BARNEY WILEN WITH THE MAL WALDRON TRIO — Movie Themes From France (1990) Two Version | WV + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Soft and sensuous, saxophonist Barney Wilen runs gently through eight French movie soundtracks, with the Mal Waldron Trio behind him. Wilen came to international attention decades before with his work with Miles Davis, and several of the themes here were actually written by the trumpeter. Wilen has been criticized for sounding tired on this recording, and, in fact, his sound does sometimes sound somewhat sleepy, though often attractively so. In ways, this sounds a bit like Stan Getz minus some oomph. The results are lazily appealing, the sort of melodies that might be soothing after a long day. This is not to imply, though, that Wilen is anything less than a very strong jazz performer, as his phrasing and choice of notes are smack dab in the middle of the jazz tradition. Yet, even when he builds tension, as he likes to do on his soprano, it has the feel of being held back. He is best heard on tenor, and on those tracks his lilting, soft forays usually hit the mark. Waldron is an oddly sympathetic voice, so much so that the music is often in danger of drifting to paradise. Steve Loewy
Tracklist : 
1 Un Homme Et Une Femme 6:20
Written-By – Fr. Lai, P. Barouh 
2 Julien Dans L'Ascenseur / Florence Sur Les Champs Elysées 7:28
Written-By – M. Davis
3 Les Parapluies de Cherbourg 9:53
Written-By – M. Legrand
4 No Problem 8:42
Written-By – D. Jordan
5 Manha De Carnaval 10:29
Written-By – L. Bonfá
6 Générique 6:53
Written-By – M. Davis
7 Les Feuilles Mortes (Autumn Leaves) 7:41
Written-By – J. Kosma
8 Quiet Temple 9:36
Written-By – M. Waldron
Credits :
Bass – Stafford James
Drums – Eddie Moore
Piano – Mal Waldron
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Barney Wilen

CHICK COREA & GARY BURTON — The New Crystal Silence (2008) 2CD | Two Version | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

When Crystal Silence first appeared in 1972 on the ECM label, its cover photograph depicted a stellar shot of the sun, which appeared to be setting. That duet album featured two already-seasoned jazz veterans who were in their thirties, and had been part of many of the developments in the music for a decade. Corea's credits included Miles Davis, his own Return to Forever, the "Is" sessions, Circle, and many others; Burton's included tenures with George Shearing and Stan Getz as well as Larry Coryell. But the duet album they recorded for ECM was so utterly striking and arresting because it highlighted not only an entirely new way of playing duets between piano and vibes -- which had been done previously and well by others -- but a new way of hearing them as well.

After 35 years, five duet records, and countless tours together, the pair revisit the notion of the duet in two different contexts on this delightful, compelling double-disc package from Concord. The first disc finds the pair playing live in Sydney with that city's symphony orchestra conducted by Jonathan Stockhammer and arranged by Tim Garland. The program includes five tunes, all of them composed by Corea. While it is disconcerting on first thought as to how an orchestra could add to the special intuitive communication this duo has developed since its first accidental performance at a festival in 1971, those fears disappear quickly after the orchestra's intro, when Corea's piano makes its entrance and Burton responds. It's striking there was so little rehearsal time, and that Garland's arrangements are so spot-on and attuned to the intricacy of what happens harmonically between these two. "Duende" opens the set with an enormous introductory sweep that feels more like a crescendo, but it gives way within two minutes to the exploration of extrapolated minors when Corea plays a single note that initiates his speaking voice on the piano. Burton answers and moves them into another direction, painting from the inside and pulling on certain notes as he quotes a melody that feels strangely like "The Shadow of Your Smile." Then the pair are off, the orchestra brooding and shimmering behind them, opening up spaces where there would be tension in such a focused space of minor keys that sweep this way and that way, and then they engage fully with the orchestra. This continues through "Love Castle" and the speculative intro to "Brasilia," which feels like a question. The rhythmic interplay is built layer upon layer, however sparely by the harmonic striations of vibes and piano as strings hover and cautiously seem to follow into a much more romantic and exotic flight of fancy. Of course, the title track, while seemingly an entirely new piece when played with this symphony, is no less limpid than its predecessor. The compositional notion is simply eased into more tentatively, but the interpolations between Burton and Corea are even cannier than one might expect. Everything begins in shade and shadow and is revealed in the full light of day. The set ends with a driving rendition of "La Fiesta," begun with an intensely intricate series of counterpoint exchanges between the pair.

Disc two contains a live performance from the Molde Festival in Norway, with one cut, "Señor Mouse" (also from the Crystal Silence debut), recorded in the Canary Islands. Far more breezy but perhaps more taut and far less tentative, the set starts off with Corea's "Bud Powell," and Burton shines with his solo, moving through the lyric phrases as Corea punches in spaces with tough, jaunty chord masses. It swings like crazy before giving way to a stellar reading of Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debby." The melody, instantly recognizable in Corea's hands, is nonetheless a bit heavier in touch, but that's what makes it sound new as well. The solo he opens with carries the basic lyric frame in his two-handed chords and runs before Burton slides the melody in solo, as expressive and intimate as one could ever hope for before it opens wide and sings. This happens on the other standards here as well, the deeply emotive reading of "I Loves You, Porgy," with Burton's solo as tender as a singer emoting the words, and "Sweet and Lovely," where the pair just dig in and let the tune guide them on a wonderfully engaging, swinging ride through its harmonic possibilities. The other four Corea tunes here include a very different version of "La Fiesta" as a set closer; "No Mystery," which is more mysterious in some ways because of its use of arpeggios, space, and counterpoint; and the all-too-brief rhythmic invention of "Alegria." The bottom line, of course, is that this set, as different as its two mirroring discs are, is nearly magical in both its intensity and creativity, and in its wonderfully relaxed manner of walking through the deep passageways of improvisation. Anyone who is a fan of the duet recordings between these two should own this. Anyone not familiar should check out the ECM disc first, and then move straight here, filling in the gaps later. They are wonderful counterparts to one another and immensely satisfying listens. 
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <- 
Tracklist 1 :
1.    Duende (Chick Corea) – 10:54
2.    Love Castle (Chick Corea) – 12:41
3.    Brasilia  (Chick Corea) – 9:38
4.    Crystal Silence  (Chick Corea) – 14:09
5.    La Fiesta  (Chick Corea) – 13:35
Tracklist 2 :
1.    Bud Powell (Chick Corea) – 7:55
2.    Waltz for Debby (Bill Evans) – 8:03
3.    Alegria  (Chick Corea) – 5:49
4.    No Mystery  (Chick Corea) – 9:12
5.    Señor Mouse  (Chick Corea) – 9:10
6.    Sweet and Lovely (Gus Arnheim, Charles Daniels, H. Tobias) – 6:56
7.    I Love Porgy (George & Ira Gershwin & DuBose Heyward) – 4:09
8.    La Fiesta  (Chick Corea) – 10:41
Credits :
Chick Corea – Piano
Gary Burton – Vibraphone
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Jonathan Stockhammer – Conductor

CHARLES MINGUS — Mingus at Antibes (1960-2005) RM | Atlantic Masters Series | Two Version FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

During 1960, bassist Charles Mingus led one of his finest bands, a pianoless quartet with Eric Dolphy (on alto, flute, and bass clarinet), trumpeter Ted Curson, and drummer Dannie Richmond. For this live concert, the band is augmented by the great tenor Booker Ervin for some stirring music. All of the music is memorable: "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting," "Prayer for Passive Resistance," "What Love," "Folk Forms No. 1," and "Better Get Hit in Yo' Soul." The immortal pianist Bud Powell sits in on a fine version of "I'll Remember April" and Dolphy and Ervin in particular generate a great deal of heat during some of their solos. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting – 11:54 
  Charles Mingus 
2. Prayer For Passive Resistance" – 8:06 
  Charles Mingus 
3. What Love? – 13:34 
  Charles Mingus 
4. I'll Remember April (Gene de Paul) – 13:39 
  Gene DePaul / Pat Johnston / Patricia Johnston / Don Raye 
5. Folk Forms I – 11:08 
  Charles Mingus 
6. Better Git Hit In Your Soul – 11:00
  Charles Mingus 
Credits :
Charles Mingus – Bass, Piano (on tracks 1 and 6)
Ted Curson – Trumpet
Eric Dolphy – Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet (on track 3)
Booker Ervin – Tenor Saxophone (except on track 3)
Dannie Richmond – Drums
Bud Powell – Piano (on track 4)
Notes : 
This release was recorded live by Barclay Studios for Atlantic Records at the Antibes Jazz Festival, Juan-les-Pins, France, on July 13th, 1960. The CD contains the complete program of the original release "Charles Mingus - Mingus At Antibes"

STEPS — Smokin' In The Pit (1979-1999) RM | 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded live at the Pitt Inn in Tokyo, Japan this superb double-disc is one of jazz music's finest moments. It includes the same lineup as Step by Step. None of the material on any of these three Japanese CDs is repeated on the other CDs. Buy all three, they're worth every penny!. Paul Kohler
Tracklist 1 :
1.    Tee Bag 13:44
Composed By – Mike Mainieri
2.    Uncle Bob (New Addition) 11:00
Composed By – Don Grolnick
3.    Fawlty Tenors 10:46
Composed By – Don Grolnick
4.    Lover Man 8:34
Composed By – James Davis, James Sherman, Roger Ramirez
5.    Fawlty Tenors (Alternate Take) 12:30
Composed By – Don Grolnick
6.    Song To Seth 13:02
Composed By – Mike Mainieri
7.    Momento (New Addition) 
Composed By – Don Grolnick
Tracklist 2 :
1.    Young And Fine 16:32
Composed By – Joe Zawinul
2.    Not Ethiopia 10:59
Composed By – Michael Brecker
3.    Soul Eyes 12:15
Composed By – Mal Waldron
4.    Recordame (New Addition) 10:10
Composed By – Joe Henderson
5.    Not Ethiopia (Alternate Take) 12:00
Composed By – Michael Brecker
6.    Sara's Touch 13:59
Composed By – Mike Mainieri
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Steve Gadd
Guitar – Kazumi Watanabe
Piano – Don Grolnick
Tenor Saxophone – Mike Brecker
Vibraphone – Mike Mainieri

PAUL CHAMBERS & TOMMY FLANAGAN — Motor City Scene -Complete Recordings (2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    Let's Play One 8:09    
Thad Jones
2    Minor on Top 8:43    
Thad Jones
3    Like Old Times 9:29    
Thad Jones
4    No Refill 5:42    
Thad Jones
5    Stardust 10:15    
Hoagy Carmichael
6    Philson 10:44    
Pepper Adams
7    Trio 8:04    
Erroll Garner
8    Libeccio 8:38    
Pepper Adams
9    Bitty Ditty 5:15
Thad Jones
Credits :
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams (tracks: 5 to 9)
Bass – Paul Chambers
Cornet – Thad Jones (tracks: 1 to 4)
Drums – Elvin Jones (tracks: 1 to 4), Louis Hayes (tracks: 5 to 9)
Guitar – Kenny Burrell (tracks: 5 to 9)
Piano – Tommy Flanagan
Tenor Saxophone – Billy Mitchell (tracks: 1 to 4)
Trombone – Al Grey (tracks: 1 to 4)
Trumpet – Donald Byrd (tracks: 5 to 9)
Notes
Tracks 1-4: Originally issued as Motor City Scene LP (United Artists) 1959
Tracks 5-9: Originally issued as Motor City Scene LP (Bethlehem) 1961 

EDDIE DANIELS — Nepenthe (1990) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

One of the world's great clarinetists, Eddie Daniels is primarily in the spotlight during this modern jazz set. He is joined by guitarist Chuck Loeb (who is excellent in support and as a secondary solo voice), bassist John Patitucci, either Dave Weckl or Adam Nussbaum on drums, and percussionist Sammy Figueroa. They perform seven diverse Daniels originals (complex but swinging), plus two by Loeb and the standards "Soul Eyes" and "Equinox." This release is not as memorable as Daniels' flashier and more spectacular recordings (it is more mellow at times), but it does contain plenty of subtle creativity and effortless (but brilliant) clarinet solos. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
 1 Sun Dance 4:18
Chuck Loeb
 2 Equinox 6:06
John Coltrane
 3 Nepenthe 5:19
Eddie Daniels
 4 Waltz of Another Color 6:43
Eddie Daniels
 5 Sueños (Dreams) 5:40
Eddie Daniels
 6 Chaser 4:03
Eddie Daniels
 7 The Only One 6:09
Eddie Daniels
 8 Soul Eyes 6:11
Mal Waldron
 9 The Chant 5:52
Chuck Loeb
 10 Quiet Space 4:35
Eddie Daniels
 11 Reverie for a Rainy Day 5:18
Eddie Daniels
Credits :
Bass, Acoustic Bass – John Patitucci
Clarinet – Eddie Daniels
Drums – Adam Nussbaum (tracks: 4,6,8,11), Dave Weckl
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Chuck Loeb
Percussion – Sammy Figueroa 

MICHEL CAMILO & TOMATITO — Spain (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

There's a simple, basic, and direct approach that pervades the duets from pianist Camilo and acoustic guitarist Tomatito. But that seemingly bottom-line approach is transcended by the brilliant musicianship of these two players, as they play ultra-melodic music to its ultimate zenith time and time again. The tone is set from the get go as they languish in the freedom of Rodrigo and Chick Corea's "Spain," played as perfectly and spirited as anyone could want. But "Besame Mucho" is changed up, interpreted in loose associations extrapolated out of strict time on this famous melody. Tomatito wrote two of the eight tracks as the pair use a combination of counterpoint and unison lines, approaching sheer telepathy on the brightly melodic "A Mi Nino Jose," while evoking more Chick Corea-isms with melodies passionately flying about on "La Vacilona." Two compositions by the underappreciated Luis Salinas are included as the urgent 4/4 of "Para Troilo Y Salgan" shows Camilo and Tomatito to be the virtuosic speed demons their preceding reputations evince, while "Aire De Tango" is like a samba version of "I Concentrate on You," nicely warmed with a calmed guitar solo. Camilo's lone writing on "Two Much/Love Theme" is also restrained and relaxed, atypical for the usually fiery pianist. This is a recording that bears ripe, luscious fruit, albeit only 45 minutes worth. A follow-up please. Recommended. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1.    Spain Intro  (Concierto de Aranjuéz de Joaquín Rodrigo)  3:21
2.    Spain  (Chick Corea)  5:32
3.    Bésame Mucho  (Consuelo Velázquez)  7:50
4.    A Mi Niño José  (Tomatito-Bajandí S.L.)  4:48
5.    Two Much / Love Theme  (Michel Camilo)  5:55
6.    Para Troilo Y Salgán  (Luis Salinas)  5:59
7.    La Vacilona  (Tomatito-Bajandí S.L.)   5:25
8.    Aire De Tango  (Luis Salinas)   6:33
Credits :
Arranged By – Michel Camilo, Tomatito
Guitar [Flamenca] – Tomatito
Piano – Michel Camilo

MICHEL CAMILO & TOMATITO — Spain Again (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Michel Camilo, the New York-based, Dominican-born pianist, and Tomatito, the Spanish flamenco guitarist, recorded a well-received duets album called Spain in 2000, and this sequel is intended to take the collaboration to the next level. Spain Again does. It's a bravura performance that pushes both men into strange and satisfying new territories and spotlights the abilities of each to find places where they are mutually comfortable and inspired. As on the first pairing, the musicianship is flawless throughout, the two virtuosos dancing around each other's melodies, creating fascinating, harmonious bridges, building upon and toying with structural ideas beyond what each composition calls for. Camilo's complex jazz piano inventions suddenly give way to Tomatito's spellbinding acoustic guitar runs; the two meet someplace in the middle, enjoy the freedom that unfettered exploration allows, and emerge with new entities that only an alliance of equals can bring about. The pace is set quickly with "El Dia Eque Me Quieras," a tribute to tango legend Astor Piazzolla, moves through various originals and standards (a silky, semi-classical "Stella by Starlight" is both graceful and awe-inspiring in its mastery) and eventually finds its way to the only vocal piece on the album, "Amor de Conuco," sung by guest Juan Luis Guerra. Strangely, though the vocal is quite lovely, it's a mood-breaker, diminishing the evocative elegance that Camilo and Tomatito have spent much of the past hour laying out. Jeff Tamarkin
Tracklist :
1 El Dia Que Me Quieras 5:17
Carlos Gardel
2 Libertango 4:08
Astor Piazzolla
3 Fuga y Misterio 3:51
Astor Piazzolla
4 Adios Nonino 7:17
Astor Piazzolla
5 Stella by Starlight 3:29
Ned Washington
6 Twilight Glow 5:13
Michel Camilo
7 A Los Nietos 4:36
Tomatito
8 La Tarde 2:02
Tomatito
9 La Fiesta 6:00
Chick Corea
10 From Within 6:21
Michel Camilo
11 Amor de Conuco 4:08
Juan Luis Guerra
Credits :
Alto Vocals – Juan Luis Guerra
Flamenco Guitar – Tomatito
Piano – Michel Camilo 

MICHEL CAMILO & TOMATITO — Spain Forever (2016) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :

1 Água E Vinho 5:57 

Egberto Gismonti 

2 Our Spanish Love Song 4:37 

Charlie Haden 

3 Oblivion 6:12 

Astor Piazzolla 

4 Gnossiennes No.1 5:59 

Erik Satie 

5 Cinema Paradiso 3:11 

Ennio Morricone 

6 Love Theme Cinema Paradiso 4:24 

Ennio Morricone 

7 Nuages 6:17 

Django Reinhardt 

8 Carnival (Manha De Carnaval) 5:55 

Luiz Bonfá 

9 About You 2:36 

Michel Camilo 

10 Armando's Rhumba 3:41 

Chick Corea 

Credits :

Flamenco Guitar – Tomatito

Piano – Michel Camilo 

CARMEN CUESTA-LOEB — Dreams (2002) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Dreams 5:46
Written-By – C. Cuesta
2    Invitation 5:23
Written-By – B. Kaper, P. F. Webster
3    Vuelvo A Ti 5:33
Written-By – C. Cuesta
4    No Te Olvidare 4:35
Written-By – C. Cuesta
5    Blue Kiss 4:12
Written-By – C. Cuesta, C. Loeb
6    Corcovado 4:45
Written-By – A. C. Jobim
7    Estrana 4:50
Written-By – C. Cuesta
8    The Shadow Of Your Smile 5:06
Written-By – J. Mandel, P. F. Webster
9    Something 4:00
Written-By – G. Harrison
10    Until 5:17
Written-By – C. Cuesta
11    The Garden 5:01
Written-By – C. Cuesta
12    My Romance 5:05
Written-By – L. Hart, R. Rodgers
Credits :
Arranged By, Producer [Produced By] – Carmen Cuesta-Loeb, Chuck Loeb
Backing Vocals – Lizzy Loeb (tracks: 6)
Bass – John Patitucci, Kevin Katz, Will Lee
Drums – Brian Dunne, Wolfgang Haffner
Flugelhorn – Till Brönner (tracks: 6)
Guitar, Keyboards, Drum Programming – Chuck Loeb
Keyboards, Piano – Mike Ricchiuti (tracks: 11)
Percussion – David Charles
Piano – Bob James (tracks: 4)
Tenor Saxophone – Andy Snitzer (tracks: 7), Michael Brecker (tracks: 1)
Vocals – Carmen Cuesta-Loeb 

ITZHAK PERLMAN · ANDRÉ PREVIN — A Different Kind of Blues + It's a Breeze (1995) 2CD | Serie : Perlman Complete Warner Recordings – Vol. 24 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This looked like a debacle in the making on first glance -- Andre Previn, out of jazz for nearly two decades as of this session, indulging classical violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, who had never played jazz before in his life -- but the two classical partners actually made a really charming album the first time around. Of course, Perlman had a lot of expert help as he waded into the jazz pool, for Previn wrote out all of the tunes and solos for him and populated the rhythm section with can't-miss stalwarts Shelly Manne on drums, Red Mitchell on bass, and Jim Hall on guitar. That wouldn't guarantee a great record all by itself (see the It's a Breeze review) but in this case, the results are swinging, musical, lyrical and inordinately entertaining. Like the proverbial bicyclist who took a long sabbatical but never forgot how to ride, Previn still had plenty of keyboard invention in his fingers, and his tunes are consistently witty. The catchiest tune of the lot also has the funniest title, "Who Reads Reviews" -- aimed no doubt at the anticipated pack of jackals who were expected to eat this album for breakfast. But Perlman gives an attractive account of himself, not quite swinging but creating an alluring illusion of jazz feeling; in the ballads, he sounds as if he had been definitely listening to a lot of Stephane Grappelli. A historical note: this record, now on CD, actually anticipated the rash of "crossover" albums by classical artists that didn't take hold until late in the 1980s. And it remains more enjoyable than the vast majority of its successors. Different Kind of Blues Review by Richard S. Ginell

Perhaps Previn and Perlman figured that it would be a breeze to turn out a sequel to the surprisingly successful A Different Kind of Blues, but the bloom was definitely off the rose the second time around. The same ingredients are in place -- eight new Previn compositions with written-out solos for Perlman, and the rhythm section of Jim Hall, Red Mitchell and Shelly Manne. But the freshness of the earlier album is largely missing; the tunes aren't as good, the tempos often drag, the playing in general sounds routine and even arch. Even Perlman himself seems bored at times with his lines, his holiday drawing to a close and perhaps anxious to get back to playing concertos and encores. This would be, in any case, the final roundup for the Previn/Perlman jazz act and also, sadly, the last time that Previn would play with his old buddies Mitchell and Manne.  It's a Breeze Review by Richard S. Ginell
A Different Kind of Blues (1980)
1.  Look at Him Go 3:54 
André Previn
2.  Little Face 4:16
André Previn
3.  Who Reads Reviews 4:15
André Previn
4.  Night Thoughts 6:22
André Previn
5. A Different Kind of Blues 6:24
André Previn
6. Chocolate Apricot 5:04
André Previn
7. The Five of Us 2:55
André Previn
8. Make up Your Mind 3:51
André Previn
It's A Breeze (1981)    
1.    It's A Breeze    3:32
André Previn
2.    Rain In My Head    6:34
André Previn
3.    Catgut Your Tongue    6:10
André Previn
4.    It's About Time 3:12
André Previn
5.    Quiet Diddling    5:04
André Previn
6.    A Tune For Heather    7:40
André Previn
7.    Bowing And Scraping    5:00
André Previn
8.    The Red Bar    5:23
André Previn
Credits :
Bass – Red Mitchell
Drums – Shelly Manne
Guitar – Jim Hall
Piano – André Previn
Violin – Itzhak Perlman

VINCE GUARALDI — Vince Guaraldi Trio (1956-2001) RM | 24 Bit Remastered Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue) lossless

This CD reissue under the OJC imprint brings back the first full session led by pianist Vince Guaraldi. Teamed up with the fine guitarist Eddie Duran and bassist Dean Reilly, Guaraldi swings lightly and with subtle creativity on two group originals and eight standards, including "Django," "Chelsea Bridge," "Fascinating Rhythm," and "The Lady's in Love with You." Tasteful music. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Django 4:55
Written-By – John Lewis 
2. Fenwyck's Farfel 4:07
Written-By – Vince Guaraldi
3. Never Never Land 4:15
Written-By – Comden-Green, Stein
4. Chelsea Bridge 3:39
Written-By – Strayhorn
5. Fascinating Rhythm 2:45
Written-By – Geo. Gershwin
6. The Lady's In Love With You 3:52
Written-By – Lane, Loesser
7. Sweet And Lovely 3:42
Written-By – Gus Arnheim, Tobias, Lemare
8. Ossobucco 2:55
Written-By – Eddie Duran
9. Three Coins In A Fountain 4:06
Written-By – Stein, Cahn
10. It's De-Lovely 3:23
Written-By – Cole Porter
Credits :
Bass – Dean Reilly
Guitar – Eddie Duran
Piano – Vince Guaraldi 

GEORGE BENSON & AL JARREAU — Givin' It Up (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Givin' It Up finds crossover jazz icons guitarist George Benson and vocalist Al Jarreau teaming up for a breezy, enjoyably melodic session that highlights both artists' long careers. Technically a duo album, it is Benson's first since signing with Concord Records. As such, it works as a nice reintroduction to both artists and even finds them reworking the Bobby Womack classic "Breezin'," which Benson originally covered on his 1976 album of the same name. Here listeners get Jarreau adding lyrics and vocals on a version that really evokes the classic '70s jazz-meets-R&B sound that was an original hallmark of smooth jazz. In that sense, Givin' It Up is a true joy for fans of that more organic, song-oriented approach to crossover music, with Benson and Jarreau digging in to such great songs as Seals & Crofts' "Summer Breeze," John Legend's "Ordinary People," and Darryl Hall's "Every Time You Go Away." Also adding some unexpected fun and celebrity sheen to the proceedings is an impromptu appearance by Paul McCartney, who joins in on Sam Cooke's gospel-inflected "Bring It on Home to Me." Throw in appearances by trumpeter Chris Botti, vocalist Patti Austin, pianist Herbie Hancock, and bassist Marcus Miller and Stanley Clarke, and Givin' It Up proves music is always fun with a little help from your friends. Matt Collar 
Tracklist :
1 – Breezin' 5:40

Arranged By – Larry Williams

Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Electric Bass – Abraham Laboriel
Guitar – Dean Parks, George Benson, A. Ray "The Weeper" Fuller
Keyboards – Larry Williams
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Vocal Percussion – Al Jarreau
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Bobby Womack
2 – Mornin' 5:02
Arranged By – Michael Broening
Backing Vocals, Vocal Percussion – Al Jarreau
Bass – Mel Brown
Drums – Michael White
Guitar – Freddie Fox, George Benson
Keyboards, Piano, Programmed By [Programming] – Michael Broening
Producer – John Burk, Michael Broening
Saxophone – Marion Meadows
Written-By – Al Jarreau, David Foster, Jay Graydon
3 – 'Long Come Tutu 6:37
Arranged By – Marcus Miller
Bass – Marcus Miller
Co-producer – Marcus Miller
Drums – Michael White
Guitar – George Benson
Keyboards – Patrice Rushen
Piano – Herbie Hancock
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Marcus Miller
4 – God Bless The Child 3:40
Featuring Jill Scott
Arranged By – George Benson, John Burk, Patrice Rushen
Bass – Marcus Miller
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Electric Piano – Patrice Rushen
Guitar – George Benson
Vocal Percussion – Al Jarreau
Vocals – George Benson, Jill Scott
Written-By – Arthur Herzog, Jr., Billie Holiday
5 – Summer Breeze 5:01
Arranged By – Larry Williams
Bass – Marcus Miller
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – Dean Parks, George Benson, A. Ray "The Weeper" Fuller
Keyboards, Piano – Larry Williams
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Written-By – Darrell Crofts, Jimmy Seals
6 – All I Am 3:23
Arranged By – Rex Rideout
Drums – Gregg Field, Ricky Lawson
Electric Bass – Abraham Laboriel
Electric Piano – Patrice Rushen
Guitar, Vocals – George Benson
Piano – Rex Rideout
Written-By – Phillip "Taj" Jackson, Rex Rideout
7 – Ordinary People 5:18
Arranged By – Michael Broening
Backing Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Bass – Mel Brown
Drums – Michael White
Guitar – Freddie Fox, George Benson
Keyboards, Piano, Programmed By [Programming] – Michael Broening
Producer – John Burk, Michael Broening
Written-By – John Legend, will.i.am
8 – Let It Rain 4:54
Featuring Patti Austin
Arranged By – Al Jarreau, Barry Eastmond
Arranged By [Background Vocals] – Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – Darlene Perry, Lorraine Perry, Maxi Anderson, Patti Austin, Sandra Simmons Williams, Sharon Perry, Valerie Pinkston
Bass – Marcus Miller
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Electric Piano – Patrice Rushen
Guitar – George Benson
Keyboards – Barry Eastmond
Percussion – Bashiri Johnson, Paulinho Da Costa
Producer – Patti Austin
Producer [Additional Production] – Barry Eastmond, Gregg Field
Rhythm Guitar – Dean Parks
Trumpet – Chris Botti
Vocals – Al Jarreau, Patti Austin
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Barry Eastmond
9 – Givin' It Up For Love 3:57
Arranged By – Freddie Ravel
Arranged By [Background Vocals] – Fred Martin, Freddie Ravel
Backing Vocals – Alethea Mills, Chavonne Morris, De'Ante Duckett
Clavinet, Drums, Electric Piano, Organ, Programmed By [Percussion], Synthesizer [Moog Bass], Synthesizer – Freddie Ravel
Guitar – George Benson
Producer – Freddie Ravel, John Burk
Rhythm Guitar – Michael O'Neill
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Freddie Ravel
10 – Every Time You Go Away 4:30
Arranged By – Larry Williams
Bass – Marcus Miller
Co-producer – Larry Williams
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – Dean Parks, George Benson, Michael Thompson
Keyboards – Patrice Rushen
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Piano – Larry Williams
Vocal Percussion – Al Jarreau
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Written-By – Darryl Hall
11 – Four 5:15
Bass – Stanley Clarke
Co-producer – Chris Dunn
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – George Benson
Piano – Patrice Rushen
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Written-By – Jon Hendricks, Miles Davis
12 – Don't Start No Schtuff 4:44
Arranged By – Joe Turano
Bass – Stanley Clarke
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Electric Piano, Organ – Joe Turano
Guitar – George Benson
Keyboards – Patrice Rushen
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson
Written-By – Al Jarreau, Joe Turano
13 – Bring It On Home To Me 4:25
Featuring Paul McCartney
Arranged By – Randy Waldman
Arranged By [Background Vocals] – Fred Martin
Backing Vocals – Alethea Mills, Chavonne Morris, De'Ante Duckett
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Electric Bass – Abraham Laboriel
Electric Piano – Patrice Rushen
Guitar – Dean Parks, George Benson
Organ – Michael Broening
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Piano – Randy Waldman
Vocals – Al Jarreau, George Benson, Paul McCartney
Written-By – Sam Cooke

EPIDAURUS — Earthly Paradise (1977-1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This record has become a classic. Released 1977 in an edition of 500 vinyl copies and quoted now for about US$500, it is the most wanted opus of German synphonic rock. The attentive and expensive recordings meet nowadays high demands and were processed from the original master tape to CD. The first two tracks are with vocals, the rest are instrumentals. Until today the recordings for a second Epidaurus album are unreleased, but will soon be rerecorded with the original band line up and released on CD. GOD
Tracklist :
1. Actions and Reactions    [7:01]
2. Silas Marner    [7:52]
3. Wings of the Dve    [5:07]
4. Andas    [6:20]
5. Mitternachtstraum    [6:05]
Credits :
Günther Henne - Keyboards
Gerd Linke - Keyboards
Manfred Struck - Drums
Heinz Kunert - Bass
Volker Oehmig - Drums 

EPIDAURUS — ... Endangered (1999) Two Version | WAVPack + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Epidaurus’s first album, "Earthly paradise", was a masterpiece of synphonic rock in 1977 and is a classic meanwhile. In 1994 Epidaurus recorded the CD "...endangered" in the same studio with the same line-up. Although the CD turned out well and contains sophisticated messages, it is largely lacking progressive elements. Partially it is even close to pop music. Nevertheless the first three songs are excellent and acceptable also for progressive music lovers. The full colour booklet of 28 pages features photographs of Epidaurus from their early days and today as well as a detailed band history and all the song lyrics and is worth-while buying the CD. The track selected for this compilation deals with a nightmare located in the dark Middle Ages. GOD
Tracklist :
1    Intro    2:39
2    Tonight    6:17
3    October 1919    4:11
4    Take Me Back    4:31
5    By The Wayside    5:56
6    Tinker Or Tailor    5:19
7    Between The Lines    6:21
8    Seed In Your Heart    6:12
9    Without You    5:39
Credits :
Backing Vocals, Producer – Eckhard Lander
Bass – Heinz Kunert
Drums – Manfred Struck
Guitar, Producer – Uwe Asshoff
Keyboards, Drums, Producer – Gerd Linke
Keyboards, Producer – Günther Henne
Vocals – Christiane Wand

TERI THORNTON — Devil May Care (1961-1999) RM | Two Version | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

This is the first (of three) long out of print recordings by Teri Thornton, finally available to the general public. It would not be a stretch to say she is perhaps the most talented, distinctive, clean, out-of-sight singer listeners have never heard....until now. Thornton's powerful, almost chilling voice compares favorably to the pristine tones and vibrato of Sarah Vaughan, the blues sassiness of Dinah Washington, and some of the more soulful refrains of Abbey Lincoln. Simply put, you have to hear her once to believe her. Whether on doleful ballads or raucous swingers, Thornton is totally confident and in control -- of her emotions and yours. From the best version of the Bob Dorough-written title track you are likely to hear, to the regretful ballad "My Old Flame" or the ultimate heart-melter "Left Alone," to an interesting arrangement on a pleading "What's Your Story, Morning Glory?," Thornton charges through the bar lines. Check her forcefulness on "Dancing in the Dark" and "I Feel a Song Coming On." Sometimes she purposefully staggers behind measures to grand effect. Every track is a showstopper, thanks to her uniquely soulful, drama-laden approach. Potent, unobtrusive horn charts feature legends like trumpeter Clark Terry, trombonist Britt Woodman, and saxophonists Earle Warren and Seldon Powell. The rhythm section of guitarist Freddie Green (half the tracks, Sam Herman on the others), pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Jimmy Cobb can do no wrong. Arranger par excellence Norman Simmons provided the perfect charts. This is an important document of a truly great jazz singer, and is essential in the collection of every serious aficionado. The only one regret is that it can't be given several handfuls of. Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist :
1 Lullaby of the Leaves 2:48
Bernice Petkere / Joe Young 
2 Devil May Care 2:47
Bob Dorough 
3 Detour Ahead 3:10
Lou Carter / Herb Ellis / John Freigo / Johnny Frigo 
4 The Song Is You 2:33
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern 
5 My Old Flame 3:29
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston 
6 What's Your Story, Morning Glory? 3:47
Jack Lawrence / Paul Francis Webster / Mary Lou Williams 
7 Dancing in the Dark 2:31
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz 
8 Left Alone 3:27
Billie Holiday / Mal Waldron 
9 Blue Champagne 3:11
Jim Eaton / Frank Ryerson / Grady Watts 
10 I Feel a Song Coming On 2:42
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh / George Oppenheimer 
11 What's New? 4:11
Johnny Burke / Bob Haggart 
12 Blue Skies 2:33
Irving Berlin 
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Earl Warren
Arranged By, Conductor – Norman Simmons
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Jimmy Cobb
Guitar – Freddie Green, Sam Herman
Piano – Wynton Kelly
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Tenor Saxophone – Seldon Powell
Trombone – Britt Woodman
Trumpet – Clark Terry
Vocals – Teri Thornton

MAYKE RADEMAKERS — La Furia : Passion, Fury and Melancholia (2016) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Mayke Rademakers: All my life, I’ve played a lot of Spanish music, and so has my partner and duo-pianist Matthijs Verschoor. Both of us have worked and studied in Spain. And I spent some time immersing myself in Buenos Aires, because I wanted to see the tango with my own eyes: how people perceived it, how they danced it in the streets and on public squares. At a certain point we got this sense of wanting to do something with it. We had a number of works on our repertoire and so we investigated how we could combine them with new pieces, music we still needed to discover, to produce a great CD. We found the music we were looking for. We put together an exciting combination of Spanish and South American music. In a nutshell: flamenco and tango.
Spanish music takes folk music as its starting point. La Furia is based on that idea. This music is about the heat, the poverty, about lifestyle and passion. La furia literally means anger or aggression. But in Latin, the word has very positive connotations. It means doing what your instincts tell you, acting with passion, giving it your all. The tango flamenco spread from Spain to South America. The tango is truly South American. Although it does show some flamenco influences, the tango definitely found its own form. Perhaps the biggest difference is that the tango is ‘urban’, because it arose in Buenos Aires. The flamenco is ‘rustic’, because it arose in the countryside. challengerecords.
Tracklist :
1.  Danza española no.5
 Enrique Granados
2-7.  Suite popular española 
 Manuel De Falla    
8.  No por amor, no por tristeza
 Antón García Abril
9-11.  Suite for cello solo
 Gaspar Cassdó
12.  La rosa y el sauce
 Carlos Gustavino
13-16.  Seguida española
 Joaquín Nin
17.  Le grand tango
 Ástor Piazzolla    
18.  Triste
 Alberto Ginastera
Credits :
Mattijs Verschoor - Piano
Mayke Rademakers - Cello

MILT JACKSON — Opus De Jazz (1955) RM | Three Version | MONO | Savoy Jazz 20 Bit Master Transfer Collection Series | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

This Savoy CD is a duplicate of the original LP although it lacks the fine liner notes included on the Arista/Savoy 1978 LP. The four selections (which unfortunately total under 34 minutes) are excellent, particularly a fun version of Horace Silver's blues "Opus De Funk" in which vibraphonist Milt Jackson, flutist Frank Wess and pianist Hank Jones have a long tradeoff. The quintet (which also includes bassist Eddie Jones and drummer Kenny Clarke) swings nicely throughout the three blues and lone ballad ("You Leave Me Breathless"). This is not essential, but it is enjoyable music. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.  1. Opus De Funk 13:22
Written-By – Horace Silver
2. Opus Pocus 7:25
 Written-By – Oscar 'Ozzie' Cadena
3. You Leave Me Breathless 6:27
 Written-By – Hollander, Freed
4. Opus And Interlude 6:29
 Written-By – Oscar 'Ozzie' Cadena
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Jones
Drums – Kenny Clarke
Flute, Tenor Saxophone – Frank Wess
Piano – Hank Jones
Vibraphone – Milt Jackson

J.J. JOHNSON · KAI WINDING — Trombone For Two (1955-2007) RM | Mosaic Singles Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The J.J. Johnson-Kai Winding quintet became one of the more unlikely successes of the mid-'50s, recording nine albums during their two years of steady collaborations. Their first Columbia LP (there would be five) has such likable songs as "Give Me the Simple Life," "Trombone for Two," "It's Sand Man," "Let's Get Away from It All" and "This Can't Be Love." With pianist Dick Katz, bassist Paul Chambers (who would soon join Miles Davis) and drummer Osie Johnson, the focus is almost entirely on the competitive but complementary trombonists. The results are bop-based but full of surprises, tasteful but not always predictable. All of this group's albums deserve to be reissued in coherent fashion on CD; this one will be hard to find. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. The Whiffenpoof Song 3:16
Written-By – Pomeroy, Minnigerode, Galloway
2. Give Me The Simple Life 3:51
Written-By – H. Ruby, S. Bloom
3. Close As Pages In A Book 3:37
Written-By – D. Fields, S. Romberg
4. Turnabout 3:54
Written-By – J.J. Johnson
5. Trombone For Two 3:16
Written-By – Kai Winding
6. It's Sand, Man 3:57
Written-By – Edward Lewis
7. We Two 4:05
Written-By – J.J. Johnson
8. Let's Get Away From It All 2:53
Written-By – M. Dennis, T. Adair
9. Goodbye 2:46
Written-By – Gordon Jenkins
10. This Can't Be Love 4:06
Written-By – R. Rodgers-L. Hart
– BONUS TRACKS –
11. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To 3:24
Written-By – Cole Porter
12. Caribé 3:06
Bongos – Candido Camero
Written-By – Kai Winding
13. Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe 4:04
Written-By – E.Y. Harburg, H. Arlen
14. The Song Is You 3:55
Written-By – J. Kern-O. Hammerstein
15. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning 4:09
Written-By – I. James, J.M. Elliot
16. Tromboniums In Motion 3:34
Written-By – J.J. Johnson
17. How High The Moon 2:33
Written-By – W. Lewis, N. Hamilton
18. Violets For Your Furs 4:20
Written-By – M. Dennis, T. Adair
19. Too Close For Comfort 3:26
Written-By – Weiss, Bock, Holofcener
20. 'S Wonderful 3:08
Written-By – G. Gershwin-I. Gershwin
Credits :
Bass – Bill Crow (tracks: 16 to 20), Milt Hinton (tracks: 11 to 15), Paul Chambers (tracks: 1 to 10)
Drums – Kenny Clarke (tracks: 16 to 20), Osie Johnson (tracks: 1 to 10), Shadow Wilson (tracks: 11 to 15)
Piano – Dick Katz (tracks: 1 to 10)
Trombone, Arranged By – J.J. Johnson (tracks: 3, 4, 7, 10, 16 to 20), Kai Winding (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 to 15)
Notes
Recorded at Columbia 30th Street Studio on June 23, 1955 (#2, 5, 7, 8 & 10), June 24, 1955 (#1, 3, 4, 6 & 9), November 17, 1955 (#11-15) and July 18, 1956 (#16-20). 
Tracks 1-10 originally issued on J.J. Johnson And Kai Winding - Trombone For Two (Columbia CL 742). 
Tracks 11-20 originally issued on J. J. Johnson And Kai Winding - Jay And Kai (Columbia CL 973).

JUNKO ONISHI TRIO — Live At The Village Vanguard (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is a memorable set. When pianist Junko Onishi performs songs from the likes of Charles Mingus ("So Long Eric"), John Lewis ("Concorde"), and Ornette Coleman ("Congeniality"), she interprets each of the tunes as much as possible within the intent and style of its composer. "So Long Eric," although performed by her trio, gives one the impression at times that several horns are soloing together; in addition, polyrhythms are utilized part of the time, Ornette's "Congeniality" has a strong pulse but fairly free improvising, while "Concorde" sounds both distinguished and full of blues feeling, like John Lewis himself. Onishi's exploration of "Blue Skies" uplifts the warhorse through the use of colorful vamps and an altered melody, she takes the slow ballad "Darn That Dream" as a medium-tempo stomp, and her original, "How Long Has This Been Goin' On," is brooding but not downbeat and swings hard without losing its serious nature. There is not a weak selection in the bunch and the interplay between Onishi, bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer Herlin Riley is quite impressive. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    So Long Eric 8:27
Written-By – Charles Mingus
2.    Blue Skies 9:16
Written-By – Irving Berlin
3.    Concorde 6:32
Written-By – John Lewis 
4.    How Long Has This Been Goin' On 10:45
Written-By – Junko Onishi
5.    Darn That Dream 6:31
Written-By – Eddie De Lange, Jimmy Van Heusen
6.    Congeniality 14:02
Written-By – Ornette Coleman
Credits :
Bass – Reginald Veal
Drums – Herlin Riley
Piano – Junko Onishi