KENNY BARRON TRIO — Minor Blues (2009) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Kenny Barron was honored as an NEA Jazz Master on January 12, 2010, and it was a recognition that was due. Since entering the jazz scene in the early '60s, he has made his mark as a sideman (especially with Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz), solo pianist, leader, and composer. These 2009 sessions pair him with frequent collaborator Ben Riley and fellow veteran George Mraz on bass. While most of the focus is on familiar standards, the opener is Barron's slinky "Minor Blues," in which Barron and Mraz both shine backed by Riley's brushwork, though the drummer switches to sticks for his breaks. The leader's jaunty take of "Emily" and driving treatment of "How Deep Is the Ocean?" sizzle. His richly textured setting of "Too Late Now" doesn't require its lyrics to get across the mood of the song, while his breezy Latin arrangement of Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain" casts this ballad in a new light. This is yet another fine example of Kenny Barron's superb chops in a small-group setting. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1 - Minor Blues 6:33
2 - Beautiful Love 6:58
3 - Emily 6:56
4 - For Heaven's Sake 9:04
5 - How Deep Is The Ocean 8:20
6 - Too Late Now 8:38
7 - Don't Explain 6:34
8 - Hush-A-Bye 6:26
9 - I've Never Been In Love Before 6:52
10 - My Ideal 6:38
Credits :
Kenny Barron - Piano
George Mraz - Bass
Ben Riley - Drums

EDDIE HIGGINS TRIO — Again (2000) RM | 24K Gold | Venus Millennium Campaign Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :

1    Again 3:20
Dorcas Cochran / Lionel Newman
2    How Insensitive 5:02   
Antônio Carlos Jobim
3   ion Kouta - Kyoto Blues 7:54

K. Sassa, Eddie Higgins
4    My Foolish Heart 6:35
Ned Washington / Victor Young
5   Yello Days 4:08  
 Alvaro Carrillo
6    My Romance 6:04
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
7    I'll Never Be the Same 3:58   
Gus Kahn / Matty Malneck / Frank Signorelli
8     Walk Alone 6:51  
 M. Ozone
9    Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith 2:50   
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
10    Polka Dots and Moonbeams 7:58
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
11    Will You Still Be Mine? 6:37   
Tom Adair / Matt Dennis
1    Hurry Song 5:06
 Eddie Higgins
Credits :
Bass – Ray Drummond
Drums – Ben Riley
Piano – Eddie Higgins

NICKI PARROTT — Moon River (2008-2014) RM | SACD | Serie Venus Hyper Magnum Sound DSD Mastering | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Since leaving her native Australia to settle in the U.S., bassist/singer Nicki Parrott has settled into the New York City jazz scene and the jazz party circuit, with occasional recording opportunities coming her way as a leader. These 2007 sessions recorded for the Japanese Venus label showcase her engaging vocals and bass chops, backed by pianist John Di Martino, guitarist Paul Meyers, drummer Billy Drummond, and on some tracks, tenor saxophonist Harry Allen. She doesn't showboat as a singer, opting to glide gently around the core of each melody, with a light, swinging style that proves highly effective. Especially fun are her renditions of "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" (which is seductive) and a hip, bluesy "Makin' Whoopee." Warmly recommended.  Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1 Moon River 3:57
Written By – H. Mancini - J. Mercer
2 Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby 4:02

Written By – L. Jordan - B. Austin
3 Say It Isn't So 4:33
Written-By – D. Raye, G. DePaul
4 You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To 3:35
Written-By – C. Porter
5 Takin' A Chance On Love 5:08
Written By – V. Duke - J. LaTouche, T. Fetter
6 I Don't Know Enough About You 4:45
Written By – P. Lee - D. Barbour
7 Makin' Whoopee 3:59
Written By – W. Donaldson - G. Kahn
8 Cry Me A River 3:59
Written-By – A. Hamilton
9 What A Difference A Day Made 3:42
Written By – M. Grever - S. Adams
10 Besame Mucho 4:36
Written By – C. Velazquez - S. Skylar
11 I Can't Give You Anything But Love 4:18
Written-By – J. McHugh - D. Fields
12 Nicki's Blues 2:50
Written-By – N. Parrott
13 The More I See You 5:50
Written By – H. Warren - M. Gordon
Credits :
Drums – Billy Drummond 
Guitar – Paul Myers
Piano – John Di Martino 
Tenor Saxophone – Harry Allen
Vocals, Bass – Nicki Parrott

KEN PEPLOWSKI QUARTET — Memories Of You (2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue) lossless

Ken Peplowski is among the top clarinetists and tenor saxophonists of his generation. After a long, fruitful period recording as a leader for Concord, Peplowski started getting a number of offers to record for overseas labels. He alternates between the two instruments during these 2006 sessions, well accompanied by pianist Ted Rosenthal, bassist Gary Mazzaroppi (long Marian McPartland's bassist of choice), and drummer Jeff Brillinger, all veterans like the leader. Peplowski's lush tenor in the first interpretation of "Memories of You" recalls Ben Webster with his soft, breathy vibrato and lyrical style. He also caresses Roland Kirk's infrequently heard ballad "Bright Moments" and renders an elegant "Dream Dancing" as well. On clarinet, Peplowski's magical treatment of "In a Sentimental Mood" (backed solely by bass at first) suggests a bird's song. The cream of the crop is his warm interpretation of Billy Strayhorn's "Lotus Blossom." This set is perfect for late-night listening. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Memories Of You    5:36
2    I'll Be Seeing You    3:53
3    Bright Moments    5:11
4    In A Sentimental Mood    6:55
5    Dream Dancing    8:24
6    Last Night When We Were Young    4:46
7    It Might As Well Be Spring    7:53
8    Lotus Blossom    5:10
9    But Not For Me    7:36
10    Poor Butterfly    6:31
11    Memories Of You Il    6:5
Credits :
Bass – Gary Mazzaroppi
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Ken Peplowski
Drums – Jeff Brillinger
Piano – Ted Rosenthal

PAUL BLEY TRIO - Closer (1965) Two Version (1993, Serie ESP-Disk New Jazz 名盤 Collection) + (2013, RM | 50th Anniversary Edition) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second ESP issue from the Paul Bley Trio is a contrast as dramatic as rain against sunshine. The earlier album, Barrage, recorded in October of 1964, was full of harsh, diffident extrapolations of sound and fury, perhaps because of its sidemen; Marshall Allen and Dewey Johnson on saxophone and trumpet, respectively, were on loan from Sun Ra and joined Eddie Gomez and Milford Graves. Indeed, the music there felt like one long struggle to survive. On this date, recorded over a year later and released in 1966, Bley's sidemen are two more like-minded experimentalists, drummer Barry Altschul and bassist Steve Swallow. The program of tunes here is also more even-handed and characteristically lush: the entire first side and two on the second were written by Carla Bley (including the gorgeous "Ida Lupino") for a total of seven, and there is one each by pianists Annette Peacock and Ornette Coleman. Bley and his trio understand that with compositions of this nature, full of space and an inherent, interior-pointing lyricism, that pace is everything. And while this set clocks in at just over 29 minutes in length, the playing is so genuine and moving that it doesn't need to be any longer. The interplay between these three (long before Swallow switched to electric bass exclusively) is startling in how tightly woven they are melodically and harmonically. There isn't a sense that one player -- other than the volume of Mr. Bley's piano in this crappy mix -- stands out from the other two; they are of a piece traveling down this opaque yet warm road together. Bley may never have been as flashy as Cecil Taylor, but he is every bit the innovator.

-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1    Ida    2:58
2    Start    2:07
3    Closer    3:34
4    Sideways In Mexico    2:59
5    Batterie    3:23
6    And Now The Queen    2:18
7    Figfoot    3:29
8    Crossroads    2:34
9    Violin    2:59
10    Cartoon    2:19
Credits :
Bass – Steve Swallow
Percussion – Barry Altschul
Piano – Paul Bley

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Sing Me Softly of the Blues (1997) 24-48.2 Hz | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1    This Is New 7:28
Written-By – K. Weill
2    Dance Only With Me 5:22
Written-By – J. Styne
3    Chicken Feathers 4:56
Written-By – S. Kuhn
4    My Funny Valentine 5:59
Written-By – R. Rodgers
5    Sing Me Softly Of The Blues 5:47
Written-By – C. Bley
6    Naima 4:21
Written-By – J. Coltrane
7    Sticky Kisses 4:19
Written-By – S. Swallow
8    Who Cares? 4:38
Written-By – G. Gershwin
9    Lament 5:28
Written-By – J. S. Johnson
10    The Very Thought Of You 7:09
Written-By – R. Noble
Credits :
Bass – George Mraz
Drums – Bill Stewart
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Quiereme Mucho (2001-2008) Serie Venus Millennium Campaign | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Veteran pianist Steve Kuhn and his trio (with bassist David Finck and drummer Al Foster) dig into six Spanish and Mexican melodies with Quiereme Mucho, turning them into straight-ahead jazz. Latin rhythms are largely absent from a set that includes "Andalucia" ("The Breeze and I"), an up-tempo "Besame Mucho" and "Time Was" ("Duerme"). The music in general is boppish and full of wit, with Kuhn often quoting other unexpected songs along the way. Finck and Foster have their brief spots but this is largely Steve Kuhn's show. The music may have been largely de-Latinized but the result is one of Kuhn's most swinging recordings. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Andalucia (The Breeze And I) 8:01
Written-By – E. Lecuona
2    Besame Mucho (Kiss Me Mucho) 8:06
Written-By – C. Velazques
3    Siempre En Mi Corazon (Always In My Heart) 6:49
Written-By – E. Lecuona
4    Duerme (Time Was) 5:41
Written-By – Prado
5    Quiereme Mucho (Yours) 4:56
Written-By – G. Roig
6    Tres Palabras (Without You) 9:45
Written-By – O. Farres
Credits :
Double Bass – Davis Finck
Drums – Al Foster
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Temptation (2001-2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Steve Kuhn mixes standards and forgotten gems in these 2001 studio sessions with bassist Buster Williams and drummer Billy Drummond. Beginning with a tantalizing take of "Temptation" that has a slight Latin undercurrent, Kuhn finds new directions in these timeless pieces. "Dark Eyes" is another gem that has long fallen out of favor, though Kuhn's intricate workout demonstrates that there is plenty of life left in this decades-old warhorse. His treatment of Michel Legrand's "The Summer Knows" (written as theme music for the early-'70s film Summer of '42) is a bit jagged rather than the usual setting as a straight, slow, bittersweet ballad. John Lewis' "Django" has long been a favorite of jazz musicians, and the trio's elegant setting opens with an imaginative improvisation, slowly working into its well-known theme. Kuhn's sole original, "A Likely Story," is a driving post-bop vehicle that never runs out of steam. It's hard to go wrong by purchasing any Steve Kuhn CD, and this is among his best dates. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Temptation    7:17
2    Dark Eyes    6:06
3    You Better Go Now    6:20
4    The Summer Knows    7:48
5    Love Is Here To Stay    6:40
6    Django    3:30
7    A Likely Story    9:17
8    I Can't Get Started    5:27
Credits :
Double Bass – Buster Williams
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Waltz Red Side (2002-2006) Two Version | RM | Venus Jazz Special Campaign Jazz Giants Series | FLAC & APE (image+.cue), lossless

Recorded over the same three-day stretch as Waltz Blue Side, this trio date by Steve Kuhn features a mix of standards and originals, with the help of a strong rhythm section including bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Billy Drummond, though it is an interactive trio versus piano plus accompaniment group. Henry Mancini's "Charade" has had popular appeal since it appeared as the theme music in the Gregory Peck-Audrey Hepburn film, though it has been infrequently recorded in jazz settings, in spite of its attractive melody. Kuhn's brilliant, leisurely arrangement showcases Gomez extensively, as well as himself. Michel Legrand's "Once Upon a Summertime" has long been a favorite of jazz musicians and Kuhn's romantic setting of this bittersweet ballad is breathtaking. "I'll Take Romance" is a change of pace, providing a brisk waltz treatment. Kuhn's originals include one of his best-known works, the driving "Years Later," along with the elegant ballad "Pastorale." Recommended. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Charade    7:54
2    Remember    7:49
3    Years Later    7:10
4    Once Upon A Summertime    5:08
5    How Am I To Know?    8:13
6    My Buddy    4:53
7    I'll Take Romance    8:13
8    I'm Glad There Is You    5:07
9    Pastorale    4:23
Credits :
Double Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Waltz Blue Side (2002-2004) Two Version | RM | Venus Jazz Special Campaign Jazz Giants Series | FLAC & APE (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    When I Grow Too Old To Dream    4:59
2    Charade    5:46
3    Remember    5:44
4    Years Later    5:24
5    Once Upon A Summertime    4:32
6    I'll Take Romance    7:17
7    I'm Glad There Is You    5:08
8    Pastorale    5:10
9    My Buddy    4:52
Credits :
Double Bass – Gary Peacock
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Easy To Love (2004-2010) Serie Masterpiece Collections | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Super Jet 5:30
Written-By – T. Dameron
2    Dear Old Stockholm 6:28
Traditional
3    Emily 7:16
Written-By – J. Mandel
4    Airegin 4:44
Written-By – S. Rollins
5    Morning Dew 6:00
Written-By – S. Kuhn
6    New Valley 6:51
Written-By – D. Finck
7    Dream Dancing 8:04
Written-By – C. Porter
8    Two For The Road 5:15
Written-By – H. Mancini
9    Be My Love 9:17
Written-By – N. Brodsky
10    Easy To Love 6:11
Written-By – C. Porter
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Pavane for a Dead Princess (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist Steve Kuhn, accompanied by David Finck and Billy Drummond, explore classical works by a number of top composers from the 19th and 20th centuries on this Japanese release, though they are used as a launching pad for improvisation. Maurice Ravel's "Pavane for a Dead Princess" is recast as a soft samba, also incorporating a bit of an earlier standard that was derived from the French Impressionist's piece, "The Lamp Is Low." Chopin is obviously one of Kuhn's favorite classical composers, as three of his features, highlighted by a dreamy setting of "Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2." He brightens the tempo of Claude Debussy's "Reverie" while retaining its lyricism, while slowing Johannes Brahms' "Lullaby" to a crawl and demonstrating how a master jazz pianist utilizes space as an element of improvisation. Classical purists are always upset with jazz arrangements of "their" music, but anyone who loves both musical worlds will appreciate Steve Kuhn's thoughtful arrangements of music that has easily stood the test of time. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    I'm Always Chasing Rainbows~Fantasy Impromptu 7:22
Composed By – F. Chopin
2    Pavane For A Dead Princess 6:26
Composed By – M. Ravel
3    Moon Love~Symphony #5 2nd Movement 6:49
Composed By – P. Tchaikovsky
4    One Red Rose Forever~Ich Liebe Dich 5:32
Composed By – E.Grieg
5    Swan Lake 6:09
Composed By – P. Tchaikovsky
6    Nocturne In E♭ Major Op9, No2 6:38
Composed By – F. Chopin
7    Reverie 8:09
Composed By – C. Debussy
8    Prelude In E Minor Op28, No4 5:43
Composed By – F. Chopin
9    Full Moon And Empty Arms~Piano Concerto #2 3rd Movement 5:51
Composed By – S. Rachmaninov
10    Pavane 6:32
Composed By – G. Faure
11    Lullaby 3:37
Composed By – J. Brahms
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO — Plays Standards (2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Veteran jazz pianist Steve Kuhn has proved to be a popular artist in Japan, recording a series of CDs for the Japanese label Venus. On these 2006 sessions, Kuhn is joined by bassist Buster Williams and drummer Al Foster, two artists who also have extensive résumés. While the CD is titled Plays Standards, Kuhn doesn't stick exclusively to well-known works. In addition to Victor Young's widely recognized "Beautiful Love" (a favorite of pianist Bill Evans), the pianist offers a seductive take of the composer's "Golden Earrings" and a lighthearted, breezy setting of "Love Letters" as well. Kuhn's intense workout of "Alone Together" includes an amusing detour into Thelonious Monk's "Locomotive," while his revamping of "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise" disguises the tune rather well. Kuhn also revisits his original "Oceans in the Sky," a brilliant piece evocative of a coming storm. Highly recommended. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Alone Together 7:16
Written-By – A. Schwartz
2    Golden Earrings 5:31
Written-By – V. Young
3    I Wish I Knew 5:59
Written-By – H. Warren
4    Left Alone 4:07
Written-By – M. Waldron
5    Blue Bossa 5:28
Written-By – K. Dorham
6    Nature Boy 6:34
Written-By – E. Ahbez
7    Softly As In A Morning Sunrise 6:32
Written-By – S. Romberg
8    You Leave Me Breathless 5:20
Written-By – F. Hollander
9    Oceans In The Sky 6:18
Written-By – S. Kuhn
10    I See Your Face Before Me 5:28
Written-By – A. Schwartz
11    Love Letters 6:50
Written-By – V. Young
12    Beautiful Love 4:35
Written-By – E.V. Alstyne, V. Young, W. King
Credits :
Bass – Buster Williams
Drums – Al Foster
Piano – Steve Kuhn

STEVE KUHN TRIO – I Will Wait for You : The Music of Michel Legrand (2014) SACD | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Super Jet 5:30
Written-By – T. Dameron
2    Dear Old Stockholm 6:28
Traditional
3    Emily 7:16
Written-By – J. Mandel
4    Airegin 4:44
Written-By – S. Rollins
5    Morning Dew 6:00
Written-By – S. Kuhn
6    New Valley 6:51
Written-By – D. Finck
7    Dream Dancing 8:04
Written-By – C. Porter
8    Two For The Road 5:15
Written-By – H. Mancini
9    Be My Love 9:17
Written-By – N. Brodsky
10    Easy To Love 6:11
Written-By – C. Porter
Credits :
Bass – David Finck
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Steve Kuhn

ROLAND HANNA TRIO — Dream (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

One of Sir Roland Hanna's last recordings prior to his death at the end of 2002 was this session for the Japanese Venus label. With seven of the 12 songs incorporating the word "dream" in their titles, it seemed to be a fitting title for the CD. Hanna is joined by bassist Paul West and drummer Eddie Locke, kicking off with a rollicking take of "When I Grow Too Old to Dream." The pianist and the bassist trade lines throughout the lush introduction to the infrequently heard "Street of Dreams." The joyful interpretation of "This Time the Dream's on Me" (a favorite of Marian McPartland) and swinging treatment of "Dream" are also highlights. The "non-dream" tracks include a lullaby-like arrangement of "A Sleepin' Bee" and a toe-tapping "I Hear a Rhapsody." Highly recommended. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    When I Grow Too Old To Dream    4:52
 Oscar Hammerstein II / Sigmund Romberg
2    Street Of Dreams    4:11
 Sam M. Lewis / Victor Young
3    You Stepped Out Of A Dream    5:58
 Nacio Herb Brown / Gus Kahn
4    Day Dream    6:33
 Duke Ellington / John Latouche / Billy Strayhorn
5    This Time The Dream's On Me    5:31
 Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
6    Skylark    4:27
 Hoagy Carmichael / Johnny Mercer
7    I Hear A Rhapsody    6:04
 Jack Baker / George Fragos / Dick Gasparre
8    Dream    5:07
 Johnny Mercer
9    So In Love    4:22
 Cole Porter
10    Dream Dancing    4:22
 Cole Porter
11    A Sleepin' Bee    4:53
 Harold Arlen / Truman Capote
12    You Do Something To Me    5:49
 Cole Porter
Credits :
Bass – Paul West
Drums – Eddie Locke
Piano – Roland Hanna

ELVIN JONES JAZZ MACHINE — Dear John C. Live in Japan 1978 (1993) 2xCD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist 1 :
1    E.J. Blues    15:29
 Elvin Jones
2    House That Love Built    10:17
 Frank Foster
3    A Love Supreme    26:37
 John Coltrane
Tracklist 2 :
1    Keiko's Birthday March 15:36
2    Bessie's Blues 4:51
3    Antigua 15:42
4    E.J. Blues 7:06
Credits :
Bass – Andy McCloud
Drums – Elvin Jones
Guitar – Roland Prince
Tenor Saxophone – Frank Foster
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Pat LaBarbera

PAUL BLEY TRIO — Modern Chant : Inspiration from Gregorian Chant (1996-2009) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Can it be a coincidence that this CD, subtitled "Inspiration from Gregorian Chant," was recorded right around the time that chant music was reaching its improbable peak on the album charts? In any case, this enjoyable, offbeat trio album featuring the unusual combination of Bley's piano, David Eyges' electric cello and Bruce Ditmas' drums seems to have very little to do with Gregorian chant per se. Indeed, such numbers as "Wisecracks" and "Loose Change" are definitely based on the blues, "Decompose" has an M-base funk foundation, and "Funhouse" is a nasty, down-home bit of grooving that eventually becomes engulfed in a swirling maelstrom (so this is from whom Keith Jarrett may have picked up some of his group concepts). Only "Digitant" seems to breathe some of the ambience of chant in its thematic material. Eyges' cello usually fills in the traditional function of a bass -- albeit a very light-toned bass -- while occasionally forming dissonant arco (bowed) counterlines around the piano. Bley's playing is often brilliantly unpredictable, difficult to categorize, and thus, able to stand out from the pack. Richard S. Ginell    Tracklist & Credits :

THE JACKY TERRASSON JAZZ TRIO WITH LEON PARKER & UGONNA OKEGWO — Lover Man (1993-1999) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Jacky Terrasson finds new routes into familiar compositions on these 1993 sessions for the Japanese Venus label. Well accompanied by bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Leon Parker, the pianist dives head first into a rousing, if unusual version of Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee," initially kicking off an explosive vamp to play against its theme, though he eventually discards the vamp in favor of a more conventional, though thoroughly post-bop approach to this bop classic. Likewise, Terrasson introduces Miles Davis with a good bit of drama, even if he is more direct in his improvised introduction than Bill Evans was in his final years. The pianist's arrangement of Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way" is particularly haunting, with his surprising chords in the bassline, then eases up a bit as he gets into a funky mood. Terrasson has just as much fun with standards like "Broadway" and "Love for Sale," while also proving himself as a promising composer with two strong originals. Ken Dryden       Tracklist & Credits :

LEE KONITZ QUARTET - Jazz Nocturne (1993-2008) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Although never a poll winner, altoist Lee Konitz has had a more productive and consistently stimulating career than most of his contemporaries, never afraid to improvise fairly freely in his relaxed style. For this Evidence CD, Konitz digs into seven standards with an impressive rhythm section (pianist Kenny Barron, bassist James Genus and drummer Kenny Washington) and constantly comes up with interesting ideas and new twists. There are no phony disguises of familiar tunes with new titles on this date; just creative blowing. Konitz uplifts such often-overplayed material as "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," "Misty," "Alone Together," "Body and Soul" and "My Funny Valentine" without ever becoming predictable; Kenny Barron is in excellent form, too. This CD is recommended as a strong example of Lee Konitz's playing in the '90s. [Jazz Nocturne was reissued on an import-only CD in 1999.] Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To 6:14
Cole Porter
2     Everything Happens to Me 7:18
Tom Adair / Matt Dennis
3     Alone Together 9:15
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz
4     Misty 5:50
Johnny Burke / Erroll Garner
5     Body and Soul 8:52
Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour
6     My Funny Valentine 7:04
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
7     In a Sentimental Mood 6:21
Duke Ellington / Manny Kurtz / Irving Mills
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – James Genus
Drums – Kenny Washington
Piano – Kenny Barron 

LEE KONITZ & THE BRAZILIAN BAND - Brazilian Serenade (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Lee Konitz has long been a versatile jazz musician, adaptable to many different styles. This Brazilian-flavored session is one of two that the alto saxophonist recorded during the mid-'90s for Venus; his session partners include trumpeter Tom Harrell, guitarist Romero Lubambo, pianist David Kikoski (who mostly sticks to electric piano), bassist David Fink, drummer Duduka Da Fonseca, and percussionist Waltinho Anastácio. As expected, Konitz's light sound works well with the Brazilian favorites they perform, with Harrell being a particularly inspired foil for the leader. The works of Antonio Carlos Jobim are well represented, including breezy takes of "Favela" and "Wave." Harrell's lyrical "September" (featuring him in a fine muted solo) and Konitz's "Brazilian Serenade" also fit the mood of this relaxing CD very well. This rewarding release is well worth investigating. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Favela 7:28
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
2    Once I Loved 6:27
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
3    Recado Bossa Nova 5:20
Composed By – D. Ferreira
4    September 6:01
Composed By – T. Harrell
5    Dindi 7:16
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
6    Wave 5:34
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
7    Meditation 6:32
Composed By – A.C. Jobim
8    Brazilian Serenade 7:44
Composed By – L. Konitz
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – David Fink
Drums – Duduka Dafonseca
Guitar – Romero Lubambo
Percussion – Waltinho Anastacio
Trumpet – Tom Harrell