VINCE MENDOZA | ARIF MARDIN — Jazzpaña (1992) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

"JAZZPAÑA, the most ambitious recording project ever undertaken by Siggi Loch in a most active and extensive music business career, fuses American jazz and the flamenco music of Andalusia in a most imaginative, adventurous, and inspirational way. JAZZPAÑA is a showcase for the special compositional and arranging skills af Arif Mardin and Vince Mendoza, for the impeccable and dynamic section work of the WDR Big Band, for the exotic, extrovert artistry of Ramon El Portugues and Los Jovenes Flamencos, and for the assured and articulate playing of top jazz guest players Michael Brecker, Al Di Meola, Steve Khan, and Peter Erskine. Furthermore, JAZZPAÑA reveals Vince Mendoza as a composer and arranger of immense talent and imagination. This music inevitably prompts comparism with the classic Gill Evans - Miles Davis collaboration of 1959, Sketches of Spain. ...but Mendoza has his own individual identity, approaching the task of composing and arranging rather like a painter creating a landscape of canvas."
Nominated for two GRAMMY AWARDS in 1994. ACT
Tracklist :
1    El Vito Cante    3:44
2    Tangos    8:38
3    Entre Tinieblas    5:30
4    Tanguillo    7:46
5    Soy Gitano    4:49
6    Bulería    9:31
7    Suite Fraternidad (First Movement Generalife)    4:50
8    Suite Fraternidad (Second Movement Albacin)    8:22
9    El Vito El Gran Tamaño    9:19
Credits :
WDR BIGBAND conducted by Vince Mendoza
Guests:
Michael Brecker - Tenor Saxaphone
Al Di Meola - Electric Guitar
Peter Erskine - Drums
Dieter Ilg - Bass
Steve Khan - Electric Guitar
Freddie Santiago - Percussion

BILLY COBHAM — Alivemutherforya (1978-2002) RM | Serie Columbia Jazz | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Drummer Billy Cobham is heard on this live set heading an all-star quintet also including Tom Scott on tenor, soprano and lyricon, keyboardist Mark Soskin, guitarist Steve Khan and electric bassist Alphonso Johnson. Although the music is mostly funky and uses plenty of electronics (Scott sounds quite faceless on lyricon), there are some strong solos, particularly from Khan and Scott (when he is on tenor). The six group originals are highlighted by "Bahama Mama," "Some Punk Funk" and "On a Magic Carpet Ride." Due to the amount of variety and spontaneity, Alivemutherforya is superior to most of these musicians' individual projects of the era. Scott Yanow

Tracklist  :
1 "Anteres" - The Star 5:35
Soloist [Lyricon] – Tom Scott
2 Bahama Mama 8:29
Composed By – Alphonso Johnson
Mixed By – Dennis MacKay
Soloist [Electric Fretless Bass] – Alphonso Johnson
Soloist [Guitar] – Steve Khan
3 Shadows 7:51
Soloist [Acoustic Guitar] – Steve Khan
Soloist [Soprano Sax] – Tom Scott
4 Some Punk Funk 4:31
Composed By – Steve Khan
Soloist [Guitar] – Steve Khan
Soloist [Tenor Sax] – Tom Scott
5 Spindrift 7:21
Soloist [Acoustic Piano] – Mark Soskin
Soloist [Soprano Sax] – Tom Scott
6 On A Magic Carpet Ride 7:22
Soloist [Drums] – Billy Cobham
Soloist [Fender Rhodes] – Mark Soskin
Soloist [Guitar] – Steve Khan
Soloist [Tenor Sax] – Tom Scott
Credits
Bass [Electric, Electric Fretless], Synthesizer [Bass Pedal], Chapman Stick [Electric Stick] – Alphonso Johnson
 Composed By – Billy Cobham (tracks: 1, 6), Tom Scott (tracks: 3, 5)
 Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Steve Khan
Lyricon, Percussion, Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Tom Scott
Percussion – Billy Cobham
Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Clavinet, Synthesizer [Arp Odyssey, Mini-moog, Arp, String Ensemble] – Mark Soskin
Producer – Alphonso Johnson, Billy Cobham, Steve Khan, Tom Scott

DANNY GOTTLIEB — Aquamarine (1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:
1. Aquamarine (Doug Hall) 4:59
2. Monterey (Danny Gottlieb, Joe Satriani) 4:22
3. The Aviary (Danny Gottlieb, John Abercrombie) 4:39
4. Alaska (Danny Gottlieb, Doug Hall) 6:52
5. Waterfall (Doug Hall) 3:08
6. Being (Mitchell Forman) 6:27
7. Duet (John McLaughlin) 3:28
8. Upon A Time (John Abercrombie) 4:54
9. Peace Of Mind (John McLaughlin) 3:33
Credits:
Personnel:
Bass – Mark Egan (tracks: 2, 4, 5, 9)
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Guitar – Jeff Mironov (tracks: 4), Joe Satriani (tracks: 2), John Abercrombie (tracks: 1, 3, 8), John McLaughlin (tracks: 7), Steve Kahn (tracks: 1)
Keyboards – Mitchell Forman (tracks: 2)
Keyboards, Producer, Engineer, Mixed By – Doug Hall (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5)
Percussion – Cafe (tracks: 1, 2, 5)
Saxophone – Bill Evans (tracks: 4, 5)
Vibraphone – Dave Samuels (tracks: 5)

CARIBBEAN JAZZ PROJECT – Paraiso (2001) APE (image+.cue), lossless

When Dave Samuels first formed the Caribbean Jazz Project with, at that time, Paquito D'Rivera and Andy Narell, it was an extension of his own studies in Latin jazz that had been part of his music -- both solo and with Spyro Gyra -- since the mid-'70s. After two albums with the first team, the Project was set aside for other gigs. During this time, Samuels kindled musical friendships with flutist Dave Valentin and guitarist Steve Khan, and Samuels got excited about the possibility of playing off of a traditional Latin instrument -- flute -- and the guitar, which wasn't. This current lineup released New Horizons in early 2000, and Paraiso is an exciting fusion of many different influences and styles. Most of these tunes are over seven minutes, allowing for a live dynamic without the trappings of airplay consideration. Samuels' "One Step Ahead" begins mystically with flute and soundscaping, then romps as a duet between vibes and flute -- backed by increasingly powerful percussion patterns and improvisations -- before Khan's crisp and subtle electric lines offer an irresistible power and edge. The slow dance "Naima" is a loving twist on a Coltrane tune, pepped up by a breezy extended flugelhorn solo by Ray Vega. Khan plays a subtle rhythm line behind a bouncy cha-cha groove and Valentin's cheery flute on "El Tacano." The Duke Ellington standard "Caravan" rolls along at a brisk pace, with Khan backing exciting melodic and improv passages by Samuels and Valentin. Samuels' "Jamboree" is smooth and silky, very much reminiscent of his work with Spyro Gyra -- but think flute in the lead instead of Jay Beckenstein's sax. Overall, this is another glorious celebration of the ways traditional and Latin jazz can meet on common ground. It's a disc that can be appreciated by hardcore fusion fans as well as Latin fans who just want to party. Jonathan Widran  
Tracklist :
1    One Step Ahead 9:10
Written-By – Dave Samuels
2    Naima 7:08
Written-By – John Coltrane
3    Maluco 7:00
Written-By – Steve Khan
4    Caravan 9:32
Written-By – Duke Ellington, Juan Tizol
5    El Tacano 7:23
Written-By – Steve Khan
6    Five For Elvin 6:50
Written-By – Dave Samuels
7    Second Opinion 5:22
Written-By – Dave Samuels
8    Jamboree 6:09
Written-By – Dave Samuels
9    ¡Ca-ni-mo! 6:21
Written-By – Steve Khan
10    Obaricoso / Ritmos, Colores y Sentidos 3:55
Written-By – Mongo Santamaria, Richie Flores
Credits :
Bass – Rubén Rodriguez
Congas, Shekere – Richie Flores
Drums – Dafnis Prieto (faixas: 10)
Flute – Dave Valentin
Guest, Congas – Poncho Sanchez (faixas: 8)
Guest, Flugelhorn – Ray Vega (faixas: 2)
Guest, Trombone – Conrad Herwig (faixas: 2, 4)
Guitar, Guiro – Steve Khan
Timbales, Percussion – Dafnis Prieto (faixas: 1, 4, 6, 7), Luisito Quintero (faixas: 2, 3, 5, 8 to 10)
Producer, Vibraphone, Marimba – Dave Samuels

STEVE KHAN - Tightrop (1977) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

What do you get when you have a superb rhythm section, saucy keyboards, a hot and brassy mini-horn section, and one very tasteful jazz- and chops-laden guitarist all come together with some jazz and some fusion in mind? You have the magic of Steve Khan and the Brecker Brothers coming together. With folks like this, and Steve Gadd and Bob James too, you have a formula for success.
Khan's compositions are smooth yet lively enough not to bore. His unique drive, and pristine flourish and tone on his modded Fender Telecaster, and even his deft acoustic work, all come together to make a very satisfying blend of sexy jazz and funked-up, be bop fusion. Yet there is that special touch that only Steve Khan can add that makes his releases a signature sound on each outing. If you listen closely, you will hear Larry Coryell-ian riffs and stylings (as Khan and Coryell used to jam together, and did record together).
Much ado is made about Mike Stern's guitar work in the '80s and '90s, but one listen to Khan and you will immediately hear who his big inspiration was. Next time you pick up an old Stern release you stand a good chance of seeing the words "produced by Steve Khan." by John W. Patterson   
Tracklist:
1 Some Punk Funk 5:20
Piano [Acoustic] – Don Grolnick
Written-By – Steve Khan
2 Darlin' Darlin' Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love) 6:29
Written-By – Gamble & Huff
3 Tightrope (For Folon) 5:44
Written-By – Steve Khan
4 The Big Ones 6:02
Alto Saxophone [Solo], Soloist – Dave Sanborn 
Written-By – Randy Brecker
5 Star Chamber 5:19
Written-By – Steve Khan
6 Soft Summer Breeze 5:00
Written-By – Eddie Heywood, J. Spencer 
7 Where Shadows Meet 3:40
Written-By – Steve Khan
Credits:
Alto Saxophone – Dave Sanborn (tracks: 2, 3, 5)
Arranged By – Bob James (tracks: 2, 6), Steve Khan (tracks: 1, 3 to 5, 7)
Bass – Will Lee
Clavinet – Don Grolnick (tracks: 3 to 5)
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Bob James (tracks: 1, 4, 5), Don Grolnick (tracks: 2, 3, 6, 7)
Guitar – David Spinozza (tracks: 3, 7), Jeff Mironov (tracks: 2, 4 to 7), Steve Khan (tracks: 1 to 4, 6, 7)
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Producer – Bob James
Synthesizer [Oberheim Polyphonic] – Bob James (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 7)
Tenor Saxophone – Mike Brecker (tracks: 1, 3, 4)
Trumpet – Randy Brecker (tracks: 3, 4)
Twelve-String Guitar [Electric] – Steve Khan (tracks: 1, 5, 7)

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - Back to Back (1976) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:

1 Keep It Steady (Brecker Bump) 6:24

Written-By – D. Sanborn, L. Vandross, R. Brecker, S. Khan

2 If You Wanna Boogie...Forget It 3:58

Written-By – D. Grolnick, S. Khan, W. Lee

3 Lovely Lady 6:18

Written-By – A. Willis, C. Crossley, R. Brecker

4 Night Flight 6:15

Written-By – M. Brecker

5 Slick Stuff 4:48

Written-By – R. Brecker

6 Dig A Little Deeper 4:00

Written-By – A. Willis, D. Lasley, D. Grolnick, W. Lee

7 Grease Piece 5:47

Written-By – D. Sanborn, M. Brecker, R. Brecker, S. Khan

8 What Can A Miracle Do 4:16

Written-By – D. Grolnick, L. Vandross

9 I Love Wastin' Time With You 6:32

Written-By – A. Willis, C. Crossley, M. Brecker

Credits:

Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn

Baritone Saxophone – Lew Del Gatto (tracks: 2)

Drums – Christopher Parker, Steve Gadd (tracks: 4, 9)

Electric Bass, Lead Vocals – Will Lee

Guitar – Steve Khan

Keyboards – Don Grolnick

Marimba – Dave Friedman (tracks: 6)

Percussion – Ralph MacDonald, Rafael Cruz (tracks: 4), Sammy Figueroa (tracks: 4)

Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Michael Brecker

Trumpet, Trumpet [Electric Trumpet], Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - Don't Stop the Music (1977) Mp3

This 1977 effort continues their hitmaking streak of one of fusion and R&B's durable and respected units. While this album's predecessor, Back to Back, was credited to the Brecker Brothers Band and featured members including David Sanborn and Steve Khan, it came off as underdone and facile. Don't Stop the Music does present their gifts in a more cogent fashion, but not without a few odd detours. The title track and "Finger Licking Good" are pure disco efforts, with pushy rhythms and ingratiating backing vocals. Although they are both a little silly, they have great horn riffs and boast a potent production. Despite those danceable offerings, Don't Stop the Music also features some of the brothers' most challenging work. The funky and quirky "Squids" features Randy Brecker's customarily offbeat and singular electric trumpet work. Hiram Bullock's articulate guitar also shines on that track and he fit into the Breckers sound like no other player. "Funky Sea, Funky Dew" is a reflective, urbane mid-tempo offering that has great tenor solos from Michael Brecker. The just-as-strong "Petals" features a poignant trumpet work from Randy Brecker. Don't Stop the Music enlists rock producer Jack Richardson, and he and co-producer Steve Backer both capture the more powerful aspects of the duo. Recorded at Atlantic Studios and engineered by Gene Paul, Don't Stop the Music boasts an interesting sound, and is one of the Brecker Brothers' better efforts. by Jason Elias  
Tracklist:
1 Finger Lickin' Good 3:58
Lyrics By – Ticky Brecker
Written-By – Randy Brecker
2 Funky Sea,Funky Dew 6:13
Written-By – Michael Brecker
3 As Long As I've Got Your Love 4:14
Written-By – Beverly Billard, Doug Billard
4 Squids 7:42
Written-By – Randy Brecker
5 Don't Stop The Music 6:30
Written-By – Jerry Friedman
6 Petals 4:20
Written-By – Randy Brecker
7 Tabula Rasa 8:19
Written-By – Randy Brecker
Credits:
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax] – Lou Marini
Arranged By [Horns And Strings] – Doug Riley
Backing Vocals – Beverly Billard (tracks: 3), Christine Faith, Doug Billard (tracks: 3), Josh Brown, Robin Clark, Will Lee
Baritone Saxophone [Baritone Sax] – Lew Del Gatto
Bass – Will Lee
Bass Trombone – David Taylor
Cello – Jesse Levy, Richard Locker
Concertmaster – Gene Orloff
Congas – Sammy Figueroa (tracks: 7)
Drums – Chris Parker (tracks: 1 to 3, 5), Lenny White (tracks: 7), Steve Gadd (tracks: 4, 6)
Electric Guitar, Electric Guitar [Electric 12 String Guitar] – Steve Khan
Electric Piano – Jerry Friedman (tracks: 5)
Guitar – Hiram Bullock (tracks: 2 to 4, 6), Jerry Friedman (tracks: 1), Sandy Torano (tracks: 1, 3)
Keyboards – Don Grolnick, Doug Riley
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax], Flute – Michael Brecker
Trombone – Barry Rogers
Trumpet – Alan Rubin
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Trumpet [Electric Trumpet] – Randy Brecker
Viola – Alfred Brown, Lamar Alsop, Richard Maximoff
Violin – Aaron Rosand, Ariana Bronne, Guy Lumia, Harold Kohon, Harry Lookofsky, Matthew Raimondi, Paul Gershman, Peter Dimitriades, Sanford Allen

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - Blue Montreaux (1978) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

At the 1978 Montreux Jazz Festival, a variety of artists (including keyboardist Warren Bernhardt, tenor-saxophonist Michael Brecker, guitarists Steve Khan and Larry Coryell, trumpeter Randy Brecker and vibraphonist Mike Mainieri) recorded a dozen funky selections which were originally released on two Arista LPs. This single CD has the eight top performances from these important fusion stylists; Michael Brecker in particular is in good form. The results are not essential but offer listeners a time capsule of where R&B-oriented fusion was in 1978.  by Scott Yanow

STEVE KHAN - The Blue Man (1978-1998) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Steve Khan's second release was a self-produced/arranged gem. It was similar in many respects to his prior debut, yet fans will probably recall this release as their all-around favorite from Steve Khan's '70s era recordings. The horn section and solos are still there, but Khan does more conversational soloing with the reed lines. This is especially evident on "An Eye Over Autumn," and its fusion jam-fest.
The Blue Man might seem, overall, tighter, focused, and polished, and Khan's guitar tone more overdriven, more jazz rocking, and intensely penetrating in solos and intricate ostinato embellishment around song themes. The delicate reverb, delay, and crystal-clear tones on his solos are rarely heard done so well these days. Khan shows a mastering of tone and subtle bends. His phrasing is so melodic and emotionally rich that it delivers a spine-chill "rush" nearly every ten or fifteen notes. The keyboards and vibes are wonderful, sexy-silky-smooth, like a fine wine, Steely Dan, jazz rocker ballad throughout. Horns do more staccato bursts, and the percussion is more varied and polyrhythmic, becoming outright funkified boogie in places. That Latin-flavored Santana-esque groove slips through in spots. Khan again offers a beautifully executed acoustic/electric guitar outing, echoing a Larry Coryell friendship on "Daily Valley."
This release is excellent. It's no wonder his name is resident now with the lists of the great jazz guitarists of fame and genius. John W. Patterson
Tracklist:
1 Daily Bulls 7:02
2 The Blue Man 6:01
3 Some Down Time 5:25
4 The Little Ones 5:52
5 Daily Valley 4:52
6 An Eye Over Autumn (For Folon) 8:48
Credits:
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Producer – Steve Khan
Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn (tracks: 3, 6)
Congas, Percussion – Ralph MacDonald (tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Bass – Will Lee
Electric Guitar – Jeff Mironov
Electric Piano – Don Grolnick
Marimba – Mike Mainieri (tracks: 5)
Synthesizer – Bob James (tracks: 2)
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker (tracks: 3, 4, 6)
Timbales, Cowbell – Rick Marotta (tracks: 6)
Trumpet – Randy Brecker (tracks: 3, 4, 6)