KNUT RÖSSLER | JOHANNES VOGT with MIROSLAV VITOUS — Between The Times (2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue) lossless

"They combine jazz and early music into meditative chamber music full of clear, flowing melodies. Sensitive, timeless pieces." - STEREOPLAY ACT
Tracklist :
1    Contemplation 7:07
Rössler / Vogt
2    Pré-Luth Modal 6:06
Rössler / Vogt
3    Kuna  5:00
Rössler / Vogt
4    L'Encyclopédie 4:39
Rössler / Vogt
5    Dialogue 4:32
Rössler / Vogt
6    Le Colibri Royal 2:28
Rössler
7    Le Rêve Lucide 3:29
Rössler / Vogt
8    La Mélancolie 3:57
Rössler / Vogt
9    L'Intention Paradoxale 5:21
Rössler
10    La Vie Ephémère 7:52
Rössler / Vogt
11    Canaries 4:03
Rössler / Vogt
Credits :
Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Cover – Martin Noël
Lute [Baroque], Synthesizer, Producer – Johannes Vogt
Percussion – Mani Neumeier
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Flute, Producer – Knut Rössler

STEVE KUHN | MIROSLAV VITOUS | ALDO ROMANO — Oceans in the Sky (1990-2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This fairly obscure Owl CD matches together pianist Steve Kuhn, bassist Miroslav Vitous, and drummer Aldo Romano for post-bop renditions of three group originals and a variety of standards, including "The Island," "In Your Own Sweet Way," and "The Music That Makes Me Dance." The interplay between the three advanced musicians and their ability to play both inside and outside at the same time are the main reasons to acquire this set. Scott Yanow

Tracklist :
1    The Island    7:55
 Ivan Lins / Vitor Martins
2    Lotus Blossom    5:04
 Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston
3    La Plus Que Lente / Passion Flower    6:38
 Claude Debussy / Billy Strayhorn
4    Do    4:31
 Aldo Romano
5    Oceans In The Sky    6:10
 Steve Kuhn
6    Theme For Ernie    5:27
 Fred Lacey
7    Angela    4:47
 Antônio Carlos Jobim
8    In Your Own Sweet Way    7:31
 Dave Brubeck
9    Ulla    4:48
 Steve Kuhn
10    The Music That Makes Me Dance    2:42
 Jule Styne
Credits :
Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Aldo Romano
Piano – Steve Kuhn

JOE ZAWINUL — Zawinul (1971-1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Conceptually, sonically, this is really the first Weather Report album in all but name, confirming that Joe Zawinul was the primary creative engine behind the group from the beginning. It is also the link between WR and Miles Davis' keyboard-laden experiments on In a Silent Way; indeed, the tune "In a Silent Way" is redone in the more complex form in which Zawinul envisioned it, and Miles even contributes a brief, generous tribute to Zawinul on the liner. Two keyboardists -- Zawinul and the formidable Herbie Hancock -- form the underpinning of this stately, probing album, garnishing their work with the galactic sound effects of the Echoplex and ring modulator. Earl Turbinton provides the Wayne Shorter-like beams of light on the soprano sax, spelled by Wayne himself on "Double Image." The third founder of WR, Miroslav Vitous, checks in on bass, and hard-bopping trumpeter Woody Shaw proves to be perfectly adept at the jazz-rock game. Two short-lived standards of the jazz-rock era, the aforementioned "Double Image" and "Doctor Honoris Causa," are introduced here, yet it is mood pieces like "His Last Journey" and "Arrival in New York" that with the help of tape-speed manipulation, establish the lasting, murky, reflective ambience of this CD. Richard S. Ginell      Tracklist & Credits :

JOE ZAWINUL — Concerto Retitled (1976-2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

As Joe Zawinul's electric band Weather Report gathered momentum in the '70s, Atlantic put together a single-LP anthology of Zawinul's earlier two albums for Atlantic and one for Vortex. The irony, of course, is that the Zawinul of most of these tracks basically did not exist as of 1976, nor has this compulsively forward-looking musician returned to his acoustic jazz roots since. Fully half of the tracks - the Tatumesque solo number, "My One and Only Love," the straight-ahead "Riverbed," and trio numbers "Del Sasser" and "Sharon's Waltz" (with Cannonball Adderley's rhythm section, Sam Jones and Louis Hayes) come from the Money in the Pocket album. "From Vienna with Love" and "Concerto Retitled" (both from The Rise and Fall of the Third Stream) are backed by William Fischer's brooding neo-classical arrangements for cello and three violas. From these relatively conventional pursuits, it is a jolt to hear two hauntingly spiritual tracks - the electronically slowed-down "His Most Journey" and "In a Silent Way - " from the Zawinul album, the prelude to Weather Report. Though all of this stuff is out on CD in complete form, this is still useful as a quick trip through Zawinul's extraordinary changes over a short span of time. Richard S. Ginell    Tracklist & Credits :  

STAN GETZ | ZOOT SIMS - Double Exposure (1969-1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Stan Getz Quartet  
1    The Song Is You 5:55
Written-By – Jerome Kern
2    O Grande Amor 6:03
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
3    For Jane 3:20
Written-By – Jack DeJohnette
4    Dane's Chant 7:28
Written-By – Stanley Cowell
5    Major General 6:25
Written-By – Jack DeJohnette
Credits :
Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Piano – Stanley Cowell
Tenor Saxophone – Stan Getz

Zoot Sims Quartet    
6    Nirvana 4:12
Written-By – Zoot Sims
7    Indiana 4:00
Written-By – Ballard MacDonald, James F. Hanley
8    Memories Of You 4:04
Written-By – Andy Razaf
9    Come Rain Or Come Shine 4:37
Written-By – Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer
10    Up A Lazy River 3:24
Written-By – Hoagy Carmichael
11    Send In The Clowns 2:31
Written-By – Stephen Sondheim
Credits :
Bass – Milt Hinton
Drums – Buddy Rich
Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli
Tenor Saxophone – Zoot Sims
Notas.
Recorded 1969, Europe.

HERBIE MANN – Stone Flute (1970-2013) RM | Jazz Best Collection 1000 - 10 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The 1970 record buyer who came across Stone Flute expecting a typical Herbie Mann album in the Memphis Underground vein was in for a big surprise. Instead of funk, there was moodiness. Instead of a groove, there were violins, viola and cello. The feeling was one of floating in space, with the flute sailing freely over the William Fischer arrangements, like a Miles Davis trumpet solo of this, the Bitches Brew era. This is a totally atypical Herbie Mann recording, but one which rewards repeated listening. Jim Newsom
Tracklist :
1     In Tangier 10:35
David Mills
2     Paradise Beach 4:59
Herbie Mann
3     Flying 5:21
George Harrison / John Lennon / Paul McCartney / Ringo Starr
4     Miss Free Spirit 12:40
Herbie Mann
5     Waltz for My Son 4:23
Herbie Mann
6     Pendulum 2:35
Herbie Mann
Credits :
Arranged By – William Fischer
Bass – Miroslav Vitous (faixas: 3, 4, 5), Ron Carter (faixas: 1, 2, 6)
Cello – George Ricci (faixas: 1, 2, 6), Kermit Moore (faixas: 3, 4, 5)
Drums – Bruno Carr (faixas: 1, 2, 4), Mickey Rocca (faixas: 3, 4, 5)
Flute, Producer, Photography [Backliner Photo] – Herbie Mann
Guitar – Sonny Sharrock
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Roy Ayers
Viola – Al Brown (faixas: 3, 4, 5), Selwart Clarke (faixas: 1, 2, 6)
Violin – Manny Green (faixas: 1, 2, 6), Gene Orloff (faixas: 1, 2, 6), Peter Dimitriades (faixas: 3, 4, 5), Selwart Clarke (faixas: 3, 4, 5)

HERBIE MANN - Windows Opened + The Inspiration I Feel (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This two-fer from Collectables features a pair of out of print Herbie Mann LPs: Windows Opened and The Inspiration I Feel, both originally issued on Atlantic Records in 1968. These 12 tracks feature jazz versions of popular songs of the period written by Donovan, Tim Hardin, and Jimmy Webb plus six associated with Ray Charles. by Al Campbell
Tracklist :
Windows Opened (1968)
1     There Is a Mountain 6:06
Donovan
2     If I Were a Carpenter 5:41
Tim Hardin
3     Paper Man 6:48
Charles Tolliver
4     Footprints 8:26
Wayne Shorter
5     By the Time I Get to Phoenix 2:16
Jimmy Webb
6     Windows Opened 7:36
Roy Ayers
Credits :
Bass – Miroslav Vitous (faixas: 1-6)
Drums – Bruno Carr (faixas: 1-6)
Flute – Herbie Mann (faixas: 1-6)
Guitar – Sonny Sharrock (faixas: 1-6)
Vibraphone – Roy Ayers (faixas: 1-6)
The Inspiration I Feel (1968)
7     Lonely Avenue 6:25
Doc Pomus
8     Drown in My Own Tears 5:10
Henry Glover
9     Sticks and Stones 5:39
Titus Turner
10     I Got a Woman 6:53
Ray Charles / Renald Richard
11     Come Rain or Come Shine 4:44
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
12     Georgia on My Mind 4:48
Hoagy Carmichael / Stuart Gorrell
Credits :
Arranged By, Conductor – William Fischer
Flute [Uncredited] – Herbie Mann

HERBIE MANN - Live at the Whisky 1969 : The Unreleased Masters (2016) 2CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist 1 :
1     Untitled Jam 7:21
Roy Ayers / Bruno Carr / Herbie Mann / Steve Marcus / Sonny Sharrock / Miroslav Vitous
2     Tangier/If I Were a Carpenter 24:21
Tim Hardin / Donovan Leitch
3     Memphis Underground 10:37
Herbie Mann
4     Ooh Baby 21:37
Columbus Baker / Chris Hill
5     Scarborough Fair 4:06
Traditional
Tracklist 2 :    
1     Black Woman 5:47
Sonny Sharrock
2     All Blues 6:01
Miles Davis
3     If I Were a Carpenter 25:49
Tim Hardin
4     Philly Dog 10:45
Rufus Thomas
5     Portrait of Linda in three Colors, All black 7:36
Sonny Sharrock
6     Come Home Baby/Battle Hymn of the Republic/Come Home Baby 5:12
Julia Ward Howe / Ben Tucker
7     Chain of Fools 12:46
Don Covay
Credits :
Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Bruno Carr
Flute – Herbie Mann
Guitar – Sonny Sharrock
Lead Vocals – Linda Sharrock (faixas: 2-1, 2-5)
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Marcus
Vibraphone – Roy Ayers

WEATHER REPORT - Weather Report (1971-2014) RM / Jazz Collection 1000 / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Here we have the free-floating, abstract beginnings of Weather Report, which would define the state of the electronic jazz/rock art from its first note almost to its last. Their first album is a direct extension of the Miles Davis In a Silent Way/Bitches Brew period, more fluid in sound and more volatile in interplay. Joe Zawinul ruminates in a delicate, liquid manner on Rhodes electric piano; at this early stage, he used a ring modulator to create weird synthesizer-like effects. Wayne Shorter's soprano sax shines like a beacon amidst the swirling ensemble work of co-founding bassist Miroslav Vitous, percussionist Airto Moreira, and drummer Alphonse Mouzon. Zawinul's most memorable theme is "Orange Lady" (previously recorded, though uncredited, by Davis on Big Fun), while Shorter scores on "Tears" and "Eurydice." One of the most impressive debuts of all time by a jazz group. by Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist:
1 Milky Way 2:30
Written-By – J. Zawinul, W. Shorter
2 Umbrellas 3:24
Written-By – J. Zawinul, M. Vitous, W. Shorter 
3 Seventh Arrow 5:20
Written-By – M. Vitous
4 Orange Lady 8:40
Written-By – J. Zawinul
5 Morning Lake 4:23
Written-By – M. Vitous
6 Waterfall 6:18
Written-By – J. Zawinul
7 Tears 3:22
Written-By – W. Shorter
8 Eurydice 5:43
Written-By – W. Shorter
Créditos
Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Alphonze Mouzon
Percussion – Airto Moreira
Piano, Keyboards – Joe Zawinul
Saxophone – Wayne Shorter

WEATHER REPORT - I Sing The Body Electric (1972-2014) Jazz Collection 1000 / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Like the weather itself, this band would assume a new shape with virtually every release -- and this album, half recorded in the studio and half live in Tokyo, set the pattern of change. Exit Airto Moreira and Alphonse Mouzon; enter percussionist Dom Um Romao, drummer Eric Gravatt, and a slew of cameo guests like guitarist Ralph Towner, flutist Hubert Laws, and others. The studio tracks are more biting, more ethnically diverse in influence, and more laden with electronic effects and grandiose structural complexities than before. The live material (heard in full on the import Live in Tokyo) is even fiercer and showcases for the first time some of the tremendous drive WR was capable of, though it doesn't give you much of an idea of its stream of consciousness nature. by Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist:
1 Unknown Soldier 7:57
Written-By – J. Zawinul
2 The Moors 4:49
Written-By – W. Shorter
3 Crystal 7:23
Written-By – M. Vitous
4 Second Sunday In August 4:04
Written-By – J. Zawinul
Medley: (10:45)
5.1 Vertical Invader
Written-By – J. Zawinul
5.2 T.H.
Written-By – M. Vitous
5.3 Dr. Honoris Causa
Written-By – J. Zawinul
6 Surucucú 7:46
Written-By – W. Shorter
7 Directions 4:37
Written-By – J. Zawinul
Credits:
Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Eric Gravátt
Flute – Hubert Laws, Jr. (tracks: 1)
Keyboards [Electric, Acoustic] – Joe Zawinul
Percussion – Dom Um Romao (tracks: 2)
Reeds – Wayne Shorter
Trumpet [D Trumpet], Piccolo Trumpet – Wilmer Wise (tracks: 1)
Twelve-String Guitar [12-String Guitar] – Ralph Towner (tracks: 2)
Vocals [Singers] – Chapman Roberts (tracks: 1), Joshie Armstrong (tracks: 1), Yolande Bavan (tracks: 1)

WEATHER REPORT - Live In Tokyo (1972-2007) RM / 2CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

While side two of I Sing the Body Electric gives us heavily edited glimpses of Weather Report as heard live in Tokyo, this two-disc Japanese import contains entire group ensembles from that concert -- and as such, it is a revelation. Now we can follow the wild, stream-of-consciousness evolution of early Weather Report workouts, taking the listener into all kinds of stylistic territory -- from Joe Zawinul's lone acoustic piano to dissonant free form and electronic explosions -- with lots of adjustments of tempo and texture. The pulse of jazz is more evident in their work here than on their American albums, and the example of Miles Davis circa the Fillmore concerts directs the fierce interplay. In his subsequent recordings with Weather Report, and as a leader, Wayne Shorter would rarely equal the manic intensity he displayed in Tokyo. All of the music is encapsulated in five lengthy "medleys" of WR's repertoire, three of which contain elongated versions of themes from the group's eponymously titled debut album from 1971. This would be the radical apogee of Weather Report on records, though they could retain this level of fire in concert for years to come. by Richard S. Ginell 
Tracklist:
1-1 Medley: Vertical Invader - Seventh Arrow - T. H. - Doctor Honoris Causa 26:12
Written-By [Doctor Honoris Causa] – J. Zawinul
Written-By [Seventh Arrow] – M. Vitous
Written-By [T. H.] – M. Vitous
Written-By [Vertical Invader] – J. Zawinul
1-2 Medley: Surucucu - Lost - Early Minor - Direction 19:08
Written-By [Direction] – J. Zawinul 

Written-By [Early Minor] – J. Zawinul
Written-By [Lost] – W. Shorter
Written-By [Surucucu] – W. Shorter
2-1 Orange Lady 18:10
Written-By – J. Zawinul
2-2 Medley: Eurydice - The Moors 13:42
Written-By [Eurydice] – W. Shorter
Written-By [The Moors] – W. Shorter
2-3 Medley: Tears - Umbrellas 10:26
Written-By [Tears] – W. Shorter
Written-By [Umbrellas] – J. Zawinul, W. Shorter
Credits:
Double Bass [Acoustic Bass], Electric Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Eric Gravatt
Percussion – Dom Um Romao
Piano [Acoustic], Electric Piano – Joe Zawinul
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Wayne Shorter

WEATHER REPORT - Sweetnighter (1973-2007) RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Right from the start, a vastly different Weather Report emerges here, one that reflects co-leader Joe Zawinul's developing obsession with the groove. It is the groove that rules this mesmerizing album, leading off with the irresistible 3/4 marathon deceptively tagged as the "Boogie Woogie Waltz" and proceeding through a variety of Latin-grounded hip-shakers. It is a record of discovery for Zawinul, who augments his Rhodes electric piano with a funky wah-wah pedal, unveils the ARP synthesizer as a melodic instrument and sound-effects device, and often coasts along on one chord. The once fiery Wayne Shorter has been tamed, for he now contributes mostly sustained ethereal tunes on soprano sax, his tone sometimes doubled for a pleasing octave effect. The wane of freewheeling ensemble interplay is more than offset by the big increase in rhythmic push; bassist Miroslav Vitous, drummer Eric Gravatt, and percussionist Dom Um Romao are now cogs in one of jazz's great swinging machines. by Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist:
1    Boogie Woogie Waltz 13:04
Bells, Tambourine, Percussion [Chucalho] – Dom Um Romao
Composed By – J. Zawinul
Drums – Herschel Dwellingham
Drums [Moroccan Clay] – Maruga
Electric Bass – Andrew White, Miroslav Vitous
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
Synthesizer, Electric Piano – Josef Zawinul
2    Manolete 5:56
Acoustic Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Composed By – W. Shorter
Drums – Eric Gravatt, Herschel Dwellingham
Drums [Moroccan Clay], Timpani, Cymbal [Splash] – Maruga
Electric Piano, Piano, Synthesizer – Josef Zawinul
Soprano Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
3    Adios 3:00
Composed By – J. Zawinul
Electric Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Electric Piano – Josef Zawinul
English Horn – Andrew White
Instruments [Roller Toy] – Maruga
Tenor Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
4    125th Street Congress 12:14
Acoustic Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Composed By – J. Zawinul
Drum [Israeli Jar] – Maruga
Drums – Herschel Dwellingham
Drums [Intro] – Eric Gravatt
Electric Bass – Andrew White
Electric Piano – Josef Zawinul
Pandeiro, Cuica, Instruments [Tamanco], Percussion [Chucalho], Gong, Tambourine, Cowbell – Dom Um Romao
Soprano Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
5    Will 6:21
Caxixi [Cachichi], Wood Block, Percussion [Chucalho] – Dom Um Romao
Composed By – M. Vitous
Electric Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Electric Piano – Josef Zawinul
English Horn – Andrew White
Tenor Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
6    Non-Stop Home 3:54
Bass – Andrew White
Composed By – W. Shorter
Drums – Herschel Dwellingham
Percussion, Percussion [Yaibis-stone], Tom Tom [Chinese], Cymbal, Instruments [Castanhola], Gong, Wood Block, Caxixi, Flute [Wood], Tambourine – Dom Um Romao
Soprano Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
Synthesizer, Piano – J. Zawinul

WEATHER REPORT - Mysterious Traveller (1974-1997) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Weather Report's fourth recording finds Wayne Shorter (on soprano and tenor) taking a lesser role as Joe Zawinul begins to really dominate the group's sound. Most selections also include bassist Alphonso Johnson and drummer Ishmael Wilburn although the personnel shifts from track to track. "Nubian Sundance" adds several vocalists while "Blackthorn Rose" is a Shorter-Zawinul duet. Overall the music is pretty stimulating and sometimes adventurous; high-quality fusion from 1974. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Nubian Sundance 10:40
Bass – Alphonso Johnson
Composed By – J. Zawinul
Drums – Ishmael Wilburn
Percussion – Dom Um Romao
Piano, Synthesizer, Vocals, Percussion – Josef Zawinul
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
2 American Tango 3:40
Bass – Alphonso Johnson, Miroslav Vitous
Composed By – J. Zawinul, M. Vitous
Drums – Ishmael Wilburn
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer – Josef Zawinul
Percussion – Dom Um Romao
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
3 Cucumber Slumber 8:22
Bass – Alphonso Johnson
Composed By – A. Johnson, J. Zawinul
Drums – Ishmael Wilburn
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer – Josef Zawinul
Percussion – Dom Um Romao
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
4 Mysterious Traveller 7:21
Bass – Alphonso Johnson
Composed By – W. Shorter
Drums – Ishmael Wilburn, Skip Hadden
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Josef Zawinul
Percussion – Dom Um Romao
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Piano, Instruments [Sea Shell] – Wayne Shorter
5 Blackthorn Rose 5:01
Composed By – W. Shorter
Piano, Melodica – Josef Zawinul
Sopranino Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
6 Scarlet Woman 5:45
Bass – Alphonso Johnson
Composed By – A. Johnson, J. Zawinul, W. Shorter
Drums, Percussion – Dom Um Romao
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer – Josef Zawinul
Soprano Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
7 Jungle Book 7:24
Composed By – J. Zawinul
Drums, Percussion – Dom Um Romao
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer – Josef Zawinul
Tabla, Finger Cymbals – Isacoff
- Bonus Track -
8 Miroslav's Tune (未発表曲) 5:25
Bass – Alphonso Johnson, Miroslav Vitous
Composed By – M. Vitous
Drums – Ishmael Wilburn
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer – Josef Zawinul
Percussion – Dom Um Romao
Soprano Saxophone – Wayne Shorter

MIROSLAV VITOUS - Magical Shepherd (1976-2003) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Magical Shepherd was Weather Report bassist Miroslav Vitous' fourth effort as a leader, released after he left the band. It's a deep, raw, funky fusion record that features -- besides one of the most hideously stupid covers imaginable -- appearances by Herbie Hancock, Jack DeJohnette, drummer James Gadson, and percussionist Airto. Vocalists Cheryl Grainger and Onike contribute as well, making this as much a basement-party and groove record as a jazz one. Vitous played as much synth as Hancock on this set and took it to the limit on "Basic Laws," a nearly 12-minute excursion into space funk with all the grease attached. The nine-and-a-half-minute "New York City" was vying to be produced by Giorgio Moroder as a disco slab, while the completely gone singing on the title track made it a precursor to Sun Ra's Lanquidity album a few years later. (Imagine Star Trek doing the "Space Is the Place" episode brought to you by T.J. Swan or Boogie Down Wine.) While this album is very much a product of it's time, that doesn't make it bad -- not by a long shot. Magical Shepherd is one of the better, darker, and weirder fuzak albums of the time. There is no soul-jazz here -- this is pedal-to-the-metal, booty-grindin' R&B crossed with edgy monitors bleeding into the red-jamming and dark-angel vocals, sending the whole thing off into the stratosphere. This Wounded Bird reissue on CD sounds fantastic and, while there are no extra tracks, you don't need them. For anyone interested in the wilder, woolier music of the mid-'70s, Magical Shepherd holds up exceedingly well. by Thom Jurek  
Tracklist:
1 Basic Laws 11:47
Bass, Guitar Synthesizer – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – James Gadson
Electric Piano [Rhodes], Clavinet, Synthesizer [Arp Odyssey and String Ensemble] – Herbie Hancock
Percussion – Airto Moreira
Vocals – Cheryl Grainger, Onike
2 New York City 9:32
Bass, Guitar, Synthesizer [Mini Moog] – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – James Gadson
Electric Piano [Rhodes], Clavinet, Synthesizer [Arp Odyssey and String Ensemble] – Herbie Hancock
Vocals – Cheryl Grainger, Onike
3 Synthesizers Dance 5:09
Bass, Guitar, Synthesizer [Mini Moog] – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Electric Piano [Rhodes], Synthesizer [Arp Odyssey] – Herbie Hancock
Percussion – Airto Moreira
4 Magical Shepherd 6:09
Bass, Guitar – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Electric Piano [Rhodes], Synthesizer [Arp String Ensemble] – Herbie Hancock
Percussion – Airto Moreira
Vocals – Cheryl Grainger, Onike
5 From Far Away 2:30
Electric Piano [Rhodes], Guitar, Synthesizer [Mini Moog, Arp String Ensemble] – Miroslav Vitous
Percussion – Airto Moreira
Vocals – Cheryl Grainger
6 Aim Your Eye 6:58
Bass, Guitar Synthesizer – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – James Gadson
Electric Piano [Rhodes], Synthesizer [Arp Odyssey and String Ensemble] – Herbie Hancock
Vocals – Cheryl Grainger, Onike
Credits:

Drums – Jack DeJohnette, James Gadson

Electric Piano [Rhodes], Clavinet, Synthesizer – Herbie Hancock
Percussion – Airto Moreira
Synthesizer [Synthesizer, Mini Moog], Bass, Guitar – Miroslav Vitous
Vocals – Cheryl Grainger, Onike

MIROSLAV VITOUS - Majesty Music (1976-2015) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Vitous is often at his best when the usual band dynamic is inverted so that his fellow band members fade back to become a mere accompaniment to his bass soloing. This release continued the high quality of Vitous's previous solo work, and while not every track is memorable, the floating dissonance of "Streams and Fields" and the frenzied bowed bass over brittle staccato drums in "New Orleans" are both clear precursors to Vitous's superb work the next year with Jack DeJohnette and Terje Rypdal. by Paul Collins
Tracklist:
1 X Rated 3:26
Bass, Guitar Synthesizer [360 System] – Miroslav Vitous
Composed By, Arranged By – Miroslav Vitous
Congas – David Earl Johnson
Drums – Lenny White
Synthesizer [String Ensemble], Electric Piano, Vocals – Rimona Francis
Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Jaroslav Jakubovic
2 See You, November 3:31
Composed By – Jaroslav Jakubovic
Composed By, Arranged By – Miroslav Vitous
Congas, Percussion – David Earl Johnson
Double Bass [Acoustic Bass], Synthesizer [String Ensemble, Mini Moog] – Miroslav Vitous
Tenor Saxophone – Jaroslav Jakubovic
3 Majesty Music 4:35
Composed By, Arranged By – Miroslav Vitous
Congas – David Earl Johnson
Double Bass [Acoustic Bass], Piano [Acoustic] – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Gerry Brown
Synthesizer [String Ensemble], Electric Piano, Vocals – Rimona Francis
4 New Orleans 3:22
Alto Saxophone – Jaroslav Jakubovic
Clavinet, Electric Bass, Double Bass [Acoustic Bass], Synthesizer [Mini Moog] – Miroslav Vitous
Composed By, Arranged By – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Lenny White
Electric Bass – Francesco Centeno
5 Do You, Don't You, Won't You ? 2:58
Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Jaroslav Jakubovic
Composed By, Arranged By – Jaroslav Jakubovic
Double Bass [Acoustic Bass], Soloist – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Lenny White
Electric Bass – Francesco Centeno
Electric Piano, Synthesizer [String Ensemble, Mini Moog] – Kenny Bichel
6 Best Friends 4:11
Composed By, Arranged By – Miroslav Vitous
Congas – David Earl Johnson
Drums – Gerry Brown
Guitar, Double Bass [Acoustic Bass] – Miroslav Vitous
Synthesizer [String Ensemble] – Rimona Francis
Tenor Saxophone – Jaroslav Jakubovic
7 Streams And Fields 3:07
Composed By, Arranged By – Miroslav Vitous
Congas – David Earl Johnson
Double Bass [Acoustic Bass], Synthesizer [String Ensemble, Mini Moog] – Miroslav Vitous
Vocals, Synthesizer [String Ensemble], Electric Piano – Rimona Francis
8 Folks 4:31
Baritone Saxophone – Jaroslav Jakubovic
Composed By, Arranged By – Miroslav Vitous
Congas – David Earl Johnson
Drums – Bobby Goldman
Piano [Acoustic], Electric Piano, Synthesizer [String Ensemble], Double Bass [Acoustic Bass] – Miroslav Vitous
9 Mount Shasta (Part II) 3:50
Baritone Saxophone – Jaroslav Jakubovic
Composed By, Arranged By – Miroslav Vitous
Congas – David Earl Johnson
Double Bass [Acoustic Bass], Synthesizer [String Ensemble, Mini Moog] – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Lenny White
10 Requiem For My Mother 5:09
Composed By, Arranged By – Jaroslav Jakubovic
Double Bass [Acoustic Bass], Synthesizer [String Ensemble] – Miroslav Vitous
Tenor Saxophone – Jaroslav Jakubovic

MIROSLAV VITOUS - Infinite Search (1969-1988) Jazz Best Collection 1000 / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

With John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, and Jack DeJohnette, this group rivaled the best fusion bands of the day. It must have been an intimidating challenge for a young Czech bassist to lead such a group on his debut album as a frontman, especially since he composed five of the six tracks. Recorded in late 1969, roughly the same time as the historic Bitches Brew, and the year before Vitous began a stint with the innovative Weather Report, this was trend-setting fusion. It's produced by Herbie Mann, for whom Vitous played on such albums as Memphis Underground and Stone Flute.by Mark Allan

Tracklist:

1. Freedom Jazz Dance 

Eddie Harris

2. Mountain In The Clouds

Miroslav Vitous

3. Epilogue

Miroslav Vitous

4. Cérecka

Miroslav Vitous

5. Infinite Search

Miroslav Vitous

6. I Will Tell Him On You

Miroslav Vitous

7. When Face Gets Pale

Miroslav Vitous

Credits

Miroslav Vitous-bass

Joe Henderson-tenor saxophone

Mahavishnu John McLaughlin-guitar

Herbie Hancock-electric piano

Jack DeJohnette-drums

Joe Chambers: drums on 3 y 4

MIROSLAV VITOUS - Miroslav (1977) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

1976-1977 sessions with Don Alias and Armen Halburian on percussion. Vitous overdubs bass and keyboards. A stunning musical trip through Afro-jazz texture music. "Tiger in the Rain" is absolutely captivating. by Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist:
1 Watching The Sunset Run 8:02
2 Bassamba 2:58
3 Tiger In The Rain 8:54
4 Concerto In E Minor 5:30
5 Pictures From Moravia 4:49
6 Sonata For A Dream 5:39
Percussion – Armen Halburian
Credits:
Acoustic Bass [Arco & Pizzicato], Piano, Electric Piano, Synthesizer [Mini-Moog, ARP String Ensemble], Composed By  – Miroslav Vitous
Congas, Bongos, Drums, Percussion – Don Alias (tracks: 1 to 5)

MIROSLAV VITOUS - Guardian Angels (1978-1993) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Miroslav Vitous has long been one of Europe's premier jazz bassists, while John Scofield is a great American guitarist. Their team-up yields music that is immaculately presented but often deficient in the energy and soul departments. That seems by design; such numbers as "Inner Peace" and "Shinkansen" have subdued arrangements, and the players carefully solo without ever straining or exerting themselves. At other times, Vitous and company move into more of a funk or upbeat style and seem even less sure. Vitous' bass work, especially his acoustic bowing, is marvelous, while Scofield plays in a sharp, concise, impressive manner, although without the characteristic edge and rock/blues stylings. by Ron Wynn
Tracklist:
1 His Meaning / Rising / Resolution 8:30
Written-By – Miroslav Vitous
2 Inner Peace 6:01
Written-By – Kenny Kirkland
3 Guardian Angels 5:45
Written-By – Miroslav Vitous
4 Off To Buffalo 5:07
Written-By – John Scofield
5 Eating It Raw 7:51
Written-By – John Scofield
6 Shinkansen 6:09
Written-By – Kenny Kirkland
Credits:
Bass, Electric Bass, Synthesizer [Mini-Moog, Solina String-ensemble] – Miroslav Vitous
Drums [Yamaha] – George Ohtsuke
Guitar – John Scofield
Music Director – Miroslav Vitous
Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes, Yamaha CP-70 (electric grand)], Synthesizer [Yamaha CS-50 (polyphonic), Mini-Moog] – Kenny Kirkland
Soprano Saxophone – Mabumi Yamaguchi

TERJE RYPDAL / MIROSLAV VITOUS / JACK DeJOHNETTE - Terje Rypdal~Miroslav Vitous~Jack DeJohnette (1979-2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

An otherworldly soundscape of aching beauty, this album is a must-have for aficionados of any member of this trio. Rypdal's guitar is hauntingly reverbed and distant throughout, though occasionally on "Seasons" he becomes too fond of caterwauling guitar synth. But this is truly an effort of trio fusion, with ineffable pieces like "Den Forste Sne" ("The First Snow") appearing and melting away without any tangible solos or structure. From the opening cymbal strikes of "Sunrise," this album is marked by DeJohnette's best drumming on record; his cymbal sound, pushed to the front and recorded with mikes both above and below the cymbal's bell -- "because that's how the drummer hears it" -- is nothing short of revelatory. Vitous' bass steadies Rypdal's flights of fancy, while his subtle electric piano lines float above. These elements combine most powerfully in "Believer," which builds from atmospheric shimmers of electric piano into a whorl of bass and plaintive guitar set against the dry rasp of resonating cymbals. by Paul Collins
Tracklist:
1 Sunrise 8:26
Written-By – Rypdal
2 Den Forste Sne 6:35
Written-By – Rypdal
3 Will 8:01
Written-By – Vitous
4 Believer 6:23
Written-By – Vitous
5 Flight 5:25
Written-By – DeJohnette, Vitous, Rypdal
6 Seasons 7:22
Written-By – DeJohnette, Vitous, Rypdal
Credits:
Double Bass, Electric Piano – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Guitar, Guitar Synthesizer, Organ – Terje Rypdal
Producer – Manfred Eicher

MIROSLAV VITOUS - First Meeting (1980) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This 1980 quartet session, unavailable in the U.S., features a young Kenny Kirkland on piano along with John Surman on soprano sax and bass clarinet and Jon Christensen on drums. Vitous wrote all but the title track, a tension-filled group improvisation. The dramatic "Silver Lake" begins the disc with rubato filigree and evolves into a driving yet impressionistic feel. "Beautiful Place To" follows, with its odd, Zen-like repeated melody, leading into "Trees," another rubato exploration with a short, precise melodic theme at its core. "Recycle," the album's high point, is prefaced by a beautiful piano and bass clarinet duo passage that sets the stage for hard-swinging improvisation. Vitous is unaccompanied on "Concerto in Three Parts," giving his warm, ardent arco style an extended feature (he bows throughout much of the disc as well). The lilting "You Make Me So Happy" serves as the finale. Recommended but hard to find, First Meeting documents the strength of Vitous' writing and playing and also yields a satisfying encounter with the late Kirkland, early in his career. by David R. Adler
Tracklist:
1 Silver Lake 10:49
Composed By – Miroslav Vitous
2 Beautiful Place To 5:06
Composed By – Miroslav Vitous
3 Trees 6:06
Composed By – Miroslav Vitous
4 Recycle 10:08
Composed By – Miroslav Vitous
5 First Meeting 4:44
Composed By – Surman, Christensen, Kirkland, Vitous
6 Concerto In Three Parts 5:28
Composed By – Miroslav Vitous
7 You Make Me So Happy 4:33
Composed By – Miroslav Vitous
Credits:
Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Jon Christensen
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Producer – Manfred Eicher
Soprano Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – John Surman