NES | BLACK STRING | MAJID BEKKAS | NGUYÊN LÊ — East - West (2020) Serie : Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic — X | FLAC (tracks), lossless

‘East meets West’ was the central theme in the life of Nesuhi Ertegün (1917-1989). He grew up as the son of the Turkish Ambassador in Washington, and Nesuhi himself was to become an ambassador too: one of the most important producers and advocates that jazz has ever had. On the 30th anniversary of his death, Jazz at Berlin Philharmonic curator Siggi Loch dedicated an evening to commemorating this friend and mentor who had been like a father to him. For Nesuhi, jazz had no borders; this concert was a posthumous validation of the farsightedness of that vision.

On the cultural world map, East-West today is synonymous with the tense relationship between Europe and Asia, between Occident and Orient. From the Renaissance to the present day, there have been repeated waves of enthusiasm for Eastern culture in the West. And for the hundred years or so that jazz has existed, it too has always tended to absorb elements from other cultures into its stylistic vocabulary. Conversely, artists from Eastern cultures have embraced jazz, fused it with their own traditions, revealing new and fascinating expressive possibilities.

Black String, the South Korean quartet led by geomungo player Yoon Jeong Heo, takes a 1500-year old Korean musical tradition and brings it into the modern era and into jazz in way which is totally compelling artistically. NES Trio with charismatic singer/cellist Nesrine Belmokh has a distinctive sound drawn from the musical melting pot of the Mediterranean region. A special guest is the Moroccan oud and guembri player Majid Bekkas, who has often brought the Gnawa blues of his homeland into projects ranging from “folklore imaginaire” to avantgarde jazz. And providing the perfect East-West link is French-Vietnamese guitarist Nguyên Lê, whose go-between role combin-ing the worlds of jazz, rock and Asian folk music has been pio-neering. Together they celebrate a meeting of East and West. Nesui Ertegün would have been overjoyed. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Aicha    2:55
2    Bye Bye    5:26
3    You Made It Hard For Me    5:04
4    Ahlam    6:32
5    Rimitti    6:31
6    Hanging Gardens Of Babylon    7:23
7    Elevation Of Light    3:51
8    Encore: Bania    5:23
Credits :
the art in music: Cover art by Philip Taaffe, Isfahan (2009), by courtesy of Jablonka Galerie Cologne
Majid Bekkas - Guembri & Vocals
Nguyên Lê - Guitar

NES
Nesrine - Vocals & Cello
Matthieu Saglio - Cello & Vocals
David Gadea - Percussion

Black String
Yoon Jeong Heo - Geomungo
Jean Oh - Guitar
Aram Lee - Gaegeum & Yanggeum
Min Wang Hwang - Ajaeng & Janggu

SORIBA KOUYATÉ — Live in Montreux (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Diarabi 6:24
 – Traditional Guinée
Arranged By [Arr. By] – P. Gaillot
2    Mariama 6:36
 – Traditional Casamance
Arranged By [Arr. By] – P. Gaillot
3    All Blues 7:26
Music By – Miles Davis
4    Deli Guéléma 5:29
– Traditional Mali
Arranged By [Arr. By] – P. Gaillot
5    Autumn Leaves 8:41
Music By – J.Prévert, J.Mercer, J.Cosma
Written By – J.Cosma / J.Mercer / J.Prévert
6    Afrilude 4:07
Music By – Soriba Kouyaté
7    St. Louis-Dakar 6:26
Arranged By [Arr. By] – P. Gaillot
Music By – Soriba Kouyaté
8    Kaïra 6:26
 – Traditional Mali
Arranged By [Arr. By] – P. Gaillot
9    Bani 6:41
Music By – traditional Mandings
Arranged By [Arr. By] – P. Gaillot
Credits :
Bass – Linley Marthe
Edited By, Mixed By – Philippe Gaillot
Drums – Joël Allouche
Kora – Soriba Kouyaté
Trumpet – Matthieu Michel

RAMÓN VALLE TRIO — No Escape (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although pianist Ramón Valle (who contributed all 11 selections), bassist Omar Rodríguez Calvo, and drummer Liber Torriente were all born originally in Cuba and are masterful with polyrhythms, the music that they perform on No Escape is more post-bop jazz than it is Latin or Afro-Cuban jazz. Valle's style recalls Herbie Hancock of the 1960s at times, although it is fairly original. Working closely with his sidemen, Valle performs pieces that are often dark, complex, and a bit dissonant but not without their lighthearted moments. Of these, "El Vigia" is an inventive jazz waltz, the lengthy "Andar por Dentro" sounds mysterious, and "Brindemos" swings hard in its fashion. None of these originals are destined to become standards, but they certainly do challenge the musicians, who somehow often sound as one, following each other telepathically and creating stirring music. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    El Vigia    5:20
2    De Vuelta A Casa    5:50
3    Fourty Degrees    4:40
4    Viva Coltrane    6:04
5    Andar Por Dentro    11:12
6    Ilegal    4:57
7    Alice Blues    4:51
8    Clouds    3:55
9    Kimbara Pá Ñico    5:27
10    Brindemos    5:06
11    Pesadilla    5:40
Credits :
Ramón Valle - Piano
Omar Rodríguez Calvo - Bass
Liber Torriente - Drums

V.A. : Magic Moments 3 — The Ultimate ACT World Jazz Anthology Vol. VIII (2006) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Heinz Sauer, Michael Wollny–    Welcome To What You Hear 2:00
Music By – Heinz Sauer
Piano – Michael Wollny
Tenor Saxophone – Heinz Sauer
2    Ulf Wakenius, Lars Danielsson, Morten Lund–    Dancing
Acoustic Guitar – Ulf Wakenius
Bass, Cello – Lars Danielsson
Drums – Morten Lund
Music By – Keith Jarrett
3    Viktoria Tolstoy–    From Above 4:24
Bass – Lars Danielsson
Guitar – Ulf Wakenius
Piano – Jacob Karlzon
Vocals – Viktoria Tolstoy
Written-By – Lars Danielsson, Per Holknekt
4    Colin Steele, Dave Milligan–    Don Camillo's Revenge 4:18
Bass – Aidan O'Donnell
Drums – Stu Ritchie
Music By – Colin Steele
Piano – Dave Milligan
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Buckley
Trumpet – Colin Steele
5    Nils Landgren, Joe Sample–    Don't Take Your Love To Hollywood 3:12
Guitar – Ray Parker Jr.
Piano – Joe Sample
Trombone – Nils Landgren
Vocals – Nils Landgren
Written-By – Joe Sample, Will Jennings
6    Peter Apfelbaum & The New York Hieroglyphics–    Rainbow Sign 4:11
Music By – Peter Apfelbaum
7    Solveig Slettahjell–    What Is This Thing Called Love 5:03
Band – The Slow Motion Quintet
Vocals – Solveig Slettahjell
Written-By – Cole Porter
8    Jonas Knutsson, Johan Norberg–    Jämtpelle 4:01
Guitar – Johan Norberg
Music By – Johan Norberg, Jonas Knutsson
Soprano Saxophone – Jonas Knutsson
9    Kevin Hays–    You Are My Sunshine 4:54
Music By – Jimmie Davis
Piano – Kevin Hays
Vocals – Kevin Hays
10    Albert Mangelsdorff, NDR Bigband–    Mood Indigo 2:41
Music By – Duke Ellington
11    Rigmor Gustafsson, The Jacky Terrasson Trio–    Windows Of The World 4:52
Band – The Jacky Terrasson Trio
Lyrics By – Hal David
Music By – Burt Bacharach
Vocals – Rigmor Gustafsson
12    Elbtonalpercussion, Christopher Dell–    African Blues 3:50
Music By – Wolfgang Roggenkamp
Vibraphone – Christopher Dell
13    Muriel Zoe–    Have A Good Time 3:27
Bass – Johannes Huth
Drums – Michael Verhovec
Guitar – Matthias Pogoda
Trumpet – Michael Leuschner
Vocals – Muriel Zoe
Written-By – Paul Simon
14    Young Friends, Michael Wollny, Florian Trübsbach–    Dein Ist Mein Ganzes Herz 4:02
Alto Saxophone – Florian Trübsbach
Lyrics By – Fritz Löhner, Ludwig Herzer
Music By – Franz Lehár
Piano – Michael Wollny
Trombone – Johannes Lauer
15    Jazzindeed, Michael Schiefel–    Fahrn, Fahrn, Fahrn Auf Der Autobahn
Alto Saxophone – Jan von Klewitz
Piano – Bene Aperdannier
Vocals – Michael Schiefel
Written-By – Hartmut Goetze
16    e.s.t. Live In Berlin–    The Rube Thing 6:26
Bass – Dan Berglund
Drums – Magnus Öström
Piano – Esbjörn Svensson

V.A. : MAGIC MOMENTS 1 — The Ultimate ACT World Jazz Anthology Vol. IV (2000) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Soriba Kouyaté / Paolo Fresu / Linley Marthe / Joël Allouche–    Massanicissé    4:11
2    Javier Paxariño / Glen Velez–    Cortesanos    4:55
3    E.S.T.–    Dodge The Dodo    4:36
4    Nguyên Lê / Renaud Garcia-Fons / Tino Di Geraldo / Carles Benavent–    Encanto    5:41
5    Kudsi Erguner / Christof Lauer / Michel Godard / Mark Nauseef–    Sufimaj    4:00
6    Schäl Sick Brass Band–    Malka Moma    2:46
7    Bazillus (2) Featuring Eddie Harris / Jamaaladeen Tacuma–    Back To Ed-E    3:48
8    Nils Landgren Funk Unit / Fred Wesley–    Six Beauties On A Rooftop    3:55
9    Gilberto Gil–    Oslodum    4:00
10    Jens Thomas / Paolo Fresu / Antonello Salis–    The Man With The Harmonica    3:08
11    Larry Coryell / Philip Catherine / Joachim Kühn–    Deus Xango    5:27
12    The Real Group / Toots Thielemans–    Vem Kan Segla Förutan Vind    3:36
13    Michael Riessler / Elise Caron / Jean-Louis Matinier / Pierre Charial–    Itinéraires/Verticalement    4:34
14    Huong Thanh / Nguyên Lê–    Lovers On The Mountain    3:22
15    Christof Lauer / Marc Ducret / Michel Godard / Gene Jackson–    Ferma L'Ali    5:47
16    Vince Mendoza / Charlie Mariano / Dave Liebman / WDR Big Band Köln–    Pavane    4:22
17    Steve Klink–    Mountain Blues    4:27
18    Sidsel Endresen / Bugge Wesseltoft–    Epilogue    1:43

BERNARD PURDIE — Bernard Purdie's Soul To Jazz (1996) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Moanin' 2:05
Arranged By – Gil Goldstein
Written-By – Bobby Timmons
2    Superstition 6:08
Arranged By – Tom Malone
Backing Vocals – Jane Comerford, Sharlie Pryce
Trombone, Soloist – Nils Landgren
Vocals, Soloist – Martin Moss
Written-By – Stevie Wonder
3    Iko Iko 5:45
Accordion, Soloist – Gil Goldstein
Arranged By – Gil Goldstein
Guitar, Soloist – Dean Brown
Written-By – James Crawford
4    Señor Blues 6:51
Arranged By – Gil Goldstein
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Eddie Harris, Michael Brecker
Trombone, Soloist – Nils Landgren
Written-By – Horace Silver
5    When A Man Loves A Woman 4:35
Arranged By – Tom Malone
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Eddie Harris
Vocals, Soloist – Martin Moss
Written-By – Andrew Wright, Calvin Lewis
6    Freedom Jazz Dance 4:29
Arranged By – Arif Mardin
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Eddie Harris
Trombone, Soloist – Nils Landgren
Written-By – Eddie Harris
7    SideWinder 7:15
Arranged By – Gil Goldstein
Flugelhorn, Soloist – Randy Brecker
Piano, Soloist – Frank Chastenier
Written-By – Lee Morgan
8    Brother Where Are You? 4:14
Arranged By – Tom Malone
Guitar, Soloist – Dean Brown
Vocals, Soloist – Martin Moss
Written-By – Oscar Brown Jr.
9    Wade In The Water 4:42
Arranged By – Gil Goldstein
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Eddie Harris
Trombone, Soloist – Nils Landgren
 – Traditional
10    Work Song 3:51
Bass Guitar – Dave King
Drums – Bernard Purdie
Guitar – Dean Brown
Piano – Gil Goldstein
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Eddie Harris
Trombone – Nils Landgren
Written-By – Nat Adderley
11    Land Of 1.000 Dancers 3:09
Arranged By – Tom Malone
Backing Vocals – Jane Comerford, Sharlie Pryce
Trombone, Soloist – Nils Landgren
Vocals, Soloist – Martin Moss
Written-By – Chris Kenner
12    Gimme Some Lovin' 3:44
Arranged By – Tom Malone
Backing Vocals – Jane Comerford, Sharlie Pryce
Guitar, Soloist – Dean Brown
Vocals, Soloist – Martin Moss
Written-By – Spencer Davis, Steve Winwood
13    Moanin' 7:40
Arranged By – Gil Goldstein
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Eddie Harris
Trombone, Soloist – Nils Landgren
Trumpet, Soloist – John Marshall
Written-By – Bobby Timmons
Credits :
Band – WDR Big Band
Bass – John Goldsby
Design – Petra Horn
Directed By – Gil Goldstein
Piano, Keyboards – Frank Chastenier
Saxophone – Harald Rosenstein, Heiner Wiberny, Jens Neufang, Olivier Peters, Rolf Römer
Trombone – Bernt Laukamp, Dave Horler, Henning Berg, Roy Deuvall
Trumpet – Andy Haderer, John Marshall, Klaus Osterloh, Rob Bruynen, Rüdiger Baldauf

HEINZ SAUER | MICHAEL WOLLNY — Certain Beauty (2006) APE (image+.cue), lossless

"Certain Beauty" is simply a masterpiece. Jazz CD of the Year 2006 - "CHOC de l'année 2006," JAZZMAN, F. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Stay On "C"    2:40
2    Where Is The Line? 3:05
Music By – Björk
3    I Loves You Porgy    4:30
4    Evidence    2:33
5    Kieser's Exchange    3:10
6    Nothing Compares 2 U    2:38
7    Ruby My Dear    4:05
8    Blues For Pablo    4:25
9    Certain Beauty    3:19
10    Laughing At Dinosaurs    1:35
11    Lover Man    3:52
12    Believe Beleft Below    3:32
13    Chelsea Bridge    3:00
14    Tangent A    2:10
15    Lush Life    4:10
Credits :
Artwork [Cover Artwork Inspired By] – Estelle Thompson
Piano, Keyboards – Michael Wollny
Tenor Saxophone – Heinz Sauer

ESBJÖRN SVENSSON TRIO — 301 (2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A couple of months after pianist Esbjörn Svensson passed away in 2008 after a freak diving accident, what was thought to be the band's final album, Leucocyte, was released. It was considered final because the pianist had been involved in its mixing and sequencing as he had each of their previous 11 albums. The release of 301 comes as a surprise. The material included here was chosen from nine hours of tape recorded during the Leucocyte sessions -- which was, interestingly, originally conceived as a double album. The band fully expected another album would be culled from the remaining material. E.S.T. cut Leucocyte while on tour, having no compositions; what emerged came came out of individual ideas or group jams, making this set feel very much like an extension of the previous recording. The band's surviving members, bassist Dan Berglund and drummer Magnus Öström, along with regular sound engineer Åke Linton, all participated in 301's assemblage (named for the 301 Studios in Sydney). While it may have been sequenced or even mixed a bit differently had Svensson lived, everything here comes together as a compelling whole. Svensson was always keen to embrace more electronic sounds alongside his explorations of post-bop, and they are present here in tracks such as the formlessly experimental noise of "Houston, The 5th," the spacious electronic ambience that constantly yet hesitantly adorns the the backdrop (and even Svensson's piano occasionally) on the gorgeous, sinister "Inner City, City Lights," and in Berglund's blasting, fuzzed-out, phase-shifting basslines on the lengthy "Three Falling Free Part II." But the trio's jazz chops are abundant throughout. Opener "Behind the Stars" is a lovely, lilting, solo piano ballad. Another highlight is the stretched, swinging, balancing act of harmonic engagement in the nearly 14 minute "The Left Lane," while there's yet another shimmering blues in closer "The Childhood Dream." Ultimately, 301 proves that E.S.T. ended the way they came in, as a committed jazz group constantly seeking new ways of expanding the piano trio format as well the parameters of the music itself. This is not only a fine addition to their catalog, it is one of the finest entries in it.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-

The Legacy - Part II: More original recordings by the legendary Esbjörn Svensson Trio from their last session at Studio 301 in Sydney, Australia. A triumphant echo of an unforgotten band and homage to the jazz innovator who died in 2008. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Behind The Stars    3:44
2    Inner City, City Lights    11:48
3    The Left Lane    13:37
4    Houston, The 5th    3:34
5    Three Falling Free Part I    5:49
6    Three Falling Free Part II    14:30
7    The Childhood Dream    8:02
Credits :
Composed By – Dan Berglund, Esbjörn Svensson, Magnus Öström
Cover – Björn Kusoffsky
Double Bass, Electronics – Dan Berglund
Drums, Voice [Voices], Electronics – Magnus Öström
Grand Piano, Electronics, Electronics [Transistor Radio] – Esbjörn Svensson
Performer [Performed By], Producer [Produced By] – E.S.T.

TIM HAGANS with NORRBOTTEN BIG BAND ft. SCOTT KINSEY — Future Miles (2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

CD of the Month, September 2002, in AUDIO and STEREOPLAY ACT
Tracklist :
1    Fanfare For Miles 4:09
Trumpet, Soloist – Tim Hagans
2    Kickass 9:41
Alto Saxophone, Soloist – Håkan Broström
Drums, Soloist – Jonas Holgersson
Trumpet, Soloist – Tim Hagans
3    Kinsey Report 9:16
Soprano Saxophone, Soloist – Håkan Broström
4    Big Gig In Pajala 2:56
Featuring, Soloist – Scott Kinsey, Tim Hagans
5    Miles Of The Blues 9:00
Bass Clarinet, Soloist – Johan Hörlén
Keyboards, Soloist – Scott Kinsey
Trombone, Soloist – Magnus Puls
Trumpet, Solo Vocal – Tim Hagans
6    Concrete Hat 9:37
Bass, Soloist – Frederik Jonsson
Keyboards, Soloist – Scott Kinsey
Trombone, Soloist – Peter Dahlgren
7    Future Cool 7:57
Electric Piano, Soloist – Ion Baciu
Flugelhorn, Soloist – Dan Johansson
8    Boogaloo 9:52
Keyboards, Soloist – Scott Kinsey
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Mats Garberg
Trumpet, Soloist – Magnus Ekholm, Tim Hagans
Credits :
Alto Saxophone [Lead], Soprano Saxophone, Flute – Håkan Broström
Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Johan Hörlén
Baritone Saxophone, Flute – Per Moberg
Bass – Fredrik Jonsson
Bass Trombone, Tuba – Björn Hängsel
Drums – Jonas Holgersson
Ensemble – Norrbotten Big Band
Keyboards, Programmed By – Scott Kinsey
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Piano – Ion Baciu
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Bengt Ek
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Mats Garberg
Trombone – Magnus Puls, Peter Dahlgren
Trombone [Lead] – P-O Svanström
Trumpet – Tim Hagans
Trumpet [Lead], Flugelhorn – Bo Strandberg
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Dan Johansson, Magnus Ekholm, Tapio Maunuvaara

KLAUS DOLDINGER — Doldinger's Best (2000) ACT Jazz Classics Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    The Quartett–    Blues For George    6:08
2    Klaus Doldinger And Peter Trunk–    Two Getting Together    6:04
3    The Quartett–    Minor Kick    4:13
4    The Quartett + Volker Kriegel–    Quartenwalzer    4:56
5    The Quartett + Attila Zoller–    Fiesta    4:30
6    The Quartett + Attila Zoller–    Viva Brasilia    3:55
7    Paul Nero Sounds–    Guachi Guaro    3:32
8    The Quartett–    Raga Up And Down    7:30
9    The Quartett–    Saragossa    6:39
10    NDR-Jazz-Workshop-Band With Klaus Doldinger, Johnny Griffin, Sahib Shihab, Benny Bailey, Donald Byrd–    Waltz Of The Jive Cats    3:02
11    Paul Nero's Blue Sounds–    Comin' Home Baby    2:33
12    Doldinger's Motherhood–    I Feel Free    4:03
13    Etta James, Klaus Doldinger, David Newman, Herbie Man, Richard Tee, Steve Jordan–    Stormy Monday Blues    7:45
14    Passport + Les McCann, Johnny Griffin, Philip Catherine, Pete York–    Compared To What    5:02

MO' BLOW — For Those About to Funk (2011) Serie : young german jazz | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 As "one of the hottest club bands" (Berliner Zeitung) and winner of the audience and jury prize at the Berlin Jazz & Blues Award, "Mo' Blow" give jazz a leg up. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Fried Chocolate 4:26
Written-By – Mo' Blow
Trombone – Nils Landgren
2    Eleven Feels Like Heaven    4:25
Written-By – Matti Klein
3    Along Came Mag 4:16
Written-By – Mo' Blow
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Magnus Lindgren
Trombone – Nils Landgren
Vocals – Magnum Coltrane Price
4    Mac Tough 5:36
Written-By – Pat Martino
Guitar – Torsten Goods
5    Grandpa's Fairytale    6:16
Written-By – Matti Klein
6    Volkman's Van 4:19
Written-By – Mo' Blow
Trombone – Nils Landgren
7    Groomsman    5:01
Written-By – Mo' Blow
8    Mo’bilé 6:10
Written-By – Mo' Blow
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Magnus Lindgren
9    New Meditation 3:21
Written-By – Mo' Blow
Guitar – Torsten Goods
10    Ricky The Lobster    4:11
Written-By – Felix F. Falk
11    75 Percent In Love    4:49
Written-By – Felix F. Falk
Credits :
Bass, Producer [Additional] – Tobias Fleischer
Drums – André Seidel
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Matti Klein
Saxophone, Didgeridoo, Percussion – Felix F. Falk
Photography By [Cover] – Siggi Loch

KUDSI ERGUNER — Islam Blues (2001) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The Turkish-born ney flutist, composer and musicologist is one of the most important representatives of classical Ottoman music. As a master of the ney, a traditional Turkish reed flute, he has popularised the music of Sufism and Ottoman culture. In addition to releasing numerous solo albums, he has also collaborated with international artists. He has not only preserved traditional Turkish music, but has also realised innovative projects in which he combines Eastern and Western music. Kudsi Erguner is an important cultural ambassador who has contributed to the revitalisation and dissemination of traditional music in Turkey through his work. ACT
Tracklist :
1    One Word    8:19
Composed By – Kudsi Erguner
2    Adjem Blues    8:19
Composed By – Kudsi Erguner
3    Mediterranien    4:55
Composed By – Kudsi Erguner
4    Sarki    6:50
Composed By – Kudsi Erguner
5    Camel    12:40
Composed By – Kudsi Erguner
6    Moonrise    12:10
Composed By – Kudsi Erguner
7    Twins    8:20
Composed By – Kudsi Erguner
Credits :
Double Bass – Bruno Caillat, Renaud Garcia-Fons
Drums – Karim Ziad (tracks: 7), Mark Nauseef
Guitar – Nguyên Lê
Kanun – Hakan Güngor
Kemenche – Derya Turkan
Ney – Kudsi Erguner
Percussion – Bruno Caillat
Vocals – Halil Neciboglu, Yunus Balcioglu

SORIBA KOUYATÉ — Bamana (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Soriba Kouyaté was a Senegalese kora player who repeatedly combined traditional sounds with modern influences. He performed with world-famous artists and brought the music of his homeland to the international jazz and world music scene. His virtuoso improvisation and innovative style made him one of the leading kora players of his time. He died in 2020, leaving behind a musical legacy that is still appreciated by many musicians today. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Wassolo    6:22
2    Mobéni -Bara    5:09
3    Mali - Sadio    5:22
4    Kélémagny    5:46
5    Bamana    6:14
6    Sorispain    6:06
7    Diya    5:35
8    All Blues 3:54
Composed By – Miles Davis
9    Kaira    4:52
10    Diarabi    5:21
11    Yéré - Yira    5:17
12    Summertime 4:31
Composed By – George Gershwin
Credits :
Bass – Linley Marthe
Drums, Percussion – Joël Allouche
Flute – Didier Malherbe (tracks: 7, 11)
Kora – Soriba Kouyaté
Piano – François Quillet (tracks: 4, 10)
Saxophone – Didier Malherbe (tracks: 4)
Synthesizer, Electric Guitar, Vocals, Producer, Arranged By – Philippe Gaillot

MIGHTY SAM McCLAIN & KNUT REIERSRUD — Tears Of The World (2015) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The Norwegians also have the blues: on "Tears Of The World," guitarist Knut Reiersrud and his band collaborate with 72-year-old Southern singer Mighty Sam McClain, delving into the original music of the deep South of the USA. This album impressively demonstrates that energetic R&B, soul, and blues know no boundaries of origin. Mighty Sam McClain passed away on June 16, 2015. "Tears Of The World" became his final recording and a testament to his legacy. The blues and soul world mourns the loss of a great artist. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Tears Of The World 2:52
Written-By – Willie Hale
2    Please Mr. Foreman 2:41
Written-By – John Lee Carter
3    Jewels 4:22
Written-By – Erik Hillestad, Knut Reiersrud
4    Living In The Key Of G 3:23
Written-By – Jeff Wasserman, Knut Reiersrud
5    Que Sera, Sera 4:39
Written-By – Jay Livingston, Ray Evans
6    Friends 5:18
Written-By – Sam McClain, Pat Herlehy
7    Too Proud 5:12
Written-By – Carlene Carter
8    Apples [Don't Fall Far From The Tree] 4:39
Written-By – Jeff Wasserman, Knut Reiersrud
9    I Wish I Had A Girl Like You 3:00
Written-By – Willie Hale
10    Somebody Help Me 3:38
Written-By – George Papageorge, Sam McClain
11    Things Ain't What They Used To Be 3:46
Written-By – George Papageorge, Sam McClain
12    Promised Land 5:43
Written-By – Jeff Wasserman, Knut Reiersrud
Credits :
Mighty Sam McClain - Vocals
Knut Reiersrud - Guitar, Harmonica, Piano (2,8) & Vocals (5)
Bjørn Holm - Guitar
David Wallumrød - Hammond Organ, Wurlitzer, Piano & Prophet 5
Nikolai Hængsle Eilertsen - Bass
Andreas Bye - Drums
Håkon Kornstad - Saxes & Flute
Martin Horntveth - Timpani & Tubular bells + Strings

VLADYSLAV SENDECKI — Solo Piano at Schloss Elmau (2010) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

"A fascinating solo CD. Vladyslav Sendecki effortlessly dissolves the boundaries between classical music and jazz."- DER SPIEGEL ACT
Tracklist :
1    Mein Mädchen 6:53
 – Traditional
2    Wiegenlied 7:42
 – Traditional
3    Lily Of The Valley 4:59
Composed By – Stefan Sendecki
4    A Kind Of Song 5:09
Composed By – Vladyslav Sendecki
5    Karpaten Blues 4:32
Composed By – Vladyslav Sendecki
6    Obertas 5:32
Composed By – Vladyslav Sendecki
7    Blackbird 5:50
Composed By – Lennon-McCartney
8    Mutant 7:49
Composed By – Vladyslav Sendecki
9    Sledge Ride 7:06
Composed By – Vladyslav Sendecki
10    Evening Psalm 7:56
Composed By – Zbigniew Seifert
Credits :
Artwork [Cover] – Peter Krüll
Arranged, Grand Piano [Steinway] – Vladyslav Sendecki

SCHLÜTER | NABATOV | ANTOLINI — Swing Kings (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue) lossless

Quarterly Award of the German Record Critics' Award 1/2002 ACT
Tracklist :
1    How High The Moon 6:16
Written-By – Lewis, Hamilton
2    What Is This Thing Called Love 7:13
Written-By – Cole Porter
3    Moonglow 7:00
Written-By – Will Hudson
4    China Boy 7:31
Written-By – Winfree, Boutelje
5    Just You, Just Me 6:06
Written-By – Jesse Greer
6    I'll Never Be The Same 7:15
Written-By – Signorelli, Malneck
7    Blues For Mike 6:45
Written-By – Antolini, Nabatov, Schlüter
8    More Than You Know 9:21
Written-By – Vincent Youmans
9    Lady Be Good 8:10
Written-By – George Gershwin
10    Dizzy Spells 6:14
Written-By – Goodman, Wilson
Credits :
Artwork [Cover Art] – Lisa-Kristin Krüll
Drums – Charly Antolini
Piano – Simon Nabatov
Vibraphone – Wolfgang Schlüter

JOEL HARRISON — Free Country (2003) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Joel Harrison recorded a dozen songs associated with country music, some of them quite traditional, but he recast them in surprising ways, making the CD title of Free Country fit quite well. Sometimes his steel guitar pays respect to the melodies and at other times he freaks out a bit on his electric guitar. None of the vocalists are that outstanding, and an instrumental "This Land Is Your Land" receives a surprisingly downbeat rendition. Norah Jones sings "I Walk The Line" and "Tennessee Waltz" quite straight, revealing that she is as comfortable in country music as jazz. Dave Binney's alto playing is a major asset on some of the more adventurous interpretations, and violinist Rob Thomas, pianist Uri Caine, and Tony Cedras on accordion add to the changing atmospheres of this strange but consistently colorful set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    I Walk The Line 5:04
Accordion – Tony Cedras
Sampler – David Binney, Joel Harrison
Vocals – Norah Jones
Written-By – Johnny Cash
2    Lonesome Road Blues 3:29
 – Traditional
Bass – Stephan Crump
Keyboards – Rob Burger
Percussion – Todd Isler
Vocals – Jen Chapin, Joel Harrison
3    Wayfaring Stranger 6:47
 – Traditional
Accordion – Tony Cedras
4    This Is Your Land 6:01
Piano – Uri Caine
Written-By – Woody Guthrie
5    Twelve Gates To The City 4:56
 – Traditional
Bass – Stephan Crump
Drums – Dan Weiss
Keyboards – Rob Burger
Percussion – Todd Isler
Vocals – Jen Chapin, Joel Harrison
6    Tennessee Waltz 6:09
Accordion – Tony Cedras
Vocals – Norah Jones
Written-By – King, Stewart
7    Hell Broke Loose In Georgia 5:24
 – Traditional
Accordion – Tony Cedras
Piano – Uri Caine
Sampler – David Binney
8    Folsom Prison Blues 6:39
Written-By – Johnny Cash
9    Tender Years 3:12
Written-By – George Jones
10    Will The Circle Be Unbroken 6:05
Accordion – Tony Cedras
Vocals – Raz Kennedy
Written-By – A. P. Carter
11    Sing Me Back Home 3:36
Bass – Stephan Crump
Drums – Dan Weiss
Keyboards – Rob Burger
Percussion – Todd Isler
Vocals – Jen Chapin, Joel Harrison
Written-By – Merle Haggard
12    Lone Pilgrim 8:16
 – Traditional
Piano – Uri Caine
Credits :
Artwork, Design – Peter Krüll
Bass – Sean Conly (tracks: 1, 3, 4, 6 to 10, 12)
Drums – Alison Miller (tracks: 1, 3, 4, 6 to 10, 12)
Guest [Guests] – Norah Jones (tracks: 1, 6), Tony Cedras (tracks: 1, 3, 6, 7, 10), Uri Caine (tracks: 4, 7, 12)
Guitar, Electric Guitar [Electric], Fretless Guitar [Frettless], Steel Guitar, Arranged By, Liner Notes, Producer [All Songs Produced And Arranged By] – Joel Harrison
Saxophone – David Binney (tracks: 3 to 10, 12)
Violin – Rob Thomas (tracks: 1, 3, 4, 6 to 10, 12)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VIJAY IYER TRIO — Accelerando (2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Surprising interpretations of both traditional jazz and dewy pop and funk pieces, plus pulsating original compositions: One of the "most important pianists of our time" (The New Yorker) returns with his award-winning trio. ACT

It's almost impossible not to consider Accelerando by pianist Vijay Iyer's working trio with bassist Stephen Crump and drummer Marcus Gilmore a companion to 2009's excellent Historicity. Its obvious similarities are that it places a handful of originals alongside a host of cover versions. These come from well-known artists from the worlds of jazz, 21st century dance music, and R&B. But there are key differences, too: for starters, this trio has been together longer; nowhere does that matter more than it does in jazz. The intuitive interplay and collective mindset that this trio possesses are exponentially more mature than they were on Historicity, despite its sharpness and musical acumen. The willingness to take chances is greater, as is the ability to make those risks pay off. Take the reading of "Human Nature," a tune recorded by Michael Jackson for the iconic Thriller. The melody is irresistible and Iyer maintains its framework while he builds on it by syncopating, extrapolating, and coloring it so that it becomes rich with complexity and textures, all the while keeping its melodic integrity. The rhythmic pulse is doubled on the snare, hi-hat, and bass drum. Crump's bass accompanies rather than propels, so his bass is where the groove lies. Heatwave's "The Star of a Story" is likewise melodically intact, but its rhythmic basics are set on a groove that finds funk in waltz time. Iyer discovers subtleties and hidden harmonic corners in his middle register that are remarkable to anyone familiar with the tune. "Mmmhmm," by Flying Lotus and singing bassist Thundercat, is realized with bowed basslines by Crump that both accompany the melody and state it, sparse chordal suggestions by Iyer in the higher register, and a gradually increasing vamp by Gilmore (that sounds like a defective loop because of its intentional slippage), all of which enchant the listener enough to provide Iyer the opportunity to solo using knotty clusters of post-bop dissonance and lyricism. Herbie Nichols' "Wildflower" swings hard with its lean angular line accenting his use of the piano as both a palette of tonal colors and a rhythm instrument. Iyer's own tunes, such as the title track and "Lude," reveal an extensive, purposeful build on jazz history from Thelonious Monk (in the latter) to the future (in the former), where dynamic repetition and gradually complex harmonic multiplications result from simple beginnings. What's most remarkable about these tunes, and the others here, are how consciously danceable they are. The set closes with Duke Ellington's "The Village of the Virgins," from his and Alvin Ailey's jazz ballet entitled The River. The river is obviously the Mississippi; gospel, blues, early jazz, swing, and even 1940s R&B make their voices heard in a nearly processional strut. The trio's interplay takes the structure -- originally performed by a jazz orchestra -- and boils it down to its essences, leaving space for nuance, grace, and elegance. Accelerando is a triumph in creativity and expert musicianship, and further underscores Iyer's status as a genuine jazz innovator.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1    Bode 2:18
Written-By – Vijay Iyer
2    Optimism 7:23
Written-By – Vijay Iyer
3    The Star Of A Story 5:46
Written-By – Rodney Temperton
4    Human Nature [Trio Extension] 9:39
Written-By – John Bettis, Steve Porcaro
5    Wildflower 4:10
Written-By – Herbie Nichols
6    Mmmhmm 4:33
Written-By – Flying Lotus, Thundercat
7    Little Pocket Size Demons 7:14
Written-By – Henry Threadgill
8    Lude 4:54
Written-By – Vijay Iyer
9    Accelerando 2:51
Written-By – Vijay Iyer
10    Actions Speak 5:38
Written-By – Vijay Iyer
11    The Village Of The Virgins 5:17
Written-By – Duke Ellington
Credits:
Bass – Stephan Crump
Cover [Art - Mother As A Mountain] – Anish Kapoor
Drums – Marcus Gilmore
Piano, Producer – Vijay Iyer

HEINZ SAUER — The Journey (2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For the 75th birthday of Heinz Sauer, a compilation featuring 15 of the most important recordings from his career spanning from 1964 to the present. "World-class jazz from Germany" - SPIEGEL ACT
Tracklist :
1    Albert Mangelsdorff Quintet–    Now Jazz Ramwong 9:00
Written-By – Albert Mangelsdorff
2    Albert Mangelsdorff Quartet–    Nachwort 1:57
Written-By – Heinz Sauer
3    Albert Mangelsdorff Quartet–    Blues Booth 3:24
Written-By – Heinz Sauer
4    Heinz Sauer & Bob Degen–    Round About Midnight 6:41
Written-By – Thelonious Monk
5    NDR Big Band–    Sagma 4:14
Arranged By – Joki Freund
Written-By – Heinz Sauer
6    Heinz Sauer Quartet–    Lush Life 6:15
Written-By – Strayhorn
7    Hessischer Rundfunk Jazzensemble–    Blues, Eternal Turn On 6:59
Written-By – Mangelsdorff
8    HR Jazz Ensemble–    Darauf Der Schnee Danach 1:26
Written-By – Heinz Sauer
9    NDR Big Band ft. Heinz Sauer & Tomasz Stańko–    Chelsea Bridge 7:06
Written-By – Strayhorn
10    HR Jazz Ensemble–    Winterballade 1:37
Written-By – Heinz Sauer
11    Heinz Sauer Trio–    Küss Die Hand, Madame 3:17
Written-By – Heinz Sauer
12    Heinz Sauer Trio–    The Narrator 7:47
Written-By – Heinz Sauer
13    Heinz Sauer & Bob Degen–    Roses Are Black 5:01
Written-By – Heinz Sauer
14    Heinz Sauer & Michael Wollny–    Nothing Compares 2 U 2:41
Written-By – Prince
15    Heinz Sauer & Michael Wollny–    Variations On Redford 2:59
Written-By – Sauer / Wollny
Credits:
Heinz Sauer - Saxophone