THE GARY BURTON QUINTET with EBERHARD WEBER — Ring (1974) Three Version | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Burton plays the vibroharp with superb delicacy which tops off the spirals of harmonic sound. Each track shifts in mood seamlessly from the one before - with writing credits to Goodrick, Mike Gibbs and Carla Bley before an interpretation of Weber's Colours of Chloe rounds off the record.An all time favourite jazz record, for a quieter mood. A classic ECM release.

Tracklist :

1. Mevlevia 6:00
 Mick Goodrick
2. Unfinished Sympathy 3:04
 Michael Gibbs
3. Tunnel Of Love 5:33
 Michael Gibbs
4. Intrude 4:52
 Michael Gibbs
5. Silent Spring 10:35
 Carla Bley
6. The Colours Of Chloe 7:12
 Eberhard Weber 

Credits :

Gary Burton - Vibraharp

Mick Gooddrick (1 to 3, 5, 6) - Guitar

Pat Metheny - Guitar, Electric 12-String Guitar

Eberhard Weber (1 to 3, 5, 6), Steve Swallow - Bass

Bob Moses - Percussion

Produced by Manfred Eicher

OMARA PORTUONDO — Flor de Amor (2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Flor de Amor is the second World Circuit outing for Cuban diva Omara Portuondo, whose debut for the label topped the world music charts in 2000. This time out, Portuondo and producers Nick Gold, Jerry Boys, and Alé Siqueira assemble a sultry, steamy, and extremely elegant collection of love songs that are steeped in the popular Cuban bolero, rhumba, ritmo, guajira, and mambo traditions, but there is also the airiness of Brazilian pop music in the tunes produced by Siqueira. The players are from three generations of Cuban studio musicians, and include Barbarito Torres, Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez, Manuel Galbán, Roberto Fonseca, Carlos Emilio, and dozens of others, with a few Anglo players and singers as well. This is one of the most elegant recordings to come from the Buena Vista Social Club set. The album opens with the ethereal "Tabú." It is a song of longing for Africa with a gorgeous clarinet line played by Javier Zalba and a wispy backing chorus that winds around Portuondo; she blends in a Yoruban spiritual chant without breaking stride or upsetting the nocturnal balance of the tune. Jorge Chicoy's trademark electric guitar sound graces many of these tunes, with none so beautiful as "Amor de Mis Amores" ("Love of my life/Lifeblood of my veins/Give me the bloom of hope/Let me tell you the bittersweet truth/Of my suffering..."), with its chorus and entwining guitars and percussion. The classic "Amorosa Guajira" is haunting and tender; it features the singer accompanied only by Papi Oviedo's 12-string. The closing cut is written in Portuguese by Brazilian pop star Carlinhos Brown along with Junior Costa. Portuondo rises to the occasion, and sings this samba-inspired ballad with aplomb -- there is even a subtle theremin line by producer Siqueira! Flor de Amor is a wonderfully seamless, sensually charged, slow burn of an album that is nothing short of a work of art.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1 Tabú 4:19
Margarita Lecuona
2 Amor de Mis Amores 3:23
María Teresa Lara
3 Alma de Roca 3:35
Lily Batet
4 Mueve la Cintura Mulato 3:35
Alejandro Enis Almenares
5 Junto a un Cañaveral 3:30
Omara Portuondo
6 Hermosa Habana 3:48
Rolando Vergara
7 El Madrugador 3:33
Omara Portuondo
8 Amorosa Guajira 2:23   
Omara Portuondo
9 Habanera Ven 3:28
Omara Portuondo
10 Si Llego a Besarte 3:19
Luis Casas Romero
11 Flor de Amor 3:06
Omara Portuondo
12 Juramento 3:22
Miguel Matamoros
13 He Venido a Decirte 3:48
María Teresa Lara / Rolando Vergara
14 Casa Calor 4:08
Carlinhos Brown
Credits :
Accordion – Toninho Ferragutti
Acoustic Guitar – Swami Jr.
Bass – Orlando "Cachaíto" López
Congas – Miguel "Angá" Díaz
Electric Guitar – Jorge Chicoy
Keyboards, Piano – Roberto Fonseca
Percussion – Carlinhos Brown
Shaker, Pandeiro, Tabla – Marcos Suzano
Surdo, Percussion – Boghan Costa, Léo Bit Bit
Tres – Papi Oviedo

JEAN THIELEMANS — Man Bites Harmonica! (1958-1995) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | Two Version | Mp3 + FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although he plays guitar exclusively on two of the eight selections included on this CD reissue, it is Toots Thielemans' harmonica playing that is most unique. He holds his own on a hard bop blowing date with baritonist Pepper Adams, pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Wilbur Ware and drummer Art Taylor, jamming on such songs as "East of the Sun," "Struttin' with Some Barbeque" and "Isn't It Romantic." Even four decades later, no jazz harmonica player has dethroned the great Toots. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    East Of The Sun 7:14
Written-By – Brooks Bowman
2    Don't Blame Me 2:27
Written-By – Fields - McHugh
3    18th Century Ballroom 3:46
Written-By – Ray Bryant
4    Soul Station 6:58
Written-By – Jean Thielemans
5    Fundamental Frequency 4:54
Written-By – Jean Thielemans
6    Strutting With Some Barbecue 4:30
Written-By – Lil Arrmstrong
7    Imagination 4:27
Written-By – Burke - Van Heusen
8    Isn't It Romantic 5:16
Written-By – Rodgers & Hart
Credits :
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams (tracks: 1, 3 to 6, 8)
Bass – Wilbur Ware
Drums – Art Taylor
Guitar, (tracks: 3, 4, 7), Harmonica, (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6, 8) – Jean Thielemans
Piano – Kenny Drew

THE KENNY DREW TRIO — Pal Joey (1957-1992) RM | MONO | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | Two Version | Mp3 + FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It seems strange that (with the exception of a 1960 session for Blue Note) this would be pianist Kenny Drew's last session as a leader until 1973. With bassist Wilbur Ware and drummer Philly Joe Jones, Drew interprets eight Rodgers and Hart tunes, five written for the play Pal Joey and three of their earlier hits that were included in the film version. Drew contributes swing and subtle bop-based improvising to these superior melodies (which are highlighted by "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," "I Could Write a Book," and "The Lady Is a Tramp"), and the results are quite memorable. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
 1. Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered (4:08)
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
2. Do It The Hard Way (5:47)
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
3. I Didn't Know What Time It Was (3:58)
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
4. Happy Hunting Horn (4:15)
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
5. I Could Write A Book (4:38)  
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
6. What Is A Man? (5:04)
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
7. My Funny Valentine (4:05)
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
8. The Lady Is A Tramp (5:40)
  Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
Credits :
Kenny Drew - Piano
Wilbur Ware - Bass
Philly Joe Jones - Drums

SHOSTAKOVICH : 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87 (Keith Jarrett) (1992) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Dmitri Shostakovich's epic series of preludes and fugues for solo piano was inspired by the very composer whom you would immediately suspect -- Johann Sebastian Bach. Indeed, the Russian composer was motivated to write this huge work after a visit to Bach's home city Leipzig in 1950; and, in fact, it resurrects the premise behind Bach's "The Well-Tempered Clavier," providing one prelude and fugue for every major and minor key. So having conquered the Bach work on recordings, Keith Jarrett decided to tackle its 20th century sequel in this two-CD set. Looking at it from one angle, this is Jarrett's most impressive technical achievement in the classical repertoire so far. Generally speaking, the Shostakovich is more difficult to play than the other classical works that he had recorded previously, and he is clearly up to all of its sometimes fearsome demands. From an interpretive angle, though, Jarrett doesn't get as much out of this music as, say, the late Russian pianist Tatiana Nikolaeva, who gave the first performances of the work. With Nikolaeva, each note is captured and spotlighted in ever-changing lights. Jarrett is on the hunt for detail, too -- the "No. 11," "15," and "17" fugues are particularly invigorating in that respect -- yet much of the time, he tends to color things in one way. Part of this impression may be due to the sound of his piano, which is treated with ECM's usual soft-focused cloud of reverb. For Jarrett fans who are following his classical adventures, this could be a most intriguing left turn, but those seeking the definitive recording of the pieces would find Nikolaeva more stimulating. Richard S. Ginell
Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975)
CD1. Preludes And Fugues Op.87, 1-12
CD2. Preludes And Fugues Op.87, 12-24
Piano – Keith Jarrett

YUSEF LATEEF — Before Dawn (1958-1998) RM | Verve Elite Edition Series | Two Version | WV + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

This is one of the most obscure of all Yusef Lateef recordings, one that has even been left out of some discographies. Lateef mostly sticks to tenor (playing only flute on one song and making one appearance on the double-reed arghul) and is featured with his Detroit All-Stars, a quintet also including the up-and-coming trombonist Curtis Fuller, pianist Hugh Lawson, bassist Ernie Farrow and drummer Louis Hayes. Overall, the set is more bop-oriented than normal, with versions of "Pike's Peak" (based on "What Is This Thing Called Love"), Charlie Parker's "Constellation" and the blues "Chang, Chang, Chang" showing how strong and original Lateef could be even playing conventional straight-ahead material. Some of the other pieces look toward the future and/or the East, and all eight selections have their memorable moments, with the passionate yet thoughtful ballad "Love Is Eternal" being among the high points. Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Passion 4:04
    Composed By – Yusef Lateef
2.    Love Is Eternal 6:30
    Composed By – Yusef Lateef
3.    Pike's Peak 5:30
    Composed By – Yusef Lateef
4.    Open Strings 6:15
    Composed By – Yusef Lateef
Celesta [Celeste] – Hugh Lawson
Flute – Yusef Lateef
5.    Before Dawn 5:27
    Composed By – Yusef Lateef
Performer [Arghul] – Yusef Lateef
Performer [Rabab] – Ernest Farrow
6.    Twenty-Five Minute Blues    5:27
    Composed By – Yusef Lateef
7.    Chang, Chang, Chang 2:57
    Composed By – Yusef Lateef
Percussion – Yusef Lateef
8.    Constellation 4:47
Composed By – Charles Parker, Jr.
Credits :
Bass – Ernie Farrow (tracks: 1 to 4, 6 to 8)
Drums – Louis Hayes
Piano – Hugh Lawson
Tenor Saxophone – Yusef Lateef (tracks: 1 to 3, 5 to 8)
Trombone – Curtis Fuller

BOBBI HUMPHREY — Flute-In (1971) RM | Two Version | SHM-CD | Blue Note, The Masterworks Series | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

A landmark signing, Bobbi Humphrey was the first female ever signed by Blue Note Records. Her debut pays homage to songs popularized by others, no original material made it pass the drawing board. The petite flautist from Texas sticks to tradition on covers of "Ain't No Sunshine," and "It's Too Late," her flute conveying the songs' sentiment, and sadness as convincingly as any voice in music. Jazz roots spar with funk and soul influences on Lee Morgan's "Sidewinder," and Eddie Harris' "Set Me Free." The fight continues on Ben E. King's "Spanish Harlem," and which has more bounce and rhythm than the original. Bobbi displays dexterity and power throughout her coming out, mainstream LP. Andrew Hamilton
Tracklist :
1. Ain't No Sunshine 2:30
 Bill Withers
2. It's Too Late 3:05
 Carole. King / Tony Stern

3. Sidewinder 6:13
 Lee Morgan
4. Sad Bag 5:05
 Dick Griffin
5. Spanish Harlem 3:45
 Jerry Leiber / Phil Spector
6. Don't Knock My Funk 4:36
 W. Marcus Bey
7. Set Us Free 5:48
 W. Marcus Bey
Credits :
Bobbi Humphrey - Flute
Billy Harper - Sax Tenor
Lee Morgan - Trumpet
Gene Bertoncini - Guitar
Hank Jones, Frank Owens - Piano
Gordon Edwards, George Duvivier - Bass
Idris Muhammad, Jimmy Johnson Jr. - Drums
George Devens - Marimba, Percussion, Vibraphone
Ray Armando - Conga

SONNY ROLLINS — Original Music from the Score "Alfie" (1966-1997) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins loaned his flair for the dramatic to the score for the film Alfie, accompanying the story of what the liner notes describe as "the involuntary education of a hipster." Arranged by Oliver Nelson, the soundtrack follows the character's evolution from the carefree, rakish Lothario of "Alfie's Theme" to the contemplative, somewhat broken man reflected in "Alfie's Theme Differently." Rollins attempts to capture the textures of life through his incisive and energetic playing, his coherent improvisations, and variations on musical themes. While "Alfie's Theme" and its variants make the most lasting impression, "He's Younger Than You Are" is touching, laced with regret. And the sensual, relaxed "On Impulse" has a nice sense of immediacy. Rovi Staff
Tracklist :
1. Alfie's Theme 10:25
 Sonny Rollins
2. He's Younger Than You 5:07
 Sonny Rollins
3. Street Runner With Child 4:00
 Sonny Rollins
4. Transition Theme For Minor Blues Or Little Malcolm Loves His Dad 5:50
 Sonny Rollins
5. On Impulse 5:07
 Sonny Rollins
6. Alfie's Theme Differently 3:44
 Sonny Rollins
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Phil Woods
Arranged By, Conductor – Oliver Nelson
Baritone Saxophone – Danny Bank
Bass – Walter Booker
Drums – Frank Dunlop
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Piano – Roger Kellaway
Tenor Saxophone – Bob Ashton, Sonny Rollins
Trombone – J.J. Johnson, Jimmy Cleveland

GENE AMMONS — Boss Tenor (1960) RM | Five Version | 20bit K2 | XRCD | SACD | RVG Remasters | The Prestige Stereo Series | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

The great tenor saxophonist Gene Ammons was of the generation of swing-era players that easily adapted to bop. But though he was a modernist, Ammons maintained that breathy, old-school romantic approach to the tenor. Boss Tenor, a quintet session from 1960, is one of Ammons' very best albums. Ray Barretto's congas subtly add a bit of Latin spice, but otherwise this is a collection of standards rendered with a gorgeous late-night bluesy feel. Accompaniment by Tommy Flanagan, one of the best mainstream pianists ever, certainly doesn't hurt, either. A gem. Mark Keresman
Tracklist :
1. Hittin' The Jug 8:29
 Gene Ammons
2. Close Your Eyes 3:46
 Bernice Petkere
3. My Romance 4:16
 Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
4. Canadian Sunset 5:24
 Norman Gimbel / Eddie Heywood
5. Blue Ammons 4:57
 Gene Ammons
6. Confirmation 5:24
 Charlie Parker
7. Stompin' At The Savoy 3:31
 Bill Doggett / Lucky Millinder
Credits :
Gene Ammons - Tenor Saxophone
Tommy Flanagan - Piano
Doug Watkins - Bass
Arthur Taylor - Drums
Ray Barretto - Conga

Schloß Vogelöd (The Haunted Castle) a.k.a. "O Castelo Vogelöd" (1921, Dir. F.W. Murnau) VIDEO (Mp4)

Synopsis :
In the castle Vogeloed, a few aristocrats are awaiting baroness Safferstätt. But first count Oetsch invites himself.. Everyone thinks he murdered his brother, baroness Safferstat's first husband, three years ago. So he is rather undesirable. But Oetsch stays; arguing he is not the murderer and will find the real one...
Title : The Haunted Castle
Original title : Schloss Vogelöd
Ano : 1921
Directed : F.W. Murnau
Duration : 75 min.
Country : Germany

The German The Haunted Castle (Schloss Vogelrod) has been described as director F.W. Murnau's "warm-up" for his subsequent Nosferatu. At this point in his career, Murnau was more interested in effects than in story or characterization, but those effects were among the best within the boundaries of Germany's "Caligari School." The cast included Paul Hartmann, Arnold Korff, Paul Bildt and Olga Tschenova. Hal Erickson

JOHN WRIGHT — Mr. Soul (1962-1995) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The flurry of interest in pianist John Wright in the early 1960s coincided with the soul movement in jazz.
The basic elements in his music may have qualified him for souldom in the minds of record marketers. But Wright had facets beyond his gospel and blues roots, and he 'soul' label attached to his recordings did him the disservice of suggesting a limited range. There's plenty soul in this collection, but Wright also had harmonic depth and a lyrical side that are on display here not only in the first three tracks, but in much of the blues-drenched original material that makes up the rest of the álbum. Wright's sensitive keyboard touch and crisp articulation impart a tripping lightness to even his churchiest expressions. He is accompanied by Wendel Marshall, na omnipresente bassist in the 1950s and '60s, and drummer Walter Perkinks, Jr. in the days before he worked with Art Farmer and Sonny Rollins. notes to CD. 
Tracklist :
1.    Our Waltz 5:21
David Rose
2.    Blue Prelude 3:25
Joe Bishop / Gordon Jenkins
3.    What's New? 5:29
Johnny Burke / Bob Haggart
4.    Everything's Gonna Work Out Fine 3:23
 (writer unknown)
5.    Mr. Soul 5:32
Esmond Edwards
6.    Shake 2:31
John Wright
7.    Strut 5:16
John Wright
8.    Now Hang in There 4:03
John Wright
Credits :
John Wright - Piano
Wendell Marshall - Bass
Walter Perkins, Jr. - Drums

DIANA KRALL — Turn Up the Quiet (2017) Three Version | SHM-CD | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Diana Krall spent the better part of the 2010s exploring byways of American song -- her 2012 set Glad Rag Doll drew heavily on obscure jazz from the 1920s and '30s, its 2015 sequel Wallflower concentrated on pop and rock tunes -- but 2017's Turn Up the Quiet finds the pianist/singer returning to well-known standards from the Great American Songbook. Reuniting with producer Tommy LiPuma for the first time since 2009's bossa nova-inspired Quiet Nights, Krall works with a trio of lineups on Turn Up the Quiet, alternating between a trio, quartet, and quintet. The album isn't divided into triads but rather gently shifts between these bands, a move that's sometimes imperceptible because the focus is firmly on Krall, the pianist. Her voice often operates at a hushed whisper -- a decision that suits this collection of romantic, dreamy material; it also underscores the importance of the record's title -- and that emphasizes her lithe piano along with the solo spotlights from her featured musicians. Krall gives her three bands plenty of space to shine -- fiddler Stuart Duncan, in particular, stuns with his solo on "I'll See You in My Dreams," but there are nice turns from guitarists Russell Malone, Anthony Wilson, and Marc Ribot, along with supple playing by bassists Christian McBride, Tony Garnier, and Anthony Wilson -- but what impresses is how these ensembles are all united in spirit and attitude, all thanks to their leader. Krall has a definite vision for Turn Up the Quiet -- she wants to keep things smoky and subdued, a record for the wee hours -- and the end result is so elegant, it seems effortless. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :
1. Like Someone In Love 3:16
 Acoustic Bass – Christian McBride
 Composed By – Jimmy Van Heusen And Johnny Burke
 Contractor – Shari Sutcliffe
 Electric Guitar – Russell Malone
 Solo Vocal, Piano – Diana Krall
2. Isn't It Romantic 4:29
 Acoustic Bass – John Clayton
 Composed By – Rodgers & Hart
 Concertmaster – Joel Derouin
 Contractor – Shari Sutcliffe
 Drums – Jeff Hamilton
 Electric Guitar – Anthony Wilson
 Solo Vocal, Piano – Diana Krall
 Vibraphone – Stefan Harris
3. L-O-V-E 4:21
 Acoustic Bass – John Clayton
 Composed By – Bert Kaempfert, Milt Gabler
 Contractor – Shari Sutcliffe
 Drums – Jeff Hamilton
 Electric Guitar – Anthony Wilson
 Solo Vocal, Piano – Diana Krall
4. Night and Day 4:39
 Acoustic Bass – John Clayton
 Acoustic Guitar – Anthony Wilson
 Composed By – Cole Porter
 Concertmaster – Joel Derouin
 Contractor – Shari Sutcliffe
 Drums – Jeff Hamilton
 Solo Vocal, Piano – Diana Krall
5. I'm Confessin' (That I Love You) 3:24
 Acoustic Bass – Tony Garnier
 Composed By – Al Neiburg, Doc Daugherty, Ellis Reynolds
 Contractor – Shari Sutcliffe
 Drums – Karriem Riggins
 Electric Guitar – Marc Ribot
 Fiddle – Stuart Duncan
 Solo Vocal, Piano – Diana Krall
6. Moonglow 5:15
 Acoustic Bass – Tony Garnier
 Composed By – Eddie Delange, Irving Mills, Will Hudson
 Contractor – Shari Sutcliffe
 Drums – Karriem Riggins
 Electric Guitar – Marc Ribot
 Fiddle – Stuart Duncan
 Solo Vocal, Piano – Diana Krall
7. Blue Skies 4:39
 Acoustic Bass – Christian McBride
 Composed By – Irving Berlin
 Contractor – Shari Sutcliffe
 Electric Guitar – Russell Malone
 Solo Vocal, Piano – Diana Krall
8. Sway 6:13
 Acoustic Bass – John Clayton
 Acoustic Guitar – Anthony Wilson
 Composed By – Luis Demetrio, Norman Gimbel, Pablo Rosas Rodriguez
 Concertmaster – Joel Derouin
 Contractor – Shari Sutcliffe
 Drums – Jeff Hamilton
 Solo Vocal, Piano – Diana Krall
9. No Moon At All 4:06
 Acoustic Bass – John Clayton
 Composed By – David Mann, Redd Evans
 Contractor – Shari Sutcliffe
 Solo Vocal, Piano – Diana Krall
10. Dream 4:05
 Acoustic Bass – Christian McBride
 Composed By – John H. Mercer
 Concertmaster – Joel Derouin
 Contractor – Shari Sutcliffe
 Electric Guitar – Russell Malone
 Solo Vocal, Piano – Diana Krall
11. I'll See You In My Dreams 3:51
 Acoustic Bass – Tony Garnier
 Acoustic Guitar – Marc Ribot
 Composed By – Gus Kahn, Isham Jones
 Contractor – Shari Sutcliffe
 Drums – Karriem Riggins
 Fiddle – Stuart Duncan
 Solo Vocal, Piano – Diana Krall

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