GEORGE BENSON & AL JARREAU — Givin' It Up (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Givin' It Up finds crossover jazz icons guitarist George Benson and vocalist Al Jarreau teaming up for a breezy, enjoyably melodic session that highlights both artists' long careers. Technically a duo album, it is Benson's first since signing with Concord Records. As such, it works as a nice reintroduction to both artists and even finds them reworking the Bobby Womack classic "Breezin'," which Benson originally covered on his 1976 album of the same name. Here listeners get Jarreau adding lyrics and vocals on a version that really evokes the classic '70s jazz-meets-R&B sound that was an original hallmark of smooth jazz. In that sense, Givin' It Up is a true joy for fans of that more organic, song-oriented approach to crossover music, with Benson and Jarreau digging in to such great songs as Seals & Crofts' "Summer Breeze," John Legend's "Ordinary People," and Darryl Hall's "Every Time You Go Away." Also adding some unexpected fun and celebrity sheen to the proceedings is an impromptu appearance by Paul McCartney, who joins in on Sam Cooke's gospel-inflected "Bring It on Home to Me." Throw in appearances by trumpeter Chris Botti, vocalist Patti Austin, pianist Herbie Hancock, and bassist Marcus Miller and Stanley Clarke, and Givin' It Up proves music is always fun with a little help from your friends. Matt Collar 
Tracklist :
1 – Breezin' 5:40

Arranged By – Larry Williams

Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Electric Bass – Abraham Laboriel
Guitar – Dean Parks, George Benson, A. Ray "The Weeper" Fuller
Keyboards – Larry Williams
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Vocal Percussion – Al Jarreau
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Bobby Womack
2 – Mornin' 5:02
Arranged By – Michael Broening
Backing Vocals, Vocal Percussion – Al Jarreau
Bass – Mel Brown
Drums – Michael White
Guitar – Freddie Fox, George Benson
Keyboards, Piano, Programmed By [Programming] – Michael Broening
Producer – John Burk, Michael Broening
Saxophone – Marion Meadows
Written-By – Al Jarreau, David Foster, Jay Graydon
3 – 'Long Come Tutu 6:37
Arranged By – Marcus Miller
Bass – Marcus Miller
Co-producer – Marcus Miller
Drums – Michael White
Guitar – George Benson
Keyboards – Patrice Rushen
Piano – Herbie Hancock
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Marcus Miller
4 – God Bless The Child 3:40
Featuring Jill Scott
Arranged By – George Benson, John Burk, Patrice Rushen
Bass – Marcus Miller
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Electric Piano – Patrice Rushen
Guitar – George Benson
Vocal Percussion – Al Jarreau
Vocals – George Benson, Jill Scott
Written-By – Arthur Herzog, Jr., Billie Holiday
5 – Summer Breeze 5:01
Arranged By – Larry Williams
Bass – Marcus Miller
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – Dean Parks, George Benson, A. Ray "The Weeper" Fuller
Keyboards, Piano – Larry Williams
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Written-By – Darrell Crofts, Jimmy Seals
6 – All I Am 3:23
Arranged By – Rex Rideout
Drums – Gregg Field, Ricky Lawson
Electric Bass – Abraham Laboriel
Electric Piano – Patrice Rushen
Guitar, Vocals – George Benson
Piano – Rex Rideout
Written-By – Phillip "Taj" Jackson, Rex Rideout
7 – Ordinary People 5:18
Arranged By – Michael Broening
Backing Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Bass – Mel Brown
Drums – Michael White
Guitar – Freddie Fox, George Benson
Keyboards, Piano, Programmed By [Programming] – Michael Broening
Producer – John Burk, Michael Broening
Written-By – John Legend, will.i.am
8 – Let It Rain 4:54
Featuring Patti Austin
Arranged By – Al Jarreau, Barry Eastmond
Arranged By [Background Vocals] – Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – Darlene Perry, Lorraine Perry, Maxi Anderson, Patti Austin, Sandra Simmons Williams, Sharon Perry, Valerie Pinkston
Bass – Marcus Miller
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Electric Piano – Patrice Rushen
Guitar – George Benson
Keyboards – Barry Eastmond
Percussion – Bashiri Johnson, Paulinho Da Costa
Producer – Patti Austin
Producer [Additional Production] – Barry Eastmond, Gregg Field
Rhythm Guitar – Dean Parks
Trumpet – Chris Botti
Vocals – Al Jarreau, Patti Austin
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Barry Eastmond
9 – Givin' It Up For Love 3:57
Arranged By – Freddie Ravel
Arranged By [Background Vocals] – Fred Martin, Freddie Ravel
Backing Vocals – Alethea Mills, Chavonne Morris, De'Ante Duckett
Clavinet, Drums, Electric Piano, Organ, Programmed By [Percussion], Synthesizer [Moog Bass], Synthesizer – Freddie Ravel
Guitar – George Benson
Producer – Freddie Ravel, John Burk
Rhythm Guitar – Michael O'Neill
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Freddie Ravel
10 – Every Time You Go Away 4:30
Arranged By – Larry Williams
Bass – Marcus Miller
Co-producer – Larry Williams
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – Dean Parks, George Benson, Michael Thompson
Keyboards – Patrice Rushen
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Piano – Larry Williams
Vocal Percussion – Al Jarreau
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Written-By – Darryl Hall
11 – Four 5:15
Bass – Stanley Clarke
Co-producer – Chris Dunn
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – George Benson
Piano – Patrice Rushen
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Written-By – Jon Hendricks, Miles Davis
12 – Don't Start No Schtuff 4:44
Arranged By – Joe Turano
Bass – Stanley Clarke
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Electric Piano, Organ – Joe Turano
Guitar – George Benson
Keyboards – Patrice Rushen
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Joe Turano
13 – Bring It On Home To Me 4:25
Featuring Paul McCartney
Arranged By – Randy Waldman
Arranged By [Background Vocals] – Fred Martin
Backing Vocals – Alethea Mills, Chavonne Morris, De'Ante Duckett
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Electric Bass – Abraham Laboriel
Electric Piano – Patrice Rushen
Guitar – Dean Parks, George Benson
Organ – Michael Broening
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Piano – Randy Waldman
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson, Paul McCartney
Written-By – Sam Cooke

PATTI AUSTIN — The Real Me (1988) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

And how! Austin tackles standards such as "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "They Can't Take That Away from Me," and succeeds brilliantly. Her version of Comden, Green, and Bernstein's "I Can Cook, Too" is enough by itself to make this a pick. William Ruhlmann
Tracklist :
1.    I Can Cook Too 5:11
Arranged By – David Pack
Arranged By [Horns] – David Pack, Greg Phillinganes, Jerry Hey
Arranged By [Vocals] – Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – Patti Austin
Bass [Synthesizer] – Greg Phillinganes
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – David Pack
Horns [Synthesizer] – Greg Phillinganes
Lyrics By [Additional Coda] – David Pack, Patti Austin
Saxophone, Woodwind – Daniel Higgins
Synthesizer – David Benoit
Trombone – Bill Reichenbach 
Trumpet – Gary Grant, Jerry Hey
Written-By – Betty Comden And Adolph Green, Leonard Bernstein
2.    Stockholm Sweetnin' 1:34
Arranged By [Vocals] – Patti Austin
Written-By – Quincy Jones
3.    Smoke Gets In Your Eyes 4:13
Arranged By – David Benoit, David Pack, Patti Austin
Arranged By [Vocals] – David Pack, Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – Patti Austin
Bass – Nathan East
Congas [Electronic] – David Pack
Drums – George Perilli
Keyboards – David Benoit
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Saxophone [Solo] – Ernie Watts
Written-By – Jerome Kern, Otto Harbach
4.    True Love 3:46
Acoustic Bass – Roscoe Beck
Arranged By – David Pack
Arranged By [Strings] – David Benoit
Arranged By [Vocals] – David Pack, Patti Austin
Drums – Jeff Porcaro
Harp – Gail Levant*
Keyboards – David Benoit
Percussion – George Perilli
Saxophone [Solo] – Michael Brecker
Vocals [Duet] – David Pack
Written-By – Cole Porter
5.    Across The Alley From The Alamo 3:44
Accordion – Bruce Hornsby
Acoustic Guitar, Baritone Guitar – David Pack
Arranged By – David Pack
Arranged By [Vocals] – David Pack, Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – David Pack, James Ingram, Michael McDonald
Body Percussion – David Pack
Lap Steel Guitar, Slide Guitar – David Lindley
Percussion [Bottle, Foot, Wall Banger] – Patti Austin
Percussion [Twang, Whistle, Shaker] – Paulinho Da Costa
Snare, Drum [Cardboard Box] – Burleigh Drummond
Written-By – Joe Greene 
6.    How Long Has This Been Going On? 4:05
Arranged By [Keyboards] – David Benoit
Arranged By [Strings] – Marty Paich
Conductor – Marty Paich
Harp – Gail Levant
Synthesizer [DX7] – David Benoit
Written-By – George & Ira Gershwin
7.    Lazy Afternoon 5:45
Arranged By – David Benoit, David Pack, Patti Austin
Arranged By [Vocals] – David Pack, Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – Patti Austin
Bass – Patti Austin
Classical Guitar – Earl Klugh
Drums – Jeff Porcaro
Flugelhorn [Solo] – Jon Faddis
Keyboards – David Benoit
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Percussion [Electric] – David Pack
Written-By – Jerome Moross, John Latouche
8.    Love Letters 3:53
Arranged By – David Pack
Arranged By [Vocals] – David Pack, James Ingram, Michael McDonald
Backing Vocals – David Pack, James Ingram, Michael McDonald
Bass – Roscoe Beck
Drums – John Robinson 
Guitar – David Pack
Piano – Michael McDonald, Richard Tee
Saxophone [Solo] – Ernie Watts
Synthesizer – David Benoit
Written-By – Edward Heyman, Victor Young
9.    They Can't Take That Away From Me 3:57
Arranged By – David Benoit, David Pack, Patti Austin
Arranged By [Horns] – David Benoit, David Pack, Jerry Hey, Patti Austin
Arranged By [Vocals] – David Pack, Greg Phillinganes
Drums – George Perilli
Keyboards, Synthesizer [Horns & Strings] – David Benoit
Saxophone, Woodwind – Daniel Higgins*
Synthesizer [Bass] – Greg Phillinganes
Trombone – Bill Reichenbach (2)
Trumpet – Gary Grant, Jerry Hey
Written-By – George & Ira Gershwin
10.    Mood Indigo 3:24
Arranged By – Patti Austin
Arranged By [Vocals] – Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – Patti Austin
Bass – Chuck Domanico
Clarinet – Johnny Rotella*
Conductor, Arranged By [Horns] – Jimmie Haskell
Guitar – Earl Klugh
Piano, Synthesizer – David Benoit
Saxophone – Gregory Huckins*
Trombone – Bill Watrous
Tuba – George Callender*
Written-By – Barney Bigard, Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
11.    Cry Me A River 4;18
Arranged By [Strings] – Marty Paich
Bass – Chuck Domanico
Conductor – Marty Paich
Harp – Gail Levant*
Piano – David Benoit
Synthesizer [Strings] – David Benoit
Trumpet [Solo] – Jon Faddis
Written-By – Arthur Hamilton
12.    Someone Is Standing Outside 3:54
Arranged By [Inspired By] – Jimmy Webb
Arranged By [Vocals] – David Pack, Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – Amy Holland, David Pack, Howard Hewett, James Ingram, Luther Vandross, Michael McDonald, Patti Austin, Tata Vega
Bass – Joe Puerta
Drums – John Robinson (2)
Piano, Synthesizer [DX7] – Richard Tee
Synthesizer [Strings] – David Benoit
Written-By – Jimmy Webb
13.    Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most 5:07
Arranged By [Strings] – Marty Paich
Conductor – Marty Paich
Harp – Gail Levant*
Synthesizer [DX7] – David Benoit
Written-By – Fran Landesman, Tommy Wolf

MARILYN SCOTT – Avenues of Love (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A top-notch adult contemporary vocalist still awaiting a well-deserved crossover commercial breakthrough, Marilyn Scott adds powerful fuel to her cause on Avenues of Love by helping herself with a well-balanced array of production and songwriting talent. George Duke surrounds her with party voices and a kneejerking Latin groove on a playful list of dance steps on "I Like to Dance," then surrounds her clear, sensuous voice with airy, billowing synth cushioning on the Bacharach-David classic "The Look of Love." Scott and bassist Jimmy Haslip reroute to Memphis on Michael Ruff's Wilson Pickett-like pick me up, "Love Is a Powerful Thing," engaging a two-piece horn section that sounds even larger. The Yellowjacket touch is in full effect on the picturesque "Avenida del Sol," which approximates an update of the gentle Astrud Gilberto sound; the tune was written by Scott and Bob Mintzer, and produced by Scott, Haslip, and Russell Ferrante. Scott's greatest gift here is her sense of modulation; she belts like crazy on the funk pieces, but recognizes the emotional power of restraint on the ballads. Jonathan Widran 
Tracklist :
1.    Starting to Fall    4:47
 George Duke / Marilyn Scott 
2.    I Like to Dance    5:00
 George Duke / Bob Mintzer / Marilyn Scott 
3.    Avenida del Sol    4:27
 Bob Mintzer / Marilyn Scott 
4.    The Look of Love    5:38
 Burt Bacharach / Hal David 
5.    Heaven's Design    5:53
 Bobby McFerrin 
6.    Love is a Powerful Thing    4:30
 Michael Ruff 
7.    Hold You Up    5:34
 Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Marilyn Scott 
8.    Hey Love    6:16
 Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Marilyn Scott 
9.    Get Home    5:45
 Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Marilyn Scott 
10.    The Last Day    3:38
 John Ewbank / Brenda Russell 
Credits :
Bob Mintzer - Composer, Guest Artist, Horn
Brandon Fields, Steve Allen - Saxophone
Fred Washington - Bass
George Duke - Bass, Bass Programming, Composer, Executive Producer, Guest Artist, Keyboards, Piano, Producer, Vocal Producer
Jimmy Haslip - Bass, Composer, Producer
Joe Heredia - Drums
Lori Perry - Arranger, Vocal Arrangement, Vocals (Background), Voices
Marilyn Scott - Composer, Primary Artist, Producer, Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Michael Landau, Mike Miller, Ray Fuller - Guitar
Michael Ruff - Composer, Keyboards, Vocals (Background)
Paul Jackson, Jr. - Guest Artist, Guitar
Paulinho Da Costa - Guest Artist, Percussion
Rafael Padilla - Percussion
Ralph Rickert - Trumpet
Russell Ferrante - Arranger, Composer, Keyboards, Producer
Take 6 - Guest Artist
Walt Fowler - Horn
William Kennedy - Drums
Yellowjackets - Guest Artist
Alvin Chea, Sharon Perry, Carolyn Perry, Darlene Perry, David Porter Thomas, David Powell,  Lynn Davis, Richard Montgomery, Lisa Horton, Jim Gilstrap, Mary Turner, Maxayn Lewis - Vocals (Background) Voices 

AL JARREAU — All I Got (2002) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Al Jarreau hits you with all he's got on his second release for the GRP/Verve recording label. The 11-song program, appropriately titled All I Got, features Jarreau's imaginative vocal stylings, lots of innovative urban sensibilities, and top-tier performances from a stellar band that includes his longtime musical director, Freddie Ravel, and a duet with guest star Joe Cocker. Urban innovation is more than a buzzword here. The urban sound of producer Paul Brown imparts a soulful message on such songs as "Random Act of Love,""Secrets of Love," the title track, and the very hip a cappella rendition of "Route 66," each of which reflects Jarreau's pioneered use of unfolding a musical story layer by layer. A prime example is his reverse take on street violence called "Random Act of Love," something this world desperately needs. Instead of just another range of excessive scatting and vocal gymnastics, Jarreau presents his listeners with real-world concepts that make a difference in your interpretations of these aural pleasures. He becomes a vehicle of revelation on the gospel-tinged "Feels Like Heaven to Me." On the other side of his musical personality is the lovely fullness of "Until You Love Me" and "Jacaranda Bougainvillea," both of which feature a string orchestra set against an oasis of vocal skills. Overall, All I Got showcases the award-winning Jarreau's unmistakable stylistic diversity in settings that are fluid, soulful, jazzy, and romantic. In some ways, the music even exceeds the versatility heard on the critically acclaimed Tomorrow Today. Paula Edelstein  
Tracklist :
1.    Random Act Of Love 4:45
Arranged By – Steven Dubin
Producer [Produced By] – Steven Dubin
Written-By – Nelson Jackson, Siedah Garrett, Steven Dubin
2.    Life Is 4:00
Arranged By, Co-producer [Co-produced By] – David "Kahlid" Woods, Paul Brown
Written-By – Al Jarreau, David "Kahlid" Woods, Paul Brown
3.    Never Too Late 4:04
Arranged By – Jerry Hey, Paul Brown
Written-By – Al Jarreau, John Stoddart, Paul Brown
4.    Feels Like Heaven 4:38
Arranged By – Steven Dubin
Arranged By [Vocal Arrangement] – Sherree Ford
Producer [Produced By] – Paul Brown, Steven Dubin
Written-By – Manuel Seal, Siedah Garrett, Steven Dubin
5.    Lost And Found 4:52
Arranged By – Paul Brown
Arranged By [Horns Arranged By] – Jerry Hey
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Tom Canning
6.    Secrets Of Love 4:36
Arranged By – Rex Rideout
Co-producer – Rex Rideout
Written-By – Milton Davis, Rex Rideout
7.    All I Got 5:31
Arranged By – Al Jarreau
Arranged By [Horns Arranged By], Co-producer [Co-produced By] – Jerry Hey
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Arno Lucas, Chris Walker, Freddie Ravel, Joe Turano, Jota Morelli, Ross Bolton
8.    Until You Love Me 4:40
Arranged By [Orchestra] – Bill Meyers
Arranged By, Co-producer [Co-produced By] – Rex Rideout
Concertmaster – Bruce Dukov
Strings – Berj Garabedian, Bruce Dukov, Charlie Bisharat, Dan Smith, Darius Campo, David Stenske, Denyse Buffum, Evan Wilson, Eve Butler, Haim Shtrum, John Wittenberg, Larry Corbett, Margaret Wooten, Mark Robertson (3), Matt Funes, Michele Richards, Peter Kent, Steve Richards, Susan Chatman, Suzie Katayama
Written-By – Rex Rideout
9.    Oasis 6:20
Arranged By – Paul Brown, Ricky Peterson
Arranged By [Additional Arrangement By] – Jerry Hey
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Ricky Peterson
10.    Jacaranda Bougainvillea 4:46
Arranged By – Jerry Hey, Paul Brown
Arranged By [Strings Arranged By], Co-producer [Co-produced By] – Jerry Hey
Concertmaster – Bruce Dukov
Strings – Berj Garabedian, Bruce Dukov, Charlie Bisharat, Dan Smith, Darius Campo, David Stenske, Denyse Buffum, Evan Wilson, Eve Butler, Haim Shtrum, John Wittenberg, Larry Corbett, Margaret Wooten, Mark Robertson, Matt Funes, Michele Richards, Peter Kent, Steve Richards, Susan Chatman, Suzie Katayama
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Arno Lucas, Chris Walker, Freddie Ravel, Joe Turano, Jota Morelli, Ross Bolton
11.    Route 66 2:34
Arranged By – Al Jarreau
Written-By – Bobby Troup

JEAN-LUC PONTY — Le Voyage : The Jean-Luc Ponty Anthology (1996) 2CD | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Ponty has worked with Frank Zappa and John McLaughlin, has provided brilliant violin work as a session player, and has had a terrific run as a bandleader. This two-disc set dips into Ponty's Atlantic Records releases, tracing the development of Ponty's particular brand of jazz fusion and providing a very nice look at his career as a bandleader. A few of the cuts seem a bit watery and thin, but this has more to do with the original recording and mixing than the performances or mastering -- Rhino's mastering department has provided the usual quality of production here. Jean-Luc Ponty is a notable performer in the jazz arena, one who has a clear vision and strong ideals when it comes to his music -- he likes to test his boundaries and explore new possibilities. A notable collection. Steven McDonald
Tracklist 1 :
1. "Question with No Answer" – 3:29   
2. "Bowing-Bowing" – 4:53   
3. "Echoes of the Future" – 3:11   
4. "Aurora, Pt. 2" – 6:15   
5. "Waking Dream" – 2:26   
6. "Renaissance" – 5:48   
7. "New Country" – 3:09   
8. "Enigmatic Ocean, Pt. 2" – 3:37   
9. "Enigmatic Ocean, Pt. 3" – 3:43   
10. "Mirage" – 4:54   
11. "Egocentric Molecules" – 5:49   
12. "Cosmic Messenger" – 4:41   
13. "Ethereal Mood" – 4:04   
14. "I Only Feel Good with You" – 3:17   
15. "No Strings Attached" (live) – 6:02 
Tracklist 2 :
1. "Stay with Me" – 5:36   
2. "A Taste for Passion" – 5:25   
3. "Once a Blue Planet" – 4:05   
4. "Forms of Life" – 4:49   
5. "Rhythms of Hope" – 4:03   
6. "Mystical Adventures, Pt. 4" – 0:47   
7. "Mystical Adventures, Pt. 5" – 5:06   
8. "Jig" – 3:58   
9. "Final Truth, Pt. 1" – 4:55   
10. "Computer Incantations for World Peace" – 5:41   
11. "Individual Choice" – 4:57   
12. "Nostalgia" – 5:03   
13. "Eulogy to Oscar Romero" – 2:34   
14. "Infinite Pursuit" – 5:59   
15. "In the Kingdom of Peace" – 4:04   
16. "Caracas" – 3:51   
17. "Forever Together" – 5:46
All songs by Jean-Luc Ponty.
Personnel :
Jean-Luc Ponty - Autoharp, Violin, Electric Piano, Organ, Synthesizer, Bass Synthesizer, Keyboard Bass, Electronic Percussion
Joaquin Lievano, Peter Maunu - Guitar, Guitar Synthesizer
Daryl Stuermer, Dan Sawyer, Martin Atangana, Allan Holdsworth, Scott Henderson , Jamie Glaser - Guitar
Allan Zavod - Piano, Clavinet, Organ, Keyboards, Synthesizer
Patrice Rushen - Piano, Clavinet, Organ, Synthesizer
Chris Rhyne - Piano, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Bass Synthesizer
Wally Minko - Piano, Keyboards
Mokhtar Samba - Drums, Cowbells, Timbales
Norman Fearrington, Ndugu, Ray Griffin - Drums, Percussion
Mark Craney - Drums
Abdou M'Boup - Cowbells, Shaker
Paulinho Da Costa - Percussion

MELODY GARDOT — The Absence (2012) Two Version | Decca – 2792657 EU + SHM-CD Decca – UCCU-1351 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Melody Gardot's 2009 sophomore effort, My One and Only Thrill, sustained the sultry, atmospheric vibe of her critically acclaimed 2006 debut, her 2012 follow-up, The Absence, is a bit of a creative departure for the vocalist. Apparently inspired by her world travels, and specifically by a trip that brought her to the desert around the city of Marrakech, the album moves her away from smoky, small-group jazz and into a bright, if still bedroom-eyed, rhythmically exotic sound. Produced by guitarist/composer Heitor Pereira, the album is a lush, somewhat orchestral album that finds Gardot delving into various Brazilian, Spanish, and African-influenced sounds -- including bits of samba, tango, bossa nova, and calypso -- that evince her global journey. However, rather than simply making a standards album, Gardot continues her all-original approach, offering up new literate and passionately delivered compositions that bring to mind the work of such similarly inclined artists as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Paul Simon, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and others. Although there are a few name musicians who help add spice to Gardot's musical caravan here, including percussionist Paulinho Da Costa, drummer Peter Erskine, and bassist John Leftwich, primarily it is still Gardot's burnished and yearning vocal style that takes the helm on these tracks. Matt Collar  
Tracklist :
1    Mira 4:16
Written-By – Gardot
2    Amalia 3:03
Written-By – Pereira, Gardot, Roy
3    So Long 3:50
Written-By – Gardot
4    So We Meet Again My Heartache 4:32
Written-By – Gardot
5    Lisboa 5:27
Written-By – Gardot
6    Impossible Love 3:49
Written-By – Gardot
7    If I Tell You I Love You 3:35
Engineer [Recording, Assistant] – Glenn Barratt
Written-By – Gardot
8    Goodbye 3:41
Written-By – Harris, Gardot
9    Se Voce Me Ama 4:56
Written-By – Pereira, Gardot
10    My Heart Won't Have It Any Other Way 2:24
Written-By – Gardot
11    Iemanja 4:00
Written-By – Gardot
12    The Willow (Bonus Track) 7:00
Written-By – Roy
Credits :
Backing Vocals – Alfie Silas Durio, Ali Witherspoon, Bill Cantos, Bill Maxwell, Louis B. Price, Phil Roy, Tata Vega
Bandoneon – Coco Trivisonno
Bass – John Leftwich
Clarinet – Ron Kerber
Conductor – Nick Glennie Smith
Drums – Jim Keltner, Peter Erskine
Flute, Bass Clarinet, Clarinet, Alto Flute – Dan Higgins
Orchestrated By – Ladd McIntosh
Percussion – Paco Arroyo, Paulinho Da Costa, Yolanda Arroyo
Piano, Melodica – Larry Goldings
Piano, Portuguese Guitar – Melody Gardot
Producer, Arranged By, Vocals [Additional], Guitar [All], Piano, Percussion – Heitor Pereira
Saxophone [Slide], Tuba – Doug Webb
Trombone – Andrew Lippman
Trumpet – Harry Kim, Ramon Flores

JOE SAMPLE — Rainbow Seeker (1978-1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Back in 1978 when this set was recorded, fusion (the mixture of jazz improvisation with rock rhythms) was declining. Keyboardist Joe Sample, best-known for his work with the Crusaders, was in the process of being one of the founders of "contemporary jazz," an idiom that has since solidified into smooth jazz. Sample emphasized catchy melodies, light funk rhythms, appealing chord changes and a pop sensibility. For this accessible release, Sample is joined by the late legendary guitarist Billy Rogers, bassist Pops Popwell, his old Crusaders drummer Stix Hooper, a horn section and several guest guitarists. All eight tunes (which include "Fly with the Wings of Love" and "Islands in the Rain") are by the leader, who is heard throughout in melodic form, setting up a variety of light grooves that serve as superior background music. Scott Yanow    Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Carmel (1979-1985) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Pianist Joe Sample is a pioneer at creating melodic and accessible pop-jazz. His recordings of the 1970s and '80s were consistently popular, especially this best-seller. Sample is joined on most selections by fellow Crusader Stix Hooper on drums, electric bassist Abraham Laboriel, percussionist Paulinho Da Costa, and, often, guitarist Dean Parks. Flutist Hubert Laws guests on "Midnight and Mist." The memorable melodies, clean harmonics, and Sample's fine playing make Carmel a high point among his solo recordings  Scott Yanow    
Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Voices in the Rain (1980) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

There is a fair amount of variety on this reasonably enjoyable but not essential release from keyboardist Joe Sample. Most of the tunes fall into the area of funky crossover with strong melodies, danceable rhythms and few chances taken. Flora Purim takes the vocal on "Shadows" and is joined by two other singers for the spirited "Burnin' Up The Carnival." The acoustic "Sonata In Solitude" has violinist L. Subramaniam, guitarist John Collins and bassist Ray Brown, but that is a one-time departure on what is basically a commercial set geared for radio airplay. Scott Yanow    Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — The Hunter (1983) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Joe Sample returns to the smooth jazz style of his popular albums Rainbow Seeker, Carmel, and Voices in the Rain on 1983's The Hunter. The keyboardist fills up a studio with like-minded session musicians including trumpeter Tom Browne, horn players Chuck Findley, Jerry Hey, and Ernie Watts, guitarists Dean Parks, David Spinozza, and Phil Upchurch, bassists Abraham Laboriel and Marcus Miller, percussionist Paulinho Da Costa, and drummer Steve Gadd, and sets them loose on some rhythmic tracks with a rock/R&B feel. The beat is paramount, a constant augmented by funky, popping basslines, with guitar solos and horn charts overlaid. And, weaving in and out is Sample, on either acoustic or electric piano, finding room to solo extensively. The solos are more of the rock variety than what a conventional jazz fan would recognize, since they are anchored to the relentless beats. But Sample is one of the more accomplished players in smooth jazz, and his sidemen are able to support him and, when given the chance, match him in their playing. William Ruhlmann    Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Oasis (1985) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist Joe Sample, who has had easily the most successful solo career of any of the Crusaders, recorded a series of melodic and lightly funky sets for MCA in the 1980s. This particular outing (which is available on CD) is unfortunately quite weak due to the forgettable melodies. Sample is joined by Dean Parks, Carlos Fearing, David T. Walker and/or Barry Finnerty on guitars, either Wilton Felder, Abraham Laboriel or Nathan East on bass, drummer Ndugu, percussionist Paulinho Da Costa and occasional synthesizers and strings; he plays well enough, but the material is quite inferior. One song ("The Survivor") features Phyllis Hyman's over-the-top R&B singing. Otherwise, the program consists of lightweight instrumentals, pleasant but mundane. Get Sample's Carmel instead. Scott Yanow    Tracklist & Credits :

DIZZY GILLESPIE | LALO SCHIFRIN — Free Ride (1977-1993) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although Lalo Schifrin is justifiably praised for his soundtrack work, many jazz purists turn up their noses at his jazz dates, such as his '60s work with Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery. The things that make Schifrin an anathema to the diehards -- the huge orchestras, the pop and soul riffs, the general air of over the top theatricality -- are all over 1977's Free Ride, his reunion date with Dizzy Gillespie. (Schifrin had been Gillespie's arranger in the late '50s.) In fact, Free Ride is so painfully dated that it's transformed into cockeyed cool, just the sort of record ironic hipsters should listen to while they're reading the novelizations of '70s cop shows that they bought for a bundle off of eBay. Gillespie plays with his usual wit and panache, but most of the time, he sounds like a sideman on his own album; the real focus of Schifrin's arrangements is the funky wah-wah guitars and ARP synthesizer solos that take center stage on tracks like "Fire Dance" (which sounds exactly like it should be the theme for a Charlie's Angels spinoff) and the mellow disco of the closing "Last Stroke of Midnight." Occasionally, Gillespie gets to break out on his own album, with the lovely solo on "Love Poem for Donna" his particular standout. For what it is, Free Ride is really quite good (guests include Lee Ritenour and future star Ray Parker, Jr.), but it's very much a record of and for its time. Stewart Mason  Tracklist + Credits :

DAVE GRUSIN / LEE RITENOUR - Harlequin (1985) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Harlequin (Arlequim Desconhecido) 4:42
Composed By – Ivan Lins
Lyrics By – Victor Martins
2    Early A.M. Attitude 4:59
Composed By – Dave Grusin
3    San Ysidro 4:59
Composed By – Lee Ritenour
4    Before It´s Too Late (Antes Que Seja Tarde) 5:18
Composed By – Ivan Lins
Lyrics By – Victor Martins
5    Silent Message 6:09
Composed By – Dave Grusin
6    Cats Of Rio 5:18
Composed By – Don Grusin
7    Beyond The Storm (Depois Dos Temporais)     5:37
Composed By – Ivan Lins
Lyrics By – Victor Martins
8    Grid-Lock 4:03
Composed By – Lee Ritenour
9    The Bird 5:48
Composed By – Harvey Mason, Mike Lang
Credits :
Backing Vocals – Carol Rogers (faixas: 1, 4), Marietta Waters (faixas: 1, 4), Regina Werneck (faixas: 1, 4)
Bass – Abraham Laboriel (faixas: 5, 8), Jimmy Johnson (faixas: 1 to 4, 6, 7)
Drums – Carlos Vega (faixas: 1 to 4, 5, 6), Harvey Mason (faixas: 1, 4)
Guitar, Producer, Arranged By – Lee Ritenour
Percussion – Alex Acuña (faixas: 1, 8), Paulinho Da Costa
Piano, Keyboards – Dave Grusin
Programmed By [Drums] – Harvey Mason
Programmed By [Midi-piano] – Randy Goodrum
Programmed By [Synthesizer] – Marcus Ryle
Vocals – Ivan Lins (faixas: 1, 4)

JOE PASS AND PAULINHO DA COSTA - Tudo Bem! (1978-1985) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

After countless solo guitar albums for Pablo, Joe Pass performed this welcome change of pace, a set of Brazilian tunes. Joined by fellow guitarist Oscar Castro Neves, bassist Octavio Bailly, drummer Claudio Slon, percussionist Paulinho da Costa and keyboardist Don Grusin, Pass plays warm solos on a variety of Brazilian tunes. Highlights include three songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim (including "Corcovado" and "Wave"), Deodato's "Tears," and Luiz Bonfa's "The Gentle Rain." A melodic and infectious date that has been reissued on CD. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Corcovado 6:20
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
2     Tears (Razao de Viver) 3:32
Deodato
3     Wave 10:08
Antônio Carlos Jobim
4     Voce (You) 3:10
Ronaldo Bôscoli / Roberto Menescal
5     If You Went Away 3:04
Marcos Valle
6     Que Que Ha? 4:11
Don Grusin / Octavio Bailly, Jr.
7     The Gentle Rain (Chuva Delicada) 4:11
Luiz Bonfá / Matt Dubey
8     Barquinho 6:11
Ronaldo Bôscoli / Roberto Menescal
9     Luciana 4:55
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Gene Lees / Vinícius de Moraes
10     I Live to Love 3:20
Oscar Castro-Neves / Luverci Fiorini / Ray Gilbert
Credits :
Bass – Octavio Bailly Jr
Drums – Claudio Slon
Guitar – Joe Pass, Oscar Castro Neves
Keyboards – Don Grusin
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Producer – Norman Granz

GATO BARBIERI - Ruby, Ruby (1977-2007) Verve Originals / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Charming and romantic fit the description of Gato Barbieri and the work he presents here, the album Ruby, Ruby. The production of the record, mastered and engineered handsomely by Herb Alpert, is very lush and beautiful to a lasting degree. Barbieri turns his first song, "Ruby," from an early-on haunting love ballad to an appealing and gripping all-out Latin jam session. This theme happens to find itself playing roles several times over throughout the record. The musicianship explored is captivating and adventurous, taking the listener on a passionate journey to whatever part of the soul he or she wishes to find or dares to pursue. A soaring sound at times, with Barbieri's splendid, racing saxophone melody lines. "Nostalgia" brings the delicate and eloquent guitar work of Lee Ritenour, who also takes part in the creation of "Sunride" and bits of "Ruby." As with most jazz records, percussion is responsible for playing a key role in the inception of the groove and depth of the material. Because of this album's Latin context, Barbieri does a wonderful job inspiring his friends in the rhythm section to come to life. Joe Clayton plays the textured conga on "Latin Reaction," and Lenny White leads a band of fellow passionate drummers, including Paulina da Costa, Steve Gadd, Steve Jordan, and Bernard Purdie. The entire atmosphere of the record changes smoothly in texture and tempo, drifting like a channeling stream from subdued and slow to rampant and passionately loud. Certainly, Barbieri intended it to be a delight of the first degree in the Latin scene, and one listen should win the hearts and minds of the listener. Conjuring up romance and scenes of a starry night in Latin America, this music is the soul of Latin music at its peak in the late '70s. A soothing and ethereal delight, even considering its only weakness: the lack of words and lyrics. by Shawn M. Haney  
Tracklist :
1 Ruby 6:29
Written-By – Heinz Roemheld, Michael Parish
2 Nostalgia 5:25
Written-By – Gato Barbieri
3 Latin Reaction 4:58
Written-By – Marvin Gaye
4 Ngiculela - Es Una Historia - I Am Singing 5:45
Written-By – Stevie Wonder
5 Sunride 5:55
Written-By – Gato Barbieri
6 Adios 4:42
Written-By – Gato Barbieri
7 Blue Angel 5:46
Written-By – Gato Barbieri
8 Midnight Tango 4:27
Written-By – Herb Alpert
Credits :
Bass – Chuck Domanico (tracks: 7), Eddie Guagua (tracks: 6), Gary King
Congas – Joe Clayton (tracks: 3)
Contractor [Strings] – David Nadien
Drums – Bernard Purdie (tracks: 7), Lenny White, Steve Gadd (tracks: 5), Steve Jordan (tracks: 6)
French Horn – John Gale, Peter Gordon , Tom Malone
Guitar – David Spinozza, Joe Caro, Lee Ritenour (tracks: 1, 2, 5)
Keyboards – Eddy Martinez
Organ – Don Grolnick (tracks: 3)
Percussion – Cachete Maldonado, Paulinho Da Costa (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 7), Portinho (tracks: 6)
Piano – Don Grolnick (tracks: 1)
Producer, Arranged By – Herb Alpert
Synthesizer – Ian Underwood (tracks: 2 to 4)
Tenor Saxophone, Arranged By – Gato Barbieri
Trombone – David Taylor, Paul Faulise, Wayne Andre
Trumpet – Herb Alpert (tracks: 2)
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Alen Rubin, Jon Faddis, Lou Soloff, Marvin Stamm

JOÂO GILBERTO - Amoroso + Brasil (1993) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Two of the influential João Gilberto's LPs (Amoroso and Brasil) are combined on this single CD. The former session is pretty definitive with Gilberto interpreting four of Antonio Carlos Jobim's compositions (including "Wave" and "Triste") and four other songs (highlighted by "Besame Mucho," "Estate," and an odd 31-bar rendition of "'S Wonderful"). The strings (arranged by Claus Ogerman) are unnecessary but Gilberto proves to be in prime form. The later album also has its moments of interest (including a Brazilian version of "All of Me") and finds Gilberto backed by Johnny Mandel arrangements and assisted by singers Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Maria Bethania. Overall there is not much variety throughout this gently swinging program but these are a pair of Gilberto's better post-1970 recordings. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
        Amoroso    (1977)
1    'S Wonderful 4:10
Written-By – George & Ira Gershwin
2    Estate 6:27
Written-By – Bruno Brighetti, Bruno Martino
3    Tin Tin Por Tin Tin 3:40
Written-By – Geraldo Jacques, Haroldo Barbosa
4    Besame Mucho 8:46
Written-By – Consuelo Velazquez, Sunny Skylar
5    Wave 4:41
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
6    Caminhos Cruzados 6:14
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
7    Triste 4:19
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
8    Zingaro 6:22
Lyrics By – Chico Buarque
Music By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
    Brasil    (1981)
9    Aquarela Do Brasil 6:34
Written-By – Ary Barroso
10    Disse Alguém (All Of Me) 5:18
Written-By – Gerald Marks, Haroldo Barbosa, Seymour Simons
11    Bahia Com H 5:13
Written-By – Denis Brean
12    No Tabuleiro Da Baiana 4:50
Written-By – Ary Barroso
13    Milagre 4:57
Written-By – Dorival Caymmi
14    Cordeiro De Nanã 1:20
Written-By – Mateus E Dadinho
Créditos
Arranged By, Conductor – Claus Ogerman (faixas: 1 to 8), Johnny Mandel (faixas: 9 to 14)
Bass – Jim Hughart
Cello – Anne Goodman (faixas: 9 to 14), Rober Lebon (faixas: 9 to 14)
Concertmaster – Israel Baker (faixas: 1 to 8)
Contractor – Stan Fishelson (faixas: 9 to 14)
Contractor [Orchestra] – Frank De Caro (faixas: 1 to 8)
Drums – Grady Tate (faixas: 1 to 8), Joe Correro
Flute – Bud Shank (faixas: 9 to 14), Eddie Cainf (faixas: 9 to 14), Glen Garrett (faixas: 9 to 14), Harry Klu (faixas: 9 to 14)
Harp – Stella Castellucci (faixas: 9 to 14)
Keyboards – Clare Fischer (faixas: 9 to 14), Ralph Grierson (faixas: 1 to 8)
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa (faixas: 9 to 14)
Performer – Caetano Veloso (faixas: 9 to 14), Maria Bethania (faixas: 9 to 14)
Synthesizer – Michael Boddicker (faixas: 9 to 14), Milcho Leviev (faixas: 9 to 14)
Viola – David Schwartz (faixas: 9 to 14), Helaine Wittenberg (faixas: 9 to 14), Marilyn Baker (faixas: 9 to 14)
Violin – Bonnie Douglas (faixas: 9 to 14), Harry Bluestone (faixas: 9 to 14), Isabelle Daskoff (faixas: 9 to 14), Israel Baker (faixas: 9 to 14), Jerry Reisler (faixas: 9 to 14), John Wittenberg (faixas: 9 to 14), Joe Goodman (faixas: 9 to 14), Nathan Ross (faixas: 9 to 14), Paul Shure (faixas: 9 to 14), Bob Dubow (faixas: 9 to 14), Bob Lipsett (faixas: 9 to 14)
Violin, Concertmaster – Gerald Vinci (faixas: 9 to 14)
Vocals, Guitar – João Gilberto
Notas
Tracks 1-8 previously released as Amoroso
Tracks 9-14 previously released as Brasil 

YELLOWJACKETS - Samurai Samba (1985) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

T he hive is alive with the sound of saxophones, but it’s still all about the groove on Samurai Samba. Keyboardist Russell Ferrante chooses soft keyboard textures, the rhythm section of Haslip and Lawson keep things funky, and Russo’s saxophone comments on the action but doesn’t drive it the way he would on Shades. Otherwise, there’s not much that separates this Samba from their other moves: you have the crossover pop song (“Lonely Weekend”), intoxicating grooves (“Homecoming,” “Deat Beat”) and soulful, smooth jazz (“Daddy’s Gonna Miss You,” “Silverlake”). Since I’m naturally distrustful of jazz, I tend to watch a band that will slip a “Sylvania” and “Silverlake” onto the same album with a raised eyebrow. 

My tastes tend to run more traditional, which is to say I favor the sly dissonance of bop and its related offspring. Yellowjackets do that too, on the closing “Samurai Samba” of all places, but making an album with a little something for everyone only makes everyone a little happy. Of course, as I’ve said before, I have a big blind spot when it comes to jazz, and the ‘80s saw a transitional period where jazz, funk and pop music got swirled together into a kind of supermarket samba that initially attracted new listeners to jazz. If you ask me, the new listeners were people in silly turtlenecks with unpronounceable audiophile components (“The D is silent...”) who were convinced that jazz was the audio equivalent of wheat germ, but I don’t know why you would ask me. It is interesting, however, that jazz critics who would pore over every note recorded by Miles Davis or John Coltrane and gush at the achievements of Weather Report and Pat Metheny would seldom devote a fraction of the energy to breaking down the work of Yellowjackets or Tom Scott. But then I tend to lump jazz into one big bucket, and clearly there’s a little jazz elf at work in the bucket rolling some of the jazz grapes to one side and some to another. And that’s how I started with a hive analogy and ended up with a grape-rolling elf in a bucket. web

Tracklist:

1. Homecoming 5:13

Russell Ferrante

2. Deat Beat 5:25

Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Ricky Lawson / Marc Russo

3. Daddy's Gonna Miss You 4:33

Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Ricky Lawson / Marc Russo

4. Sylvania 4:14

Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Ricky Lawson

5. Silverlake 5:45

Russell Ferrante

6. Lonely Weekend 4:20

Bobby Caldwell / Joseph Curiale / Russell Ferrante / Ricky Lawson

7. Los Mambos 4:24

Paulinho Da Costa / Russell Ferrante / Marc Russo

8. Samurai Samba 5:18

Russell Ferrante

Credits:

Vocals – Bobby Caldwell, Carl Caldwell, Marilyn Scott, Paulinho Da Costa

Bass [5-string] – Jimmy Haslip

Drums, Drums [Electric] – Ricky Lawson

Guitar – Carlos Rios, Michael Landau

Keyboards – Russell Ferrante

Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa

Saxophone [Alto] – Marc Russo

MILES DAVIS - Tutu (1986-2001) Deluxe Edition / 2CD / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The controversial but memorable Tutu is mostly a duet between Miles Davis and the many overdubbed instruments of producer Marcus Miller (although violinist Michal Urbaniak, percussionist Paulinho da Costa, and keyboardist George Duke are among the other musicians making brief apperaances). Certainly the results are not all that spontaneous, but Davis is in top form and some of the selections (most notably the title cut) are quite memorable. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:

1-1 –Miles Davis Tutu 5:15

Written-By – Marcus Miller
1-2 –Miles Davis Tomaas 5:32
Written-By – Marcus Miller, Miles Davis
1-3 –Miles Davis Portia 6:18
Written-By – Marcus Miller
1-4 –Miles Davis Splatch 4:45
Written-By – Marcus Miller
1-5 –Miles Davis Backyard Ritual 4:49
Written-By – George Duke
1-6 –Miles Davis Perfect Way 4:32
Written-By – Gamson, Strohmeyer
1-7 –Miles Davis Don't Lose Your Mind 5:49

Written-By – Marcus Miller

1-8 –Miles Davis Full Nelson 5:05
Written-By – Marcus Miller
Live Performance From Nice Festival, France, Previously Unreleased
2-1 –Miles Davis Octet Opening Medley 15:11
('Theme From Jack Johnson' / 'Speak' / 'That's What Happened')
Written-By – John Scofield, Miles Davis
2-2 –Miles Davis Octet New Blues 5:23
Written-By – Miles Davis
2-3 –Miles Davis Octet Maze 10:15
Written-By – Erin Davis
2-4 –Miles Davis Octet Human Nature 9:01
Written-By – Bettis, Porcaro
2-5 –Miles Davis Octet Portia 7:56
Written-By – Marcus Miller
2-6 –Miles Davis Octet Splatch 17:07
Written-By – Marcus Miller
2-7 –Miles Davis Octet Time After Time 7:26
Written-By – Lauper, Hyman
2-8 –Miles Davis Octet Carnival 4:17
Written-By – Neil Larsen
Credits:
Arranged By – George Duke (tracks: 1-5), Marcus Miller (tracks: 1-1 to 1-4, 1-6 to 1-8)
Bass Guitar – Marcus Miller (tracks: 1-5)
Design [Original] – Susan Welt
Drums – Vincent Wilburn, Jr. (tracks: 2-1 to 2-8)
Drums, Percussion – Omar Hakim (tracks: 1-2)
Electric Bass – Felton Crews (tracks: 2-1 to 2-8)
Electric Violin – Michal Urbaniak (tracks: 1-7)
Guitar – Robben Ford (tracks: 2-1 to 2-8)
Instruments [All Other] – George Duke (tracks: 1-5), Marcus Miller
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa (tracks: 1-1, 1-3 to 1-5), Steve Thornton (tracks: 2-1 to 2-8)
Percussion [Additional] – Steve Reid (tracks: 1-4)
Programmed By [Synthesizer, Additional] – Adam Holzman (tracks: 1-1 to 1-8), Marcus Miller (tracks: 1-1 to 1-8)
Saxophone – Bob Berg (tracks: 2-1 to 2-8)
Synthesizer – Adam Holzman (tracks: 2-1 to 2-8), Robert Irving III (tracks: 2-1 to 2-8)
Synthesizer [Additional] – Bernard Wright (tracks: 1-2, 1-7)
Synthesizer [Solo] – Adam Holzman (tracks: 1-4)
Trumpet – Miles Davis (tracks: 1-1 to 1-8)
Trumpet, Synthesizer – Miles Davis (tracks: 2-1 to 2-8)

PAULINHO DA COSTA – Agora (1977-1991) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Brazilian-born percussionist Paulinho Da Costa's first album as a leader is very much an album of its era, for good and bad. Da Costa is the preeminent Brazilian percussionist of his time, and his kinetic grooves, built on a variety of traditional Afro-Cuban percussion instruments, power these six lengthy workouts. Indeed, on the hypnotic "Terra," his percussion is nearly the only instrument. However, the rest of this album tends toward standard mid-'70s jazz-funk. As a result, the album sounds terribly dated, all wah-wah guitar, Fender Rhodes electric piano, and ARP synthesizer. On the other hand, this is not necessarily a bad thing, especially for those into camp '70s nostalgia. More to the point, as camp '70s nostalgia goes, this is really quite good! Da Costa and his primary writing partner, arranger Claudio Slon, turn out to be masters at creating percolating jazz-funk grooves with the melodic savvy of the best Brazilian pop, for a best of both worlds feel. On both the sweet bossa nova disco of "Toledo Bagel" and the carnival-style percussion and chanting of the closing "Ritmo Number One," Da Costa and his group (featuring special guests like Greg Phillinganes and Lee Ritenour, for the full mid-'70s fusion experience) are entirely at ease, loose and funky but still entirely slick. Those phobic to memories of avocado shag carpeting will want to avoid Agora, but it's worth checking out for both hipster ironists and Brazilian jazz fans. Stewart Mason     Tracklist + Credits :

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - Detente (1980) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The epitome of cool, the Brecker Brothers were one of best-selling jazz fusion outfits of the mid-'70s to the early '80s. Randy Brecker (trumpet/flügelhorn) and Michael Brecker (tenor sax) were ubiquitous session players and also members of the New York band Dreams. By the mid-'70s, they started recording under their own name. Their subsequent albums, The Brecker Brothers, Don't Stop the Music, and the live Heavy Metal Be-Bop all find the group doing challenging melodies in a genre that often played it too stupid. Detente finds them during a time when jazz playing was starting to get more lucrative. Keyboardist and producer George Duke was behind the boards for Detente. Although the Brecker Brothers and Duke are probably mainstays in any jazz fusion collection, their styles aren't analogous. Some of the tracks here clearly prove that point. "You Ga (Ta Give It)" and "Not Tonight" both come off as a little too radio-friendly. Not surprisingly, the best cuts here have both the classic intelligent Brecker Brothers sound as well as George Duke's production prowess. The sophisticated and funky "Tee'd Off" gets the Brecker Brothers on more familiar terrain and features a sinewy guitar solo from the underrated Hiram Bullock. The highly charged "Squish" and "Baffled" both display Randy Brecker's singular arranging skills. "Dream Theme," arranged by Michael Brecker, is the album's best song, reflective yet not melancholy, with his saxophone felt and flawless throughout. The last track, "I Don't Know Either," has solos from both of the Brecker Brothers, and displays the level of skill that many jazz outfits simply didn't possess. Detente features work from a litany of jazz players, including Neil Jason and Steve Jordan in addition to Duke. Despite a few lukewarm tracks, Detente is well worth picking up. by Jason Elias 
Tracklist:
1 You Ga (Ta Give It) 4:30
Composed By – Randy Brecker
Vocals – Carl Carwell, D. J. Rogers
2 Not Tonight 3:57
Composed By – Michael Brecker, Neil Jason
Lyrics By – Neil Jason
Vocals – Carl Carwell
3 Don't Get Funny With My Money 4:33
Lyrics By – Luther Vandross
Music By, Lyrics By – Randy Brecker
4 Tee'd Off 3:43
Composed By – Michael Brecker
5 You Left Something Behind 4:00
Lyrics By – Debra Barsha
Music By – Randy Brecker
6 Squish 5:51
Composed By – Randy Brecker
7 Dream Theme 5:39

Composed By – Michael Brecker

8 Baffled 5:21
Composed By – Randy Brecker
9 I Don't Know Either 5:48
Composed By – Michael Brecker
Credits:
Bass – Marcus Miller, Neil Jason
Drums – Steve Gadd, Steve Jordan
Guitar – David Spinozza, Jeff Mironov
Keyboards – Mark Gray, George Duke, Don Grolnick
Percussion – Airto Moreira, Ralph MacDonald, Paulinho da Costa
Producer – George Duke
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Michael Brecker
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker
Vocals – Carl Carwell, D. J. Rogers