V.A. - The Rough Guide to Psychedelic Bollywood (2013) 2xCD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist 1 :
1 Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle & Mahendra Kapoor – Pyar Zindagi Hai 7:27
2 Kalyanji Anandji – Cabaret Dance Music (Instrumental) 2:36
3 Asha Bhosle – Mera Naam Hai Shabnam 3:16
4 Shiv Hari – Moments Of Passion (Instrumental) 2:48
5 R.D. Burman – Title Music (Instrumental) 2:48
6 Asha Bhosle – Yeh Mera Dil Yaar Ka Diwana 4:15
7 Usha Iyer & Asha Bhosle–    Hare Rama Hare Krishna    4:01
8 Laxmikant-Pyarelal – Soul Of Bobby (Instrumental) 2:11
9 Asha Bhosle – Aye Naujawan Sab Kuchh Yahan (Apradh) 3:08
10 Mohammed Rafi & Asha Bhosle –  Main Hoon Pyar Tera 5:23
11 Lata Mangeshkar – Apni To Jaise Taise 8:02
12 Kalyanji Anandji – Dance Music (Instrumental) 2:10
13 R.D. Burman & Asha Bhosle – Duniya Mein Logon Ko (Apna Desh) 5:49
14 R.D. Burman–    Freak Out Music (Instrumental) 3:19
15 Mohammed Rafi – Jaan Pehechaan Ho 5:36
Tracklist 2 :
The Rough Guide To R.D. Burman    
1    A Bhosle & R.D. Burman–    Piya Tu Ab To Aaja    5:25
2    K Sanu–    Ek Ladki Ko Dekha    4:36
3    M Dey & Chorus–    Aao Twist Karein    4:13
4    M Rafi–    Chand Mera Dil    2:58
5    K Sanu–    Kuch Na Kaho    6:05
6    A Bhosle & M Rafi–    Chura Liya Hai Tumme    4:48
7    V Mishra, G Bapat G G KAur–    Lakdi Ki Kathi    3:59
8    S.D. Burman–    Safal Hogi Teri Aradhana    5:46
9    M Rafi–    Sar Jo Tera Chakraye    4:22
10    A Bhosle And M Rafi–    Yah Ladka Hai Allah    4:52
11    K Kumar–    Yeh Shaam Mastani    8:09
12    A Bhosle–    Dum Maro Dum    3:39

LES BAXTER - Four Classic Albums : South Pacific / African Jazz / Jungle Jazz / Wild Guitars (2010) 2xCD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

  Tracklist 1 :
    Les Baxter And His Orchestra - South Pacific (1958)
1    There's Nothin' Like A Dame    2:42
2    Some Enchanted Evening    3:14
3    Happy Talk    2:20
4    A Cock-Eyed Optimist    2:38
5    I'm Gonna Was That Man Right Outta My Hair    1:48
6    Younger Than Springtime    2:20
7    A Wonderful Guy    2:07
8    Bali Hai    3:30
9    This Nearly Was Mine    2:35
10    Dites-Moi (Tell Me Why)    1:42
11    Honey Bun    2:04
12    Bloody Mary    3:24
Credits :
Arranged By, Conductor – Les Baxter
Artwork – Paul Gauguin
Written-By – Rodgers & Hammerstein
Les Baxter - African Jazz (1959)
13    Congo Train    2:41
14    Elephant Trail    3:09
15    Banana Boy    2:32
16    Safari    2:29
17    Mombassa After Midnight    2:08
18    Rain    2:36
19    Lost City    3:06
20    Walkin' Watusi    2:29
21    Ostritch Hunt    1:48
22    Cairo Bazaar    1:21
23    Junglelero    3:24
24    Balinese Bongos    1:59
Créditos
Composed By – Les Baxter
Orchestra – Les Baxter And His Orchestra
Producer – Voyle Gilmore
Tracklist 2 :
Les Baxter And His Orchestra ‎–  Jungle Jazz (1959)
1    Brazilia    2:04
2    Rain Forest    2:27
3    Papagayo    2:54
4    Amazon Falls    2:53
5    Coco    3:25
6    Carnival Merengue    2:54
7    Isle Of Cuba    3:19
8    Blue Jungle    3:15
9    Voodoo Dreams    3:01
10    One Thousand Cockatoos    2:30
11    Go Chango    3:15
12    Jungle Brava    2:29
Créditos
Composed By, Orchestrated By – Les Baxter
Producer – Voyle Gilmore
Tenor Saxophone, Alto Flute – Plas Johnson
Les Baxter And His Orchestra ‎– Wild Guitars (1959)
13    Sabre Dance    2:40
Arranged By – Les Baxter
Written-By – Aram Khatchaturian
14    Maracangalha    1:51
Dorival Caymmi
15    Desilusao    1:47
16    Cabayo    2:08
Written-By – Les Baxter, Riz Ortolani
17    Piccolissima Serenata    2:29
Written-By – Amurri, Ferrio, Hourdeaux
18    My Buddy    2:34
Written-By – Gus Kahn, Walter Donaldson
19    Ritual Fire Dance    2:03
Written-By – Manuel De Falla
20    Brazilian Slave Song    1:59
Written-By – Lamartine Babo
21    Tell Me, Margarita    3:03
Written-By – Mariano Merceron
22    Mandolino    1:53
Written-By – Les Baxter, Riz Ortolani
23    Cubana Mulatta    2:33
Written-By – Les Baxter, Pepé Gamboa
24    Tico Tico    1:49
Written-By – Zequinha Abreu
Créditos
Guitar – Joe Carioca, Nestor Amaral
Guitar, Tres, Cavaquinho – Pepé Gamboa
Producer – Voyle Gilmore

ANDRÉ PREVIN & HIS PALS - Modern Jazz Performances of Songs from Pal Joey (1957-1991) RM / APE (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist André Previn, bassist Red Mitchell, and drummer Shelly Manne perform eight songs that debuted in the show Pal Joey. Best known is "I Could Write a Book," which quickly became a standard, but the other, more obscure songs such as "Take Him," "Zip," and "Do It the Hard Way" are also generally good devices for jazz improvising. An enjoyable set of straight-ahead trio music. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 I Could Write a Book 4:52
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
2 That Terrific Rainbow 6:04
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
3 Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered 5:37
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
4 Take Him 3:35
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
5 Zip 3:40
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
6 It's a Great Big Town 3:34
7 What Is a Man? 3:19
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
8 I'm Talkin' with My Pal 5:02
9 Do It the Hard Way 4:05
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
Credits:
Bass – Red Mitchell
Drums – Shelly Manne
Lyrics By – Lorenz Hart
Music By – Richard Rogers
Piano – André Previn

MILES DAVIS / MARCUS MILLER - Music from Siesta (1987-2013) Jazz Best Collection 1000 – 10 / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This collaboration between Davis and producer Marcus Miller (who, except for some cameos, plays all of the other instruments) is quite successful and a bit of a surprise since it is essentially a soundtrack to an obscure film. Dedicated to arranger Gil Evans, the music is greatly influenced by his style with Miller creating an electrified but very warm orchestra to accompany Davis's melodic solos. This was the first of several instances in which Miles Davis, in the twilight of his life, returned to his roots. It's worth searching for. by Scott Yanow

Tracklist:

1 Lost In Madrid Part I 1:48

2 Siesta / Kitt's Kiss / Lost In Madrid Part II 6:54

Acoustic Guitar [On Siesta] – John Scofield

Drums [On Siesta] – Omar Hakim

3 Theme For Augustine / Wind / Seduction / Kiss 6:33

Composed By [Theme For Augustine] – Marcus Miller

4 Submission 2:32

5 Lost In Madrid Part III 0:49

6 Conchita / Lament 6:43

7 Lost In Madrid Part IV / Rat Dance / The Call 1:41

8 Claire / Lost In Madrid Part V 4:33

Classical Guitar [On Claire] – Earl Klugh

9 Afterglow 1:41

10 Los Feliz 4:35

Flute [Flutes] – James Walker

Credits:

Composed By – Marcus Miller

Instruments [Other Instruments Played By] – Marcus Miller

Producer – Marcus Miller

Programmed By [Synthesizer Programming] – Jason Miles 

Trumpet – Miles Davis

GONG - Continental Circus (Original Soundtrack) (1972-1994) RM / WV (image+.cue), lossless

Gong performed the soundtrack for Continental Circus, Jerome Laperrousaz's film about the 1970 Grands Prix 500cc. Laperrousaz also collaborated with Gilli Smyth on the compositions, which are tighter and more intricate than the band's previous release, Magick Brother. This is possibly the smallest number of musicians involved on any Gong project, and it shows in the sound of the music -- straightforward progressive rock with no surprises. Keys and synth are kept to a minimum as the band plunges forth with the standard guitar, bass and drums. Malherbe's playing (sax/flute) has not yet moved to the forefront, and the band decided to drop the psychedelic angle for this outing. Much of the music is strictly guitar-driven, with the final instrumental cut resembling early King Crimson, as is the case on several cuts from the following, far superior release, Camembert Electrique. [There is a bootleg version of Continental Circus in existence with twice as many tracks.] by David Ross Smith
Tracklist:
1 Blues For Findlay 11:19
2 Continental Circus World 4:08
3 What Do You Want? 9:00
4 Blues For Findlay (Instrumental) 9:42
Credits:
Bass – Christian Tritsch
Drums – Pip Pyle
Saxophone, Flute – Didier Malherbe
Vocals [Space Whisper], Written-By – Gilli Smyth
Vocals, Guitar [Glissandoz] – Daevid Allen
Written-By – Jérôme Laperrousaz (tracks: 1, 2)

ROY AYERS - Coffy (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (1973-2001) RM / APE (image+.cue), lossless

A blaxploitation masterpiece on par with Curtis Mayfield's Superfly and Isaac Hayes' Shaft, Roy Ayers' soundtrack for the 1973 Pam Grier vehicle Coffy remains one of the most intriguing and evocative film scores of its era or any other. Ayers' signature vibes create atmospheres and textures quite distinct from your average blaxploitation effort, embracing both heavy, tripped-out funk ("Brawling Broads") and vividly nuanced soul-jazz ("Aragon"). The vocal numbers are no less impressive, in particular the rapturous opening cut, "Coffy Is the Color." Richly  by Jason Ankeny

Tracklist:

1 Coffy Is The Color 2:58

Vocals – Dee Dee Bridgewater, Roy Ayers, Wayne Garfield

2 Pricilla's Theme 3:53

3 King George 2:55

Vocals – Roy Ayers

4 Aragon 2:52

5 Coffy Sauna 2:13

6 King's Last Ride 1:05

7 Coffy Baby 2:23

Vocals – Dee Dee Bridgewater

8 Brawling Broads 2:40

9 Escape 2:14

10 Shining Symbol 3:49

Vocals – Wayne Garfield

11 Exotic Dance 3:14

12 Making Love 2:45

13 Vittroni's Theme - King Is Dead 1:58

14 End Of Sugarman 1:04

Credits:

Bass [Electric], Bass – Richard Davis  

Congas, Bongos, Percussion – William King  

Drums – Dennis Davis

Guitar – Billy Nichols, Bob Rose

Orchestrated By, Electric Piano, Organ, Harpsichord, Piano – Harry Whitaker

Producer, Composed By, Arranged By – Roy Ayers

Strings – Emanuel Vardi, Harry Lookofsky, Irving Spice, Peter Dimitriades

Trombone – Garnett Brown, Wayne Andre

Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Cecil Bridgewater, Jon Faddis

ANDRÉ PREVIN AND HIS PALS - West Side Story (1960-1990) RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The last of a series of showtune albums recorded by the trio of pianist Andre Previn, bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Shelly Manne finds the all-star group focusing on the music of West Side Story (Previn and Manne alternated leadership, and it was the drummer's good fortune to have the famous My Fair Lady album under his own name). This CD reissue has eight of the main themes from the famous musical, including "I Feel Pretty," "Maria" and "America." As usual, the melodies are treated respectfully yet swingingly, and Andre Previn in particular excels in this setting. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Something`s Coming 2:35
2 Jet Song 4:46
3 Tonight 5:22
4 I Feel Pretty 6:45
5 Gee, Officer Krupke! 4:53
6 Cool 3:18
7 Maria 5:26
8 America 4:51
Credits:
Bass – Red Mitchell
Drums – Shelly Manne
Piano – André Previn
Written-By – Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim

LOTTE LENYA - Lotte Lenya Sings American & Berlin Theater Songs of Kurt Weill (1988) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Employing the same Richard Avedon portrait that graced the cover of the 1970 double-LP The Lotte Lenya Album, this collection is an abbreviated version of that compilation, cut down to fit the length limit of a single CD. The Lotte Lenya Album was nothing more or less than a two-fer repackaging of the single LPs Lotte Lenya Sings Berlin Theatre Songs by Kurt Weill and September Song and Other American Theatre Songs by Kurt Weill. For this version, the last four songs from the former ("Was Die Herren Matrosen Sagen," "Ballade vom Ertrunkenen Mädchen," "Lied der Fennimore," and "Cäsars Todd") have been deleted to bring the total running time down to 70 minutes. Thus, the first eight tracks find Lenya in Germany in 1955, singing mostly in German songs composed by Weill with lyrics by Bertolt Brecht from their stage works Die Dreigroschenoper ("The Threepenny Opera"), Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny ("Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny"), and Happy End, while the last 12 tracks find her in the U.S. in 1957, singing in English songs from Weill's Broadway musicals Knickerbocker Holiday, Lady in the Dark, One Touch of Venus, The Firebrand of Florence, Street Scene, Love Life, and Lost in the Stars. Lenya always disputed the notion that there were two Weills, the Berlin Weill and the Broadway Weill, but she ended up reinforcing that argument with these two LPs, and juxtaposing two-thirds of one with all of the other on this disc does not disprove it. Lenya was the definitive interpreter of the Brecht/Weill catalog, of course, and when she came to make the recordings here she had been singing (and recording) songs like "Seeräuberjenny" ("Pirate Jenny") and "Surabaya-Johnny" for more than a quarter-century. It's no surprise that she sounds assured on the first eight tracks, which use the original orchestrations for small jazz band conducted by Roger Bean. It's a different story with the Broadway tunes that make up tracks 9-20, however, as Maurice Levine conducts a string orchestra on songs for which other singers have done memorable treatments, including "September Song," "Saga of Jenny," "Speak Low," and "Lost in the Stars." With her limited range and German-accented English, Lenya is not the best interpreter of this material, and she does better with the less familiar songs, such as "Sing Me Not a Ballad," which actually was written for her to sing in the unsuccessful operetta The Firebrand of Florence. As such, the decision to excise a third of the Berlin album is all the more questionable. by William Ruhlmann  
Tracklist:

1 September Song 3:45

Maxwell Anderson / Kurt Weill
2 It Never Was You 2:26
Maxwell Anderson / Kurt Weill
3 The Saga of Jenny 3:58
Ira Gershwin / Kurt Weill
4 Foolish Heart 3:10
Ogden Nash / Kurt Weill
5 Speak Low 2:49
Ogden Nash / Kurt Weill
6 Sing Me Not a Ballad 4:15
Ira Gershwin / Kurt Weill
7 Lonely House 3:36
Langston Hughes / Kurt Weill
8 A Boy Like You 2:26
Langston Hughes / Kurt Weill
9 Green-Up Time 2:34
Alan Jay Lerner / Kurt Weill
10 Trouble Man 3:42
Maxwell Anderson / Kurt Weill
11 Stay Well 3:01
Maxwell Anderson / Kurt Weill
12 Lost in the Stars 3:59
Maxwell Anderson / Kurt Weill
13 Song of Ruth 2:08
Kurt Weill / Franz Werfel
14 The Solomon Song 3:37
Marc Blitzstein / Bertolt Brecht / Kurt Weill
15 Song 3:05
Bertolt Brecht / Paul Dessau
16 Song of a German Mother 2:24
Bertolt Brecht / Hanns Eisler
17 So What 3:21
Fred Ebb / John Kander
Lotte Lenya feat: Harold Hastings
18 What Would You Do? 3:25
Fred Ebb / John Kander
Lotte Lenya feat: Harold Hastings 
19 It Couldn't Please Me More (A Pineapple) 3:17
Fred Ebb / John Kander
Lotte Lenya feat: Jack Gilford / Harold Hastings
20 Married 2:41
Fred Ebb / John Kander
Lotte Lenya feat: Jack Gilford / Harold Hastings
21 Moritat Vom Mackie Messer 2:52
Bertolt Brecht / Kurt Weill
Lotte Lenya feat: Turk Murphy
22 Mack the Knife 3:11
Marc Blitzstein / Bertolt Brecht / Kurt Weill
Lotte Lenya feat: Turk Murphy
23 Mack the Knife 8:34
Marc Blitzstein / Bertolt Brecht / Kurt Weill
Lotte Lenya feat: Louis Armstrong

LOTTE LENYA - Lotte Lenya Sings Kurt Weill's The Seven Deadly Sins & Berlin Theater Songs (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A combined digital edition of Die Sieben Todsünden and Lotte Lenya Sings Berlin Theatre Songs of Kurt Weill, a pair of recordings given additional weight and texture as a result of Lenya recording them after visiting Berlin following a 20-year absence from the city -- she was heartbroken on seeing the devastation that had resulted from World War II. Die Sieben Todsünden is a nine-part work for vocal ensemble and soloist, while the Berlin Theatre Songs collection essentially rifles the Kurt Weill canon for highlights, coming up, as expected, with "Moritat vom Mackie Messer" and "Seeräuberjenny," amongst others. Familiarity, however, makes the songs -- and the recordings -- no less a treasure. Lenya works with a small ensemble on the theatre songs, recording in fairly close quarters (going by the photos in the booklet). The recordings sound intimate, and have an impressive energy as a direct result. Lenya's pleasure at performing these songs is also evident -- there is no grandstanding (indeed, she is an example of self-control), but she puts her heart into each of them, giving each song its own special due. Die Sieben Todsünden utilizes an orchestra (conducted by Wilhelm Brückner-Rüggeberg) and a vocal ensemble. Lenya sings the part of Anna, represented as Anna I and Anna II, a character in conflict with herself, her family, and even the extremes of morality. This final collaboration between Weill and Bertholt Brecht takes quite a few interesting musical turns -- there is some extremely creative use of rhythm and dissonance, though not in expected ways, while the general form of the music often hints at strict tradition before unlacing said strict tradition's corsets. It's a wonderful concert work, lovingly recorded (and remastered) with subtle touches and inflections from Lenya that require repeated listenings to catch. The supporting vocalists are highly professional, but don't bring quite the same qualities to the table as Lenya does. This combined reissue is almost perfect, and it truly is unfortunate that there has to be a worm in the apple, albeit a fairly small one -- while the lack of a libretto for the Berlin Theatre Songs portion is perhaps understandable, the lack of even a German libretto for Die Sieben Todsünden is all but inexcusable. by Steven McDonald 

ALFRED SCHNITTKE - Film Music Edition (2009) 4CD / FLAC (tracks), lossless

Alfred Schnittke as a composer of film music - that is a fact well known to anyone who has ever been concerned with Alfred Schnittke. However, only very few people are familiar with his actual work in the film music genre. This is all the more surprising since on the one hand, Alfred Schnittke wrote more than 60 film scores during the years between 1961 and 1984, and on the other hand, his poly-stylistic techniques found a nearly perfect equivalent in film. Since Alfred Schnittke suffered from the artistic regimentations like many contemporary composers in the USSR, and his works could often only be performed under difficult circumstances, his work for the film to a large extent contributed to his livelihood. web

Film Music Vol. I

Tracklist 1:

1. Thema - Titelmusik / Title music (2:44)

2. Agitato I - Schlitten / Sledge (3:15)

3. Agitato II - Reise / Trip (4:42)

4. Walzer (Abschied) / Waltz (Farewell) (3:23)

5. Thema und Marsch / Theme and march (2:26)

6. Epilog / Finale (2:08)

Tracks 1–6: Die Geschichte eines Unbekannten Schauspielers / The Story of an Unknown Actor

7. Spaaziergänge der Wawilowa durch die Stadt / Wawilowa’s City Walk (4:24)

8. Hochzeit / Wedding (01:37)

9. Attacke / Attack (3:21)

10. Spiel / Game (4:12)

11. Einzung in die Stadt / Entering the city (2:43)

12. Liebe / Love (3:30)

13. Keller / Cellar (6:15)

14. Regen / Rain (7:40)

15. Traum / Dream (6:25)

16. Wanderung der Verdammten / Trek of the Damned (4:28)

17. Einsicht / Conclusion (2:51)

Tracks 7–17: Die Kommisarin / The Commissar

Film Music Vol. II

Tracklist 2:

1. Titelmusik / Title music (1:41)

2. Intermezzo (1:38)

3. Akrobaten / Acrobats (1:19)

4. Im Krankenhaus / In the hospital (2:35)

5. Walzer / Waltz (1:44)

Tracks 1–5: Clowns und Kinder / Clowns and Children

6. Die Baustelle / The building site (3:43)

7. Kutsche / Carriage (2:37)

8. Fabrik / Factory (3:27)

9. Wowka / Vovka (1:22)

Tracks 6–9: Der Walzer / The Waltz

10. Der Musioker und das Carillon / The musician and the carillon (1:50)

11. Prozession / Procession (1:23)

12. Die Gesichter - Die Flüge - Pyramide / Faces - Flights - Pyramids (13:26)

13. Der Musiker - Das Erwachen / The musician - The awakening (4:07)

Tracks 10–13: Die Glasharmonika / The Glass Harmonica

14. Sotnikows Tod / Sotnikov’s Death (6:56)

15. Auf dem Schlitten / On the sled (4:33)

16. Reue / Remorse (2:46)

Tracks 14–16: Der Aufstieg / The Ascent

Film Music Vol. III

Tracklist 3:

1. In der Fledermaushöhle / In the bat cave (4:48)

2. Absturz der Kutsche - Das Meer / Crash of the carriage - The sea (5:30)

3. Liebeserklärung - Orlandos Thema / Pledge of love - Orlando’s theme (5:22)

4. Katz-und-Maus-Spiel / Cat and mouse game (2:46)

5. Maitanz - Spelunke - Jagd / Mayday dance - Dive bar - Hunt (8:05)

6. Pest / Plague (5:54)

7. Menuett / Minuet (2:05)

8. Tanz - Walzer - Orlandos Tod / Dance - Waltz - Orlando’s death (4:48)

9. Zerstörung des Schlosses / Destruction of the castle (2:32)

10. Finale (3:05)

Tracks 1–10: Dea Märchen der Wanderungen / The Fairytale of the Wanderings

11. Titelmusik / Title music (3:33)

12. Bedrohung und Rettung / Menace and rescue (7:00)

13. Nacht / Night (4:29)

14. Legende / Legend (0:58)

15. Kampf / Fight (4:51)

16. Epilog / Epilogue (3:12)

Tracks 11–16: Rikki-Tikki-Tavi

Film Music Vol. IV

Listeners familiar only with Alfred Schnittke's frequently spiky concert music may be taken off guard by the fluency with which he created film scores in a completely accessible vernacular aesthetic. Given the catholicity of languages he incorporated in his polystylism, though, it's not surprising that when required to, he could isolate an idiom and write music of a more conventional stylistic unity. While he does draw on a number of influences, including jazz, Baroque, and folk song, these are used in the way a traditional film composer might employ them, not in Schnittke's usual astonishing juxtapositions. What may be surprising is the genuinely memorable lyricism of this music -- these scores don't sound like they were casually knocked off, but are lovingly and carefully constructed, the product of an exceptionally fertile imagination. The scores for the Russian films by director Elem Klimow -- Sport, Sport, Sport (1970) and The Adventures of a Dentist (1965) -- have an easy lyricism and driving rhythmic energy that would make them attractive to fans of more traditional film soundtracks. Both pieces are notable for their inventive orchestrations, strong dramatic impulse, and seamless incorporation of elements of pop and European folk traditions. The two multi-movement suites are arranged by Frank Strobel who conducts the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin in stylish and lively performances. The sound of Capriccio's SACD is exceptionally vivid and well-defined. The recording should be of strong interest to Schnittke fans, not only because if the compositional versatility it demonstrates, but because the music itself is so engaging and enjoyable. by Stephen Eddins  

Tracklist 4:

1.  Titelmusik - Interview / Title music - Interview (1:42)

2.  Griechenland - Das Bad / Greece - The bath (Adagio - Presto) (6:28)

3.  Zukunft / Future (Menuett) (1:40)

4.  Das Lied des Kaufmanns Kalaschnikow / Merchant Kalaschnikow’s song (Allegro) (5:18)

5.  Schlachtenbummler / Away fans (Menuett - Fuge - Allegro) (4:48)

6.  Der moderne Sport: Training - Sieger - Finale / Modern sports: training - winner - finale (Allegro molto - Andante) (5:25)

Tracks 1–6: Sport, Sport, Sport

7.  Maschas Lied / Mascha’s song (Tempo di Valse) (3:18)

8.  Gloria (Maestoso) (3:20)

9.  Der Park / The park (Tempo di Valse) (2:12)

10.  Pantomime (Allegretto) (3:47)

11.  Charleston (1:57)

12.  Frühling / Spring (2:56)

13.  Walzer / Waltz (Moderato) (2:03)

14.  Verzweiflung / Despair (Andante) (2:24)

15.  Finale (3:39)

Tracks 7–15: Die Abenteuer eines Zahnarztes / The Adventures of a Dentist

BERNARD WYSTRAËTE & GRUPO - Strawa no Sertão (2005) Mp3

Tracklist:
1 Sanfona 4:48
Piano, Guest [Guest Artist] – Egberto Gismonti
Strawa No Sertão
2 1st Movement - Maxixe 1:47
3 2nd Movement - Bumba Meu Boi 3:38
4 3rd Movement - Choro & Baião 6:32
5 4th Movement - Forrò 0:58
6 5th Movement - Cherubin I 2:52
7 O Amor Que Move O Sol E Outras Estrelas 6:22
Piano, Guest [Guest Artist] – Egberto Gismonti
8 Karatê 1:41
9 Bodas De Prata 5:50
Piano, Guest [Guest Artist] – Egberto Gismonti
10 Baião Malandro 5:12
11 Cherubin II 5:54
12 Maracatu 3:57
Piano, Guest [Guest Artist] – Egberto Gismonti
Credits:
Accordion – Frédéric Guérouet (tracks: 1, 3 to 6, 8 to 10, 12)
Arranged By – Egberto Gismonti (tracks: 2 to 6)
Arranged By [Based On Egberto Gismonti's Piano Interpretation] – Bernard Wystraëte (tracks: 1, 7, 9, 10, 12)
Cello – Pierre Strauch (tracks: 2 to 6, 8, 10)
Co-producer – Egberto Gismonti
Composed By – Egberto Gismonti
Ensemble – Bernard Wystraëte Group
Flute [Flutes], Directed By [Musical And Artistic Direction] – Bernard Wystraëte
Guitar – Jean-Yves Casala (tracks: 2, 4 to 6, 8)
Piano – Véronique Briel (tracks: 3 to 6, 10)
Soprano Clarinet [B♭ Clarinet] – Philippe Berrod (tracks: 2 to 6, 8, 10)
Vibraphone – Philippe Macé (tracks: 3 to 5, 10)

RICK WAKEMAN - The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973-2010) RM / SHM-CD / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Not only did this album help pave the way for progressive rock, but it also introduced the unbridled energy and overall effectiveness of the synthesizer as a bona fide instrument. Six Wives gave Wakeman his chance to break away from the other instrumental complexities that made up Yes and allowed him to prove what a driving force the keyboard could truly be, especially in full album form. More than just synthesized wandering, Wakeman astoundingly conjures up a separate musical persona by way of an instrumental ode to each of Henry VIII's wives through his dazzling use of the Mellotron, Moog, and Hammond C-3 organ. For example, Wakeman's fiery runs and fortissimo thwarting of the synthesizer throughout "Anne Boleyn" is a tribute to her feisty temper and valiant courage that she maintained while standing up to her husband. With "Jane Seymour," on the other hand, Wakeman's playing is somewhat subdued and gentle, which coincides with her legendary meekness and frailty, as well as her willingness to cater to Henry VIII. Wakeman's masterful use of his synthesizers is instrumentally stunning, as is his talent of magically shaping the notes to represent behavioral idiosyncrasies of his characters. Yes bassist Chris Squire lends a hand on "Catherine of Aragon," while guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Bill Bruford appear on a few tracks as well, as does former Strawbs member Dave Cousins, playing the electric banjo. The Six Wives of Henry VIII unleashes the unyielding power of the keyboard as a dominant instrument, but also displays Wakeman at the beginning of an extremely resplendent career as a solo musician. by Mike DeGagne  
Tracklist:

1 Catherine Of Aragon

2 Anne Of Cleves
3 Catherine Howard
4 Jane Seymour
5 Anne Boleyn 'The Day Thou Gavest Lord Hath Ended'
6 Catherine Parr

RICK WAKEMAN - White Rock (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) 1977-2003 / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This was the soundtrack to a motion picture documentary of the same name of the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympic Games. It features only Wakeman's huge assortment of keyboards and drummer Tony Fernandez, with a choir on two tracks. It's a fine album with many moods, from the rocking title track to the stately "After the Ball" to the sprightly "Montezuma's Revenge," Wakeman's arrangement of some Hungarian Gypsy music. His piano throughout is exquisite. by Stephen Raiteri
Tracklist:
1 White Rock 3:10
2 Searching For Gold 4:20
3 The Loser 5:30
4 The Shoot 4:00
5 Lax'x 4:53
6 After The Ball 3:05
7 Montezuma's Revenge 3:55
Written-By – Trad. 
8 Ice Run 6:09

MABEL MERCER & BOBBY SHORT - At Town Hall + Second Town Hall Concert (2001) 2CD / Mp3

HEAVY METAL (Original Soundtrack) 1981 / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The title Heavy Metal is somewhat misleading. Sure, this terrific soundtrack from the 1981 animated cult favorite features heavy metal and hard rock numbers. But the title refers to National Lampoon's sci-fi/fantasy magazine on which the film is based. Musically, Heavy Metal offers more than the title suggests, and the songs fit perfectly with their respective film segments. Heavy Metal was originally a double album, but at 62 minutes it fits just fine on one CD. Sixteen songs are contributed by Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, Devo, Donald Fagen, Don Felder, Grand Funk Railroad, Sammy Hagar, Journey, Nazareth, Stevie Nicks, Riggs, and Trust; Cheap Trick, Felder, and Riggs each provide two. Most songs are exclusive to this soundtrack. The best-known song here is Journey's ballad "Open Arms." Blue Oyster Cult's darkly menacing "Veteran of the Psychic Wars" is a haunting gem. Devo's quirky, new wave interpretation of the Allen Toussaint-penned "Working in the Coal Mine" was a minor hit. Black Sabbath's blistering "The Mob Rules" is a fine example of the underrated Ronnie James Dio era. Felder's "Heavy Metal (Takin' a Ride)" and "All of You" are well-crafted, and they make a good argument that he was the Eagles' secret musical weapon. Fagen's "True Companion" is a delightful jazz-rock song that would have fit nicely on a Steely Dan album. The odd thing is this five-minute tune is practically an instrumental; Fagen doesn't start singing until 3½ minutes in. Nazareth's "Crazy (A Suitable Case for Treatment)" has a hypnotic rhythm. Stevie Nicks' "Blue Lamp" is clean, upbeat pop/rock. Cheap Trick's "Reach Out" and "I Must Be Dreamin'" rely more on synthesizers than power-pop guitars. Riggs' "Radar Rider" is basic, catchy hard rock. by Bret Adams  
Tracklist:
1 Heavy Metal 3:50
Sammy Hagar / Jim Peterik
2 Heartbeat 4:20
Jerry Riggs
Riggs
3 Working in the Coal Mine 2:48
Lee Dorsey / Allen Toussaint
Devo
4 Veteran of the Psychic Wars 4:48
Eric Bloom / Michael Moorcock
Blue Öyster Cult
5 Reach Out 3:35
Pete Comita / Robert James
Cheap Trick
6 Heavy Metal (Takin' a Ride) 5:00
Elmer Bernstein / Don Felder
Don Felder
7 True Companion 5:02
Donald Fagen
8 Crazy (A Suitable Case for Treatment) 3:24
Pete Agnew / Manuel Charlton / Dan McCafferty / Darrell Sweet
Nazareth
9 Radar Rider 2:40
Marc Jordan
Riggs
10 Open Arms  3:20
Jonathan Cain / Steve Perry
Journey
11 Queen Bee 3:11
Mark Farner
Grand Funk Railroad
12 I Must Be Dreamin' 5:37
Rick Nielsen
Cheap Trick
13 The Mob Rules 2:43
Geezer Butler / Ronnie James Dio / Tony Iommi
Black Sabbath
14 All of You 4:18
Don Felder
15 Prefabricated 2:59
Bernie Bonvoisin / Norbert Krief / Jimmy Pursey
Trust
16 Blue Lamp 3:48
Stevie Nicks

KATE SMITH - It's a Lovely Day [1994]

Kathryn Elizabeth Smith was born May 1, 1907 in the nation's capital. From an early age she loved to sing and dance. She performed locally in theatres and at nightclubs and was discovered by a New York City show producer in 1926. She was featured in the musical comedy Honeymoon Lane on Broadway and later in Hit the Deck and Flying High. She was discovered in 1930 by Columbia Records vice president Ted Collins, who became her partner and manager and who put her on the radio in 1931. She was an immediate success on the air and she soon broke the record for longevity at the legendary Palace Theatre. In 1932 she had a cameo role in Paramount's The Big Broadcast. Then she starred in her own movie, Hello Everybody!, with co-stars Randolph Scott and Sally Blane. In 1943 she sang “God Bless America” in the Irving Berlin picture This is the Army. Kate began making records in 1926; among her biggest hits were River, Stay 'Way From My Door (1931), The Woodpecker Song (1940), The White Cliffs of Dover (1941), I Don't Want to Walk Without You (1942), There Goes That Song Again (1944), Seems Like Old Times (1946), and Now Is the Hour (1947). In the fifties she began making LP albums, with such best sellers as Kate Smith at Carnegie Hall (1963), How Great Thou Art (1965), and America’s Favorites: Kate Smith/Arthur Fiedler/Boston Pops (1967). Her theme song was When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain, whose lyrics she helped write. Irving Berlin regarded the song she made most famous, God Bless America, as his most important composition. Kate predicted, in 1938, that the song would still be sung long after all of us are gone - and it surely will. She had the most popular radio variety hour, The Kate Smith Hour, which aired weekly from 1937-45. At the same time she had the No. 1 daytime radio show, the midday Kate Smith Speaks, a news and commentary program. In 1950 Kate entered television with a Monday-Friday afternoon variety show, The Kate Smith Hour (1950-54). It proved so popular that NBC gave her a prime-time show on Wednesday evenings, The Kate Smith Evening Hour. Her last TV series was CBS's The Kate Smith Show, a weekly half-hour musical series in 1960. She made many guest appearances on top TV shows, such as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show, The Jack Paar Show, ABC Hollywood Palace, The Dean Martin Show, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, The Andy Williams Show, The Tony Orlando and Dawn Show, and TheDonny & Marie Show. During the last decade of her career Kate gave dozens of live concerts, in various American cities. In 1972-73 she had extended engagements at the largest nightclub in the Reno area, giving two shows each day. Kate ended her career on a high note. She became singing good-luck charm for the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team with her renditions of God Bless America, helping to inspire them to two successive Stanley Cups (1974 and 1975). In 1976 she was named Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade. Fittingly, the last song she sang was that Irving Berlin anthem on a bicentennial special just before July 4, 1976. She died in Raleigh, NC, June 17, 1986.
Tracklist
1. It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow 
(I. Berlin With the Kate Smith Singers)
2. Blues in the Night
 (J. Mercer/H. Arlen)
3. (All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings 
(H Rome/J. Herpin)
4. Seems Like Old Times 
(C. Lombardo/J. Loeb)
5. When Day Is Done 
(B.G. De Sylva/R. Katscher)
6. I Don't Want to Walk Without You 
(F Loesser/J. Styne)
7. Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, A
 (E Maschwitz/M. Sherwin)
8. If I Had My Way 
(L. Klein/J. Kendis)
9. (There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover
 (N. Burton/W. Kent)
10. Star-Spangled Banner, The
 (F.S. Key/J.S. Smith With the Kate Smith Singers)

KATE SMITH - It's a Lovely Day

Cassette, 1994, Sony Music Distribution (USA) FLAC

O Púbis da Rosa

SAMMY DAVIS JR & BUDDY RICH - The Sounds of '66 [1966]

If a pop singer is backed by a jazz band, he/she doesn't automatically turn into a jazz singer -- having jazz accompaniment doesn't necessarily make you jazz. But if a pop singer likes to swing, having jazz accompaniment is certainly a plus. Like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis, Jr. was a jazz-influenced pop singer who knew how to swing hard. And when Davis joined forces with drummer Buddy Rich in 1966, swinging hard was inevitable. The Sounds of '66 documents a 1966 show in Las Vegas, where Davis was backed by Rich's big band. Although Rich had a reputation for being difficult to work with and could be a loose cannon at times, he was an extraordinary musician -- and if you were able to get along with the volatile drummer (musically or personally), he could certainly add a lot of fire to your performances. Fire is exactly what Rich brings to The Sounds of '66; he clearly inspires Davis to go that extra mile on performances of songs that range from "Come Back to Me" to Sammy Cahn's "If It's the Last Thing I Do" and Frank Loesser's "Once in Love With Amy." Even "Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead" (a song that listeners generally associate with The Wizard of Oz) is hard-swinging -- Davis and Rich approach the E.Y. "Yip" Harburg/Harold Arlen song as aggressive big band pop, not children's music. A major departure from the famous Wizard of Oz version, Davis and Rich's version is definitely an adult interpretation. Not every album that Davis recorded in the '60s is great, but lovers of traditional jazz-influenced pop can't go wrong with this excellent CD.  by Alex Henderson 
Tracklist:
1  Come Back to Me 4:12
Burton Lane / Alan Jay Lerner 
2  I Know a Place 2:27
Tony Hatch 
3  What Did I Have That I Don't Have? 3:43
Burton Lane / Alan Jay Lerner 
4  What the World Needs Now Is Love 3:04
Burt Bacharach / Hal David 
5  Once in Love With Amy 2:45
Frank Loesser 
6  Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead 1:48
Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg 
7  What Now My Love 3:07
Gilbert Bécaud / Pierre Delanoë / Carl Sigman 
8  What Kind of Fool Am I?  3:07
Leslie Bricusse / Anthony Newley 
9  If It's the Last Thing I Do 3:24
Sammy Cahn / Saul Chaplin 
10 Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone 3:26
Sidney Clare / Sam H. Stept 
Credits
Arranged By, Conductor – Ernie Freeman, George Rhodes
Featuring – Buddy Rich And His Orchestra

SAMMY DAVIS JR & BUDDY RICH - The Sounds of '66 [1966]

RM [1996] Reprise / CBR320 / scans

O Púbis da Rosa

SAMMY DAVIS JR Sings, LAURINDO ALMEIDA Plays [1966] CCM / FLAC

The intimacy inherent in this collection places 1966's Sammy Davis, Jr. Sings and Laurindo Almeida Plays in a class unto itself. As he had done on the highly conceptual All-Star Spectacular in 1962 and California Suite in 1964, multi-talented entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. has created a unique and thoroughly fascinating outing. The ten selections feature Davis and Brazilian instrumentalist/arranger Laurindo Almeida, who made a name for himself as an accompanist for Carmen Miranda before delving into the decidedly American art form of West Coast cool jazz with saxophonist Bud Shank in the mid-'50s. Here, the pair effortlessly complement each other inside the very intonation and tenor of their respective crafts. Davis' incisive abilities as an emotive performer bring a pervasive dramatic quality to the wide range of material covered. When compared to fellow Rat Packer Frank Sinatra's reading of "Here's That Rainy Day," Davis' vocals lean into the song, resulting in a palpable sense of melancholia. He evokes a similar sentiment on the achingly poignant version of Cole Porter's "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" as well as the hopelessly optimistic "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows." However, the real magic woven into this collaboration is without a doubt Davis' incorporation of several significant Broadway melodies. "Where Is Love" -- taken from Lionel Bart's Oliver -- is a stunning, if not mesmerizing, interpretation. "Joey, Joey, Joey" bears an earthy closeness, offering what is arguably a defining moment as the tune transcends its place within the stage production Most Happy Fella, becoming an exceptional and exquisite ballad. [In 2004, Collectors' Choice Music reissued Sammy Davis, Jr. Sings and Laurindo Almeida Plays as part of the label's complete restoration of Davis' 1960s Reprise Records catalog.]  by Lindsay Planer 
Tracklist 
1 Here's That Rainy Day  2:15
Written-By – Burke/Van Heusen
2 Two Different Worlds  3:21
Written-By – Frisch, Wayne
3 The Shadow Of Your Smile  4:12
Written-By – Mandel, Webster
4 Where Is Love   3:00
Written-By – Lionel Bart
5 Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye  4:01
Written-By – Cole Porter
6 I'm Always Chasing Rainbows  2:20
Written-By – Carroll, McCarthy
7 We'll Be Together Again  3:14
Written-By – Fischer, Laine
8 Joey, Joey, Joey  4:18
Written-By – Frank Loesser
9 The Folks Who Live On The Hill  3:40
Written-By – Kern/Hammerstein
10 Speak Low  3:32
Written-By – Weill, Nash
Credits
Classical Guitar – Laurindo Almeida
Vocals – Sammy Davis Jr.

SAMMY DAVIS JR Sings LAURINDO ALMEIDA Plays [1966]

[2004 RE] Collectors' Choice Music / FLAC / scans

O Púbis da Rosa

DINAH SHORE - Columbia and RCA Recordings 1942-1948 [1999] 2CD / FLAC

Vocalion's two-disc The Dinah Shore Collection focuses on the singer's RCA and Columbia period, spanning her most popular years. At first glance, it appears to be an excellent summation, including no less than 50 songs and many great performances. Unfortunately though, the compilers must have assumed that listeners had no need for several of Shore's biggest hits of the era, including "I Walk Alone," "Anniversary Song," and "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons." There's also a troubling four-year gap (1942-1946) that coincides with the World War II recording ban. (In fact, except for the first five songs, the entire set consists of recordings from 1946-1948.) The odd part here is that Victor -- a division of RCA, so no trouble for the compilers from a licensing standpoint -- continued to release material during those years. It begs the question: Why did Vocalion skip almost two dozen Hit Parade entries? Regardless of what's missing, there's still a lot of great material here and it's presented in the best sound ever heard for these recordings -- it's just that The Dinah Shore Collection is obviously tailored to collectors and vocal-music obsessives.  by John Bush   
Track Listing - Disc 1
1 On a Bicycle Built for Two 2:27
2 Manhattan Serenade 3:09
Harold Adamson / Louis Alter
3 You and I 2:42
Meredith Willson
4 Mad About Him, Sad About Him, How Can I Be Glad Without Him Blues 2:35
Dick Charles / Larry Markes
5 You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To 2:56
Cole Porter
6 Shoo-Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy 3:04
Sammy Gallop / Guy Wood
7 Coax Me a Little Bit 3:13
Nat Simon / Charles Tobias
8 Two Silhouettes 3:10
Ray Gilbert / Charles Wolcott
9 The Gypsy 2:58
Billy Reid
10 Laughing on the Outside (Crying on the Inside) 3:09
Ben Raleigh / Bernie Wayne
11 I Got Lost in His Arms 3:19
Irving Berlin
12 That Little Dream Got Nowhere 3:14
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
13 All That Glitters Is Not Gold 3:10
14 Come Rain or Come Shine 2:56
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
15 Doin' What Comes Natur'lly 3:11
Irving Berlin
 16 You Keep Coming Back Like a Song  2:23
Irving Berlin
17 I May Be Wrong (But I Think You're Wonderful) 2:49
Harry Ruskin / Henry Sullivan
18 You, So It's You! 3:08
 19 Who'll Buy My Violets? 2:49
E. Ray Goetz / José Padilla
20 A Rainy Night in Rio 2:42
Leo Robin / Arthur Schwartz
21 You'll Always Be the One I Love 2:50
22 Through a Thousand Dreams 2:58
23 (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons 3:29
William Best / Deek Watson
24 The Kerry Dance 2:25
25 Dixie 2:46
Traditional
Track Listing - Disc 2
1 The Thrill Is Gone 3:26
Lew Brown / Ray Henderson
2 There'll Be Some Changes Made 2:41
Billy Higgins / W. Benton Overstreet
3 Georgia on My Mind 3:23
Hoagy Carmichael / Stuart Gorrell
4 (What Can I Say) After I Say I'm Sorry? 3:17
Walter Donaldson / Abe Lyman
5 Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man 3:19
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
6 They Didn't Believe Me 3:11
Jerome Kern / Herbert Reynolds
7 Mama, Do I Gotta? 3:01
Manny Curtis / Victor Mizzy
8 When Am I Gonna Kiss You Good Morning? 2:37
Eddie DeLange / Ted Grouya
9 Ask Anyone Who Knows 3:14
Bob Marcus
10 Poppa Don't Preach to Me 3:05
11 Tallahassee 2:53
Frank Loesser
 12 Natch 2:34
Paul Cooper / Matt Dennis
13 Tea for Two 3:19
Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans
14 My Romance 3:18
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
15 It's De-Lovely 2:56
Cole Porter
16 I'm Yours 3:18
Johnny Green / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
17 When a Woman Loves a Man 3:14
Bernie Hanighen / Gordon Jenkins / Johnny Mercer
18 Bill 3:22
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern / P.G. Wodehouse
19 Crying for Joy 3:05
20 In a Little Bookshop 3:20
21 Love That Boy 2:39
22 This Is the Moment 3:13
23 Buttons and Bows 2:03
Ray Evans / Jay Livingston
24 Little White Lies 2:23
Walter Donaldson
25 Always True to You in My Fashion 3:07
Cole Porter
Credits
Dinah Shore Primary Artist, Vocals
Axel Stordahl Conductor
Nathan Vancleave Conductor
Paul Weston Conductor
Harry Zimmerman Conductor

DINAH SHORE - The Dinah Shore Collection : 

Columbia and RCA Recordings 1942-1948 

[1999] Vocalion / 2CD / FLAC /scans

O Púbis da Rosa