ANNE DUCROS — Piano, Piano (2006) Two Version | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

There is little information about European jazz singer Anne Ducros within the liner notes to Piano, Piano, but she clearly endeared herself to each of the four guest pianists with whom she worked on her CD. She soars in the lush setting of "Never Let Me Go," where she packs an emotional punch, though her tripping over a few words slightly handicaps her interpretation of Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child." One of Europe's greatest jazz pianists, Enrico Pieranunzi, joins her for the powerful rendition of "You Go to My Head" and a graceful take of "Moon and Sand." She came to the United States in order to work with Chick Corea, singing "Les Feuilles Mortes" (Autumn Leaves) in its original language in a terrific duet and adding some humorous horn-like scatting reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald on-stage. Both her lyrical "My Foolish Heart" and explosive "Body and Soul" are just as effective. Another veteran European pianist, René Urtreger, is paired with Ducros for a gently loping duet of "I Thought About You" and anchoring the rhythm section for another Ella-like scat exhibition in the swinging "Just in Time." Benoît de Mesnay, who doubles on piano and Fender Rhodes in "Four" (where she once again scats up a storm) and joins her for the swinging interpretation of "Naima," is evidently her regular accompanist. All in all, this is a very enjoyable effort. Ken Dryden 

Tracklist :
1. Four (Miles Davis) 4:26
2. God Bless The Child (Billie Holiday / Arthur Herzog Jr.) 4:45
3. You Go To My Head (Haven Gillespie / J. Fred Coots) 6:25
4. Les Feuilles Mortes (Jacques Prevert / Joseph Kosma) 4:49
5. Never Let Me Go (Evans Jr. / Livingstone) 5:20
6. Gnossienne N°1 (Erik Satie) 6:56
7. I Thought Abut You (Jonny  Mercer / James van Heusen) 4:21
8. My Foolish Heart (Ned Washington / Victor Young) 5:35
9. Moon And Sand (Wilder / Palitz / Engvich) 5:14
10. Just In Time (Comden / Green / Styne) 3:59
11. Body And Soul (Sour / Heyman / Hollingworth) 4:40
12. Naima (John Coltrane) 5:15
Credits :
Chick Corea (4, 8, 11), Jacky Terrasson (2, 5), Enrico Pieranunzi (3, 9), René Urtreger (7, 10), Benoit de Mesmay (1, 6, 12) - Piano
Anne Ducros - Vocals
Bob Franceschini (1, 12) - Saxophone
Karl Jannuska (1, 3, 5, 12) Manhu Roche (2, 6, 9, 10) - Drums
Sal La Rocca - Double Bass

AL JARREAU — Accentuate The Positive (2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although centered around songs from the 1940s, Al Jarreau's Accentuate the Positive is another stellar modern jazz album that continues the winning streak he began with his 2000 comeback, Tomorrow Today. Similar to his previous effort, the R&B-infused All I Got, the album features classy production from Tommy LiPuma and a natty cast of backing musicians, including bassist Christian McBride and guitarist Anthony Wilson, among others. Centered around Jarreau's still limber and evocative vocals, Accentuate moves from uptempo bluesy numbers like Eddie Henderson's "Cold Duck" to lush ballads, including "My Foolish Heart" and reworked standards, most notably "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive," turned here into a funky and expansive toe-tapper. This is a solid, poignant, and straight-ahead album that showcases Jarreau's unique gift in the best light possible and should appeal to longtime fans and contemporary jazz listeners alike.  Matt Collar
Tracklist :
1. Cold Duck 3:46
Bass – Christian McBride
Drums – Mark Simmons
Guitar – Anthony Wilson
Percussion – Luis Conte
Tenor Saxophone – Keith Anderson
Vocals – Al Jarreau
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Eddie Harris
2. The Nearness Of You 3:43
Bass – Christian McBride
Drums – Peter Erskine
Guitar – Anthony Williams
Keyboards, Arranged By – Larry Williams
Vocals – Al Jarreau
Written-By – Hoagy Carmichael, Ned Washington
3. I'm Beginning To See The Light 4:04
Drums – Peter Erskine
Guitar – Anthony Wilson
Organ [Hammond B-3] – Larry Goldings
Vocals – Al Jarreau
Written-By – Don George, Duke Ellington, Harry James, Johnny Hodges
4. My Foolish Heart 5:32
Bass – David Carpenter
Drums – Peter Erskine
Guitar – Anthony Wilson
Keyboards, Arranged By – Larry Williams
Percussion – Luis Conte
Vocals – Al Jarreau
Written-By – Ned Washington, Victor Young
5. Midnight Sun 6:01
Bass – Christian McBride
Drums – Mark Simmons
Guitar – Anthony Williams
Harmonica – Tollak Ollestad
Keyboards, Arranged By – Larry Williams
Vocals – Al Jarreau
Written-By – Johnny Mercer, Lionel Hampton, Sonny Burke
6. Ac-cent-tchu-ate The Positive 4:03
Bass – Christian McBride
Drums – Mark Simmons
Guitar – Anthony Wilson
Keyboards, Arranged By – Larry Williams
Percussion – Luis Conte
Tenor Saxophone – Keith Anderson
Vocals – Al Jarreau
Written-By – Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer
7. Betty Beop's Song 4:16
Bass – David Carpenter
Drums – Peter Erskine
Guitar – Anthony Wilson
Keyboards, Arranged By – Larry Williams
Vocals – Al Jarreau
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Freddie Ravel
8. Waltz For Debby 4:44
Bass – Christian McBride
Drums – Peter Erskine
Guitar – Anthony Wilson
Keyboards, Arranged By – Larry Williams
Vocals – Al Jarreau
Written-By – Bill Evans, Gene Lees
9. Groovin' High 4:11
Bass – Christian McBride
Drums – Peter Erskine
Guitar – Anthony Wilson
Keyboards, Arranged By – Larry Williams
Vocals – Al Jarreau
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Dizzy Gillespie
10. Lotus 5:11
Bass – Christian McBride
Drums – Peter Erskine
Guitar – Anthony Wilson
Keyboards, Arranged By – Larry Williams
Percussion – Luis Conte
Vocals – Al Jarreau
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Don Grolnick
11. Scootcha-Booty 4:26
Bass – David Carpenter
Drums – Peter Erskine
Guitar – Anthony Wilson
Piano – Russell Ferrante
Vocals – Al Jarreau
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Russell Ferrante 

JOE HENDERSON QUARTETS — Tetragon (1968-1995) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Joe Henderson's second Milestone recording (which, as with all the others, is currently available on his massive "complete" eight-CD box set) features the great tenor with two separate rhythm sections: Kenny Barron or Don Friedman on piano, bassist Ron Carter and either Louis Hayes or Jack DeJohnette on drums. Highlights of this album include the title track, "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "Invitation." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Invitation    6:13
 Bronislaw Kaper / Paul Francis Webster 
2.    R. J.    5:33
 Ron Carter 
3.    The Bead Game    8:36
 Joe Henderson / Lee Konitz 
4.    Tetragon    5:37
 Joe Henderson 
5.    Waltz For Zweetie    4:25
 Walter Bishop, Sr. 
6.    First Trip    5:12
 Ron Carter 
7.    I've Got You Under My Skin    4:57
 Cole Porter 
Credits :
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Jack DeJohnette (tracks: 1 to 3, 5), Louis Hayes (tracks: 4, 6, 7)
Piano – Don Friedman (tracks: 1 to 3, 5), Kenny Barron (tracks: 4, 6, 7)
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson

YELLOWJACKETS — Politics (1988) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A nearly complete departure from smooth jazz, Politics is arguably the Yellowjackets' strongest effort to date. True, there is the pure pop of the single "Local Hero" (which features a rhythm section more rock than jazz) and the accessible "Evening Dance" to be considered, but they're the exceptions rather than the rule. Like Four Corners before it, Politics engages in exotic, dreamy textures, the new wrinkle here being the joining of Russell Ferrante's keyboards and Marc Russo's saxophones to create intoxicating, complex themes (the opening pair of "Oz" and "Tortoise & the Hare" are the best examples of this technique). The disc also finds the Yellowjackets incorporating elements of post-bop ("Downtown," "Foreign Correspondent") and more traditional jazz ("Helix," which affords a rare opportunity to compare Ferrante's piano technique to those of artists like Chick Corea and Bill Evans). The biggest difference in sound comes from Russo, who downplays his typically smooth soloing for more cerebral fare. Jimmy Haslip's bass has grown steadily more subtle over time, though he does showcase his fretless skills on "Galileo (For Jaco)" and provides a perfect complement to Russo's sax on the romantic "Avance." The rhythms of William Kennedy have moved higher in the mix, which partially accounts for Haslip's diminished presence, with guest Alex Acuña again providing occasional percussion. It's a pleasure to hear the Yellowjackets move beyond smooth jazz to bring their talents to bear on more substantive music. Despite the variety of styles -- from giddy, Ponty-like patterns to thoughtful, unfolding ballads -- the Yellowjackets treat every song with care and craftsmanship. The band returned to self-producing after this, so some of the softness in tone that co-producer David Hentschel brought to the sessions was lost on The Spin. Of the four albums that the band made for MCA, Politics is the one to own. Dave Connolly  
Tracklist :
1     Oz 4:44
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy / Marc Russo
2     Tortoise & The Hare 5:32
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Marc Russo
3     Local Hero 4:38
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Marc Russo
4     Galileo (For Jaco) 5:05
Jimmy Haslip
5     Foreign Correspondent 5:43
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy / Marc Russo
6     Downtown 4:02
Russell Ferrante
7     Helix 4:57
Russell Ferrante / William Kennedy
8     Avance 5:17
Russell Ferrante
9     One Voice 3:58
Russell Ferrante
10     Evening Dance 5:10
Russell Ferrante
Credits :
Guest, Musician, Percussion – Alex Acuna
Guest, Musician, Synthesizer [Synclavier] – Steve Croes
Performer [Yellowjackets Are:], Bass [5 String Bass] – Jimmy Haslip
Performer [Yellowjackets Are:], Drums – William Kennedy
Performer [Yellowjackets Are:], Keyboards [All Keyboards] – Russell Ferrante
Performer [Yellowjackets Are:], Saxophone [Saxophones] – Marc Russo

EAST OF EDEN – Snafu (1970-2004) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

East of Eden's second album had to be one of the least commercial albums ever to enter the British Top 30, as well as one of the most stylistically diverse (or inconsistent, depending upon your mindset). The term "progressive rock" fit as well as any, yet much of it was rather along the lines of early jazz-rock fusion, with lengthy hard-to-hum instrumental passages. But there was a lot of Eastern influence as well, especially on those pieces that highlighted Dave Arbus' violin and flute. Some of the absurdist humor along the lines of Frank Zappa and the Soft Machine makes itself known too, though East of Eden were more serious than Zappa and less whimsical than the Softs. Indeed, it's a rather sober affair that sometimes approaches gloominess, and like the late '60s/early '70s Soft Machine, it's more oriented toward virtuosic instrumental sections than vocals and lyrics. Then there's some out and out weirdness, like the squiggly tape manipulations/musique concrète of "Uno Transito Clapori" and the eerie backwards-sounding effects that run through some of "Habibi Baby Beast of Sweden." The surreal touches sometimes seem self-conscious, not least in the song titles, i.e. "Traditional: Arranged by East of Eden" (which is not traditional, but an East of Eden original). It all leaves the impression of an intellectual band who can play well and play in lots of different styles, but don't quite excel at anything as far as raw compositional ability. Richie Unterberger  
Tracklist :
1.    Have To Whack It Up 2:20
Alto Saxophone [Electric], Vocals – Ron Caines
Violin – Dave Arbus
2a    Leaping Beauties For Rudy 
Alto Saxophone – Ron Caines
Tenor Saxophone – Dave Arbus
2b        Marcus Junior 7:02
Soprano Saxophone – Ron Caines
Tenor Saxophone, Electric Violin – Dave Arbus
3a        Xhorkom
Harmonica [Harp] – Geoff Nicholson
Piano, Vocals – Ron Caines
3b        Ramadhan
Claves, Drum [African Hand Drum] – Geoff Britton
Flute – Dave Arbus
Soprano Saxophone, Vocals – Ron Caines
3c        In The Snow For A Blow 8:07
Alto Saxophone [Electric And Acoustic] – Ron Caines
Trumpet, Tenor Saxophone – Dave Arbus
Vocals [Everyone] – East Of Eden 
4.    Uno Transito Clapori 2:53
Tape – Peter, Robin
5a        Gum Arabic
Flute, Bells [Indian], Bagpipes [Bagpipe Chanter] – Dave Arbus
Synthesizer [Stylophone] – Ron Caines
5b        Confucius 8:18
Flute, Electric Violin – Dave Arbus
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Ron Caines
6.    Nymphenburger 5:46
Alto Saxophone [Electric] – Ron Caines
Guitar [Both], Vocals – Geoff Nicholson
Violin [Six Violins] – Dave Arbus
7a        Habibi Baby
Flute – Dave Arbus
Soprano Saxophone – Ron Caines
Vocals – Geoff Nicholson
7b        Beast Of Sweden
Electric Violin – Dave Arbus
7c        Boehm Constrictor 6:22
Flute, Violin – Dave Arbus
Percussion – Geoff Britton
Strings – Andy, Geoff Nicholson
8.    Traditional : Arranged By East Of Eden 1:33
Piano, Strings – Geoff Nicholson
Piano, Vocals – Ron Caines
– BONUS TRACKS –
9.        Jig-A-Jig    3:43
10.        Petite Fille (Previously Unreleased)    3:52
11.        Biffin Bridge (Previously Unreleased)    5:50
12.        Blue Boar Blues (Previously Unreleased)    7:06
13.        Nymphenburger (First Take)    5:10
14.        Marcus Junior (Single Edit)    3:56
15.        Jig-A-Jig (Take Nine)    4:10

EAST OF EDEN — Jig-A-Jig (1971-1997) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Jig-A-Jig is a nine-track compilation from this wonderfully enthusiastic British band, spotlighting their jovial blend of folk-rock and jazz elements. With most of the material emerging from 1970's Snafu album, East of Eden's flighty, progressive atmosphere comes to life through the mixture of flute, saxophone, and, especially, electric violin. One of their most energetic numbers entitled "Nymphenburger" uses six violin tracks and four guitar tracks with some electric alto sax piled on top, entirely overdubbed with the result sounding beautifully clean, mainly because of the familiar "Rondo" theme, which was later made famous by the Nice. It's Ron Gaines' saxophone that gives "Ramadahn" its mesmerizing flow and tribal-like sound, while the fully instrumental "Jig-A-Jig" went to number seven on the U.K. charts in 1971, thanks to the cordial nature of the song's pop sound. The eight-plus minutes of "Gum Arabic" contrasts the airiness of the flute with the resonant chant of bagpipes, emerging as a truly eccentric piece of music, and "Confucius" focuses mainly on the guitar, causing the rhythms to stand out with a rockier tempo. East of Eden may not have gained the attention that the band was hoping for, even within the progressive rock ranks, but some of the members did go on to greener pastures. Drummer Geoff Britton went on to play in Paul McCartney's Wings for almost a year in 1974, and violin player Dave Arbus became a renowned session man, lending his craft to the Who's Who's Next album. Because East of Eden's material may be hard to come by, Jig-A-Jig stands as a brief but fit example of the band's progressive/folk collage. Mike DeGagne  
Tracklist :
1.    Jig-A-Jig 3:35
 -Traditional
Arranged By – East Of Eden 
2.    Nymphenberger 6:12
Written-By – East Of Eden 
3.    Ramadhan 6:14
 – Unknown
In The Snow For A Blow (Medley)    
3b    Part I
Written-By – East Of Eden 
3c    Better Git It In Your Soul
Written-By – Mingus
3d    Part Ill
Written-By – East Of Eden 
4.    Northern Hemisphere 4:31
Written-By – Caines
5a    Gum Arabic 8:17
Written-By – East Of Eden 
5b    Confucius
Written-By – Drummond
6.    Isadora 4:17
Written-By – Nicholson, Caines, York
7a    Leaping Beauties For Rudy 7:01
Written-By – East Of Eden 
7b    Marcus Junior
8.    Jig-A-Jig (7" Version)    3:42
9.    Marcus Junior (7" Version) 3:56
Written-By – Drummond
Credits :
Bass Guitar – Andy Sneddon
Drums – Geoff Britton
Electric Guitar – Geoff Nicholson
Electric Violin, Flute – Dave Arbus
Keyboards – Ron Caines
Saxophone – Dave Arbus, Ron Caines
Vocals – Geoff Nicholson, Ron Caines

EAST OF EDEN — New Leaf (1971-2002) Unofficial Release | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    Bradshaw The Bison Hunter 6:10
2.    Ain't Gonna Do You No Harm 2:57
3.    Get Happy 4:18
4.    Don't Be Afraid 4:17
5.    Man Said 2:19
6.    Song For No One 3:45
7.    Joe 3:36
8.    Nothin' To Do 3:24
9.    Road Song 2:26
10.    Home Blues 3:46
– BONUS TRACKS –
11.    Jig A Jig
12.    Boogie Woogie Flu
13.    Last Dance Of The Cloun
14.    Sin City Girls
15.    All Our Yesterdays
Credits :
Dave Weller - Saxophone
Drums - Jeff Allen
Guitar – Jim Roche 
Violin, Wind -  Dave Arbus 
Bass – Davy Jack 

EAST OF EDEN — Another Eden (1975-2011) Unofficial Release | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    Mandarin's Daughter    3:45
2.    Hey Zimmerman    4:01
3.    Kensington Cowboy    3:06
4.    Catalina Troubadour    3:55
5.    What's Happening    5:51
6.    Summer Days    3:32
7.    Hey Baby    5:00
8.    Fancy Nancy    3:43
– BONUS TRACKS –
9.    Sin City Girls (UK Single A-side, 1973)    3:37
10.    All Our Yesterdays (UK Single B-side, 1973)    2:47
11.    Kensington Cowboy (BBC Session, July 1973)    3:06
12.    To Mrs. V (BBC Session, May 1971)    4:39
13.    Wonderful Feeling (BBC Session, May 1971)    5:49
– Special Live Bonus Tracks (Germany 1972) –
14.    Brand New Day    4:49
15.    Wonderful Feeling    4:12
16.    Instrumental    4:04
17.    What Can I Do    2:57
18.    She Wants Your Love    4:46
19.    Instrumental Jig    2:04
Credits :
Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals – Martin Fisher 
Guitar – Jim Roche (tracks: 12, 13)
Guitar, Vocals – Garth Watt-Roy
Violin – Dave Arbus (tracks: 14 to 19), Jo O'Donnell
Vocals, Bass Guitar – Davy Jack (tracks: 12, 13)

EAST OF EDEN — Here We Go Again … (1976) Vinyl LP | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    Like A Plate 3:23
Written-By – Les Davidson
2.    When All Is Said And Done 5:05
Written-By – Davy Jack
3.    Jack Of Diamonds 4:46
Written-By – Davy Jack
4.    Fallin' Down 4:13
Written-By – Davy Jack
5.    Talkin' On The Telephone 2:28
Written-By – Pete Filleul
6.    Merci, Merci 1:23
Written-By – Les Davidson
7.    Here We Go Again 3:50
Written-By – Pete Filleul
8.    Spain 3:24
Written-By – Les Davidson
9.    Heaven Knows 2:58
Written-By – Pete Filleul
10.    You Can Find The Star 6:08
Written-By – Davy Jack
11.    Let's Find Some Time 2:34
Written-By – Davy Jack
Credits :
Bass, Vocals – Davy Jack
Guitar – Les Davidson
Keyboards, Vocals – Pete Filleul
Percussion – Jeff Allen 
Saxophone [Saxes] – Don Weller
Guest, Backing Vocals – Dean Ford (tracks: 2, 10)
Guest, Trombone, Flugelhorn – George Howden
Guest, Trumpet – John McNicol 

EAST OF EDEN — Silver Park (1978-2014) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    Low Moan 3:53
2.    What Funn 3:54
3.    Calypso 3:31
4.    Silver Park 3:47
5.    Srawberry Pie 3:21
6.    Burnin' 2:34
7.    Look What You've Done 3:02
8.    Rock Raggae 3:00
9.    Bad Weather 3:29
10.    Road Work 5:43
Credits :
Bass Guitar – Dyl Katz
Drums, Percussion – Jeff Allen 
Guitar – Les Davidson
Keyboards, Vibraphone, Vocals – Ian Lynn
Saxophone – Don Weller
Vocals – Davy Jack

EAST OF EDEN — Kalipse (1998) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    Kalipse    7:12
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson / Ron Caines
2.    5h Amendment    7:39
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson
3.    Uccello    4:27
Written-By – Ron Caines
4.    Cõn Fuoco 6:39
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson
Bass – Jan Lehne
5.    Eddie Mars    6:07
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson / Ron Caines
6.    Ballad X    5:03
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson / Ron Caines
7.    Light Source    5:09
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson
8.    Goodbye Pork Pie Hat 6:09
Written-By – Charles Mingus
9.    Nexus    1:47
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson / Ron Caines
10.    Slow Food    4:41
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson
Credits :
Guitar, Guitar Synthesizer [Guitar Synth], Programmed By [Drums], Producer, Recorded By, Arranged By, Design– Geoff Nicholson
Saxophone, Arranged By, Painting [Cover Painting] –  – Ron Caines
Violin, Flute  – Dave Arbus

EAST OF EDEN — Armadillo (2000) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

 Tracklist :
1.    Armadillo (Nicholson) 7:08
2.    Spiral Dance (Caines / Nicholson) 7:53
3.    Chaquina (Nicholson) 5:13
4.    Bamboo City (Caines / Nicholson) 5:10
5.    1934 (Caines) 5:21
6.    Slunk (Nicholson) 7:07
7.    Casezudos (Caines) 6:39
8.    Petite Afrique (Caines / Nicholson) 7:06
9.    Saffire (Arbus / Nicholson) 5:00
10.    Linear Bop (Caines / Nicholson) 4:17
11.    Choisy Le Roi (Caines) 4:03
Credits :
Bass, Drum Programming, Guitar,    Synthesizer– Geoff Nicholson
Alto Saxophone Soprano Saxophone    Tenor Saxophone – Ron Caines
Viola, Violin – Dave Arbus

EAST OF EDEN – Graffito (2005) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

The world has now caught up with East of Eden, a band whose dizzying musical excursions in the late '60s/early '70s were so far ahead of their time, they entranced an entire generation of prog fans, while simultaneously signposting the path to world music and jazz fusion. Graffito is Eden's third album since their re-formation in 1997, and while continuing to blaze a trail through a thicket of genres, it sounds thoroughly contemporary. Where once the band had roamed virgin pastures, it now escorts listeners through crowded paddocks, so pervasive have jazz crossovers and world hybrids become. And perhaps it's this crowded terrain that has provoked Eden into sharpening their focus and curtailing their wilder musical journeys, which are reflected in the zippy track descriptions, an impossibility in the past. No longer does the band range far and wide within a single song. Instead each piece is a thorough expedition of a theme. "The Cloud," for instance, delves deep into funk, albeit in a free-form jazzy way, while "Jump the Gun" bridges the gaps between bebop, funk, and reggae. "Hotel Ceramic" captures the ambience of its Parisian hotel namesake in subtle swing style, while "Southern Hemisphere" less successfully attempts to do the same for South Africa, but it's a lovely song nonetheless. With the bulk of the tracks clocking in at over five minutes, Eden have plenty of time to explore the nuances of mood and atmosphere, perhaps too much so for those who prefer an edgier sound and less free-form meanderings. Regardless, Eden continue to push at the stylistic edges of world/jazz music, and while no longer the breathtakingly innovative band of yore, they continue to offer up music in quite fascinating form. Jo-Ann Greene  
Tracklist : 
1.    Sensible Shoes 5:25
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson
2.    Noir 5:02
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson
3.    Zizanie 6:02
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson, Ron Caines
4.    Jump The Gun 5:11
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson
5.    Graffito 3:36
Written-By – Ron Caines
6.    Hotel Ceramic 6:07
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson, Ron Caines
7.    Almazán 6:10
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson, Ron Caines
8.    The Cloud 5:32
Written-By – Geoff Nicholson
9.    Mantra 2:50
Written-By – Ron Caines
10.    Southern Hemisphere 3:19
Written-By – Ron Caines
11.    Curves 5:52
Written-By – Ron Caines
12.     Hymnal 3:29
Written-By – Ron Caines
Credits :
Guitar [Guitars], Drum Programming, Guitar Synthesizer, Bass, lustration – Geoff Nicholson
Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Ron Caines
Violin – Dave Arbus
Guest, Congas – Frank Dymore (tracks: 3, 11)
Guest, Double Bass – Roger Harding (tracks: 2, 5, 7)
Guest, Drums [Additional] – Joe Ospalla (tracks: 1, 2, 7, 8) 

YMA SUMAC — Mambo! (1954-1996) MONO | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Capitol got on top of two '50s fads at once by issuing an album of Sumac tackling mambo. Yma (characteristically) held nothing back, and the result was one of her more enjoyable LPs, with respectably swinging mambo grooves crafted by Billy May. "Five Bottles Mambo" is one of her most astonishing vocal workouts, dropping into guttural growls that are downright bestial, and making one wonder how exactly they got away with that in the conservative milieu of the 1950s. Richie Unterberger
Tracklist :
1 Bo Mambo 3:17
Composed By – Moisés Vivanco
2 Taki Rari 1:47 
Composed By – Moisés Vivanco
3 Gopher 2:14
Composed By – Moisés Vivanco
4 Chicken Talk 3:03 
Composed By – Moisés Vivanco
5 Goomba Boomba 4:12 
Composed By – Moisés Vivanco
6 Malambo No. 1 2:53 
Composed By – Moisés Vivanco
7 Five Bottles of Mambo 2:49 
Composed By – Moisés Vivanco
8 Indian Carnival 2:04 
Composed By – Moisés Vivanco
9 Cha Cha Gitano 3:48
Composed By – Moisés Vivanco
10 Jungla 2:25 
Composed By – Moisés Vivanco
11 Carnavalito Boliviano 2:05
Composed By – Moisés Vivanco
Credits :
Orchestra – Rico Mambo Orchestra
Conductor, Arranged By – Billy May
Voice – Yma Sumac

GATO BARBIERI with LONNIE LISTON SMITH — Bolivia (1973-2001) JAZZ! Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In 1973, Argentinean saxophonist Gato Barbieri contemplated a move to a more commercially viable, accessible sound, one that appealed to both North and South American audiences. He moved from the jazz vanguard toward it's exotic center (and finally into the commercial world altogether) with a number of records, including this one, which explored the various rhythms, melodies, and textures of Afro-Cuban and Latin American sounds. Bolivia features Barbieri immediately prior to his Impulse recordings that resulted in the celebrated four-chapter Latin America series. Utilizing the talents of musicians as diverse as guitarist John Abercrombie, pianist Lonnie Liston Smith, drummer and percussionists Airto Moreira, M'tume, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, Gene Golden, and Moulay Ali Hafid, as well as bassists Stanley and J.F. Jenny Clark. Barbieri's musical reach is everywhere here. There's the bolero-like romp of "Merceditas," where his normally raw-toned, feeling-centered playing is kicked up a couple notches into a frenetic, emotional tidal wave, and the haunting "Bolivia," full of shimmering percussion and pianistic glissandi courtesy of Smith. Barbieri's loping, spare playing is reminiscent of Coltrane stating of the melodic frames in "India." There is also the melody of the traditional "Eclypse" wedded to a gorgeous, sensual Cuban son-like melody "Michellina" (for Barbieri's Italian born wife). The final two of the album's five tracks are based in Argentinean folk forms associated with the tango, but are less formal, more open, and modally charged. Setting both "Ninos" and "Vidala Triste" in minor keys with open modal themes, improvisation happens -- á la Ornette Coleman -- in the heart of the melody, despite the intricate nature and complex time and key changes inherent in both tunes. Ultimately, Bolivia is a sensual, musically adept, and groundbreaking recording, which offered Barbieri a chance to come in from the avant-garde before heading back to the fringes with the Latin America series. A fine effort that is finally getting the notoriety it deserves.  
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <- 
Tracklist :
1 Merceditas 9:04
Composed By – Gato Barbieri
2 Eclypse / Michellina 6:21
 – Traditional
Composed By [Michellina] – Gato Barbieri
3 Bolivia 7:43
Composed By – Gato Barbieri
4 Ninos 7:11
Composed By – Gato Barbieri
5 Vidala Triste 5:30
Composed By – Gato Barbieri, Michelle Barbieri
Credits :
Acoustic Guitar – John Abercrombie (tracks: 4 to 6)
Bass – J.-F. Jenny-Clark (tracks: 1 to 3), Stanley Clarke (tracks: 2 to 4, 5, 6)
Drums – Pretty Purdie (tracks: 1)
Electric Guitar – John Abercrombie (tracks: 1)
Percussion – Airto Moreira, Gene Golden (tracks: 2), James M'tume (tracks: 1, 3 to 6), Moulay "Ali" Hafid (tracks: 5)
Piano, Electric Piano [Rhodes] – Lonnie Liston Smith
Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Vocals – Gato Barbieri

EDDIE PALMIERI — Vamonos Pa'l Monte (1971-2010) RM | Fania Original Remastered Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Eddie Palmieri's 1971 LP Vamonos Pa'l Monte moves easily from the nearly avant-garde trumpet-battle opener "Revolt/La Libertad Logico" into the new-era-meets-old "Caminando," complete with an excellent electric-piano solo by Palmieri himself. He also takes the lead on the seven-minute title-track jam, this time with organ (backed by brother Charlie), backed by a strong vocal chorus (Justo Betancourt, Santos Colon, Yayo el Indio) and the rugged timbales playing of Nick Marrero. Above and beyond the irresistible arrangements and intricate playing, Vamonos Pa'l Monte benefits from one of the best recording jobs of any early-'70s salsa record, each section -- and practically each musician -- vigorously separated with clear stereo. Though many fans consider it a transition record toward the compositional brilliance of The Sun of Latin Music, it's actually a much better record for fans of traditional salsa. John Bush
Тracklist :
1. Revolt/La Libertad Logico (5:24)
 Eddie Palmieri 
2. Caminando (3:53)
 Charles Camilleri / Charlie Palmieri 
3. Vamonos Pa'l Monte (7:07)
 Eddie Palmieri / Ismael Rivera 
4. Viejo Socarron (6:10)
 Luis Griñan / Luis Martinez Griñan 
5. Yo No Se (4:14)
 (D.R) Pending
6. Comparsa de los Locos (7:24)
 Alfredo Armentereos / Eddie Palmieri)
Credits :
Eddie Palmieri - Band Leader
Ismael Quintana - Vocals
Bob Vianco - Guitar
Jose Rodriguez - Trombone
Alfredo Armentereos, Victor Paz, Charles Camilleri - Trumpets
Ronnie Cuber - Baritone Saxophone
Pere Yellin - Tenor Saxophone
Nick Marrero - Timbales, Bongo
Eladio Perez Perez - Conga
Arturo Franquiz - Clave, Coro
Monchito Munoz - Bombo
Chorus:
Santos Colon, Justo Betancourt, Marcelino Guerra, Vayo El Indio, Elliot Ramero, Mario Munoz (Papaito)

WILLIE COLÓN & RUBÉN BLADES — Siembra (1978-2010) RM | Fania Original Remastered Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The high point of Willie Colón's ongoing collaboration with Rubén Blades (and close to a career peak for both artists), Siembra exploded on the salsa scene in 1978 and has never been forgotten by fans. Beginning with a minute of playfully deceptive quasi-disco arrangements, Colón and his band slip into a devastating salsa groove for the opener, "Plástico," on which Blades first criticizes America's throwaway society and then brings all of Latin America together with a call to unity. Blades wrote all but one of the songs on Siembra, and shines on all of them; his extended high-tenor salsa scatting lifts "Buscando Guayaba," his tender side comes across on the love song "Dime," and he outlines a devastating life-in-el-Barrio exposé with "Pedro Navaja" (Peter the Knife). For the latter, Colón and Luis Ortiz's tight arrangement adds immeasurably to the song, using street noise and sirens, breaking into an ironic "I like to live in America!," and punching the statement home with a four-trombone line. Reflecting the tough times but optimistic attitude of el Barrio during the late '70s, Siembra joined Cosa Nuestra as one of Willie Colón's career landmarks. John Bush  
Tracklist :
1. Plático 6:37
 Rubén Blades 
2. Buscando Guayaba 5:43
 Rubén Blades 
3. Pedro Navaja 7:21
 Rubén Blades 
4. María Lionza 5:27
 Rubén Blades 
5. Ojos 4:50
 Johnny Ortiz 
6. Dime 6:59
 Rubén Blades 
7. Siembra 5:21
 Rubén Blades 
Personnel :
Rubén Blades - Lead Vocals, Chorus Ensemble
Willie Colón - Trombone, Chorus Ensemble
José Torres - Piano, Fender Rhodes, Electric Piano
José Mangual Jr. - Bongos, Maracas, Chorus Ensemble
Jimmy Delgado - Timbal
Adalberto Santiago - Percussion, Chorus Ensemble
Eddie Montalvo - Tumbadora, Percussion
Bryan Brake - Drums
Salvador Cuevas, Eddie Rivera - Bass

PAQUITO D'RIVERA -special guest artist- ARTURO SANDOVAL — Reunion (1991-2004) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Reunion was the first time that Paquito D'Rivera and trumpeter Arturo Sandoval recorded together since D'Rivera's defection in 1980; Sandoval had recently left Cuba himself. The co-leaders are joined by a superb band: pianist Danilo Perez, acoustic guitarist Fareed Haque, bassist David Finck, drummer Mark Walker, and Giovanni Hidalgo on conga. The group mostly performs originals plus a couple Chucho Valdes songs, "Body and Soul" (a showcase for Sandoval) and Dizzy Gillespie's "Tanga." Plenty of fireworks occur on this consistently heated Afro-Cuban jazz set and the co-leaders clearly inspire each other. When will they have their next reunion? Scott Yanow

Tracklist :
1. Prologo: Mambo Influenciado 0:27
 Chucho Valdés 
2. Reunion 4:59
 Paquito D'Rivera 
3. Tanga 9:19
 Dizzy Gillespie 
4. Claudia 7:09
 Chucho Valdés 
5. Friday Morning 6:33
 Danilo Pérez 
6. Latin American Suite 5:29
 Fareed Haque / Antonio Lauro 
7. Body & Soul 3:48
 Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour 
8. Caprichosos De La Habana 4:07
 Arturo Sandoval 
9. Epilogo: Mambo Influenciado 0:21
 Chucho Valdés 
Credits :

Paquito D'Rivera - Saxophone

Arturo Sandoval - Trumpet

Giovanni Hidalgo - Percussion

Danilo Perez - Piano

Mark Walker - Drums

David Finck - Bass

Fareed Haque - Guitar 

PIERRE BOULEZ — Boulez Conducts Mahler : Complete Recordings (2013) 14CD BOX-SET | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Between 1994 and 2011, Pierre Boulez recorded the symphonies and songs of Gustav Mahler for Deutsche Grammophon, and for many listeners these recordings are high points in his catalog, while others regard them as idiosyncratic recordings for specialists. The basis of both views stems from Boulez's meticulous conducting and exacting performance standards, which produce music of extreme lucidity and precision, yet which can also seem overly cerebral and dispassionate. Boulez's approach to Mahler may seem clinical, and this is a reasonable assessment of the way he treats details, textures, timbres, dynamics, and rhythms as indicated in the score, clearly and cleanly, without adding personal touches or interpreting the music through Mahler's biography or his own mythology. In short, Boulez goes back to what Mahler actually wrote and avoids the distortions of post-Romantic tradition and the exaggerated choices of superstar conductors. If this means Boulez is out of the mainstream of, say, Leonard Bernstein, Georg Solti, or Herbert von Karajan, his zeal for exactitude is often matched by his contemporaries, Claudio Abbado, Michael Tilson Thomas, Benjamin Zander, Jonathan Nott, and Jaap van Zweden. The sound of these recordings varies slightly from disc to disc, but Deutsche Grammophon's high standards are consistently met. Blair Sanderson 

Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) 
Vol. 1 - Symphony No. 1 Titan, Totenfeier
Vol. 2 - Symphony No. 2 Resurrection
Vol. 3 & 4 - Symphony No. 3, Das klagende Lied
Vol. 5 - Symphony No. 4
Vol. 6 - Symphony No. 5
Vol. 7 - Symphony No. 6
Vol. 8 - Symphony No. 7
Vol. 9 & 10 - Symphony No. 8 Symphony of a Thousand
Vol. 11 - Symphony No. 9
Vol. 12 - Des Knaben Wunderhorn, Symphony No. 10 Adagio
Vol. 13 - Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, Ruckert-Lieder, indertotenlieder
Vol. 14 - Das Lied von der Erde
Credits :
Orchestras – Wiener Philharmoniker, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra
Soprano Vocals – Juliane Banse, Dorothea Röschmann, Adriane Queiroz, Erin Wall, Violeta Urmana, Christine Schäfer 
Mezzo-soprano Vocals – Magdalena Kožená,  Michelle DeYoung,  Anne Sofie Von Otter, Violeta Urmana
Contralto Vocals – Anna Larsson, Simone Schröder
Baritone Vocals [Pater Ecstaticus] – Hanno Müller-Brachmann, Christian Gerhaher
Bass Vocals [Pater Profundus] – Robert Holl, Thomas Quasthoff
Tenor Vocals – Johan Botha,  Michael Schade
Chorus – Wiener Singverein, Wiener Sängerknaben, Frauenchor Des Wiener Singverein,
Chorus Master – Johannes Prinz, Gerald Wirth 
Violin [Solo] – William Preucil

JOHN ADAMS — Road Movies (2004) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Composer John Adams' album Road Movies contains five pieces that Adams' considers "travel music, (...) passing through harmonic and textural regions as one would pass through on a car trip." Indeed, during Leila Josefowicz's spirited and appropriately brusque reading of the "40% Swing" movement from the title work, one hears what sounds like a passing auto in the left channel. Is it mere coincidence or the album concept channeling onto the master tape?

Three of the pieces here appear on recordings for the first time, Road Movies for violin and piano (1995), Hallelujah Junction for two pianos, and American Berserk for piano (2001). The balance is given to the already familiar China Gates and Phrygian Gates played by pianists Nicolas Hodges and Rolf Hind, respectively, who join forces in the four-hand work. Actually, it's been a long time since there was a whole disc made up of chamber and/or keyboard works from Adams, who has been concentrating on orchestral music and pieces for ensembles. As such, this is a real treat -- the playing is expert on all counts, and the newer pieces sit comfortably side by side with the older ones, which are given a fresh perspective in these new recordings. While it may not be the album that never leaves your car stereo -- American Berserk is raucous enough that it could prove quite distracting during a traffic jam -- Road Movies is an immensely enjoyable collection that never runs out of gas. Uncle Dave Lewis 

JOHN ADAMS (b. 1947)
1-3.     Road Movies
Piano – John Novacek
Violin – Leila Josefowicz
4-6. Hallelujah Junction
Piano – Nicolas Hodges, Rolf Hind
7. China Gates 4:28
Piano – Nicolas Hodges
8. American Berserk 6:00
Piano – Nicolas Hodges
9-11. Phrygian Gates
Piano – Rolf Hind