NGUYÊN LÊ — Maghreb And Friends (1998) Serie : ACT World Jazz | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

A breathtaking combination of musical traditions celebrated through the experimentation and rigor of a solid Jazz album. Nguyen Le has made career by reinventing "World Jazz" with an authenticity that celebrates the philosophy that music is truly universal - especially in an international context. And he can play! Thrown any musical style, Le carves a lyrical path that rock, Jazz, funk or fusion audiences can admire. Even a precursory spin of this record displays a colorful array of instrumentation, imaginative arrangements, colorful melodies and the kind of synergy and experimentation you might expect from a ambitious Jazz recording. Jazz Radio Project
Tracklist :
1        Ifrikyia 5:31
Written-By – Karim Ziad, N. Lê
2        Constantine 6:20
Written-By – N. Lê, Youcef Boukella
3        Louanges 5:53
Written-By – Karim Ziad
4        Yhadik Allah 4:37
Written-By – B'Net H., Karim Ziad, N. Lê
5        Nora 6:30
Written-By – Karim Ziad, N. Lê
6        Funk Raï 5:15
Written-By – N. Lê
7        L'Arkha Li Jeya 6:41
Written-By – B'Net H., Karim Ziad, N. Lê
8        Guinia 5:43
Written-By – Dominique Borker, N. Lê
9        Nesraf 6:33
Written-By – Mohammed El Anka, Nguyên Lê
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Wolfgang Puschnig
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Stefano Di Battista
Artwork – Martin Noël
Bass [Gumbri], Vocals, Karkabas [Karkabous], Percussion [Taarjet, Bendir, Derbaka, Talkas] – Karim Ziad
Drums – Mokhtar Samba
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Fretless Bass, Zither [Vietnamese], Programmed By – Nguyên Lê
Flute [African Peul], Vocals – Ali Wagué
Flute [Vietnamese] – Hao Nhiên
Kora – Jean-Jacques Avenel
Mandola, Banjo [Algerian] – Djemaï Abdenour
Soprano Saxophone – Alain Debiossat
Synthesizer [Accordion-synth] – Cheb Mami
Trumpet – Paolo Fresu
Violin – Mejdoub Ftati
Vocals – Aziz Sahmaoui, Gaëlle Hervé, Marielle Hervé, Mehdi Askeur
Vocals [Vietnamese] – Huong Thanh
Vocals, Percussion [Taarijet, Bendir, Derbuka] – Mohamed Menni

THE NGUYÊN LÊ TRIO — Bakida (2000) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1        Dding Dek    5:22
2        Madal    6:51
3        Encanto    5:45
4        Bakida    4:41
5        Chinoir    5:10
6        Noche Y Luz    4:35
7        Feel Feliz 4:59
Music By – Fons
8        Heaven 5:20
Music By – Borker
9        Lü    6:10
10        Romanichel    5:03
Credits :
Nguyên Lê -Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Guitar [Electroacoustic], Computer [Editing], Synth [Programmed]
Renaud Garcia-Fons - Bass [Acoustic 5 String Bass]
Tino di Geraldo - Drums, Percussion

And Guests:
Chris Potter -  Tenor Saxophone (tracks: 2, 5)
Paolo Fresu -  Trumpet, Flugelhorn (tracks: 9)
Carles Benavent - Bass [Electric 5 String Bass] (tracks: 3, 8)
Kudsi Erguner - Ney (tracks: 1)
Jon Balke -  Piano (tracks: 10)
Karim Ziad - Instruments [Gumbri, Tarija], Karkabas, Bendir, Vocals (tracks: 9)
Illya Amar - Marimba, Gong [Tuned]  (tracks: 1)
Hao Nhiên Pham – Flute [Meo & Sao]  (tracks: 9)

NGUYÊN LÊ DUOS | PAOLO FRESU | DHAFER YOUSSEF — Homescape (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A breeze from Sardinia, the hypnotic essence of the Orient, and the enigmatic allure of the Asian world blended with electronic sounds. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Stranieri 5:59
Written-By – Nguyên Lê, Paolo Fresu
2    Byzance 4:24
Written-By – Dhafer Youssef, Nguyên Lê
3    Muqqam 2:43
Written-By – Dhafer Youssef
4    Mali Iwa 6:26
Written-By – Nguyên Lê
5    Zafaran 6:00
Written-By – Dhafer Youssef, Nguyên Lê
6    Domus Janas 2:17
Written-By – Nguyên Lê, Paolo Fresu
7    Kithâra 2:18
Written-By – Dhafer Youssef
8    Chelsea Bridge 3:00
Written-By – Billy Strayhorn
9    Safina 3:26
Written-By – Dhafer Youssef, Nguyên Lê
10    Des Prés 2:19
Written-By – Nguyên Lê, Paolo Fresu
11    Thang Long 5:32
Written-By – Nguyên Lê
12    Neon 3:11
Written-By – Nguyên Lê, Paolo Fresu
13    Mangustao 7:25
Written-By – Dominique Borker
14    Lacrima Christi 3:13
Written-By – Nguyên Lê, Paolo Fresu
15    Beyti 2:53
Written-By – Dhafer Youssef, Nguyên Lê
Credits :
Nguyên Lê – Electric, Acoustic, Fretless, Synthesizer, e-bow, Vietnamese Guitars, Computer programming & electronics
Paolo Fresu – Trumpet, Fluegelhorn & electronics
Dhafer Youssef – Oud, Vocals & electronics

SORIBA KOUYATÉ — Kanakassi (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Ankana Diamana Ké    5:13
2    Massanicissé    8:32
3    Another Day In Paradise    4:05
4    Bani    5:56
5    Sakhadougou    5:57
6    Mariama    6:15
7    Kanakassi    4:31
8    Nice To Meet You; Me Too    3:26
9    Deli Guéléma    3:45
10    Autumn Leaves    8:52
11    Saint Louis - Dakar    3:41
12    Cortoum    4:54
13    American Standard    4:36
Credits :
Soriba Kouyate - Kora
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet
Linley Marthe - Bass
Joël Allouche - Drums, Percussion
Gérard Pansanel - Acoustic Guitar
Jean-Charles Agou - Saxophones, Flute
François Quillet - Piano
Philippe Gaillot - Syntheziser, Electric Guitar, Vocals

ULF WAKENIUS — Love Is Real (2008) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The Swedish guitar star Ulf Wakenius, supported by the radio.string.quartet.vienna, surprises with exciting adaptations and metamorphoses of the most beautiful compositions of the successful band e.s.t. Esbjörn Svensson Trio. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Seven Days Of Falling 6:39
Trumpet – Till Brönner
2    Dodge The Dodo 5:50
Arranged By [String Arrangement] – Bernie Mallinger, Johannes Dickbauer
Composed By – E. Svensson
Electric Guitar – Eric Wakenius
3    Believe, Beleft, Below (Love Is Real)    4:28
4    Tuesday Wonderland 5:20
Arranged By [String Arrangement] – Bernie Mallinger
5    Elevation Of Love    5:52
6    Pavane "Thoughts Of A Septuagenarian" 6:19
Arranged By [String Arrangement] – Esbjörn Svensson
7    Good Morning Susie Soho 5:24
Trombone – Nils Landgren
8    Eighthundred Streets By Feet 6:23
Arranged By [String Arrangement] – Johannes Dickbauer
9    When God Created The Coffeebreak    6:16
10    Shining On You    4:10
11    Viaticum 6:18
Arranged By [String Arrangement] – Bernie Mallinger
Trumpet – Paolo Fresu
Credits :
Ulf Wakenius – Acoustic nylon guitar, Acoustic steel guitar, Electric guitar
Lars Danielsson - Acoustic bass, Cello, Effects
Lars Jansson - Acoustic piano
Morten Lund - Drums, Caron, Percussion
radio.string.quartet.viena

Special Guests :
Till Brönner - Trumpet
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet
Nils Landgren - Trombone
Eric Wakenius - Electric Guitar

HUONG THANH — Moon And Wind (1999) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

"The perfect fusion of Western rhythms and melodies with the unique soundscapes of the Far East" - (MUSIKWOCHE) ACT
Tracklist :
1    The Soaring Of The Heron    6:37
2    All Is Peace    4:19
3    One River, Two Streams    5:47
4    Lovers On The Mountain    5:27
5    Crossing The Bridge    4:49
6    Autumn Wind    5:12
7    Blackbird Song    5:32
8    The Awaiting    8:04
9    Going Back To Hué    6:20
10    The Source    5:01
Credits :
Huong Thanh - Vocals
Nguyên Lê - Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Fretless Bass, Synths & Computer Programming
Hao Nhiên Pham - Bamboo Flute, 3-stringed Lute (dàn dày)
Duong Tam - 16-Strings Zither (dàn tranh), Moon Shaped Lute (dàn nguyêt), Lotus Lute (dàn sen), Monocorde (dàn bau), Woodblock (song lan), Backing Vocals
Dominique Borker - Acoustic piano, Synths
Illya Amar - Sanza
Tino di Geraldo - Cajón, Frame Drum, Palmas
Karim Ziad - Gumbri
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet

GERARDO NÚÑEZ — Andando el Tiempo (2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

"Flamenco and jazz? To hear that today, you should start with Gerardo Núñez." - (JAZZTHETIK) ACT
Tracklist :
1    La Habana A Oscuras    5:17
2    Trasgo    1:14
3    Plaza De Los Plateros    5:06
4    Templo Del Lucero    6:59
5    Nocturno    2:59
6    Compas De Amistad    5:44
7    Yerma    4:41
8    Siempre Es Tarde    4:06
9    Soleá De La Luna Coja    5:01
10    Canícula    4:20
11    Ïmpetu    3:33
Credits :
Gerardo Núñez – Guitar
Paolo Fresu – Trumpet
Perico Sambeat – Saxophone
Mariano Diaz - Piano

Angel Sanchez Gonzalez Cepillo - Percussions and Palmas
Carmen Cortés – Palmas
Noah Shaye & Moy Natenzon – Drums
Juanito El Cubano – Congas
Isabel Núñez – Ambientes
Pablo Martin - Double-Bass
Pepe El Habanero & Martin - Electric Bass

V.A. : GLOBAL MAGIC — The Ultimate ACT World Jazz Anthology Vol. V (2006) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Esbjörn Svensson Trio–    Reminiscence Of A Soul 5:43
Bass – Dan Berglund
Drums – Magnus Öström
Piano – Esbjörn Svensson
Written-By – Svensson
2    Huong Thanh / Paolo Fresu / Nguyên Lê–    Two Sisters 3:45
Electric Bass – Etienne Mbappé
Instruments [Viet.instr] – Duong Chi Tam
Trumpet – Paolo Fresu
Vocals – Huong Thanh
Written-By – Lê
3    Jens Thomas / Triocolor–    Sakyi's Song 2:57
Bass – Stefan Weeke
Drums – Björn Lücker
Piano – Jens Thomas
Written-By – Thomas
4    Gerardo Nuñez / Renaud Garcia-Fons–    Un Amor Real 3:24
Acoustic Guitar – Gerardo Nuñez
Bass – Renaud Garcia-Fons
Written-By – Nuñez
5    Gilberto Gil / Trilok Gurtu / Toninho Ferragutti / Bugge Wesseltoft–    Tatá Engenho Novo 3:50
 - Traditional
Accordion – Toninho Ferragutti
Keyboards – Bugge Wesseltoft
Percussion – Trilok Gurtu
Vocals – Gilberto Gil
6    Richie Beirach / Gregor Huebner / George Mraz–    Around Dubrawuschka 3:56
Bass – George Mraz
Piano – Richie Beirach
Violin – Gregor Huebner
Written-By – Huebner, Beirach
7    Karim Ziad / Jean-Philippe Rykiel / Bojan Z. / Linley Marthe–    Alouhid 5:10
Guitar – Nguyên Lê
Piano – Bojan Z.
Synth – Jean-Philippe Rykiel
Vocals – Karim Ziad
Written-By – Ziad, Lê, Takfarinas
8    Soriba Kouyaté / Didier Malherbe–    Diya 4:53
Arranged By – P. Gaillot
Bass – Linley Marthe
Drums – Joël Allouche
Flute – Didier Malherbe
Kora – Soriba Kouyaté
 - Traditional
9    Kudsi Erguner / Yunus Balcioglu / Nguyên Lê / Renaud Garcia-Fons–    Twins 3:43
Drums – Karim Ziad
Guitar – Nguyên Lê
Ney – Kudsi Erguner
Vocals – Yunus Balcioglu
Written-By – Erguner
10    Paolo Fresu / Elena Ledda / Antonello Salis / Furio Di Castri–    Pregadoria From Sonos 'E Memoria 3:42
Accordion – Antonello Salis
Bass – Furio Di Castri
Trumpet – Paolo Fresu
Vocals – Elena Ledda
Written-By – Ledda, Palmas, Lobina
11    Peter Erskine / Nguyên Lê / Michel Benita–    Autumn Rose 5:02
Bass – Michel Benita
Drums – Peter Erskine
Guitar – Nguyên Lê
Written-By – Erskine
12    Actronic–    Hamlet # Belleforest 2:13
Electronics – Bert Wrede
Written-By – Wrede
13    Frank Möbus / Der Rote Bereich–    Zambujeira Do Mar 1:47
Bass Clarinet – Rudi Mahal
Drums – John Schröder
Guitar – Frank Möbus
Written-By – Möbus
14    Nils Landgren Funk Unit–    Baby Let Me Kiss You 4:41
Bass Guitar – Lars Danmark Danielsson
Guitar – Henrik Janson
Vocals – Nils Landgren
Written-By – King Floyd
15    David Binney / Chris Potter / Uri Caine / Scott Colley / Brian Blade–    The Global Soul 4:11
Alto Saxophone – David Binney
Bass – Scott Colley
Drums – Brian Blade
Guitar – Adam Rogers
Piano – Uri Caine
Tenor Saxophone – Chris Potter
Written-By – Binney
16    Sidsel Endresen / Bugge Wesseltoft–    I Think It's Gonna Rain Today 4:15
Piano – Bugge Wesseltoft
Vocals – Sidsel Endresen
Written-By – Randy Newman
17    Actronic–    Frontside Backside 3:50
Electronics, Bass – Bert Wrede
Written-By – Wrede
18    Eirik Hegdal's Dingobats–    Slowhymn 4:02
Bass – Mats Eilertsen
Drums – Sverre Gjørvad
Guitar – Thomas T Dahl
Saxophone – Eirik Hegdal
Tenor Saxophone – Njål Ølnes
Written-By – Hegdal

JENS THOMAS — Plays Ennio Morricone 'You Can't Keep a Good Cowboy Down (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Overture To You Can't Keep A Good Cowboy Down    3:23
2    The Man With The Harmonica    4:55
3    The Good, The Bad And The Ugly    3:04
4    Cockeye's Song    6:40
5    Once Upon A Time In America    3:47
6    Deborah`s Theme    5:05
7    The Battle Of Laatzen    4:44
8    Once Upon A Time In The West    8:49
9    For Maestro Morricone    3:41
10    Poverty    6:31
11    Pioggia    3:04
12    Here's To You    7:32
Credits :
Accordion – Antonello Salis (tracks: 2, 5, 9)
Piano – Jens Thomas
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Paolo Fresu (tracks: 2, 5, 9, 11)
Written-By – Morricone (tracks: 2 to 6, 8, 10, 12), Thomas (tracks: 1, 7, 9, 11)

NGUYÊN LÊ — Tales from Viêt-nam (1996) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Blending Western fusion jazz with Eastern structures and dissonance, Nguyen Le constructs a compelling pastiche. Perhaps most interesting is Huong Thanh's vocal in Vietnamese. Tim Sheridan

"A captivating symbiosis of ethno-sounds and refreshing jazz dynamics" - (MAX) ACT
Tracklist :
1    The Wind Blew It Away (Qua Câu Gio Bay) 7:30
– Traditional
Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
Arranged By [Assistant] – Dominique Borker
2    The Black Horse (Ly Ngua O) 4:10
– Traditional
Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
3    Don't You Go Away My Friend (Nguoi Oi Nguoi O Dung Vê) 7:26
– Traditional
Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
Arranged By [Assistant] – Dominique Borker
4    Trông Com (The Rice Drum) 4:04
– Traditional
Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
Arranged By [Assistant] – Dominique Borker
5    Hen Ho (Promise Of A Date) 5:24
– Traditional
Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
6    The Banyan Tree Song (1. Ly Cai Da/2. The Pillow (Cai Gôi)/3. The Hill (Trèo Lên Quan Dôc) 8:19
– Traditional
Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
7    Spring Of Life (Hoai Xuân) 3:21
Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
Written-By – Tô Man Châu
8    Ting Ning 3:42
– Traditional
Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
9    Mangustao Pt. 1 4:36
Written-By, Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
Written-By, Arranged By [Assistant] – Dominique Borker
10    Mangustao Pt. 2 5:54
Written-By, Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
Written-By, Arranged By [Assistant] – Dominique Borker
Credits :
Acoustic Bass [Accoustic] – Michel Benita
Drums – Joël Allouche (tracks: 1, 2, 6, 9)
Drums, Percussion – Steve Argüelles (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 10), Trilok Gurtu (tracks: 5, 8)
Lute [Moon Lute] – Thai An (tracks: 3)
Percussion, Marimba, Piano, Keyboards – François Verly
Performer [Sapek Clappers, Dan Bau], Zither [Dan Tranh], Flute [Sao Flute] – Hao Nhien
Producer, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Tracking By [Overdubs], Programmed By – Nguyên Lê
Saxophone, Flute [African], Alto Flute, Bass Flute, Concertina – Simon S. Hansen
Tracking By [Overdubs] – Pierre Bengon-Lours, Stéphane Luginbuhl, Valérie Abrial
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Paolo Fresu
Vocals – Huong Thanh

HUONG THANH — Mangustao (2004) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Vietnamese vocalist Huong Thanh rose to fame in the new millennium as her nation's premier jazz talent. Thanh was brought up in a musical household steeped in the cai luong tradition. Mentored by her father, famed vocalist Huu Phuoc, Thanh was trained in the complex musical style blending the demands of a complex tonal language with operatic expression and storytelling. She studied formally in Saigon, beginning at age 13. By 16 Thanh had taken the stage in her first of many cai luong productions. Touring throughout Europe matured Thanh as a musician, and offered opportunities to be exposed to different musical styles. Thanh often returned to Vietnam, recording with some of the nation's most renowned talents. On one such trip she was introduced to guitarist Nguyên Lê, who introduced her to the world of jazz. Thanh joined Lê's Tales from Vietnam project, which toured Europe extensively and released highly acclaimed material exploring traditional Vietnamese music with jazz sensibilities. In 1999 Thanh applied the valuable experience she gained with Tales from Vietnam to her solo career. Moon and Wind, her debut disc, was released by the ACT label that year, to rave reviews. With each release that followed, Thanh earned a larger audience for her special brand of jazz. Following Dragonfly (2001) and Mangustao (2004), Huong Thanh's fourth disc, Fragile Beauty, was released in 2007. The album peaked at number two on World Music Charts Europe, generating Thanh's strongest sales yet. Evan C. Gutierrez
Tracklist :
1    Perfumed Flower (Hoa Thơm Bướm Lượn)    6:35
2    The Mountain And The Source (Thoả Nỗi Nhớ Mong / Sông Cầu Nước Chảy Lê Thê)    5:21
3    In The Pagoda (Vào Chùa)    6:44
4    The Blue Dome Of The Sky    6:37
5    Heave Ho ! (Hò Nện)    3:47
6    The Courting (Lý Đò Đưa)    5:13
7    Cold Winter, Faraway Land    5:54
8    South Delta Song    4:57
9    Moon Boat (Ngồi Tựa Mạn Thuyền)    5:45
10    Like A Guitar With No Strings (Hát Ru Nam Bộ)    3:36
Credits :
Acoustic Bass [Pizzicato], Arco Bass – Michel Benita
Choir – The Barbès Faith Choir
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizer, Sampler, Computer, Producer, Arranged By, Engineer, Mixed By – Nguyên Lê
Fretless Bass [Electric] – Michel Alibo
Goblet Drum [Zarb], Cajón, Daf, Udu, Tambourine [Rek], Ghatam [Gatam] – Bijan Chemirani
Oboe, English Horn – Paul McCandless
Oud – Dhafer Youssef
Percussion [West Indies Percussion Like Ti Bwa, Tambu Ka, Chacha] – Bago
Piano, Electric Piano – Dominique Borker
Singing Bowls [Tibetan Bowls], Bells [Tuned Bell], Gong [Gongs], Chimes – François Verly
Strings – The Barbès Deluxe
Trumpet – Paolo Fresu
Vibraphone, Marimba – Illya Amar
Vocals – Huong Thanh
Vocals, Guimbri, Tabla, Cymbal [Hand Cymbals] – Karim Ziad
Zither [Đàn Bầu], Flute [Sao (transverse), Tiêu (straight Bamboo Flutes)], Lute [Dan Tam (3-strings Fretless), Dan Nguyêt (moon Shaped)], Zither [16-strings Dan Tranh] – Hao Nhiên
Zither [Đàn Bầu], Zither [16-strings Dan Tranh], Lute [Dan Kim] – Duong Tam

PAOLO FRESU — Sonos 'E Memoria (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue) lossless

Tracklist :
1    Pregadoria 5:19
Written-By – Lobina / Salis / Ledda / Palmas
2    Freentry    3:3
Written-By – Salis / Di Castri / Fresu / Sanesi
3    Ballu    4:55
Written-By – Luigi Lai
4    Sa Pastorina    1:29
 Traditional
5    Salisolo    4:02
Written-By – Antonello Salis
6    Wanderlust    4:27
Written-By – Fresu
7    Mi E La    1:14
Written-By – Elena Ledda / Palmas
8    Ite Bella    2:13
 Traditional
9    Filugnana    3:45
Written-By – Elena Ledda / Palmas
10    Bass'N'Drum    3:54
Written-By – Di Castri / Sanesi
11    Sonos 'E Memoria (Soundtrack Suite) 24:51
Written-By – Salis / Ledda / Cabiddu / Sanesi / Di Castri / Lai / Fresu / Palmas
Credits :
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet & Fluegelhorn
Furio di Castri - Bass, Multieffects
Elena Ledda - Vocals
Luigi Lai - Launeddas
Mauro Palmas - Mandola
Antonello Salis - Accordion
Federico Sanesi - Percussion
Carlo Cabiddu - Violoncello
Coro ''Su Concordu ‘e su Rosariu'' di Santulussurgiu - Voices:
Mario Corona - SA Contra
Giovanni Ardu - SU Bassu
Antonio Migheli - SA ‘Oghe
Roberto Iriu - SU Contraltu

PAOLO FRESU | RICHARD GALLIANO | JAN LUNDGREN — Mare Nostrum (2007) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Mare Nostrum's biggest surprise isn't its instrumentation -- a trio of accordion, trumpet and piano -- but how natural the combination sounds in its execution. Of course, Italian trumpeter Paolo Fresu, French accordion player Richard Galliano (who is of Italian offspring), and Swedish pianist Jan Lundgren are well-known, critically praised jazz musicians who have all been known to eschew musical boundaries and defy genre limitations, so the music on Mare Nostrum -- an album co-led by all three -- shouldn't come as a surprise, nor should its quality, and yet not everybody would have expected such marvelous results. The 15 compositions on the album include originals by all three musicians and several covers, touching upon jazz, tango, classical music, and folk, reinterpreting Charles Trénet ("Que Reste-T-Il de Nos Amours?"), encompassing Antonio Carlos Jobim ("Eu Nao Existo Sem Voce"), and Maurice Ravel ("Ma Mère L'Oye"). There is an almost delightful sense of trust and ease among the three performers, who never take away their bandmates' spotlights, and who find a balance between playfulness and restraint throughout the album. The music is evocative, as if it was the soundtrack to a missing Louis Malle movie, and much of it creates a warm feeling of gentle nostalgia, even on the more up-tempo tracks. Let's hope these musicians meet again to record more music -- Mare Nostrum is a precious gem. Christian Genzel

"A little bit of tango, chanson, Satie-like sounds, coloured by jazz, result in an album that, from the first to the last note, quite relaxed, brings to light the most beautiful melodies ... the trio's music is already one of the most fascinating releases of the ACT label shortly after its release." (JAZZZEIT, AT) ACT
Tracklist :
1    Mare Nostrum 5:55
Written-By – Jan Lundgren
2    Principessa 4:35
Written-By – Richard Galliano
3    Eu Nao Existo Sem Você 2:58
Written-By – A.C. Jobim, Vinicius De Moraes
4    The Seagull 3:18
Written-By – Jan Lundgren
5    Que Reste-t-il De Nos Amours? 4:32
Written-By – Charles Trenet
6    Years Ahead 5:05
Written-By – Jan Lundgren
7    Sonia's Nightmare 4:04
Written-By – Paolo Fresu
8    Chat Pitre 3:00
Written-By – Richard Galliano
9    Valzer Del Ritorno 4:24
Written-By – Paolo Fresu
10    Open Your Mind 4:05
Written-By – Jan Lundgren
11    Liberty Waltz 4:10
Written-By – Richard Galliano
12    Mio Mehmet, Forse Il Destino M'impedirà Di Rivederti 4:29
Written-By – Paolo Fresu
13    Ma Mère L'Oye 4:28
Arranged By – Richard Galliano
Written-By – Maurice Ravel
14    Para Jobim 3:57
Written-By – Richard Galliano
15    Vårvindar Friska 3:11
 -Traditional
Arranged By – Jan Lundgren
Credits:
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Richard Galliano - Accordion, Bandoneon & Accordina
Jan Lundgren - Piano

PAOLO FRESU | RICHARD GALLIANO | JAN LUNDGREN — Mare Nostrum II (2016) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The sound of Europe, part two: Fresu - Galliano - Lundgren. Italy - France - Sweden. "Mare Nostrum" connects the musical cultures of its performers and countless people worldwide who eagerly listen to this European sound. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Apnea 5:05
Composed By – Paolo Fresu
2    Blue Silence 5:09
Composed By – Jan Lundgren
3    Aurore 3:57
Composed By – Richard Galliano
4    Kristallen Den Fina 3:51
 -Traditional
Arranged By [Arr. by] – Jan Lundgren
5    Giselle 5:09
Composed By – Richard Galliano
6    E Varie Notti Tre Vie Notai 4:30
Composed By – Paolo Fresu
7    Farväl 4:47
Composed By – Jan Lundgren
8    Gnossienne No. 1 4:47
Arranged By [Arr. by] – Richard Galliano
Composed By – Erik Satie
9    Lili 3:42
Composed By – Richard Galliano
10    Leklåt 4:02
Composed By – Jan Lundgren
11    Le Livre D'un Père Sarde 4:11
Composed By – Paolo Fresu
12    Si Dolce È Il Tormento 6:11
Arranged By [Arr. by] – Paolo Fresu
Composed By – Claudio Monteverdi
Credits:
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Richard Galliano - Accordion, Bandoneon & Accordina
Jan Lundgren - Piano

PAOLO FRESU | RICHARD GALLIANO | JAN LUNDGREN — Mare Nostrum III (2019) FLAC (tracks), lossless

„An album full of lyricism and solemnity, beautifully engineered, and exuding feelings of discovery and the joy of collaboration.“
-The Arts Journal (US)

The old saying that ‘all good things come in threes’ might be a cliché with no particular logic to it, but as a way to describe the virtues of Mare Nostrum, it’s right on the money. Twelve years ago, Sardinian trumpeter Paolo Fresu, French accordionist Richard Galliano and Swedish pianist Jan Lundgren, all from the upper echelons of European jazz, formed their trio. Each has his roots in the musical tradition of his home country, and each has used it to develop his own musical language. These are musicians who bring their individuality and inspiration to a multitude of projects in modern jazz, and so transcend borders and connect genres. All three men have poetry in their playing. Their love of melody binds them together, and does so more than ever in this new third album.

In fact, "Mare Nostrum III" completes a trilogy of albums. Right from the beginning of their decade-long collaboration, the group has had the idea of recording an album in each of their home countries. They made the first in Italy in 2007, and it took these busy musicians until 2016 to go to France and to record the second. Their third destination was Sweden, and the Nilento Studio in Gothenburg. "Once again,” says René Hess, the Swiss producer of the album, says, "it was a pure pleasure to see the sheer ease with which Paolo, Richard and Jan can create such great music."

The first thing the listener notices is the natural, spontaneous way the thread of the musical conversation unfolds. Their affinity in soul and spirit is immediately recognizable. This group of equals is a version of Europe which is united, democratic, and brings everything together. Each of the three contributed four original compositions plus a favourite piece. It is mostly possible to work out by listening who has written the pieces, and yet the trio translates into a common language; it’s a language which all have a thorough understanding of, and a genuine feeling for.

The album begins with Richard Galliano's "Blues sur Seine". It’s a plaintive piano melody reminiscent of Satie, or possibly Grieg. It’s joined by a veiled trumpet line before high notes from a lamenting accordion take over. Paris is in there, but so are fjords, Mediterranean shores and Basin Street in New Orleans. The whole thing is pure simplicity and enchantment. Characteristically Italian pathos then emerges in Fresu's "Pavese", in a natural frame of spontaneous soundscapes. Lundgren's "Love Land" has lively, cheerfully intertwining voices and a catchy theme that conjures up the magic of Swedish folklore. Then all three bring their persuasive lyricism to two of the most bittersweet melodies ever written, Michel Legrand's "The Windmills Of Your Mind" and Eduardo Di Capua's "I'te vurria vasà".

Three pieces follow that in each case deal with a very personal memory. With the wonderful "Le Jardin des Fées", Richard Galliano honours the memory of his compatriot and friend, the much-missed great jazz violinist Didier Lockwood. In "Del Soldato in trincea" Paolo Fresu recalls one of his favourite films, Ermanno Olmi's "Torneranno i prati". And Jan Lundgren strolls through the streets of "Ronneby", the small Swedish town where he grew up, with a strongly rhythmic blues-infused folk music melody. All three then bring Quincy Jones' love theme from the film "The Getaway" back to their own shores. Then follows Fresu’s concentrated "Human Requiem", played entirely on muted trumpet, and the slow sustained concentration of Galliano's "Letter To My Mother". In the final tracks, Lundgren's "The Magic Stroll", reminiscent of the musicals, and Richard Galliano's classically inspired "Prayer", with the feel of rolling along on the waves of the ocean, these three exceptional musicians have found a perfect symbiosis.

With "Mare Nostrum III", Paolo Fresu, Richard Galliano and Jan Lundgren have once again created a wonderful ballad album. Through their music they rise way above that old discussion about whatever "jazz" might be nowadays. What they have achieved instead is to bring the sound of Europe to life. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Blues Sur Seine 4:54
Composed By – Richard Galliano
2    Pavese 4:57
Composed By – Paolo Fresu
3    Love Land 4:23
Composed By – Jan Lundgren
4    The Windmills Of Your Mind 3:38
Composed By – Michel Legrand
5    I'te Vurria Vasà 4:33
Composed By – Alfredo Mazzucchi, Eduardo di Capua
6    Le Jardin Des Fées 5:12
Composed By – Richard Galliano
7    Del Soldato In Trincea 2:15
Composed By – Paolo Fresu
8    Ronneby 3:37
Composed By – Jan Lundgren
9    Love Theme From "The Getaway" 3:10
Composed By – Quincy Jones
10    Human Requiem 4:30
Composed By – Paolo Fresu
11    Letter To My Mother 5:09
Composed By – Richard Galliano
12    Love In Return 4:26
Composed By – Jan Lundgren
13    Perfetta 3:18
Composed By – Paolo Fresu
14    The Magic Stroll 2:59
Composed By – Jan Lundgren
15    Prayer 4:13
Composed By – Richard Galliano
Credits:
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Richard Galliano - Accordion, Bandoneon & Accordina
Jan Lundgren - Piano

HUONG THANH & NGUYÊN LÊ — Fragile Beauty (2007) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

For sheer melodic and timbral beauty, there are few languages that can match Vietnamese -- like most tonal languages, it sounds like it's being sung even when it's being spoken, and the effect is like a series of delicate, tuned gongs being struck quickly in sequence. The language's inherent lyricism brings an added layer of complexity and beauty to the traditional and dramatic Vietnamese song repertoire, and on this album vocalist Huong Thanh adds yet another layer to those song traditions by teaming up with guitarist, producer, and arranger Nguyên Lê. Lê's arrangements are varied in tone and texture, but almost all are both strange and wonderful, and his guitar solos are exquisite. On "Weaving & Awaiting" there's a gorgeous moment at the end of his solo when Thanh's vocals come back in, but multi-tracked in close harmony; "Plantation Song" flows gently in a jazzy style; "The Swallows' Bridge" features lovely counterpoint between a Japanese koto and a fretless electric bass, over which dances a cool and complex horn chart. Perhaps the album's most beautiful track is the final one, "Tales of the Mountain," on which funky beats bump up against a gentle arrangement, tastefully restrained guitar, and Thanh's otherworldly voice. It's one of the most softly impressive songs on an album that is full of both sweet melodic beauty and subtly dense complexity. Very highly recommended. Rick Anderson  

"Behind Thanh's warm-hearted voice, guitarist Lê lays down subtle grooves that ingeniously bring together musicians and instruments from all over the world." - STEREOPLAY ACT
Tracklist :
1    Drifting On The Water    3:48
2    Weaving & Awaiting    5:58
3    Faithfulness    3:39
4    Plantation Song    4:22
5    The Five Calls Of The Night    5:03
6    Fragile Beauty    5:12
7    Rowing The Sampan    3:17
8    The Pavillon Of Crystallized Azure    4:54
9    At Dusk, From The West Balcony    4:18
10    Go Cong Blues    3:57
11    The Swallow's Bridge    6:23
12    Tales Of The Mountain    7:18
Credits:
Acoustic Bass [Pizzicato, Arco 5-string] – Renaud Garcia-Fons
Backing Vocals – Nguyên Van-Hong
Balafon [Trung] – Illya Amar
Bass [Fretless] – Etienne Mbappé
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizer, Computer – Nguyên Lê
Koto – Mieko Miyazaki
Percussion – Alex Tran, Francis Lassus
Piano – Dominique Borker
Recorded By, Mixed By, Producer – Nguyên Lê
Soprano Saxophone, Flute [Flutes] – Stéphane Guillaume
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Paolo Fresu
Vocals – Huong Thanh
Zither [Đàn Bầu], Zither [16-strings Dàn Tranh], Flute [Sao, Meo Bamboo Flutes] – Hao Nhiên Pham

HUONG THANH — Dragonfly (2001) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Huong Thanh
Born in Vietnam, the internationally recognised singer is known for her fusion of traditional Vietnamese music with jazz and world music. She grew up in a musical family and later moved to Paris, where she collaborated with renowned guitarist Nguyên Lê to combine modern soundscapes with Vietnamese folk songs. Her albums such as ‘Dragonfly’ and ‘Fragile Beauty’ have been acclaimed worldwide and demonstrate her ability to transcend cultural boundaries. Houng Thanh has performed at numerous international festivals and is known for her emotional voice and her ability to interpret traditional music in an innovative way. She is recognised as one of the most important Vietnamese artists in the field of world music. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Ten Reasons For Loving You 7:14
Flute [Pi Thiu] – Dinh Cong Tuyên
Flute [Sao] – Hao Nhiên
Fretless Bass – Etienne Mbappé
Guitar, Synthesizer, Samples – Nguyên Lê
Shaker, Tabla – François Verly
Zither, Lute – Duong Tam
2    Bakida 4:43
Bass [Pizz], Arco Bass [5-string Acoustic] – Renaud Garcia-Fons
Guitar – Nguyên Lê
Zither [Đàn Bầu] – Duong Tam
3    Dragonfly 4:09
Cajón – Tino Di Geraldo
Guitar [Electroacoustic] – Nguyên Lê
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Fretless Bass, Shaker, Bongos, Darbouka – Richard Bona
Zither – Duong Tam
Zither, Chimes – François Verly
4    What The Bird Says 5:42
Bass – Etienne Mbappé
Bells, Chimes – François Verly
Fiddle – Duong Tam
Frame Drum – Tino Di Geraldo
Guitar, Synthesizer, Samples – Nguyên Lê
5    Two Sisters 5:04
Cello – Sophie Lechelle
Ensemble – The Barbès Deluxe Strings
Fretless Bass – Etienne Mbappé
Lute, Fiddle – Duong Tam
Lute, Zither – Hao Nhiên
Percussion – François Verly
Synthesizer, Samples – Nguyên Lê
Trumpet – Paolo Fresu
Viola – Martin Rodriguez
Violin – Raphaëlle Pacault
6    The Betel Tray 5:25
Bass [Pizz], Arco Bass [5-string Acoustic ] – Renaud Garcia-Fons
Bells, Gong, Singing Bowls [Tibet Bowls] – François Verly
Guitar, Mandolin, Synthesizer – Nguyên Lê
Zither [Đàn Bầu] – Duong Tam
7    Graceful Bamboo 6:59
Bass – Etienne Mbappé
Frame Drum – Tino Di Geraldo
Guitar, Synthesizer, Samples – Nguyên Lê
Lute – Hao Nhiên
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Paolo Fresu
8    Crossing The Valley 5:16
Backing Vocals – Richard Bona
Bass – Etienne Mbappé
Flute [Sao], Zither, Other [Cliquettes & Sapèques] – Hao Nhiên
Guitar, Synthesizer, Samples – Nguyên Lê
Zither [Solo] – Duong Tam
9    Drums In The Night 6:20
Bells – François Verly
Guitar, Synthesizer, Samples – Nguyên Lê
Lute, Guitar [Cai Luong], Percussion [Song Lan Woodblock], Zither [Đàn Bầu] – Duong Tam
10    Scent Of My Childhood 4:28
Cello – Sophie Lechelle
Ensemble – The Barbès Deluxe Strings
Guitar [Nylon] – Nguyên Lê
Piano – Dominique Borker
Viola – Martin Rodriguez
Violin – Raphaëlle Pacault

Nguyên Lê & Ngô Hồng Quang ft. Paolo Fresu — Hà Nội Duo (2017) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

There are likely very few musicians who explore the concept of "jazz" and the possibilities of their instruments as extensively as guitarist Nguyên Lê. On "Hà Nôi Duo," he collaborates with the young Vietnamese singer and multi-instrumentalist Ngô Hồng Quang for a new adventure that bridges the gap between East and West, tradition and modernity, folklore, jazz, rock, and pop. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Cloud Chamber    5:40
 Composed By – Nguyên Lê
2    Five Senses    4:55
Composed By – Nguyên Lê
3    Like Mountain Birds    6:23
 Composed By – Ngô Hồng Quang
Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
4    A Night With You, Gone    7:02
- Traditional Quan Ho
 Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
5    The Graceful Seal    6:44
 Composed By – Ngô Hồng Quang
Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
6    Heaven's Gourd    5:57
 Composed By – Ngô Hồng Quang
7    Chiếc Khǎn Piêu    6:24
 Arranged By [Indian Rhythmic] – Prabhu Edouard / Nguyên Lê
8    Monkey Queen    5:47
Composed By – Nguyên Lê
9    Beggar's Love Song    5:43
- Traditional Xẩm
Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
10    Silently Grows The Rice    3:37
 Northern Folksong
Arranged By – Nguyên Lê
Credits :
Acoustic Guitar – Nguyên Lê (tracks: 6)
Cajón – Alex Tran (tracks: 9)
E-Bow – Nguyên Lê (tracks: 1, 8)
Electric Guitar – Nguyên Lê
Fiddle [Đàn Nhị] – Ngô Hồng Quang (tracks: 1, 2, 7 to 9)
Guitar [Sustainiac] – Nguyên Lê (tracks: 1, 8, 10)
Harp [Đàn Chiêng Dây] – Ngô Hồng Quang (tracks: 3)
Jew's Harp [Đàn Môi] – Ngô Hồng Quang (tracks: 5, 7)
Koto – Mieko Miyazaki (tracks: 2, 4)
Lute [Đàn Tính] – Ngô Hồng Quang (tracks: 1, 3, 6 to 8)
Monochord [Đàn Bầu] – Ngô Hồng Quang (tracks: 1, 8, 10)
Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – Nguyên Lê
Programmed By – Nguyên Lê (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7, 10)
Tabla, Kanjira, Shaker [Pocket] – Prabhu Edouard (tracks: 2, 7)
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Paolo Fresu (tracks: 1, 4, 5, 7)
Udu, Shaker – Stéphane Edouard (tracks: 8)
Vocals – Ngô Hồng Quang

LARRY CORYELL & PHILIP CATHERINE JAZZ AT BERLIN PHILHARMONIC XI — The Last Call (2021) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The two guitar icons Larry Coryell and Philipp Catherine share a long history and, despite their different musical backgrounds on both sides of the Atlantic, a close musical kinship. Recorded on January 27, 2017, as part of the "Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic" series, "The Last Call" is the final recording of Larry Coryell, who passed away four weeks later on February 19, 2017. It serves as an echo of a very special relationship between two highly accomplished guitarists, filled with creative compatibility, enthusiasm, and deep mutual understanding. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Larry Coryell and Philip Catherine–    Miss Julie 7:14
Written-By – Larry Coryell
2    Larry Coryell and Philip Catherine–    Homecomings 6:58
Written-By – Philip Catherine
3    Larry Coryell and Philip Catherine–    Manhã De Carnaval (From Orfeu Negro) 7:07
Written-By – Antônio Maria, Luiz Bonfá
4    Larry Coryell and Philip Catherine–    Jemin-Eye'n 5:28
Written-By – Larry Coryell
5    Philip Catherine and Jan Lundgren–    Embraceable You 4:54
Written-By – George Gershwin
6    Larry Coryell and Lars Danielsson–    Bags' Groove 6:43
Written-By – Milt Jackson
7    Larry Coryell, Philip Catherine, Lars Danielsson, Jan Lundgren and Paolo Fresu–    Green Dolphin Street 9:31
Written-By – Oscar Peterson
Credits :
Artwork [Cover Art Based And Inspired By A Work Of] – Alain Biltereyst

TRILOK GURTU — The Glimpse (1996) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Easily the best album to date by talented jazz/world music percussionist Trilok Gurtu, The Glimpse is a brilliant blend of musical styles paying tribute to the Indian drummer's dearly departed friend, jazz legend Don Cherry. Like Cherry, Gurtu's multicultural influences are often central to his compositions, and with guest musicians like Morocco's Jaya Deva (a member of Cherry's band), India's Geetha Ramanathan Bennett, and Bulgaria's Teodosii Spassov, this is his most ethnically diverse album to date. Nearly every track here is a standout, from the Moroccan groove of "Cherry Town" and the dazzling spoken percussion of "1-2 Beaucoup" to the melancholy balladry of Ornette Coleman's "Law Years." A must-have for fans of world-jazz fusion. Bret Love
Tracklist :
1. Cherry Town 5'16
Trilok Gurtu
2. 1-2 Beaucoup 5'45
Trilok Gurtu
3. Law Years 7'53
Ornette Coleman
4. A Ilha Do Caju 6'34
Nando Carneiro
5. Future Heat 10'52
Trilok Gurtu
6. Glimpse 6'49
Trilok Gurtu
7. Don 9'38
Trilok Gurtu
Credits :
Trilok Gurtu - Vocals, Drums, Tabla, Percussion
Jaya Deva - Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Gnaoua, Qaraqaba
Geetha Bennett - Vocals
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Lars Danielson - Cello, Bass
Andy Emler - Piano, Harmonium
Nando Carneiro - Guitar
Teodosii Spassov - Kaval