TILL BRÖNNER and BOB JAMES — On Vacation (2020) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

During the summer of 2019, Bob James met Till Brönner at La Fabrique, a residential studio located inside a 200-year-old mansion in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. Intent on relaxing while making music, they sought to mentally transport listeners (and themselves) to places and spaces they wanted to travel to on vacation. Using a rotating cast of studio aces in their rhythm section, they deliver a carefully curated program of originals, covers, and standards.

Buddy Johnson's classic "Save Your Love for Me" opens with a languid shuffle. Brönner's flügelhorn offers the melody with elegance and warm trills as James adorns the changes gracefully with his grand piano. Drummer Harvey Mason carries the shuffle with double bassist Christian Von Kaphengst accenting the downbeat. Brönner's "Lemonade" is a tender, jaunty samba with James on electric piano. The composer contributes trumpet, keyboards, and airy vocals -- with phrasing derived directly from Michael Franks. James' "Late Night" is a wonderfully expressionist engagement with harmony, fluid rhythms, and subtly articulated melodic hooks. Brönner's "Lavender Fields" is the most speculative number here, employing a nocturnal swing, pillowy keyboard strings, hovering electric piano, and warm, liquidy reverbed flügelhorn. Only James' acoustic piano solo keeps it from floating away. The inclusion of Gilbert Becaud's and Neil Diamond's "September Morn" feels out of place here (though it is the single). Its tortoise-like pace is slower than the original's, and the saccharine sweetness in Brönner's playing is almost wince-inducing. The slippery smooth funk groove in James' "Elysium" could easily have come off one of the pianist's mid-'80s chart-toppers. Its inviting resonance is underscored by a finely wrought muted trumpet solo from Brönner. The cover of "I Get It from You" (by forgotten 20th century L.A. yacht poppers Pages), is an unexpected delight. Its fingerpopping chart includes Brönner swinging the lyrics and James adding sparkling fills and canny melodic articulations, topped by a grooving bassline and a swooping trumpet break. The pianist follows with the spectral, emotionally hefty waltz "Miranda," using Brönner's muted horn in sparse melodic phrases above syncopated harmonic changes. The trumpeter's slow groover "Scent of Childhood" is likely to be sampled often for Brönner's bluesy playing entwined with James' meaty chords. While Brönner sounds like he's having a ball singing on the title track, it's James' sprightly, weave of organ and electric piano filling out the groove that carries his lyrics, and thus the tune, home. The set bookend is another standard: A restrained read of Spencer Johnson's nugget "Basin Street Blues." The interplay between primaries is tender, even sweet (absent are any traces of Louis Armstrong or Jack Teagarden), yet its accents, fills, and interjections are colorful and in impeccable taste. On the surface, On Vacation, might seem slight upon first listen. Further investigation reveals an abundance of sophisticated melodic invention and classy, intuitive arrangements that expand on and underscore the album's intended, good-time feel. 
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1.    Save Your Love For Me 5:26
Arranged By – Bob James, Rachel Kwag
Composed By – Buddy Johnson
Double Bass – Christian Von Kaphengst
Drums – Harvey Mason
Flugelhorn – Till Brönner
Piano, Keyboards – Bob James
2.    Lemonade  4:50
Composed By – Till Brönner
Drums – David Haynes
Electric Bass – Christian Von Kaphengst
Flugelhorn, Vocals – Till Brönner
Keyboards – Bob James, Till Brönner
Lyrics By – Robin Meloy Goldsby
3.    Late Night  5>24
Composed By – Bob James
Double Bass – Christian Von Kaphengst
Drums – Wolfgang Haffner
Piano – Bob James
Trumpet – Till Brönner
4.    Lavender Fields  5:12
Composed By, Arranged By – Till Brönner
Double Bass – Christian Von Kaphengst
Drums – Wolfgang Haffner
Piano, Keyboards – Bob James
Trumpet – Till Brönner
5.    September Morn   4:11
Arranged By – Till Brönner
Composed By – Gilbert Bécaud, Neil Diamond
Double Bass – Yuri Goloubev
Drums – Harvey Mason
Flugelhorn – Till Brönner
Piano – Bob James
6.    Elysium  5:16
Composed By, Arranged By – Bob James, Rachel Kwag
Double Bass – Christian Von Kaphengst
Drums – Harvey Mason
Piano, Keyboards – Bob James
Trumpet – Till Brönner
7.    I Get It From You  4:46
Arranged By – Bob James
Arranged By [Horns] – Till Brönner
Composed By – John Lang, Richard Page, Steve George
Double Bass – Christian Von Kaphengst
Drums – Wolfgang Haffner
Flugelhorn, Vocals – Till Brönner
Piano, Keyboards – Bob James
8.    Miranda  4:36
Arranged By – Bob James, Rachel Kwag
Composed By – Bob James
Double Bass – Yuri Goloubev
Drums – Harvey Mason
Piano – Bob James
Trumpet – Till Brönner
9.    Scent Of Childhood  4:35
Composed By, Arranged By – Till Brönner
Double Bass – Christian Von Kaphengst
Drums – Harvey Mason
Piano – Bob James
Trumpet, Keyboards – Till Brönner
10.    On Vacation  3:45
Composed By, Arranged By – Till Brönner
Double Bass – Christian Von Kaphengst
Drums – David Haynes
Flugelhorn, Keyboards, Vocals – Till Brönner
Lyrics By – Robin Meloy Goldsby
Piano, Keyboards – Bob James
11.    Sunset Vale  5:43
Composed By, Arranged By – Harvey Mason, Scott Tibbs
Double Bass – Yuri Goloubev
Drums – Harvey Mason
Flugelhorn – Till Brönner
Piano – Bob James
12.    Basin Street Blues  5:15
Arranged By – Bob James, Till Brönner
Composed By – Spencer Williams 
Double Bass – Yuri Goloubev
Drums – Harvey Mason
Flugelhorn – Till Brönner
Piano, Keyboards – Bob James
– BONUS TRACKS –
13.    If Someone Had Told Me  4:05
Arranged By – Bob James
Composed By – Peter de Rose
Flugelhorn, Vocals – Till Brönner
Lyrics By – Charles Tobias
Piano – Bob James 

HAMPTON HAWES QUARTET — All Night Session! 3 (1958-1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Vol. 3 of the Hampton Hawes Quartet's All Night Session contains three spontaneously improvised variations on the blues, one very cool extended rendition of Duke Ellington's "Do Nothin' 'Till You Hear from Me" and a strikingly handsome treatment of Harold Arlen's "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea." The briskly paced "Blues #4" is especially progressive and exciting. Apparently "Blues of a Sort" was a warm-up performance, as voices are audible (discussing a football game!) in the background during the bass solo. For this one-take marathon late-night session of November 12 and 13, 1956, Hawes chose to share the studio with guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Eldridge "Bruz" Freeman, who had replaced Chuck Thompson following that musician's sudden inability to continue touring with the group earlier that year. "We gave Chuck what money we could and left him sitting on a hospital cot in a white bathrobe." This grim image, like much of Hawes' autobiography Raise Up Off Me, paints a stark picture of the narcotics epidemic among jazz musicians during the '50s. Although this was the first peak of his career, Hawes later admitted that "during the fall of 1956 I was messing up consistently -- showing late on gigs or missing them altogether." He had lots of offers for work, including the possibility of providing music for a film soundtrack: "Wanted to do it, would have paid good, but at the time I didn't even have the bread to get high enough to get to the studio to see what they had in mind." One of the great incongruities of bop is the fact that Charlie Parker and the musicians who were most directly influenced by him were able to be so creative and prolific while grappling with addictions that confounded, immobilized, and eventually slew them. All of these insights quietly swarm beneath the surface of what added up to more than two hours of exceptionally fine quartet jazz. The complete All Night Session was issued in 2007 by the Definitive label and is emphatically recommended for listeners of every persuasion. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1.    Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me  11:03
Written-By – Bob Russell, Duke Ellington
2.    Blues #3  7:38
Composed By – Hampton Hawes
3.    Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea  11:00
Written-By – Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
4.    Blues #4  6:17
Composed By – Hampton Hawes
5.    Blues Of A Sort  5:37
Composed By – Hampton Hawes
Credits :
Bass – Red Mitchell
Drums – Bruz Freeman
Guitar – Jim Hall
Piano – Hampton Hawes

BARNEY KESSEL— Some Like It Hot (1956-1988) RM | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

The release of the movie Some Like It Hot served as a good excuse for guitarist Kessel to join together with Art Pepper (switching between alto, clarinet, and tenor), trumpeter Joe Gordon, pianist Jimmy Rowles, rhythm guitarist Jack Marshall, bassist Monty Budwig, and drummer Shelly Manne to interpret a variety of vintage numbers, most of which dated from the 1920s. Such tunes as "I Wanna Be Loved by You," "Runnin' Wild," "Down Among the Sheltering Palms," and "By the Beautiful Sea" are given fairly modern arrangements but still retain the flavor of the 1920s, and it's particularly interesting to hear Gordon and Pepper soloing on these ancient songs. [Some reissues add two alternate takes. ] Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Some Like It Hot    4:15
 Matty Malneck 
2.    I Wanna Be Loved By You    3:37
 Bert Kalmar / Harry Ruby / Herbert Stothart 
3.    Stairway To The Stars    3:16
 Matty Malneck / Mitchell Parish / Frank Signorelli 
4.    Sweet Sue    4:42
 Will J. Harris / Victor Young 
5.    Sweet Sue (Alternate Track)    4:48
 Will J. Harris / Victor Young 
6.    Runnin' Wild    3:19
 Arthur Gibbs / Joe Grey / Leo Wood 
7.    Runnin' Wild (Alternate Track)    6:31
 Arthur Gibbs / Joe Grey / Leo Wood 
8.    Sweet Georgia Brown    3:39
 Ben Bernie / Kenneth Casey / Maceo Pinkard 
9.    Down Among The Sheltering Palms    4:01
 James Brockman / Abe Olman 
10.    Sugar Blues    3:24
 Lucy Fletcher / Edgar Sampson / Cootie Williams 
11.    I'm Thru With Love    3:14
 Gus Kahn / Fud Livingston / Matty Malneck 
12.    By The Beautiful Sea    3:10
 Harry Carroll 
Credits :
Bass – Monty Budwig
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Art Pepper
Drums – Shelly Manne
Guitar – Barney Kessel, Jack Marshall
Piano – Jimmy Rowles
Producer, Liner Notes – Lester Koenig
Remastered By, Mastered By – Joe Tarantino
Trumpet – Joe Gordon

THE JAZZ MESSENGERS ft. ART BLAKEY — Ritual (1957-1988) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Interesting, uneven '57 date that contains a lengthy drum piece by Blakey. This was not his greatest group, although alto saxophonist Jackie McLean was among the hardest blowers he ever employed. Bassist Spanky Debrest and trumpeter Bill Hardman were good musicians, but a notch below the others who filled their roles in future Messenger editions. Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1.    Little T  8:45
Written-By – Donald Byrd
2.    Exhibit A  6:45
Written-By – A. Blakey, L. Sears
3.    Scotch Blues  8:34
Written-By – Duke Jordan
4.    Once Upon A Groove  8:38
Written-By – Owen Marshall
5.    Sam's Tune  5:48
Written-By – Sam Dockery
6.    Touche 6:15
Written-By – Mel Waldron
7.    Wake Up 5:06
Written-By – Leo Sears
8.    Art Blakey's Comments On Ritual    1:54
9.    Ritual  9:45
Written-By – Art Blakey
Credits :
Art Blakey - Drums
Bill Hardman - Trumpet
Spanky DeBrest - Bass
Sam Dockery - Piano
Jackie McLean - Alto Sax

ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY — After Hours (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Ann Hampton Callaway is one of the top cabaret singers of the past decade. She has always been influenced a bit by jazz, and this 1997 release was her first full jazz recording. Callaway has a haunting voice and, as with most cabaret singers, a great respect for the lyrics she interprets; her singing on "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" is a bit eerie. Pianist Kenny Barron, Bob Mintzer on tenor and soprano, and trumpeter Randy Brecker all get a generous amount of solo space, while bassist Jay Leonhart and percussionist George Jinda are fine in support; considering the high quality of her sidemen, it is a major compliment to the singer to say that her vocals do not cause the set to sag or the listener to lose his interest. On "All Blues" and "Old Devil Moon" in particular, she shows the potential of becoming a significant jazz singer in the future if she sticks to this path. Strangely enough, an intriguing original blues (clocking in around four-and-a-half minutes) is included at the end of the program, but not mentioned on the back cover or in the liners. Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Time After Time 5:13
Written-By – Cyndi Lauper, Rob Hyman
2.    Teach Me Tonight 3:24
Written-By – Gene DePaul, Sammy Cahn
3.    My Funny Valentine 6:40
Written-By – Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
4.    Old Devil Moon 4:07
Written-By – Burton Lane, E.Y. Harburg
5.    The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 4:44
Written-By – Ewan MacColl
6.    All Blues 4:57
Written-By – Miles Davis
7.    They Can't Take That Away From Me 4:30
Written-By – George & Ira Gershwin
8.    The Music You Leave Inside My Mind 6:03
Written-By – Ann Hampton Callaway
9.    You Are My Sunshine 4:53
Written-By – Charles Mitchell, Jimmie Davis
10.    It Never Entered My Mind 6:57
Written-By – Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
11.    Falling In Love Again 3:33
Written-By – Fredrick Hollander, Sammuel Lerner
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Jay Leonhart
Cymbal, Shaker, Udu, Rattle [Bushman Rattles] – George Jinda
Piano – Kenny Barron
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Bob Mintzer
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker
Vocals – Ann Hampton Callaway

SUZANNE VEGA — Lover, Beloved : Songs from an Evening with Carson McCullers (2021) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Suzanne Vega has always been a songwriter with a literary sensibility, displaying a feel for character and wordplay that was noticeably more nuanced than her peers. It seems entirely fitting that Vega might wish to honor one of her influences as a writer, and with Lover, Beloved: Songs from an Evening with Carson McCullers, she's done just that. One of Vega's favorite authors is Carson McCullers, who enjoyed critical and popular success in the '40s with her novels The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, The Member of the Wedding, and Reflections in a Golden Eye. In 2011, Vega performed a one-woman show about McCullers' life and work, and five years later she's released Lover, Beloved, which features ten songs she wrote for the show. (Duncan Sheik co-wrote the music with Vega, except for two songs she wrote in collaboration with Michael Jefry Stevens.) The album often has a somewhat different feel than much of Vega's work, especially in the songs in which she takes on McCullers' persona and discusses her early days after leaving Georgia for New York City ("New York Is My Destination"), and dishes about fellow authors she sees as hopeless inferiors ("Harper Lee"). The vintage jazz accents on "Carson's Blues" and "Harper Lee" also take Vega's songs into musical territory that doesn't always seem comfortable to her. However, the less specifically biographical numbers are quite effective, as Vega takes up stories from McCullers' life and work and weaves them into her own creative sensibility. Vega's vocal performances are intelligent and skillful throughout, and the largely acoustic arrangements give this music a vintage sensibility without forcing the issue. Lover, Beloved isn't a radical shift from Suzanne Vega's usual body of work, but it does find her stretching a bit from her comfort zone, and she sails gracefully along on this smart and tuneful song cycle. Mark Deming 
Tracklist :
1.    Carson's Blues 2:56
Accordion – Will Holhouser
Trombone – Roswell Rudd
Ukulele Banjo [Banjo Ukelele] – Mike Merenda
Written-By – Michael Jefry Stevens, Suzanne Vega
2.    New York Is My Destination 3:09
Clarinet – David Rothenberg
Written-By – Michael Jefry Stevens, Suzanne Vega
3.    Instant Of The Hour After    3:07
Written-By – Michael Jefry Stevens, Suzanne Vega
4.    We Of Me 2:52
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – David Poe, Duncan Sheik, Ruby Froom
Banjo – Mike Merenda
Pedalboard [Hammond Bass Pedals] – Duncan Sheik
Percussion – Doug Yowell
Written-By – Michael Jefry Stevens, Suzanne Vega
5.    Annemarie 3:18
Bass Clarinet – David Rothenberg
Harmonium – Duncan Sheik
Written-By – Michael Jefry Stevens, Suzanne Vega
6.    12 Mortal Men    2:47 
Written-By – Michael Jefry Stevens, Suzanne Vega
7.    Harper Lee 3:43
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Duncan Sheik
Banjo – Mike Merenda
Trombone – Roswell Rudd
Written-By – Michael Jefry Stevens, Suzanne Vega
8.    Lover, Beloved 3:24
Bass Clarinet – David Rothenberg
Percussion – Duncan Sheik
Written-By – Michael Jefry Stevens, Suzanne Vega
9.    The Ballad Of Miss Amelia 4:18
Accordion – Will Holhouser
Written-By – Michael Jefry Stevens, Suzanne Vega
10.    Carson's Last Supper 3:32
Accordion – Will Holhouser
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – David Poe, Duncan Sheik, Ruby Froom, The Garrison Gang
Percussion – Duncan Sheik
Credits :
Double Bass [Upright Bass] – Byron Isaacs
Drums – Yuval Lyon
Guitar, Ukulele, Vibraphone [Vibes], Mandolin – Gerry Leonard
Lyrics By, Vocals – Suzanne Vega
Piano – Jason Hart

HELEN HUMES — Songs I Like to Sing! (1960-1988) RM | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

One of the high points of Helen Humes' career, this Contemporary set (reissued on CD) features superior songs, superb backup, and very suitable and swinging arrangements by Marty Paich. Humes' versions of "If I Could Be With You," "You're Driving Me Crazy," and "Million Dollar Secret," in particular, are definitive. On four songs, she is backed by tenor great Ben Webster, a rhythm section, and a string quartet; the other numbers find her joined by a 14-piece band that includes Webster and Teddy Edwards on tenors along with altoist Art Pepper. This classic release is essential and shows just how appealing a singer Helen Humes could be. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    If I Could Be With You 3:22
Written-By – Creamer, Johnson
2.    Don't Worry 'Bout Me 2:58
Written-By – Bloom, Koehler
3.    Don't Worry 'Bout Me (Alternate Take)    2:56
4.    Mean To Me 3:25
Written-By – Ahlert, Turk
5.    Every Now And Then 3:49
Written-By – Silver, Lewis, Sherman
6.    I Want A Roof Over My Head 3:00
Written-By – Harvey Brooks 
7.    St. Louis Blues 2:43
Written-By – W. C. Handy
8.    You're Driving Me Crazy 3:09
Written-By – Walter Donaldson
9.    My Old Flame 3:20
Written-By – Johnston, Coslow
10.    Millon Dollar Secret 4:04
Written-By – Helen Humes
11.    Love Me Or Leave Me 2:58
Written-By – Kahn, Donaldson
12.    Imagination 3:04
Written-By – Burke-Van Heusen
13.    Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone 2:41
Written-By – Stept, Clare
Credits :
Arranged By, Conductor – Marty Paich
Baritone Saxophone – Bill Hood (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13)
Bass – Leroy Vinegar
Cello – Eleanor Slatkin (tracks: 1, 5, 9, 12)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Art Pepper (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13)
Drums – Shelly Manne
Guitar – Barney Kessel
Piano – Andre Previn
Tenor Saxophone – Ben Webster, Teddy Edwards (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13)
Trombone – Bob Fitzpatrick (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13), Harry Betts (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13)
Trumpet – Al Porcino (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13), Jack Sheldon (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13), Ray Triscari (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13), Stu Williamson (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6 to 8, 10, 11, 13)
Viola – Alvin Dinkin (tracks: 1, 5, 9, 12)
Violin – James Getzoff (tracks: 1, 5, 9, 12), Joseph Stepansky (tracks: 1, 5, 9, 12)
Vocals – Helen Humes

FREDA PAYNE - Band Of Gold (1970-2012) RM | Serie Invictus/Hot Wax 1000 Collection | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although much of soul vocalist Freda Payne's early '70s association with the mighty Invictus label would be fraught with stress, her 1970 debut album, Band of Gold, was nevertheless a masterpiece of epic proportions. Touted on the sleeve as "people music, for people who like pop, rhythm and blues, ballad, hymns -- just about anything," Payne's set certainly reflects that wide range and, while the overall sonic tone of Band of Gold reflects her producers' Motown history, especially across songs like "Unhooked Generation" and the Holland-Dozier penned "The World Don't Owe You a Thing," there are other more spontaneous moments here as well. With a majority of the songs co-written by Ron Dunbar, who would go on to become part of the P-Funk empire, "Payne" wowed her audience first with the top hit "Band of Gold" before diving into "Deeper and Deeper." Both are downtempo love ballads, delivered with a maturity and richness that belies much of the balladeering of the era. Other standouts include the young love remembrances of "Through the Memory of My Mind," which allows Payne's vocals to stay fully in front and even includes a subtle Shangri-Las-y spoken work bridge and the smoky intro'd "This Girl Is a Woman Now." It must be said, however, that the title song -- truly one of the greatest soul ballads of all time -- so dominates proceedings that it is very easy to overlook these other gems, one reason why Band of Gold rarely attracts much attention today. Amy Hanson
Tracklist :
1     Band of Gold 2:53
Ronald Dunbar / Edyth Wayne       
2     I Left Some Dreams Back There 3:19
Ronald Dunbar
3     Deeper and Deeper 2:52
Ronald Dunbar / Norma Toney / Edyth Wayne
4     Rock Me in the Cradle 3:00    
Ronald Dunbar / General Johnson
5     Unhooked Generation 2:29
E. Wayne, R. Dunbar
6     Love on Borrowed Time 2:56
William Weatherspoon
7     Through the Memory of My Mind 2:40
William Weatherspoon   
8     This Girl Is a Woman Now 2:59
A.J. Bernstein / Vic Millrose
9     The World Don't Owe You a Thing 2:58    
Holland-Dozier
10     Now Is the Time to Say Goodbye 3:09
Freda Payne
11     Happy Heart 2:49
James Last / Jackie Rae
12     The Easiest Way to Fall 2:3
Ronald Dunbar 

DINAH SHORE — Love and Kisses, Dinah (1992) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    It's the Second Time You Meet That Matters 2:19
Betty Comden / Adolph Green / Jule Styne
feat: Harry Zimmerman and his orchestra
2.    New-Fangled Tango 2:18
Matt Dubey
feat: Hugo Winterhalter & His Orchestra
3.    (What Can I Say) After I Say I'm Sorry? 2:18
Walter Donaldson / Abe Lyman
feat: Harry Zimmerman and his orchestra
4.    Love and Marriage 2:25
Sammy Cahn / James Van Heusen
feat: Henri René & His Orchestra
5.    You're Driving Me Crazy 2:08
Walter Donaldson
feat: Harry Zimmerman and his orchestra
6.    Three Coins in the Fountain 3:07
Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
feat: Harry Geller & His Orchestra
7.    Blues in the Night 3:35
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
feat: Frank DeVol & His Orchestra
8.    Day In - Day Out 2:22
Rube Bloom / Johnny Mercer
feat: Harry Geller & His Orchestra
9.    What's New? 2:39
Johnny Burke / Bob Haggart
feat: Harry Zimmerman and his orchestra
10.    Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home 3:10
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
feat: Harry Zimmerman and his orchestra
11.    Now I Know 3:11
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
feat: Harry Zimmerman and his orchestra
12.    Easy to Love 2:10
Cole Porter
feat: Frank DeVol & His Orchestra
13.    Lucky to Be Me 2:24
Leonard Bernstein / Betty Comden / Adolph Green
feat: Henri René & His Orchestra
14.    The Three-Cornered Tune 2:53
Frank Loesser
feat: Henri René & His Orchestra
15.    Marriage Type Love 2:25
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers
feat: Vic Schoen and his orchestra
16.    I'm Your Girl 2:48
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers
feat: Vic Schoen and his orchestra

YUSEF LATEEF — Eastern Sounds (1961-2006) RM | RVG Remasters Series | Two Version | WV + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

One of multi-instrumentalist and composer Yusef Lateef's most enduring recordings, Eastern Sounds was one of the last recordings made by the band that Lateef shared with pianist Barry Harris after the band moved to New York from Detroit, where the jazz scene was already dying. Lateef had long been interested in Eastern music, long before John Coltrane had ever shown any public interest anyway, so this Moodsville session (which meant it was supposed to be a laid-back ballad-like record), recorded in 1961, was drenched in Lateef's current explorations of Eastern mode and interval, as well as tonal and polytonal improvisation. That he could do so within a context that was accessible, and even "pretty," is an accomplishment that stands today. The quartet was rounded out by the inimitable Lex Humphries on drums -- whose brushwork was among the most deft and inventive of any player in the music with the possible exception of Connie Kay from the Modern Jazz Quartet -- and bass and rabat player Ernie Farrow. The set
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1.   The Plum Blossom 4:59
Written-By – Yusef Lateef
2.    Blues For The Orient 5:38
Written-By – Yusef Lateef
3.    Ching Miau 3:17
Written-By – Yusef Lateef
4.    Don't Blame Me 4:54
Written-By – Fields, McHugh
5.    Love Theme From Spartacus 4:13
Written-By – Alex North
6.    Snafu 5:40
Written-By – Yusef Lateef
7.    Purple Flower 4:29
Written-By – Yusef Lateef
8.    Love Theme From The Robe 3:59
Written-By – Alfred Newman
9.    The Three Faces Of Balal 2:23
Written-By – Yusef Lateef
Credits :
Bass, Rabab [Rabat] – Ernie Farrow
Drums – Lex Humphries
Piano – Barry Harris
Recorded By, Remastered By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone, Oboe, Flute – Yusef Lateef

TOMMY FLANAGAN TRIO — Sea Changes (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It's easy to understand why Tommy Flanagan has been one of the most praised pianists over the '80s and '90s while listening to an excellent trio date such as this CD. With bassist Peter Washington and drummer Lewis Nash, he features a number of songs with oceanic themes, including a tantalizing "How Deep Is the Ocean?," "I Cover the Waterfront," and his own snappy title track. Flanagan also delivers a thunderous take of "Relaxin' at Camarillo" and the smoldering, savory blues "C.C. Rider." Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1.    Sea Changes 6:30
Composed By – Tommy Flanagan
2.    Verdandi 4:23
Composed By – Tommy Flanagan
3.    Delarna 4:58
Composed By – Tommy Flanagan
4.    Eclypso 7:05
Composed By – Tommy Flanagan
5.    How Deep Is The Ocean 6:38
Composed By – Irving Berlin
6.    C. C. Rider 4:42
Composed By – Ma Rainey
7.    Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea 6:45
Composed By – Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
8.    Beat's Up 5:30
Composed By – Tommy Flanagan
9.    I Cover The Waterfront 6:09
Composed By – Edward Heyman, Johnny Green
10.    Relaxin' At Camarillo 5:14
Composed By – Charlie Parker
11.    Dear Old Stockholm 4:52
 Traditional
Credits :
Bass – Peter Washington
Drums – Lewis Nash
Piano – Tommy Flanagan

ARTHUR BLYTHE — Exale (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Arthur Blythe's alto saxophone was first heard in combination with Bob Stewart's tuba during the late '70s on Blythe's earliest albums Metamorphosis, The Grip, and Bush Baby. Exhale, which was released by Savant Records in 2003, was something like the 14th Blythe album to feature Stewart on the big horn. Stewart's pre-Blythe adventures included dates with Taj Mahal, the JCOA, Charles Mingus, Lester Bowie, Sam Rivers, and Gil Evans. His muscular bass clef virtuosity has always proven peculiarly well suited for interaction with Blythe's soulful soaring alto sax. The other half of the unit responsible for Exhale consisted of pianist John Hicks and drummer Cecil Brooks III. In addition to several tracks designated as movements of "Exhaust Suite" (with Hicks crossing over to Hammond organ), the group revisited a fine bouquet of standards by John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Jimmy Forrest, and Nat King Cole. This enjoyable album's playlist also includes a glowing interpretation of "Just Friends" and, best of all perhaps, a pair of extended outings on "All Blues" and "Equinox." As was the case with his 2001 Savant release Blythe Byte, the title track on Exhale is a miniature that takes less than one minute to experience. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1.    Cousin Mary 5:18
Written-By – John Coltrane
2.    Come Sunday 6:12
Written-By – Duke Ellington
Exhaust Suite    (11:07)
3.    Nonette 3:16
Written-By – Bob Stewart
4.    Surrender 4:10
Written-By – Arthur Blythe
5.    LC 1:15
Written-By – Arthur Blythe
6.    Phase Two 2:26
Written-By – Arthur Blythe
7.    Night Train 6:10
Written-By – Jimmy Forrest, Oscar Washington
8.    7/4 Thang 3:51
Written-By – Arthur Blythe
9.    Equinox 6:06
Written-By – John Coltrane
10.    Just Friends 4:25
Written-By – John Klenner, Sam M. Lewi
11.    CJ 5:26
Written-By – Bob Stewart
12.    All Blues 4:25
Written-By – Miles Davis
13.    Straighten Up And Fly Right 4:15
Written-By – Irving Mills, Nat King Cole
14.    Exhale 0:50
Written-By – Arthur Blythe
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Producer [Associate] – Arthur Blythe
Drums, Producer – Cecil Brooks III
Piano, Organ [B3] (tracks: 3, 6) – John Hicks 
Tuba – Bob Stewart

LAVERNE BUTLER — Blues In The City (1999) MAXJAZZ Vocal Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Shreveport, LA native Laverne Butler came up in a musical family, and she's learned her lessons well. She sings jazz, blues and gospel in a manner quite reminiscent of Nancy Wilson, with a sleek, supple voice that oozes class. There are no gimmicky affectations or cutesy inflections, just straight soul. Backed by pianist/producer Bruce Barth and bassist John Webber -- both first-class players -- and drummer Klaus Suonsaari, Butler sings some of her favorite standards known worldwide. The CD starts with a string of tunes, including a swinging "This Bitter Earth," a ballad treatment of "Please Send Me Someone to Love," and a slow "Hit the Road Jack" -- all employ background singers, sometimes using sweeping doo-wahs or call-and-response jiving. An up blues, "One for My Baby," (without the singers) lets Butler cut loose and show she can stand on her own. After a Barth trio number, the instrumental waltz "Late Sunday Afternoon," the singer gets on a roll for the remainder of the program with solid, honest melancholia on "I'm a Fool to Want You," a fine "Born to Be Blue," a light blue "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying," and the gospel original of Butler's "All That I Know." She finally gets animated, shouting on "Since I Fell for You," while doting and crying out on the finale "Backwater Blues." There is also Quicktime video bonus track of "Days of Wine & Roses." The second half of this recording has some powerful sounds, attesting to the ability Butler already has. She's good, and bound to get better. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1.    This Bitter Earth    3:20
 Clyde Otis 
2.    Please Send Me Someone To Love    4:27
 Percy Mayfield 
3.    Hit The Road Jack    2:46
 Percy Mayfield 
4.    Willow Weep For Me  5:40
 Ann Ronell 
5.    The Blues Are Out Of Town    3:30
 Joe Derise 
6.    One For My Baby    6:05
 Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer 
7.    Late Sunday Afternoon    6:21
 Bruce Barth 
8.    I'm A Fool To Want You    5:02
 Joel Herron / Frank Sinatra / Jack Wolf 
9.    Born To Be Blue    4:29
 Mel Tormé / Robert Wells 
10.    Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying    3:53
 Joe Greene 
11.    All that I Know    4:20
 LaVerne Butler 
12.    Since I Fell For You    4:43
 Buddy Johnson 
13.    Backwater Blues    4:30
 Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer 
Credits :
Backing Vocals – Ava Burton, Janet Hall Givens
Bass – John Webber 
Drums – Klaus Suonsaari
Piano – Bruce Barth
Vocals – LaVerne Butler

ALLAN HOLDSWORTH – All Night Wrong (2002) Two Version | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Guitar hero Allan Holdsworth often performs with his peers. Such is the case with this live setting recorded at a venue in Japan during a 2002 tour. On this release, the guitarist leads a trio featuring longtime musical associates, drummer Chad Wackerman, and bassist Jimmy Johnson. To that end, the respective musicians' talents are well-known entities. Wackerman and Johnson can handle the trickiest time signatures imaginable. Along with the nimble flexibilities and odd-metered excursions witnessed here, they exude a force of power that serves as a meaty foundation for Holdsworth's mighty licks.
A wonderfully recorded album, Holdsworth's climactically driven legato-based riffs are intact, as he also implements jazzy chord voicings and delicately stated fabrics of sound. But the trio raises the ante throughout many of these pieces, awash with moments of nuance and controlled firepower. In sum, Holdsworth's legion of followers should be pleased with a recording that should rank among his finest efforts to date. Glenn Astarita  
Tracklist :
1    Lanyard Loop    5:46
 Allan Holdsworth
2    The Things You See    6:53
 Allan Holdsworth
3    Alphrazallan    7:04
 Allan Holdsworth
4    Funnels    5:01
 Allan Holdsworth
5    Zone    9:19
 Allan Holdsworth
6    Water On The Brain Pt. II    5:30
 Allan Holdsworth
7    Above & Below    8:21
 Allan Holdsworth
8    Gas Lamp Blues    7:59
 Allan Holdsworth
Credits :    
Bass – Jimmy Johnson
Drums – Chad Wackerman
Guitar – Allan Holdsworth

PATTI AUSTIN – Sound Advice (2007) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Sound Advice, primarily a covers set, was recorded with Greg Phillinganes and with Shelly Berg and Gregg Field. It’s a mixed bag, beginning with a fiery, gospel-ized version of Des’ree’s “You Gotta Be” and a powerful, original Austin ballad, “By the Grace of God.” The Rolling Stones' “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” removes the original’s frills, including the intro; Austin goes straight into the first verse, backed only by drums, and it plays out like a blues-rocker. Pleasant surprises come with Brenda Russell's “A Little Bit of Love” and the Jacksons' “Give It Up” -- album highlights that are played straight, make complete sense in Austin’s hands, and add a light touch to the selections. Most peculiar is a hushed version of Depeche Mode's “Enjoy the Silence,” which uses circular panning on Austin’s voice to somewhat ominous effect. Andy Kellman      
Tracklist :
1.    You Gotta Be  4:58
Producer – Tena Rix Clark
Written-By – Ashley Ingram, Des'ree Weekes
2.    By The Grace Of God 3:35
Producer – Gregg Field, Patti Austin, Shelley Berg
Written-By – Patti Austin
3.    Round And Round 4:30
Producer – Greg Phillinganes, Patti Austin
Written-By – Greg Phillinganes, Patti Austin
4.    You Can't Always Get What You Want 7:10
Producer – Greg Phillinganes, Patti Austin
Written-By – Keith Richards, Michael Jagger
5.    Let 'Em In 4:41
Producer – Greg Phillinganes, Patti Austin
Written-By – Paul & Linda McCartney
6.    Gotta Serve Somebody 8:11
Producer – Greg Phillinganes, Patti Austin
Written-By – Bob Dylan
7.    Vincent 6:30
Producer – Gregg Field, Patti Austin, Shelley Berg
Written-By – Don McLean
8.    A Little Bit Of Love 4:37
Producer – Greg Phillinganes, Patti Austin
Written-By – Brenda Russell 
9.    Lean On Me 6:42
Producer – Greg Phillinganes, Patti Austin
Written-By – Bill Withers
10.    Give It Up 4:28
Producer – Greg Phillinganes, Patti Austin
Written-By – Michael Jackson, Randy Jackson
11.    My Way 5:15
Producer – Gregg Field, Patti Austin, Shelley Berg
Written-By – Claude Francois, Gilles Thibaut, Jacques Abel Jules Revaud, Paul Anka
12.     Enjoy The Silence 4:45
Producer – Greg Phillinganes, Patti Austin
Written-By – Martin Lee Gore
Credits :
Backing Vocals – Alvin Chea (tracks: 2), Carolyn Perry (tracks: 2), Darlene Perry (tracks: 2), Fred White (tracks: 2 to 6, 8 to 10), Lamont Van Hook (tracks: 2 to 6, 8 to 10), Lorraine Perry (tracks: 2), Lynne Fiddmont (tracks: 3 to 6, 8 to 10), Oren Waters (tracks: 2), Patti Austin (tracks: 3 to 6, 8 to 10), Fire Choir (tracks: 1)
Bass – Brian Bromberg (tracks: 2, 11), Freddie Washington (tracks: 1), Greg Phillinganes (tracks: 12), Ian Martin (tracks: 4 to 6, 8), John Robinson (tracks: 1), Neil Stubenhaus (tracks: 9)
Drums – Gregg Field (tracks: 2, 11), John Robinson (tracks: 9), Ricky Lawson (tracks: 1), Trevor Lawrence Jr. (tracks: 3 to 6, 8, 10)
Guitar – Dean Parks (tracks: 2, 9, 11), James Harrah (tracks: 1), Paul Jackson Jr. (tracks: 4 to 6, 8)
Keyboards – Greg Phillinganes (tracks: 1, 3 to 6, 8, 10, 12), Shelley Berg (tracks: 2, 11), Tim Heintz (tracks: 1,)
Organ – Tim Heintz (tracks: 1,)
Percussion – Luis Conte (tracks: 1), Trevor Lawrence Jr. (tracks: 3, to 6, 8, 10, 12)
Piano – Greg Phillinganes (tracks: 1, 9), Shelley Berg (tracks: 7), Tim Heintz (tracks: 1)

AARON GOLDBERG — Worlds (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist Aaron Goldberg has an intriguing style that is a little reminiscent of Marian McPartland in its harmonic sophistication. Although seven of the ten selections on Worlds are his originals, several hint at various standards, most notably "Unstablemates," a witty de-construction of Benny Golson's "Stablemates." The interplay between Goldberg, bassist Reuben Rogers, and drummer Eric Harland is consistently inventive, and Luciana Souza adds her haunting voice to "Kianda's Song." However, the high point of this CD is "Oud to Omer," which matches Goldberg with guest guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel. The two musicians bring out the best in each other and plenty of sparks fly, making one hope that Goldberg and Rosenwinkel work together more often. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Lambada De Serpente 8:05
Composed By – Cacaso, Djavan
Recorded By – Michael Brorby
2.    Taurus 8:31
Composed By – Aaron Goldberg 
Recorded By – Michael Brorby
3.    Kianda's Song 2:27
Composed By – Aaron Goldberg 
Recorded By – Michael Brorby
Vocals – Luciana Souza
4.    Unstablemates 5:06
Composed By – Aaron Goldberg 
Recorded By – Michael Brorby
5.    Modinha 5:10
Composed By – Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius De Moraes
Recorded By – Michael Brorby
6.    Salvador 5:28
Composed By – Aaron Goldberg 
Recorded By – Michael Brorby
7.    OAM's Blues 4:26
Composed By – Aaron Goldberg 
Recorded By – Michael Brorby
8.    Inutil Paisagem 6:57
Composed By – Aloysio De Oliveira, Antonio Carlos Jobim
Recorded By – Michael Brorby
9.    Oud To Omer 11:01
Composed By – Aaron Goldberg 
Guitar – Kurt Rosenwinkel
Recorded By – Peter Karl
10.    Between Worlds 1:57
Composed By – Aaron Goldberg 
Recorded By – Michael Brorby
Credits :
Bass – Reuben Rogers
Drums – Eric Harland
Piano – Aaron Goldberg 

BRANFORD MARSALIS QUARTET — Contemporary Jazz (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This album was much anticipated, for it would be Branford Marsalis's first since the death of his longtime pianist Kenny Kirkland. Happily, it is a knockout. While no one can entirely recreate the famed chemistry that existed between Kirkland and Marsalis, pianist Joey Calderazzo does a marvelous job handling the extraordinary complexity, energy, and beauty of Marsalis's music. Bassist Eric Revis and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts, both of whom played on 1999's Requiem (which wound up being the last recording of Kirkland's life), carry on here in the spirit of their departed friend, fleshing out Marsalis's increasingly challenging ensemble concepts and -- most importantly -- swinging like men possessed."In the Crease" and "Tain Mutiny," with their unpredictable twists and turns, are indicative of the gravitas of Marsalis's work ever since he left his post at The Tonight Show. But the album's high point is a lengthy take of "Elysium," a tune that appeared on Requiem as a trio piece, an aesthetic choice necessitated by the sudden death of Kirkland who never had a chance to play on the track. Here the full quartet weighs in, deftly executing a dizzying series of tempo shifts and subtle cues, all seamlessly worked into a fabric of extended, burning improvisation. Finally, "Sleepy Hollow," a slow blues tucked away at the end of the program as a hidden track, sounds as though the band just let the tape roll as they warmed down from the session. It's a delightfully unrehearsed moment, perhaps a closing homage to Kirkland, drawn from deep down in the tradition. David R. Adler  
Tracklist :
1.    In The Crease    6:46
Written-By – Branford Marsalis
2.    Requiem    10:24
Written-By – Branford Marsalis
3.    Elysium    15:58
Written-By – Branford Marsalis
4.    Cheek To Cheek    8:46
Written-By – I. Berlin
5.    Tain Mutiny    8:21
Written-By – Branford Marsalis
6.    Ayanna    6:01
Written-By – Eric. Revis 
7    Countronious Rex    8:54
Written-By – Jeff Watts
Credits :
Bass – Eric Revis
Drums – Jeff "Tain" Watts
Piano – Joey Calderazzo
Saxophone – Branford Marsalis

DUSKO GOYKOVICH — Bebop City (1995) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

This is another excellent album from Duško Gojković that has a lot more to offer than the simple ‘bebop’ promise of the title. Of course, there is something of a bop approach to a few of the tunes, but overall, the album is full of colours, tones, and pulsating rhythms, handled in the best mode of Gojković’s classics from earlier years. The players on Bebop City are of the same calibre as the giants that made Soul Connection so brilliant. Pianist Kenny Barron, like a fine wine, gets even better as time passes and offers expressive solos in addition to his dynamic support. The two saxophonists offer an intriguing contrast in how to approach an improvisation. Abraham Burton has learned from his master Jackie McLean how to come in tonally and rhythmically at an angle and hear the cry in jazz. Tenor Ralph Moore has a muscular and distinctive sound that more quietly but no less passionately rings out that cry. Gojković here strongly makes evident his propensity for the romantic as his trumpet and flugelhorn tell beautiful stories on four deep and individual ballads. Each has a melancholy darkness which Gojković traverses in the manner of Miles Davis—open or muted—as if walking on eggshells. Bebop and its colours make up the other part of Gojković’s personality here: his originals such as “Bebop City,” “Bop Town” and “One For Klook” are no-nonsense lines that Gojković and the saxophonists tackle with appropriate abandon. What is always present, however, is Gojković’s passionate link to his roots both geographic and musical. Bebop City renews and revitalizes the promises made on Soul Connection and surely is another considerable success for Gojković’s universal artistry. Slobodan Mihajlović 
Tracklist :
1.    Sunrise In St. Petersburg    7:39
Written-By – Dusko Goykovich
2.    In The Sign Of Libra    6:58
Written-By – Dusko Goykovich
3.    Bebop City    7:03
Written-By – Dusko Goykovich
4.    Lament 6:26
Written-By – J.J. Johnson
5.    Bop Town    7:39
Written-By – Dusko Goykovich
6.    No Love Without Tears    6:46
Written-By – Dusko Goykovich
7.    One For Klook    6:12
Written-By – Dusko Goykovich
8.    Day By Day 8:38
Written-By – Stordahl, Weston, Cahn
9.    Brooklyn Blues    8:49
Written-By – Dusko Goykovich
Credits : 
Alto Saxophone – Abraham Burton (tracks: 2, 7, 9)
Bass – Ray Drummond
Drums – Alvin Queen
Piano – Kenny Barron
Tenor Saxophone – Ralph Moore (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5)
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Dusko Goykovich

PAT MARTINO — Live at Yoshi's (2001) Two Version | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

With Live at Yoshi's, his 20th recording as a leader and third release for the Blue Note label, the legendary Pat Martino has come full circle. Accompanied by Joey DeFrancesco on Hammond B-3 and Billy Hart on drums, the hard bop and funky soul-jazz of this trio are sure to please enthusiasts of the guitar, organ, and drum trio. Martino, heir to Wes Montgomery's warm, bluesy guitar style, plays eight great compositions, including two great extended versions of the classic Miles Davis compositions "All Blues" and "Blue in Green." On "All Blues," creative guitar voice plays the melody with soulful interpretations and subtle musical resonance. Martino's version of "Blue in Green" creates a world of melancholy and the guitarist plays his guitar with the same sweet sadness as Miles did with the support of DeFrancesco's organ solo adding additional shades of emotion. The songs selected for this "live" performance recording also appear on previously recorded Martino projects, including his 1970 Desperado album and his 1998 Stone Blue CD. However, listeners now receive the benefit of having the set performance available in real time. From the sound of the audience on Live at Yoshi's, the guitar sage's head-spinning dexterity and cool tones on "Catch" are more spirited than ever, and after listening to this CD, you'll be inclined to agree. Paula Edelstein  
Tracklist :
1     Oleo 6:59
Sonny Rollins
2     All Blues 12:02
Miles Davis
3     Mac Tough 10:02
Pat Martino
4     Welcome to a Prayer 10:30
Pat Martino
5     El Hombre 10:29
Pat Martino
6     Recollection 7:57
Pat Martino
7     Blue in Green 7:10
Miles Davis / Bill Evans
8     Catch 11:05
Pat Martino
Credits :
Drums – Billy Hart
Guitar – Pat Martino
Organ [Hammond B-3] – Joey DeFrancesco

HOLDSWORTH · PASQUA · HASLIP · WACKERMAN – Blues For Tony (2009) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

When drummer Tony Williams died of a heart attack on February 23, 1997, at the relatively young age of 51, it was a tremendous loss for straight-ahead post-bop and hard bop as well as for fusion. Williams had numerous acoustic jazz credentials (including his contributions to Miles Davis' legendary mid-‘60s quintet), and his band Lifetime was one of the most important fusion outfits of the ‘70s. The late drummer's fusion side is what electric guitarist Allan Holdsworth, electric bassist Jimmy Haslip (of Yellowjackets fame), keyboardist Alan Pasqua, and drummer Chad Wackerman pay tribute to on Blues for Tony, an excellent two-CD set that was recorded live in 2007. Forming a quartet, the improvisers remember Williams not by trying to sound like a carbon copy of Lifetime, but rather by celebrating the overall spirit of Williams' fusion output. Holdsworth, in fact, worked with Williams when he replaced John McLaughlin as Lifetime's guitarist in 1975; it was a brief association (Holdsworth left Lifetime the following year), although certainly a noteworthy one. And like Lifetime, this quartet (which performs mostly material by Holdsworth and Pasqua) demonstrates that being influenced by rock and funk and making extensive use of electric instruments doesn't mean that a group cannot maintain a jazz mentality. In fact, Blues for Tony thrives on a jazz mentality. Improvisation and spontaneity prevail, and even though Blues for Tony is by no means straight-ahead acoustic jazz, the quartet's amplified performances can easily be described as "the sound of surprise" (to borrow a term coined by the late jazz critic Whitney Balliett). These performances underscore the fact that -- contrary to what myopic jazz purists and bop snobs would have us believe -- fusion is not pseudo-jazz. Fusion is authentic jazz, but it's authentic jazz for people who also appreciate rock and funk. Blues for Tony is an album that fusion lovers shouldn't miss. Alex Henderson  
Tracklist :
1-1    Blues For Tony 11:12
Composed By – Alan Pasqua
1-2    The Fifth 8:58
Composed By – Wackerman
1-3    It Must Be Jazz 8:38
Composed By – Pasqua, Holdsworth, Wackerman, Haslip
1-4    Fred 9:56
Composed By – Holdsworth
1-5    Guitar Intro 3:35
Composed By – Allan Holdsworth
1-6    Pud Wud 9:59
Composed By – Holdsworth
2-1    Looking Glass 10:07
Composed By – Allan Holdsworth
2-2    To Jaki, George And Thad 4:51
Composed By – Alan Pasqua
2-3    San Michele 11:31
Composed By – Alan Pasqua
2-4    Protocosmos 5:46
Composed By – Alan Pasqua
2-5    Red Alert 5:50
Composed By – Tony Newton
Credits :
Bass, Producer, Edited By – Jimmy Haslip
Drums, Producer – Chad Wackerman
Guitar, Producer – Allan Holdsworth
Keyboards, Producer – Alan Pasqua