ANDRÉ PREVIN with MUNDELL LOWE & RAY BROWN — Uptown (1990) Three Version | APE + WV + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

This was André Previn's second album after his long, symphonically enforced absence from jazz, and it sounds noticeably more fluid and relaxed than his first. No longer apprehensive about dusting off his old skills, Previn is delightfully confident and breezy (dig his sly turns on "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "C Jam Blues"), taking some chances as he re-phrases and paraphrases a collection of revivified standards, mostly Harold Arlen and assorted Duke Ellington. Even if Previn, that noted wit, sometimes sounds as if he is kidding the pants off these old tunes, it's great to hear him having such a good time playing jazz again. Mundell Lowe is Previn's new guitar partner, and Ray Brown returns on bass; both are right at home in this refined brand of chamber jazz grooving. Adding to the CD's appeal are some marvelously (and typically) graceful liner notes by Mel Powell, an old pal of Previn's and a lively fellow defector from the jazz piano ranks to the classical world. Richard S. Ginell

Tracklist :

1. Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea  4:42
 Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler 
2. A Sleepin' Bee 5:13
 Harold Arlen / Truman Capote 
3. Come Rain Or Come Shine 4:10
 Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer 
4. Stormy Weather 4:33
 Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler 
5. Over The rainbow 4:36
 Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg 
6. Let's Fall In Love 3:21
 Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler 
7. Day Dream / Prelude To A Kiss 4:43
 Duke Ellington / Irving Gordon / John Latouche / Irving Mills / Billy Strayhorn
8. Good Queen Bess 4:21
 Johnny Hodges 
9. Things Ain't What They Used To Be 4:19
 Mercer Ellington / Ted Persons 
10. It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing 3:05
 Duke Ellington / Irving Mills 
11. Five O' Clock Whistle 5:29
 Kim Gannon / Gene Irwin / Josef Myrow 
12. Come Sunday 4:11
 Duke Ellington 
13. C Jam Blues 4:51
 Barney Bigard / Duke Ellington

Credits :

André Previn - Piano

Mundell Lowe - Guitar

Ray Brown - Bass

THE GEORGE RUSSELL SMALLTET — Jazz Workshop (1957-1987) RM | MONO | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This set, originally cut for RCA, was composer/arranger George Russell's debut as a leader. The original program (which includes such numbers as "Ye Hypocrite, Ye Beelzebub," "Livingstone I Presume," "Ezz-thetic" and "Knights of the Steamtable") has been joined by alternate second versions of "Ballad of Hix Blewitt" and "Concerto for Billy the Kid." Listening to the music, it is hard to believe that Russell only utilized a sextet (comprised of trumpeter Art Farmer, altoist Hal McKusick, guitarist Barry Galbraith, pianist Bill Evans, one of two bassists and one of three drummers). The ensembles are frequently dense, the harmonies quite original and there are often several events occurring at the same time; one would swear there were at least four or five horns being heard in spots. "Fellow Delegates" is particularly intriguing for it finds Russell playing chromatic drums while joined by Osie Johnson on wood drums; the otherwordly effect is worthy of Sun Ra. Even the more conventional pieces such as "Ezz-thetic" (based on the chords of "Love for Sale" but here almost resembling a Lennie Tristano line played backwards) sound quite advanced. Russell was able to utilize some of the more versatile and technically skilled players of the era, several of whom worked regularly in the studios. Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Ye Hypocrite, Ye Beelzebub    3:53
2    Jack's Blues    3:47
3    Livingstone I Presume    3:28
4    Ezz-Thetic    5:16
5    Night Sound    3:58
6    Round Johnny Rondo    3:31
7    Fellow Delegates    5:42
8    Witch Hunt    3:50
9    The Sad Sergeant    3:27
10    Khights Of The Steamtable    2:36
11    Ballad Of Hix Blewitt    3:18
12    Concerto For Billy The Kid    4:44
13    Ballad Of Hix Blewitt (Alternate Take)    3:45
14    Concerto For Billy The Kid (Alternate Take)    4:46
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Hal McKusick
Composed By – George Russell
Double Bass – Milt Hinton (tracks: 1-6, 8, 12, 14), Teddy Kotick (tracks: 7, 9, 10, 11, 13)
Drums – Joe Harris (tracks: 1-4), Osie Johnson, Paul Motian (tracks: 5, 6, 8, 12, 14)
Guitar – Barry Galbraith
Piano – Bill Evans
Trumpet – Art Farmer
Notes
Recorded at Webster Hall, New York City.
Tracks 1-4 recorded March 31, 1956.
Tracks 5, 6, 8, 12 recorded October 17, 1956.
Tracks 7, 9-11, 13-14 recorded December 21, 1956.

COUNT BASIE — Basie Picks the Winners (1965-2020) RM | UHQCD | Count Basie New Basie Series | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Basie picks his own set of "Winners", tracks pulled from the Billboard Pop Charts, and re-arranged by Billy Byers to give them the true Basie touch! The set features a number of 60's standards, plus a few older tunes all performed in a warm, buoyant tone that was every bit the best side of the Basie group in that decade. Players include Eric Dixon, Al Aarons, Al Grey, and Eddie Lockjaw Davis – all bursting out of the group with tight short solos that really get the point across! Titles include "I'll Get By", "Watermelon Man", "Exodus", "I'm Walkin", and "Volare" ..  Strongly Recommended! Rick Ransom
Tracklist :
1.    Watermelon Man 3:11
 Herbie Hancock
2.    That's All    3:20
 Alan Brandt / Bob Haymes
3.    I Won't Cry Anymore 2:22
 Al Frisch / Fred Wise
4.    Main Theme From "Exodus" 3:06
 Ernest Gold
5.    I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You)    3:16
 Fred E. Ahlert / Roy Turk
6.    My Kind Of Town    2:40
 Sammy Cahn / James Van Heusen
7.    I'm Walkin'    3:34
 Dave Bartholomew / Fats Domino
8.    Rain Or Shine    2:53
 Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
9.    Volare (Nel Blu, Dipinto Di Blu)    2:45
 Domenico Modugno
10.    Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out 2:06
 Count Basie / Jimmy Rushing / Lester Young
Vocals – Leon Thomas
11.    Oh, Lonesome Me    2:59
 Don Gibson
Credits :
Arranged By – Bill Byers
Bass – Wyatt Bull Ruether
Drums – Irv Cotler, J.C. Heard
Guitar – Freddie Green
Piano, Leader – Count Basie
Saxophone – Bobby Plater, Charlie Fowlkes, Eddie Lockjaw Davis, Eric Dixon, Marshall Royal
Trombone – Al Grey, Billy Hughes, Grover Mitchell, Henderson Chambers
Trumpet – Al Aarons, Sam Noto, Sonny Cohen, Wallace Davenport

JAN GARBAREK with TERJE RYPDAL — Esoteric Circle (1969-1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Jan Garbarek had studied with the great American composer George Russell, and had previously appeared on Russell's venture into jazz-rock, Electronic Sonata for Souls Loved By Nature. Whereas his teacher's usage of rock rhythms in an avant jazz context often came off as rather clunky, for Garbarek and his guitarist, Terje Rypdal, formerly a member of the popular Norwegian band the Vanguards, such a melding was more second nature. The Esoteric Circle, the first album by their band of the same name (hey, this was still the '60s after all), is a highly successful and enjoyable effort, one that can stand comfortably with work being done at that time by Tony Williams or John McLaughlin. Garbarek's compositions range from deeply felt homages to Coltrane ("Traneflight" and "Nefertite") to rocking jams like "Rabalder," where Rypdal gets to showcase his considerable chops. In fact, some of these themes were used by Russell in his aforementioned work. Garbarek's own playing, here entirely on tenor, come largely out of Albert Ayler as well as Coltrane, and his general attack is much more raw and aggressive than the style for which he would eventually become more widely known through his recordings for ECM. Listeners who enjoy his first several albums for that label (from Afric Pepperbird to Witchi-Tai-To) will find much to savor here. Brian Olewnick   

Tracklist :
1 Traneflight 2:51
 Jan Garbarek
2 Rabalder 8:15
 Jan Garbarek
3 Esoteric Circle 5:22
 Jan Garbarek
4 Vips 5:40
 Jan Garbarek
5 SAS 644 8:49
 Jan Garbarek
6 Nefertite 2:05
 Jan Garbarek
7 Gee 1:10
 Jan Garbarek
8 Karin's Mode 7:30
 Jan Garbarek
9 Breeze Ending 3:39
 Jan Garbarek
Credits :
Bass – Arild Andersen
Drums – Jon Christensen
Guitar – Terje Rypdal
Producer – George Russell
Tenor Saxophone – Jan Garbarek 

MILT JACKSON — Jackson's Ville (1956-1992) RM | MONOAURAL | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

This fine 1956 date features Jackson leading a session that moves with ease and authority through a relaxing eight-minute ride on Charlie Parker's "Now's the Time," an Ellington ballad medley, and a pair of the vibist's own blues-based, hard bop compositions. The real treat here is Lucky Thompson's tenor sax. The Don Byas-influenced Thompson has a sound that invites the listener to luxuriate in its grace and strength. Thompson solos on "Mood Indigo" with a sublime, breathy legato, adding bite and rougher edges -- without sacrificing nuance or subtlety -- on Jackson's "Minor Conception" and "Soul in 3/4." For his part, Jackson reels off a fluid stream of shifting, seamless, advanced blues -- his time, phrasing, and execution all exquisite. In the rhythm section, Hank Jones (piano), Wendell Marshall (bass), and Kenny Clarke (drums) support with the ego-free artistry expected of the Savoy house band of the day. Jackson's Ville is one of four Savoy CDs that pair Jackson with Thompson. The others are The Jazz Skyline, Roll 'em Bags, and Meet Milt Jackson. Each on its own is short measure (Jackson's Ville clocks in at 30 minutes). As a collection, though, they comprise a vital document that sits nicely alongside Jackson's and Thompson's work with Miles Davis from this period. Jim Todd   
Tracklist :
1    Now's The Time 8:16
Written-By – C. Parker
2.1    In A Sentimental Mood 6:43
Written-By – D. Ellington
2.2    Mood Indigo
Written-By – D. Ellington
2.3    Azure
Written-By – D. Ellington
3    Minor Conception 8:36
Written-By – M. Jackson
4    Soul In 3/4 6:40
Written-By – M. Jackson
Credits :
Bass – Wendell Marshall
Drums – Kenny Clarke
Piano – Hank Jones
Tenor Saxophone – Lucky Thompson (tracks: 1, 2.2 to 4)
Vibraphone – Milt Jackson (tracks: 1, 2.1, 2.3 to 4)

LARRY CORYELL — Planet End (1975) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

During 1968-75, guitarist Larry Coryell recorded a wide variety of interesting material for Vanguard. This album, a CD reissue of the original Lp, was Coryell's final one for the label. The five selections, although originals, have the feel of a jam session. Coryell's Eleventh House (which includes trumpeter Mike Lawrence, keyboardist Mike Mandel, bassist Danny Trifan and drummer Alphonse Mouzon) is featured on two tracks (their final recordings), Coryell plays all of the instruments on the brief "The Eyes Of Love" and on two lengthy jams he is matched with fellow guitarist John McLaughlin, bassist Miroslav Vitous, drummer Billy Cobham and (on Larry Young's "Tyrone") keyboardist Chick Corea. The lively music is very much of the period and this CD is a bit brief (at 34 minutes) but the high-quality of the solos makes this one worth picking up by listeners interested in Larry Coryell's early period. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Cover Girl (5:38)
 Alphonse Mouzon
2. Tyrone (11:38)
 Larry Young
3. Rocks (4:48)
 Randy Brecker / The Brecker Brothers
4. The Eyes Of Love (3:21)
 Larry Coryell
5. Planet End (8:45)
 Larry Coryell
Credits :
Tracks 2, 3, 5
- Larry Coryell - Guitar
- Mahavishnu John McLaughlin - Guitar
- Miroslav Vitous - Double Bass
- Chick Corea - Piano
Tracks 1, 2, 4
Larry Coryell with The Eleventh House
- Larry Coryell - Guitar
- Mike Lawrence - Trumpet
- Mike Mandel - Piano, Synthesizer
- Danny Trifan - Bass
- Alphonse Mouzon - Drums

LENNY WHITE — Big City (1977-2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On his second solo album, Big City, Return to Forever drummer Lenny White leads an all-star cast on a jaunt through the diverse worlds of jazz fusion. The title track is a groove-oriented monster that unites the Brian Auger Oblivion Express with the Tower of Power horn section. While "Sweet Dreamer" is a soft ballad that features the singing of Linda Tillery, and "Rapid Transit" is a study in funk built around the bass playing of Verdine White, both songs benefit from the presence of Herbie Hancock on electric piano. Not to be forgotten, Lenny White shows off his penchant for sharp and accelerated drum cadences on interludes titled "Egypt" and "Ritmo Loco." Yet his leanings towards rock are taken a bit too far with Ray Gomez and Neal Schon trading epic guitar solos on "Dreams Come and Go Away" as well as "And We Meet Again." Fortunately the gap between sonic freak-outs is bridged by the exceptional "Enchanted Pool Suite," which features Miroslav Vitous on acoustic bass, Jerry Goodman on violin, and Jan Hammer on Minimoog. Robert Gabriel
Tracklist  :
1. Big City 5:22
Arranged By – Lenny White
Arranged By [Horns] – Lenny White, Weldon Irvine
Baritone Saxophone – Steve Kupka
Bass – Clive Chaman
Congas – Lennox Langton
Drums, Synthesizer [Eµ Synthesizer, Micro-minimoog], Other [Wallet] – Lenny White
Guitar – Alex Ligertwood
Lead Guitar, Soloist – Jack Mills
Organ, Electric Piano – Brian Auger
Tenor Saxophone – Emilio Castillo
Tenor Saxophone, Lyricon, Soloist [Lyricon solo] – Lenny Pickett
Trumpet – Greg Adams
Trumpet, Trombone – Mic Gillette
Written-By – Alex Ligertwood, Jack Mills, Lenny White
2. Sweet Dreamer 4:39
Arranged By – Lenny White
Bass – Paul Jackson (2)
Electric Piano [Yamaha Grand] – Herbie Hancock
Guitar [Guitars] – Ray Gomez
Lyrics By – Weldon Irvine
Music By – Lenny White
Synthesizer [Eµ Synthesizer] – Pat Gleeson
Synthesizer [Oberheim Polyphonic, Arp String Ensemble] – Lenny White
Vocals – Linda Tillery
3. Egypt 1:01
Written-By, Arranged By – Lenny White
Drums, Piano [Acoustic] – Lenny White
Bass [Weird Bass] – Marcus Miller
4. Nocturne 1:18
 Written-By – Lenny White, Don Blackman
Arranged By – Lenny White
Orchestrated By – Michael Gibbs
5. Rapid Transit 3:58
Arranged By – Lenny White, Ray Gomez
Bass [Very Funky Bass] – Verdine White
Electric Piano, Electric Piano [Yamaha Grand] – Herbie Hancock
Guitar – Ray Gomez
Synthesizer [Arp String Ensemble] – Pat Gleeson
Synthesizer [Oberheim Polyphonic] – Lenny White
Written-By – Ray Gomez
6. Ritmo Loco 1:18
Drums, Congas, Timbales, Tom Tom [Roto Toms], Electronic Drums [Moog Drum], Other [Cheese Enchiladas] – Lenny White
Written-By – Lenny White
7. Dreams Come And Go Away 3:33
Arranged By – Lenny White, Michael Gibbs
Bass – Alex Blake (2)
Drums – Lenny White
Electric Guitar, Soloist [1st Solo], Acoustic Guitar – Ray Gomez
Electric Guitar, Soloist [2nd Solo] – Neal Schon
Piano [Acoustic Piano] – Onaje Allan Gumbs
Written-By – Alex Blake
8. Enchanted Pool Suite(Part I-II) 9:28
Orchestrated By – Michael Gibbs
Written-By, Arranged By – Lenny White
9. And We Meet Again 7:06
Bass – Alex Blake
Drums, Voice [Announcement] – Lenny White
Guitar [Left] – Neal Schon
Guitar [Right] – Ray Gomez
Organ, Electric Piano, Piano [Acoustic Piano] – Brian Auger
Sopranino Saxophone – Bennie Maupin
Written-By, Arranged By – Lenny White

DON CHERRY · DEWEY REDMAN · CHARLIE HADEN · ED BLACKWELL — Old And New Dreams : Playing (1981) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This Austrian concert CD features the four notable Ornette Coleman alumni (trumpeter Don Cherry, tenor saxophonist Dewey Redman, bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Ed Blackwell) stretching out on three of Ornette's tunes, plus a song apiece from Cherry, Redman and Haden. Although Cherry's chops were not quite in peak form anymore, Redman is consistently stirring. Recommended, as are Old and New Dreams' other three releases. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Happy House 11:20
Written-By – Ornette Coleman
2 Mopti 7:40
Written-By – Don Cherry
3 New Dream 9:20
Written-By – Ornette Coleman
4 Rushour 7:04
Written-By – Dewey Redman
5 Broken Shadows 9:47
Written-By – Ornette Coleman
6 Playing 9:51
Written-By – Charlie Haden
Credits :
 Double Bass – Charlie Haden
Drums – Ed Blackwell
 Tenor Saxophone, Suona [Musette] – Dewey Redman
Trumpet, Piano – Don Cherry

SANDY STEWART — My Coloring Book (1962-2004) Mono | Serie 寺島靖国コレクション | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Sandy Stewart first sang "My Coloring Book" on the Kraft Music Hall television program on October 31, 1962. It was an instant hit -- Stewart's only hit over her long career -- and became the impetus for this LP. Although Stewart owns a very pretty voice and uses it to good effect, there's nothing about it, or Stewart's approach to the songs on this album, distinguishing her from the many other pop female singers of that or any other day. On this disc, she sounds a lot like Dinah Shore. Moreover, the heavy string orchestrations contrived by Don Costa and O. B. Massingill tend to make the music murky. In fact, Stewart is sometimes overwhelmed by the arrangements and sweet-voiced choral backing that show up on some of these tracks. Stewart was much better served in a small group setting, especially when backed by occasional playing partner Dick Hyman. She first appeared on record with Hyman in 1958 and then again in 1985. Stewart also worked with Hyman on NBC radio at the tender age of 16. While Stewart didn't make much of a mark as a vocalist, she produced a son who was to become a foremost jazz pianist, Bill Charlap. Dave Nathan  
Tracklist :
1.   My Coloring Book  3:25
 Fred Ebb / John Kander
2.   Little Girl Blue  4:24
 Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
3.   Greensleeves  4:22
 Don Costa
4.   Tangerine  2:55
 Johnny Mercer / Victor Schertzinger
5.   Where The Blue Of The Night Meets The Gold Of The Day  2:38
 Fred E. Ahlert / Bing Crosby / Roy Turk
6.   Over The Rainbow  3:15
 Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
7.   Deep Purple  3:15
 Peter DeRose / Mitchell Parish
8.   Scarlet Ribbons  3:22
 Evelyn Danzig / Jack Segal
9.   Little White Lies  2:40
 Walter Donaldson
10.   Beautiful Brown Eyes  2:35
 Jerry Capehart / Alton Delmore / Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith
11.   Ivy Rose  2:33
 Al Hoffman / Dick Manning
12.   Red Sails In The Sunset  2:44
 Hugh Williams
Credits :
Arranged By – O.B. Massingill
Conductor – Nick Perito
Producer, Arranged By – Don Costa
Vocals - Sandy Stewart

CARPE DIEM — Cueille Le Jour (1976-1994) Three Version | Mp3 + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

French progressive rock band active during the 1970's. They originated in Nice, first as Deis Corpus (a Jethro Tull and King Crimson cover band), transmuting into Carpe Diem "Seize the day!" By 1973 they had an entirely self-penned repertoire, with a music that cross-bred many progressive rock influences, with jazz and classical touches, but it took a further two years to get a record contract, thanks to support from Jean-Pierre Massiera. Carpe Diem recorded two albums during their lifetime, and split-up in 1979.
Couleurs    (21:38)
1a    Premiers Pas    
1b    La Traversée Des Sables    
1c    Dernier Village... Premières Neiges    
1d    Rencontre    
1e    Les Portes Du Silence    
2    Naissance    3:23
3    Le Miracle De La Saint-Gaston    3:38
4    Laure    2:44
5    Tramontane    3:37
6    Divertimento    3:56
7    Rencontre (Excerpt From Couleurs - English Version)    3:22
Credits :
Bass – Alain Bergé
Drums, Percussion – Alain Faraut
Guitar [Guitars] – Gilbert Abbenanti
Lyrics By [English Lyrics], Photography By – Gilles Bertho
Lyrics By [French Lyrics] – Yves Leu
Organ, Synthesizer [String-ensemble], Piano, Lead Vocals, – Christian Truchi
Soprano Saxophone [Soprano Sax], Flute, Percussion – Claude-Marius David

JACK DeJOHNETTE — Sorcery (1974-1994) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A lot of rambling takes place on this interesting but erratic LP. Drummer Jack DeJohnette (doubling on keyboards) performs three songs with a group featuring bass clarinetist Bennie Maupin and the guitars of John Abercrombie and Mick Goodrick; the music shows the influence of fusion (most obviously on "The Rock Thing") and has its strong moments (much of the nearly 14-minute "Sorcery #1"). But the attempt at humor on "The Right Time" is self-indulgent. The second half of this release, with trios by DeJohnette, bassist Dave Holland, and Michael Fellerman on metaphone (whatever that is), are less memorable. While one admires DeJohnette's willingness to take chances, this music has not dated well. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Sorcery, No. 1 - 13:50
 Jack DeJohnette
2. The Right Time - 2:21
 Jack DeJohnette
3. The Rock Thing - 4:14
 Jack DeJohnette
4. The Reverend King Suite: Reverend King/Obstructions/The Fatal Shot/Mourning/Unrest/New Spirits on the Horizon (John Coltrane/DeJohnette) - 14:19
 John Coltrane / Jack DeJohnette
5. Four Levels of Joy - 3:09
 Jack DeJohnette
6. Epilog (DeJohnette-Holland) - 3:11
 Jack DeJohnette / Dave Holland
Credits :
Jack DeJohnette - Drums, Keyboards, C-Melody Saxofone
Bennie Maupin - Bass Clarinet
John Abercrombie, Mick Goodrick - Guitars
Dave Holland - Bass
Michael Fellerman - Metaphone, Trombone

JOHN PIZZARELLI — Dear Mr. Sinatra (2006) SACD | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Frank Sinatra, though not a jazz singer, was long respected by jazz musicians for his natural ability to get the best out of a song while developing a trademark approach to singing that had great appeal. While many recorded tributes to Sinatra since his death have been abysmal at best, vocalist and guitarist John Pizzarelli knows a little something about swinging and finding the essence of each song. Backed by the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, with whom Pizzarelli toured prior to the making of this CD, along with arrangements by John Clayton, Don Sebesky, Dick Lieb, and Quincy Jones, he sought to focus primarily on songs written with Sinatra in mind, though taking new approaches to each of them. Dear Mr. Sinatra opens with an over-the-top rendition of "Ring-A-Ding-Ding." Clayton's sensitive writing for reeds provides the perfect backdrop for Pizzarelli's warm vocals in "If I Had You." The singer works magic in another fine Clayton chart, "I've Got You Under My Skin," delivering the goods in a sensitive interpretation. Pizzarelli is backed only by pianist Tamir Hendelman in the miniature scoring of "The Last Dance," which serves as a perfect finale. Only three of the tracks clock in at over four minutes, so there's not much of a focus upon instrumental solos, though Pizzarelli's guitar is featured in "Witchcraft." With a total time just under 40 minutes, the program is a little short by CD standards, but the performances by John Pizzarelli and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra in this warm tribute to Old Blue Eyes are consistently of high caliber and hit the mark every time. Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
1    Ring-A-Ding Ding    3:37
Sammy Cahn / James Van Heusen
2    You Make Me Feel So Young    3:59
Mack Gordon / Josef Myrow
3    How About You?    2:43
Ralph Freed / Burton Lane
4    If Had You    4:48
Reginald Connelly / Ted Shapiro
5    Witchcraft    4:13
Cy Coleman / Carolyn Leigh
6    I've Got You Under My Skin    3:26
Cole Porter
7    Nice'n' Easy    2:46
Alan Bergman / Marilyn Bergman / Lewis Spence
8    Medley: I See You Face Before Me - In The Wee Small Hours (Of The Morning)    4:14
Howard Dietz / Bob Hilliard / Dave Mann / Arthur Schwartz
9    Can't We Be Friends?    3:57
Paul James / Kay Swift
10    Yes Sir, That's My Baby    3:03
Walter Donaldson / Gus Kahn
11    Last Dance    2:24
Sammy Cahn / James Van Heusen
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Jeff Clayton, Keith Fiddmont
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Lee Callet
Bass – Christoph Luty
Bass Trombone – Maurice Spears (tracks: Tracks: 2,7,10), Robbie Hiaki (tracks: Tracks:1,5,6,8,9)
Bass, Conductor – John Clayton
Drums – Jeff Hamilton
Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli
Guitar, Vocals – John Pizzarelli
Piano – Tamir Hendelman
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Charles Owens, Rickey Woodard
Trombone – George Bohanon, Ryan Porter
Trombone [Lead] – Ira Nepus
Trumpet – Bobby Rodriguez, Gilbert Castellanos, James Ford, Sal Cracchiolo
Trumpet [Lead] – Bijon Watson

HERBIE HANCOCK · MICHAEL BRECKER · ROY HARGROVE — Directions in Music : Live at Massey Hall (2002) Two Version | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

A double-milestone year for jazz, 2001 marked the 75th anniversary of the births of both Miles Davis and John Coltrane. With that in mind, Herbie Hancock went on tour with a quintet modeled after his V.S.O.P. bands of the '70s and '80s and the Tribute to Miles band of the '90s, which in turn were modeled after the 1965-1968 Miles Davis Quintet. The question this disc proposes: Can you go home yet again? Hancock preferred to dodge that one, saying that he was attempting to push the music onward in the Davis/Coltrane spirit of adventure rather than play for nostalgia. But essentially, despite the often unblinkingly hard-nosed soloing and the sometimes radical reworking of the old tunes, the conception of this idiom is that of Miles, and Michael Brecker's often brilliant, searching tenor sax work owes its soul to the example of Trane. Although the quintet's Los Angeles gig on October 11, 2001, was rather disappointing, the Toronto concert recorded here was a big improvement, with two weeks of roadwork evidently having the desired tightening effect. Though Hancock's piano gradually became more abstract and disconnected with its surroundings over the years, here he is in touch with his colleagues. Brecker provides the most fervent individual statement with an unaccompanied rendition of "Naima" that amounts to a virtual encyclopedia of tenor saxophone technique. Roy Hargrove does a serviceable job on trumpet and flügelhorn, trying to fill some heavy shoes, and as accomplished as the rhythm team of John Patitucci (bass) and Brian Blade (drums) is, you miss the irreplaceable combustion of Ron Carter and especially the late Tony Williams (compare the original Davis recording of "The Sorcerer" with this inward, less dynamic, less driving version). The most strikingly reworked cover tune is a slow, drawn-out, mournful take on "Impressions," almost an elegy for Coltrane, and Brecker delivers the eulogy with fire in the belly. There is new material from Hargrove ("The Poet"), Brecker ("D Trane"), and the three headliners ("Misstery"), none of which expands much beyond the parameters of the Davis and Coltrane models. While this quintet does not kick over old boundaries, it does make good, uncompromisingly intelligent music. Richard S. Ginell  
Tracklist :
1 The Sorcerer 8:54
Herbie Hancock
2 The Poet 6:35
Roy Hargrove
3 So What/Impressions 12:51
John Coltrane / Miles Davis
4 Misstery 8:16
Michael Brecker / Herbie Hancock / Roy Hargrove
5 Naima 7:29
John Coltrane
6 Transition 10:26
John Coltrane
7 My Ship 8:40
Ira Gershwin / Kurt Weill
8 D Trane 15:11
Michael Brecker
Credits :
Bass – John Patitucci
Drums – Brian Blade
Piano, Executive Producer – Herbie Hancock
Tenor Saxophone, Producer – Michael Brecker
Trumpet, Flugelhorn (tracks: 2, 7) – Roy Hargrove

ROY HARGROVE — The Vibe (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The last of trumpeter Roy Hargrove's recordings to feature his longtime altoist Antonio Hart also includes pianist Marc Cary, bassist Rodney Whitaker, drummer Gregory Hutchinson and guest spots for the tenors of Branford Marsalis and David "Fathead" Newman, plus trombonist Frank Lacy and organist Jack McDuff. Hargrove (still just 22) was already on his way to being one of the better hard bop-based trumpeters in jazz, as he shows on group originals, James Williams' "Alter Ego," Wayne Shorter's "Pinocchio," "Milestones," and "The Things We Did Last Summer." A fine example of Hargrove's rapidly emerging style. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    The Vibe    6:29
 Marc Cary
2    Caryisms    6:54
 Roy Hargrove
3    Where Were You?    4:57
 Roy Hargrove
4    Alter Ego    6:30
 James Williams
5    The Thang    4:59
 Roy Hargrove
6    Pinocchio    4:48
 Wayne Shorter
7    Milestones    5:57
 Miles Davis
8    Things We Did Last Summer    5:38
 Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
9    Blues For Booty Green's    6:26
 Roy Hargrove
10    Runnin' Out Of Time    7:37
 Marc Cary
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Antonio Maurice Hart
Bass – Rodney Thomas Whitaker
Drums – Gregory Hutchinson
Organ [B3] – 'Cap'n' Jack McDuff (tracks: 9)
Piano – Marc Anthony Cary
Tenor Saxophone – Branford Marsalis (tracks: 6, 10), David "Fathead" Newman (tracks: 4)
Trombone – Ku-Umba Frank Lacy (tracks: 6, 8, 10)

NNENNA FREELON — Maiden Voyage (1998) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Nnenna Freelon's fifth CD should establish her as one of the top jazz singers of the 1990s. Rather than stick to typical jazz standards, she explore women's songs (or at least lyrics) from many fields of music. Her compelling interpretation of the title track, with its infrequently heard lyric by Mrs. Herbie Hancock, is followed by a hypnotic original lyric written by Freelon for Marian McPartland's "Threnody," titled "Sepia Wing" in its vocal incarnation. One of the more unusual songs selected is folk singer Buffy Saint-Marie's "Until It's Time for You to Go"; Freelon drastically rearranged this tune by changing the melody line and adding an uptempo vamp, and Bob Mintzer's soprano sax accents are also a nice touch. The moody lament written by the late Laura Nyro, "Buy and Sell," is also an intriguing chart by the singer. Of course, she's no slouch with standard Broadway fare either, as her lively duet with guitarist Joe Beck proves. Ken Dryden

Tracklist :

1 Come Into My Life 5:22

Written-By – Nona Hendryx

2 Four Women 4:54

Written-By – Nina Simone

3 Maiden Voyage 8:26

Lyrics By – Jean Hancock

Music By – Herbie Hancock

Piano – Herbie Hancock

4 Buy And Sell 5:29

Written-By – Laura Nyro

5 Future News Blues 4:43

Written-By – Nnenna Freelon

6 Until It's Time For You To Go 6:00

Written-By – Buffy Sainte-Marie

7 Women Be Wise 8:08

Written-By – Sippie Wallace

8 Sepia Wing 5:46

Lyrics By – Nnenna Freelon

Music By – Marian McPartland

9 Pick Yourself Up 4:09

Lyrics By – Dorothy Fields

Music By – Jerome Kern

10 I Won't Dance 4:33

Lyrics By – Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh, Oscar Hammerstein II, Otto Harbach

Music By – Jerome Kern

11 Inside A Silent Tear 4:30

Lyrics By – Linda Albert

Music By – Blossom Dearie

12 Sing Me Down 4:18

Written-By – Nnenna Freelon

Credits :

Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer (tracks: 2, 4, 7)
Cello – Jesse Levy (tracks: 2, 4)
Double Bass – Avishai Cohen (tracks: 1-6, 12), Peter Washington (tracks: 8, 10, 11)
Drums – Clarence Penn (tracks: 8, 10, 11), Danny Gottlieb (tracks: 1-6, 12)
Flute – Dave Valentin (tracks: 8, 10)
Guitar – Joe Beck (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12)
Percussion – Sammy Figueroa (tracks: 1-6, 8, 10, 11, 12)
Piano – Michael Abene (tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12)
Soprano Saxophone – Bob Mintzer (tracks: 1, 6)
Tenor Saxophone – Dick Oatts (tracks: 10, 11)
Trombone – Ed Neumeister (tracks: 10)
Vocals – Nnenna Freelon

YELLOWJACKETS — Timeline (2011) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Contemporary jazz ensemble Yellowjackets' 2011 Mack Avenue debut, Timeline features the band's longstanding knack for straddling the line between smooth jazz and more cerebral post-bop stuff. Marking the group's 30 years in the business, the album is a perfect mix of low-key, soulful moments and more funky, angular jazz. In that sense, it's a perfect balance of what the band has done throughout its career. Showcased here are members saxophonist Bob Mintzer, keyboardist Russell Ferrante, bassist Jimmy Haslip, and drummer Will Kennedy, as well as guests guitarist Robben Ford and trumpeter John Daversa. Ultimately, with tracks like the disarmingly knotty opener "Why Is It," the expansive "Tenacity," and the ruminative R&B-infused title track, Timeline reveals Yellowjackets as a band in a seemingly reinvigorated and creative state of mind. Not a bad place to be at 30. Matt Collar

Tracklist :
1     Why is It 5:04
Bob Mintzer
2     Tenacity 6:07
Bob Mintzer
Trumpet – John Daversa
3     Rosemary 4:54
W. Kennedy
4     Timeline 5:11
R. Ferrante
5     Magnolia 4:36
R. Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip
Guitar – Robben Ford
6     A Single Step 7:05
R. Ferrante
7     Indivisible 5:22
R. Ferrante
8     Like Elvin 5:32
Bob Mintzer
Trumpet – John Daversa
9     My Soliloquy 6:22
Bob Mintzer
10     Numerology 5:56
R. Ferrante
11     I Do 6:00
R. Ferrante
Credits :
Bass – Jimmy Haslip
Drums, Keyboards – Will Kennedy
Piano, Keyboards – Russell Ferrante
Producer – Yellowjackets
Tenor Saxophone, Sopranino Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer

JACKIE McLEAN — 4, 5 And 6 (1956) Four Version | RM | SACD | RVG | The Prestige Mono Series | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

In 1956 Jackie McLean was only beginning to assert himself as a true individualist on the alto saxophone, exploring the lime-flavored microtones of his instrument that purists or the misinformed perceived as being off-key or out of tune. 4, 5 and 6 presents McLean's quartet on half the date, and tunes with an expanded quintet, and one sextet track -- thus the title. Mal Waldron, himself an unconventional pianist willing to explore different sizings and shadings of progressive jazz, is a wonderful complement for McLean's notions, with bassist Doug Watkins and drummer Art Taylor the impervious team everyone wanted for his rhythm section at the time. The quartet versions of "Sentimental Journey," "Why Was I Born?," and "When I Fall in Love" range from totally bluesy, to hard bop ribald, to pensive and hopeful, respectively. These are three great examples of McLean attempting to make the tunes his own, adding a flattened, self-effaced, almost grainy-faced texture to the music without concern for the perfectness of the melody. Donald Byrd joins the fray on his easygoing bopper "Contour," where complex is made simple and enjoyable, while Hank Mobley puts his tenor sax to the test on the lone and lengthy sextet track, a rousing version of Charlie Parker's risk-laden "Confirmation." It's Waldron's haunting ballad "Abstraction," with Byrd and McLean's quick replies, faint and dour, that somewhat illuminates the darker side. As a stand-alone recording, 4, 5 and 6 does not break barriers, but does foreshadow the future of McLean as an innovative musician in an all-too-purist mainstream jazz world. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1.    Jackie McLean Quartet–    Sentimental Journey    (9:59)
 Les Brown / Bud Green / Ben Homer
2.    Jackie McLean Quartet–    Why Was I Born?    (5:16)
 Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
3.    Jackie McLean Quintet–    Contour    (5:02)
 Kenny Drew
4.    Jackie McLean Sextet–    Confirmation    (11:25)
 Charlie Parker
5.    Jackie McLean Quartet–    When I Fall In Love    (5:35
 Edward Heyman / Victor Young
6.    Jackie McLean Quintet–    Abstraction (8:02)
 Mal Waldron
Credits :
Jackie McLean - Alto Saxophone
Donald Byrd - Trumpet (#3, 4, 6 only)
Hank Mobley - Tenor Saxophone (#4 only)
Mal Waldron - Piano
Doug Watkins - Bass
Arthur Taylor - Drums

HERBIE MANN · BOBBY JASPAR — Flute Soufflé (1957-1992) RM | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

At the time of this Prestige set (reissued on CD), Herbie Mann was a flutist who occasionally played tenor and Bobby Jaspar a tenor-saxophonist who doubled on flute. Two of the four songs find them switching back and forth while the other two are strictly flute features. With pianist Tommy Flanagan, guitarist Joe Puma, bassist Wendell Marshall and drummer Bobby Donaldson contributing quiet support, the two lead voices constantly interact and trade off during this enjoyable performance. Highpoints are the haunting "Tel Aviv" and a delightful version of "Chasing the Bird."  Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
 1    Tel Aviv 14:38    
Herbie Mann
 2    Somewhere Else 5:55    
Joe Puma
 3    Let's March 7:21    
Herbie Mann
 4    Chasin' the Bird 8:13
Charlie Parker
Credits :
Bass – Wendell Marshall
Drums – Bobby Donaldson
Engineer [Recording] – Rudy Van Gelder
Flute & Tenor Saxophones – Bobby Jaspar, Herbie Mann
Guitar – Joe Puma
Piano – Tommy Flanagan

BALDASSARE GALUPPI : Keyboard Sonatas • 1 (Matteo Napoli) (2011) FLAC (image+.cue) lossless

A leading figure in the development of opera buffa, Baldassare Galuppi was also much admired as a keyboardist, though his many sonatas largely remain unpublished and unknown today. Usually comprising two or three contrasting movements, these graceful and charming works juxtapose the melodious and the bravura, the melancholy and the ebullient, often recalling the music of Domenico Scarlatti or the young Mozart. Matteo Napoli enjoys a busy international career and plays on a number of highly praised Naxos recordings. Volume 2 will be issued on 8.572490. naxos
Baldassare Galuppi (1706–1785)
1-3.     Sonata In F Major, Illy 28
4-6.     Sonata In F Minor, Illy 9
7-8. Sonata In C Minor
9-11. Sonata In C Major, Illy 57
12-13. Sonata In B Flat Major, Illy 32
14-15. Sonata In G Major, Illy 53
16-19. Sonata In D Major, Illy 45
20. Sonata In C Major, Illy 98
Credits :
Piano – Matteo Napoli
Cover photo: Burano, Venetian Lagoon

BALDASSARE GALUPPI : Keyboard Sonatas • 2 (Matteo Napoli) (2011) FLAC (image+.cue) lossless

Venetian composer Baldassare Galuppi’s reputation rests principally on his pioneering series of comic operas. But, trained by Antonio Lotti, Galuppi was also a keyboard player of distinction who served at the court of Catherine the Great in St Petersburg. Twelve keyboard sonatas were published during his lifetime, but Hedda Illy’s catalogue lists over 100 and reveals that Galuppi not only inherited the brilliance and panache of Domenico Scarlatti but anticipated the expressive writing of Mozart. The first volume in Matteo Napoli’s series (8.572263) was commended as “a good choice for connoisseurs of 18th century keyboard music.” (MusicWeb International) naxos
Baldassare Galuppi (1706–1785)
1-3. Keyboard Sonata In B-Flat Major, Illy 14     (11:03)
4-5. Sonata In D Minor, Illy 2     (5:13)
6-8. Piano Sonata in C Minor, Illy 34     (7:56)
9-11. Keyboard Sonata In C Major, Illy 27     (12:54)
12-14. Keyboard Sonata In E-Flat Major, Illy 24 (11:51)
15-16. Keyboard Sonata In D Minor, Illy 56 (7:24)
17-19. Keyboard Sonata In D Major, Illy 1     (11:26)
Credits :
Piano – Matteo Napoli
Cover photo: Burano, Venetian Lagoon