JOE HENDERSON ft. ALICE COLTRANE - The Elements (1974-1996) RM | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This is one of the odder Joe Henderson recordings. The four lengthy selections not only feature the great tenor-saxophonist but the piano and harp of Alice Coltrane (during one of her rare appearances as a sideman), violinist Michael White, bassist Charlie Haden, percussionist Kenneth Nash and Baba Duru Oshun on tablas. The somewhat spiritual nature of the music (Henderson's compositions are titled "Fire," "Air," "Water" and "Earth") and the presence of Alice Coltrane makes these Eastern-flavored performances rather unique if not all that essential: an early example of world music in jazz. This recording has been reissued as part of Henderson's eight-CD Milestone box set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Fire    11:07
 Joe Henderson
2    Air    9:53
 Joe Henderson
3    Water 7:27
 Joe Henderson
Flute [Wood] – Kenneth Nash
4    Earth 13:07
 Joe Henderson
Narrator – Kenneth Nash
Credits :
Bass – Charlie Haden
Congas, Percussion [North African Sakara Drum], Bells [Chinese, African, Indian], Gong, Percussion – Kenneth Nash
Drums – Leon Ndugu Chancler (tracks: 1, 4)
Piano, Harp, Tambura, Harmonium – Alice Coltrane
Tabla, Percussion – Baba Duru Oshun
Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Composed By, Alto Flute – Joe Henderson
Violin – Michael White (tracks: 1, 2, 4)

JUNIOR MANCE — Sweet and Lovely (2004) WV (image+.cue), lossless

In the ‘60s, the terms "soul-jazz" and "organ combo" went hand-in-hand -- frequently, but not always. Although organ combos dominated soul-jazz in the ‘60s, there is another valuable part of ‘60s soul-jazz that isn't discussed quite as much: piano trios led by funky, soulful players like Ray Bryant, Bobby Timmons, Ramsey Lewis, and Gene Harris. All of those artists demonstrated that earthy down-home soul-jazz didn't have to have an organ, and Junior Mance was also well aware of the piano's possibilities as a soul-jazz instrument. The Chicago native has often made it clear that piano jazz (to borrow Marian McPartland's term) can also be soul-jazz -- a fact that is quite evident on Sweet and Lovely. This 2004 release unites two of Mance's early-‘60s sessions on a single 77-minute CD: The Soulful Piano of Junior Mance and Big Chief (minus the Big Chief track "The Seasons," which Fantasy omitted due to space limitations). Both albums were produced by Orrin Keepnews for Jazzland/Riverside, and both of them find Mance leading cohesive piano trios. Whether Mance is joined by bassist Ben Tucker and drummer Bobby Thomas on Soulful Piano, or bassist Jimmy Rowser and drummer Paul Gusman on Big Chief, the pianist is in fine form throughout Sweet and Lovely. Mance excels on 12-bar blues themes, and he is equally convincing on standards that range from George Gershwin's "Summertime" and Cole Porter's "Love for Sale" to Thelonious Monk's "Ruby, My Dear". Occasionally, Mance ventures into cerebral territory; "Love for Sale" and the original "Swish," for example, underscore the Chicagoan's ability to play tough, complex, demanding bop changes at a fast tempo. But most of these trio performances thrive on groove-oriented accessibility and will easily appeal to those who prefer their jazz on the melodic side. Alex Henderson
Tracklist :
# 1-9 originally released as 'The Soulful Piano of Junior Mance' (Jazzland 930)
1    The Uptown    4:02
Written-By – Julian Mance
2    Ralph's New Blues    4:20
Written-By – Milt Jackson
3    Main Stem    4:21
Written-By – Duke Ellington
4    Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup    3:38
Written-By – Anna Socenko
5    Playhouse    4:14
Written-By – Julian Mance
6    Sweet And Lovely    3:35
Written-By – Daniels, Arnheim, Tobias
7    In The Land Of Oo-Bla-Dee    4:36
Written-By – Mary Lou Williams
8    I Don't Care    4:27
Written-By – Ray Bryant
9    Swingmatism    5:12
Written-By – McShann, Scott
# 10-17 on 'Big Chief!' (Jazzland 953)
10    Big Chief!    4:16
Written-By – Junior Mance
11    Love For Sale    4:55
Written-By – Cole Porter
12    Fillet Of Soul    4:27
Written-By – Larry Gales
13    Swish    3:38
Written-By – Junior Mance
14    Summertime    4:09
Written-By – George And Ira Gershwin
15    Ruby, My Dear    5:55
Written-By – Thelonious Monk
16    Little Miss Gail    4:45
Written-By – Junior Mance
17    Atlanta Blues    5:51
Written-By – W. C. Handy
Credits :
1-9 originally released as 'The Soulful Piano of Junior Mance' (1969, Jazzland 930)
Bass – Ben Tucker
Drums – Bobby Thomas
Piano – Junior Mance
10-17 on 'Big Chief!' (1961, Jazzland 953)
Bass – Jimmy Rowser
Drums – Paul Gusman
Piano – Junior Mance

JOE LOCKE QUARTET — Moment To Moment : The Music Of Henry Mancini (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Vibraphonist Joe Locke offers a fresh look at works by Henry Mancini on this release, as he leads a powerhouse quartet that includes pianist Billy Childs, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Gene Jackson. His dramatic and spacious treatment of one of Mancini's most beloved works, "Moon River," gives the oft-recorded song a very new sound, while another frequently played number, "Days of Wine and Roses," begins with a dreamy introduction before progressing into a head-shaking hard bop arrangement. "Charade" is another well-loved movie theme that gets a thorough revamping; in Billy Childs' chart the piano alternates between a swirling line that contrasts with the leader as he plays its theme with a straight-ahead bop segment. But the group is not content just to stick to Mancini's best-known songs; "Loss of Love" is a straight-ahead ballad nailed on the first take, while "Whistling Away the Dark" showcases Eddie Gomez's lovely arco bass. When one combines great compositions and inventive, talented musicians such as the member of the Joe Locke Quartet, the results have to be highly recommended. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Slow Hot Wind    7:30
 Norman Gimbel / Henry Mancini
2    Moon River    6:43
 Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer
3    Moment To Moment    6:43
 Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer
4    Whistling Away The Dark    3:37
 Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer
5    Charade    6:22
 Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer
6    Loss Of Love    7:27
 Henry Mancini / Bob Merrill
7    The Days Of Wine And Roses    6:29
 Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer
8    Two For The Road    5:38
 Leslie Bricusse / Henry Mancini
9    Dreamsville    5:46
  Henry Mancini
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Gene Jackson
Piano – Billy Childs
Vibraphone – Joe Locke

FLORA PURIM — Stories to Tell (1974-1991) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Though her recordings for Chick Corea's Return to Forever provide a better introduction to her vocal talents, Stories to Tell is an excellent outing by Flora Purim and friends. Assisted by a cast of jazz/fusion all-stars led by husband Airto Moreira, Purim shows off the wide range of her abilities: from wordless vocal soaring to songs with lyrics in English and Portuguese, from uptempo percussion-driven workouts to beautiful ballads. In addition to Airto, the assembled cast includes bassists Miroslav Vitous and Ron Carter, keyboard wunderkind George Duke, guitarists Earl Klugh and Oscar Castro-Neves, and trombonist Raul de Souza. Also, Carlos Santana turns in one of his patented sizzling guitar solos on "Silver Sword." With material from Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vitous, Milton Nascimento, McCoy Tyner, and Purim herself, this is an album worth savoring. Jim Newsom
Tracklist :
1    Stories To Tell 3:41
Bass, Synthesizer, Composed By, Arranged By – Miroslav Vitous
Composed By – Flora Purim
2    Search For Peace 5:53
Composed By – Flora Purim, McCoy Tyner
3    Casa Forte 3:55
Composed By – Edu Lobo
Trombone, Soloist – Raul De Souza
4    Insensatez 2:46
Composed By – Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius De Moraes
5    Mountain Train 3:14
Composed By – Ernie Hood, Flora Purim
6    To Say Goodbye 4:03
Composed By – Edu Lobo, Lani Hall
Trombone, Soloist – Raul De Souza
7    Silver Sword 5:40
Lead Guitar – Carlos Santana
Synthesizer, Composed By, Arranged By – Miroslav Vitous
8    Vera Cruz (Empty Faces) 4:12
Composed By – Marcio Borges, Milton Nascimento
Trombone, Soloist – Raul De Souza
9    O Cantador / I Just Want To Be Here 6:45
Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Composed By [I Just Want To Be Here] – Airto, Flora Purim, George Duke, King Errisson, Miroslav Vitous
Composed By [O Cantador] – Dorival Caymmi, Nelson Motta
Credits :
Acoustic Guitar – Oscar Neves (pistas: 5, 8)
Arranged By – George Duke (pistas: 3, 8)
Arranged By [Flute] – Oscar Neves (pistas: 4, 6)
Arranged By [Strings] – Oscar Neves (pistas: 6)
Bass – Ron Carter (pistas: 2, 3, 8)
Congas – King Errisson
Drums, Percussion – Airto
Flugelhorn – Oscar Brashear (pistas: 3, 8)
Flute, Flute [Alto] – Hadley Caliman (pistas: 3, 8)
Guitar – Earl Klugh (pistas: 1 to 6, 8, 9), Oscar Neves (pistas: 4)
Keyboards, Synthesizer – George Duke
Lead Vocals – Flora Purim
Piano – Larry Dunlap (pistas: 5)
Trombone – George Bohanon (pistas: 3, 8)
Zither – Ernie Hood (pistas: 5)

LEE KONITZ - The Lee Konitz Duets (1967-1986) RM | Series : Jazz CD On Gold Disc And... – 7 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This LP comprises one of altoist Lee Konitz's greatest sessions. In 1967 he recorded a series of very diverse duets, all of which succeed on their own terms. Konitz is matched with valve trombonist Marshall Brown on a delightful version of "Struttin' with Some Barbecue" and matches wits with the tenor of Joe Henderson on "You Don't Know What Love Is." He plays "Checkerboard" with pianist Dick Katz, "Erb" with guitarist Jim Hall, "Tickle Toe" with the tenor of Richie Kamuca (Konitz switches to tenor on that cut), and an adventurous and fairly free "Duplexity" with violinist Ray Nance. Konitz also has three different duets in five versions of "Alone Together" and, on "Alphanumeric," welcomes practically everyone back for a final blowout. The music ranges from Dixieland to bop and free, and is consistently fascinating. Scott Yanow
Tracklist  
1 –Lee Konitz With Marshall Brown
_ Struttin' With Some Barbecue 3:02
Written-By – Lil Armstrong
2 –Lee Konitz With Joe Henderson
 _ You Don't Know What Love Is 3:27
Written-By – Raye, DePaul
Variations On Alone Together 14:59
3a –Lee Konitz
Variations On Alone Together I 1:03
Written-By – Dietz-Schwartz
3b –Lee Konitz With Elvin Jones
 _ Variations On Alone Together II 3:14
Written-By – Dietz-Schwartz
3c –Lee Konitz With Karl Berger
_ Variations On Alone Together III 2:23
Written-By – Dietz-Schwartz
3d –Lee Konitz With Eddie Gomez 3:28
_Variations On Alone Together IV
Written-By – Dietz-Schwartz
3e –Lee Konitz With Elvin Jones, Karl Berger & Eddie Gomez
_Variations On Alone Together V 4:40
Written-By – Dietz-Schwartz
4 –Lee Konitz With Dick Katz Checkerboard 5:44
Written-By – Dick Katz
5 –Lee Konitz With Jim Hall Erb 3:05
Written-By – Jim Hall
6 –Lee Konitz With Richie Kamuca Tickle Toe 2:53
Written-By – Lester Young
7 –Lee Konitz With Ray Nance Duplexity 6:16
Written-By – Konitz, Nance
8 –Lee Konitz Alphanumeric 5:17
Written-By – Marshall Brown
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz (tracks: 1, 2, 3.1, 3.3, 3.5, 4, 5, 8)
Baritone Saxophone – Lee Konitz (tracks: 1)
Bass – Eddie Gomez (tracks: 3.4, 3.5, 8)
Drums – Elvin Jones (tracks: 3.2, 3.5, 8)
Euphonium – Marshall Brown (tracks: 1)
Guitar – Jim Hall (tracks: 5, 8)
Piano – Dick Katz (tracks: 4, 8)
Producer – Dick Katz
Remastered By – Phil De Lancie
Supervised By – Orrin Keepnews
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson (tracks: 2, 8), Lee Konitz (tracks: 3.2, 3.4, 6, 7), Richie Kamuca (tracks: 6, 8)
Valve Trombone – Marshall Brown (tracks: 1, 8)
Vibraphone – Karl Berger (tracks: 3.3, 3.5, 8)
Violin – Ray Nance (tracks: 7)

LEE KONITZ - Peacemeal (1970-2004) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This Lee Konitz recording is of even greater interest than usual. Altoist Konitz, in a quintet with valve trombonist Marshall Brown, pianist Dick Katz, bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Jack DeJohnette, performs jazz adaptations of three Bela Bartok piano compositions, a trio of Dick Katz originals, two of his own pieces (including "Subconscious-Lee") and versions of "Lester Leaps In" and "Body and Soul" that include transcriptions of recorded solos by, respectively, Lester Young and Roy Eldridge. A thought-provoking and consistently enjoyable set of music. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Thumbs Under, for piano (Mikrokosmos Vol. 4/98), Sz. 107/4/98, BB 105/98 3:16
Béla Bartók
2     Lester Leeps In 3:26
Lester Young
3     Village Joke, for piano (Mikrokosmos Vol. 5/130), Sz. 107/5/130, BB 105/130 4:09
Béla Bartók
4     Something to Sing 4:13
Dick Katz
5     Peacemeal 7:08
Dick Katz
6     Body and Soul 5:09
Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour
7     Stamping Dance, for piano (Mikrokosmos Vol. 5/128), Sz. 107/5/128, BB 105/128 5:02
Béla Bartók
8     Fourth Dimension 4:39
Lee Konitz
9     Second Thoughts 3:10
Dick Katz
10     Subconscious-Lee 4:15
Lee Konitz
11     Lester Leeps In (Take 4) 3:23
Lester Young
12     Body and Soul (Take 3) 6:37
Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour
13     Subconscious-Lee (Take 6) 5:54
Lee Konitz
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Saxophone [Multivider (Electric)], Liner Notes – Lee Konitz
Arranged By – Dick Katz (tracks: 4, 5, 9), Marshall Brown (tracks: 1, 3, 7)
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Piano [Acoustic], Electric Piano, Producer – Dick Katz
Supervised By [Supervision], Liner Notes – Orrin Keepnews
Valve Trombone, Baritone Horn – Marshall Brown

LEE KONITZ - Spirits (1971-1999) RM | Serie : Original Jazz Classics | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Altoist Lee Konitz revisits his roots in pianist Lennie Tristano's music on this enjoyable recording from 1971. Four of the nine songs are duets with pianist Sal Mosca (who always sounded a lot like Tristano) while the five other pieces add bassist Ron Carter and drummer Mousie Alexander to the group. Konitz performs three of his own compositions, five by Tristano and one from tenor saxophonist Warne Marsh; typically all of these originals are based closely on the chord changes (and sometimes the melodies) of familiar standards. Despite that lack of originality, this is excellent music and finds altoist Lee Konitz in creative form. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Baby 4:23
Lennie Tristano
2     Dreams 5:12
Lennie Tristano
3     Two Not One 5:35
Lennie Tristano
4     Hugo's Head 3:39
Lee Konitz
5     Background Music 3:59
Warne Marsh
6     Lennie-Bird 4:37
Lennie Tristano
7     Wow 4:26
Lennie Tristano
8     Kary's Trance 6:29
Lee Konitz
9     Another 'Nother 6:07
Lee Konitz
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Mousey Alexander
Piano – Sal Mosca (tracks: 3, 4, 6, 9)
Producer – Dick Katz, Orrin Keepnews

LEE KONITZ — Satori (1975-1997) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is an excellent release that is fairly typical of a Lee Konitz program from the 1970s and '80s. There are a few standards (such as "Just Friends," "Green Dolphin Street" and "What's New"), a few fairly advanced pieces ("Satori" and "Free Blues"), thoughtful improvisations and a bit of hard-swinging. Inspired by the presence of pianist Martial Solal, bassist David Holland and drummer Jack DeJohnette, Konitz stretches himself as usual and comes up with consistently fresh statements while generally playing at a low introspective volume. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Just Friends 7:00
Composed By – John Klenner, Sam Lewis
2 On Green Dolphin Street 5:43
Composed By – Bronislaw Kaper, Ned Washington
3 Satori 9:02
Composed By – Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, Lee Konitz, Martial Solal
Composed By, Electric Piano – Dick Katz
4 Sometime Ago 7:18
Composed By – Sergio Mihanovich
Electric Piano – Martial Solal
5 What's New 3:22
Composed By – Bob Haggart
6 Hymn 2:43
Composed By – Lee Konitz
7 Free Blues 7:50
Composed By – Lee Konitz
Credits
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – David Holland
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Piano – Martial Solal
Producer – Dick Katz

LEE KONITZ WITH ALAN BROADBENT - Live-Lee (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This intimate live program pairs two Lennie Tristano disciples: Lee Konitz, in his eighth decade and at the height of his powers, and the distinctive, calmly extraordinary pianist Alan Broadbent. The clarity and expressiveness of these performances from the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles make it difficult to accept this was the duo's first time playing together. In working out how best to interact with Konitz, Broadbent found that less is more. Supporting Konitz with supple, swinging, spacious structures, he frees the saxophonist to create and explore. Liberated, Konitz gives himself over to the flow of his ideas and impulses, his sound and phrasing natural, unforced. Not that Broadbent is confined to the supporting role; he and Konitz each have considerable space for unaccompanied playing, joint extemporizing, and situations where the lead moves in subtle shifts between the two. In their transformations of familiar material, Konitz and Broadbent take a very non-bop approach to the discovery of new and unexpected patterns and points of view in repertoire conceived or extensively exploited by bop players. Their tactics pose intriguing possibilities for other pieces from the bop canon or for post-bop classics such as Miles Davis and Victor Feldman's "Joshua" or Sonny Rollins' "Blue 7." While Broadbent said it took a few sets for him and Konitz to get to know each other during their week-long run together, the luminous performances captured on this October 2000 recording suggest that any meeting between the two would be rewarding. Listeners who enjoy either of these masters will be hoping there is more where this came from. Jim Todd  
Tracklist :
1     I'll Remember April 5:47
Gene DePaul / Patricia Johnston / Don Raye    
2     Sweet and Lovely 6:43
Gus Arnheim / Jules LeMare / Harry Tobias
3     Sequentialee 5:03
Lee Konitz
4     If You Could See Me Now 5:31
Tadd Dameron / Carl Sigman
5     Cherokee 5:59
Ray Noble     
6     Gundula 7:15
Lee Konitz
7     Keepin' the News  3:47
Lee Konitz    
8     Easy Living 6:04
Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin    
9     317 East 32nd Street 6:56
William H. Bauer / Lennie Tristano    
10     Ex Temp 5:04
Alan Broadbent / Lee Konitz    
11     Subconscious Lee 7:11
Lee Konitz
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Piano, Liner Notes – Alan Broadbent
Producer, Liner Notes – Orrin Keepnews

GARY BARTZ - Libra + Another Earth (1998) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Altoist Gary Bartz's first two recordings as a leader are reissued in full (except for one selection, "Disjunction," left off due to lack of space) on this 1998 CD. 1967's Libra matches Bartz (then 26) with trumpeter Jimmy Owens, pianist Albert Dailey, bassist Richard Davis, and drummer Billy Higgins for four diverse originals including "Eastern Blues," a lyrical "Cabin in the Sky," the old hymn "Deep River," and Charlie Parker's "Bloomdido." Another Earth features Bartz dueting with bassist Reggie Workman on "Lost in the Stars," performing three trio quartet numbers with Workman, pianist Stanley Cowell, and drummer Freddie Waits, and welcoming trumpeter Charles Tolliver and tenor saxophonist Pharoah Sanders (who is a little more restrained than usual) to the 23-and-a-half-minute, three-part "Another Earth." The music is advanced but not avant-garde, essentially falling into the genre of modern mainstream for the period. Even at this early stage, Bartz had a fairly distinctive sound and a strong musical style. Scott Yanow
Libra (1967)
1 Eastern Blues  3:59
Gary Bartz
2 Cabin in the Sky  3:59
Vernon Duke
3 Air and Fire  5:53
Gary Bartz
4 Libra  6:22
Gary Bartz
5 Bloomdido 4:46
Charlie Parker
6 Deep River  4:51
Gary Bartz
7 Freedom One Day  5:08
Another Earth (1968)
8 Another Earth  23:46
Gary Bartz
9 Dark Nebula  5:04
Gary Bartz
10 UFO  4:49
Gary Bartz
11 Lost in the Stars  4:04
Kurt Weill
12 Perihelion and Aphelion  3:47
Gary Bartz
Credits 1-7
Bass – Richard Davis
Alto Saxophone – Gary Bartz
Drums – Billy Higgins
Piano – Albert Dailey
Trumpet – Jimmy Owens (tracks: 4, 7)
Libra (originally Milestone 9006): 1967
Credits 8-12
Alto Saxophone – Gary Bartz
Bass – Reggie Workman  
Drums – Freddie Waits
Piano – Stanley Cowell
Tenor Saxophone – Pharoah Sanders (tracks: 8)
Trumpet – Charles Tolliver (tracks: 8)
Another Earth (originally Milestone 9018): 1968

GARY BARTZ NTU TROOP - Harlem Bush Music - Taifa (1971-2008) Jazz Next Standard 14 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Rise    5:25
Written-By – Gary Bartz
2    People Dance    10:33
Written-By – Gary Bartz
3    Du (Rain)    4:17
Written-By – Gary Bartz
4    Drinking Song    5:14
Written-By – Gary Bartz, Maxine Bartz
5    Taifa    4:14
Written-By – Gary Bartz, Maxine Bartz
6    Parted    1:59
Written-By – Paul Laurence Dunbar
7    The Warrior's Song    6:06
Written-By – Gary Bartz
Credits :
Bass, Electric Bass – Juni Booth
Drums – Harold White
Percussion – Nat Bettis
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Gary Bartz
Vocals – Andy Bey (pistas: 1 to 5)
Voice – Gary Bartz (pistas: 6, 7)

LOU DONALDSON - Birdseed (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Like fellow alto saxophonists Phil Woods, Jackie McLean, Frank Morgan, Ernie Henry, and Sonny Criss, Lou Donaldson started out with a very Charlie Parker-like tone but went on to develop a recognizable sound of his own. Bird's influence never disappeared from Donaldson's playing, although he successfully combined that influence with many ideas of his own. The title Birdseed might lead some to wonder if this 1992 date is a tribute to Parker -- it isn't, and the CD doesn't contain any Parker songs at all. However, that title is Donaldson's way of acknowledging Parker's tremendous contributions. (Producer Orrin Keepnews put it best when he said that there are basically two types of jazz: before and after Charlie Parker). Though the uptempo title song has a very Bird-like melody, it is Donaldson's own ideas that make this album as appealing as it is. From the Johnny Hodges-minded ballad "Dorothy" (written by singer Rudy Nichols) to earthy blues statements on Gene Ammons' "Red Top" and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson's "Back Door Blues," Birdseed finds Donaldson in fine form at 65. The CD's most surprising track is "Pennies From Heaven," which has usually been heard at a fast or medium speed in recent decades but is returned to a ballad tempo by Donaldson (who is joined by organist David Braham, drummer Fukushi Tainaka, percussionist Ralph Dorsey, and the Grant Green-influenced guitarist Peter Bernstein). Produced by Bob Porter, Birdseed falls short of essential but is inspired and swinging. Alex Henderson  
Tracklist :
1     Cherry 4:33
Don Redman    
2     Walkin' Again 6:56
Lou Donaldson     
3     Pennies from Heaven 6:29
Johnny Burke / Arthur Johnston    
4     Red Top 8:12
Lionel Hampton / Ben Kynard    
5     Blue Bossa 5:45
Kenny Dorham    
6     Back Door Blues 4:59
Lou Donaldson     
7     Dorothy 5:22
Rudy Nichols    
8     Birdseed 6:44
Lou Donaldson          
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lou Donaldson
Congas – Ralph Dorsey
Drums – Fukushi Tainaka
Guitar – Peter Bernstein
Organ – David Braham

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 

BILL EVANS / EDDIE GOMEZ - Intuition (1974-2012) RM / SHM-CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After having played together on a regular basis for eight years, it is not surprising that this set of duets by pianist Bill Evans and bassist Eddie Gomez is intuitive and bordering on the telepathic. The material is quite fresh. Evans might have recorded "Invitation" and "Show-Type Tune" previously, but the other six songs were getting their debut in his hands. Whether it be "Hi Lili, Hi Lo," Claus Ogerman's "A Face Without a Name," Steve Swallow's "Falling Grace" or "Blue Serge," the sensitive and generally introspective playing on this LP definitely holds one's interest. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Invitation 6:29
Bronislaw Kaper
2     Blue Serge 5:06
Mercer Ellington
3     Show-Type Tune 4:05
Bill Evans
4     The Nature of Things 3:23
Irvin Rochlin
5     Are You All the Things? 4:59
Bill Evans
6     A Face Without a Name 5:36
Claus Ogerman
7     Falling Grace 4:29
Steve Swallow
8     Hi Lili, Hi Lo (For Ellaine) 7:18
Helen Deutsch
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Piano, Electric Piano – Bill Evans

BILL EVANS - Re : Person I Knew (1974-2012) RM / SHM-CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded at the same Village Vanguard sessions that resulted in Since We Met, this posthumous collection (first put out in 1981 and later reissued on CD) features pianist Bill Evans, bassist Eddie Gómez, and drummer Marty Morell playing material that was passed over for release at the time -- some of the songs were overly familiar, while others were works in progress. But even though the results fall short of classic, they should interest Bill Evans collectors; highlights include remakes of "Re: Person I Knew," "Alfie," "T.T.T. (Twelve Tone Tune)," and "34 Skidoo." by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Re: Person I Knew 5:20
Bill Evans
2     Sugar Plum 8:17
Bill Evans
3     Alfie 4:59
Burt Bacharach / Hal David
4     T.T.T. (Twelve Tone Tune) 5:31
Bill Evans
5     Excerpt from Dolphin Dance/Very Early 7:26
Bill Evans / Herbie Hancock
6     34 Skidoo 6:05
Bill Evans
7     Emily 5:17
Johnny Mandel / Johnny Mercer
8     Are You All the Things 6:21
Bill Evans
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Marty Morell
Piano – Bill Evans

BILL EVANS - Alone (Again) (1975-2012) RM / SHM-CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bill Evans was at his best playing solo piano; his touch, harmonic and rhythmic creativity, phrasing, and total technique were so accomplished that he needed ideal accompanists to excel in any trio or group situation. But when playing unaccompanied, he was free to explore any and all directions, developing and exploiting them without concern about other musicians following, fitting in, or expanding the territory behind or underneath him. There were only five cuts on this 1975 date, and the superb CD remastering illuminates Evans' brilliant solos. It offers a textbook example of how Evans opened, developed, and finished a composition; he examined it to the utmost, explored multiple options with flair, then concluded it in spectacular fashion. by Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1     The Touch of Your Lips 5:17
Ray Noble
2     In Your Own Sweet Way 5:02
Dave Brubeck
3     Make Someone Happy 5:16
Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne
4     What Kind of Fool Am I? 4:45
Leslie Bricusse / Anthony Newley
5     People 14:28
Bob Merrill / Jule Styne
Credits :
Piano – Bill Evans

THE BILL EVANS TRIO - I Will Say Goodbye (1977-2012) SHM-CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The title refers to the Michel Legrand piece performed twice on the date, and to the fact that pianist Bill Evans was on the verge of switching labels from Fantasy to Warner Bros. For his final Fantasy album, Evans, bassist Eddie Gómez, and drummer Eliot Zigmund perform memorable renditions of such songs as Herbie Hancock's "Dolphin Dance," Johnny Mandel's "Seascape," and Burt Bacharach's underrated "A House Is Not a Home." Fine post-bop music from an influential piano giant. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     I Will Say Goodbye 3:27
Alan Bergman
2     Dolphin Dance 6:01
Herbie Hancock
3     Seascape 5:21
Johnny Mandel
4     Peau Douce 4:16
Steve Swallow
5     Nobody Else But Me 5:04
Jerome Kern
6     I Will Say Goodbye [Take 2] 4:47
Alan Bergman
7     The Opener 6:09
Bill Evans
8     Quiet Light 2:26
Earl Zindars
9     A House Is Not a Home 4:37
Burt Bacharach
10     Orson's Theme 3:47
Michel Legrand
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Eliot Sigmund
Piano – Bill Evans

THE BILL EVANS TRIO ft. STAN GETZ - But Beautiful (1974-1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Aside from a series of studio sessions a decade earlier for Verve, this LP represents the only other meeting featuring Stan Getz with pianist Bill Evans. Originally issued by the notorious bootleg label Jazzdoor with six selections from a Laren, Holland concert in 1974, Milestone acquired the masters for a legitimate release and added four bonus tunes from a concert in Antwerp, Belgium a week later. Getz meshes almost perfectly with Evans' trio (with bassist Eddie Gómez and drummer Marty Morell), with only one sore spot: Getz ignored the pianist's request not to play the under-rehearsed "Stan's Blues," which provoked Evans into quickly dropping out and signaling his sidemen to avoid solos of their own. But the remaining tracks are all invigorating, particularly Evans' brisk "Funkallero" and the lush take of Jimmy Rowles' ballad "The Peacocks." It seems a shame that there were not additional opportunities for Getz and Evans to work together on other occasions, but it is possible that their strong personalities would have clashed. Highly recommended! by Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     Grandfather's Waltz 8:05
Lasse Färnlöf / Gene Lees
2     Stan's Blues 5:49
Stan Getz / Gigi Gryce
3     But Beautiful 5:44
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
4     Emily 5:40
Johnny Mandel / Johnny Mercer
5     Lover Man [Oh, Where Can You Be?] 8:03
Jimmie Davis / Jimmy Davis / Roger "Ram" Ramirez / Jimmy Sherman
6     Funkallero 6:36
Bill Evans
7     The Peacocks 7:19
Jimmy Rowles
8     You and the Night and the Music 7:38
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz
9     See-saw 6:43
Cy Coleman
10     The Two Lonely People 8:12
Bill Evans / Carol Hall / Jim Hall
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Marty Morell
Piano – Bill Evans
Tenor Saxophone – Stan Getz (faixas: 1 to 8)

RON CARTER - Parade (1979-2000) RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Bassist Carter heads a sterling mid-sized band with three trumpeters and saxophonists and two trombones. He handles the job of being both the primary and secondary rhythm support, while guests Joe Henderson, Jon Faddis, and Frank Wess, among others, provide some standout solos. The ensemble interaction clicks as well. by Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1     Parade 9:01
Ron Carter
2     A Theme in 3/4 5:54
Ron Carter
3     Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child 2:46
Traditional
4     Tinderbox 5:07
Ron Carter
5     Gypsy 8:41
Ron Carter
6     G.J.T. 4:48
Ron Carter
Credits :
Arranged By [Horns], Conductor [Horns] – Wade Marcus
Bass Trombone – Tom Malone
Bass, Bass [Piccolo], Producer, Written-By – Ron Carter
Drums – Tony Williams
Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Jerry Dodgion
Flute, Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Frank Wess
Piano – Chick Corea
Recorded By, Mixed By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson
Trombone – Urbie Green
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Joe Shepley, John Frosk, Jon Faddis

RON CARTER - New York Slick (1979-1996) RM / APE (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1     NY Slick 4:19
Ron Carter
2     A Slight Smile 4:19
Ron Carter
3     Tierra Española 8:48
Ron Carter
4     Aromatic 8:53
Ron Carter
5     Alternate Route 9:35
Ron Carter
Credits :
Acoustic Guitar – Jay Berliner (faixas: 3)
Drums – Billy Cobham
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Flugelhorn – Art Farmer
Flute – Hubert Laws
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald (faixas: 3)
Piano – Kenny Barron
Trombone – J.J. Johnson