jack Baker / George Fragos / Dick Gasparre
Credits :
Bass – James Cammack
Drums – Kenny Washington
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Piano – Ahmad Jamal