Norman Brown: Sending My Love (2010)

As smooth jazz superstar Norman Brown limbers up for his now annual ‘Summer Storm’ concert tour (that gets underway July 16 at the Hyatt, Newport Beach, CA) there could be no better time for him to release his latest CD, the excellent ‘Sending My Love’. Due out June 21 on Concord Records it firmly returns him to the easy grooving guitar driven smooth jazz with which he made is name. For his fans both new and existing this is an album that is sure to find massive favour.

As early as the opening track, the infectious ‘Come Go With Me’, Brown lays down a marker as to the musical direction of this exquisite collection. It is a tune which displays the unmistakable style of this undoubted guitar maestro and he is again superb for the mid tempo ‘Thinking About You’ that is embellished with a delightful trace of velvety horns.

With the red thread of Latin rhythm running right through it, ‘Play Time’ is another opportunity for Brown to show off his jazzily intricate playing and when he switches to his under utilized singing voice the result is the heart warming ‘Celebrate Me Home’. Despite the surprise of finding a seasonal tune in mid summer this, nevertheless, is a welcome addition and Brown is also in fine vocal form for the distinctly romantic ‘One Last Goodbye’ that also betrays his penchant for an urban vibe. In fact Brown’s previous CD ‘Stay With Me’ was replete with the kind of urban influences that currently permeate the landscape of contemporary jazz and he briefly goes back there for the extremely easy on the ear ‘I’m Pouring My Heart’.

Brown uses ‘Special Moments’ to fashion an introspective gem which is totally typical of his distinct approach and he stays in mellow mode for the atmospheric title cut that benefits from restrained yet powerful backing vocals.

‘Coming Back (Return Of The Man)’ not only puts Brown back in his familiar mid tempo groove but also close up and personal with a sizzling keyboard solo that sets the track apart as one of the album’s finest. However, that said, right up there with it is the seductively understated ‘Here’s My Number’. With a wow factor that is indecent and backing vocals which, late in the piece, come in like a gift from god, this might just be a metaphor for the very best of the genre.

Tracklist:

01. Come Go With Me [4:06]

02. Here’s My Number [5:48]
03. Sending My Love [4:19]
04. Celebrate Me Home (feat. Rochella Brown) [4:44]
05. Play Time [4:42]
06. Special Moments [5:07]
07. I’m Pouring My Heart Out [2:28]
08. Thinking About You [4:30]
09. Coming Back (Return Of The Man) [4:11]
10. One Last Goodbye [3:46]
Sending My Love
Rapidshare / Hotfile @ 320K

Rhythm 'n' Jazz: Groove Experience (2010)

Ben's House of Music was born out of the frustration of being unable to find that perfect blend of Old School R&B Classics, Contemporary Jazz and Gospel. Our mission was simple; find the best grooves and create unique releases for the world to enjoy. To meet our objective we are happy to have signed the critically-acclaimed band Rhythm 'n' Jazz exclusively to our record label. This ensemble of renowned artists were brought together to bring you those funky but smooth jazz grooves.

Tracklist:
01. No More Rain (In This Cloud)
02. Stay
03. Just In Case
04. Hey Mr DJ
05. Tell Me
06. Too Close
07. Wifey
08. Stroke You Up
09. Unpredictable
10. One More Chance
11. Nothin' But A "G" Thang
12. Treat 'Em Right
Groove Experience
Rapidshare / Hotfile @ 320K

Azymuth: Azymuth (Remastered & Remixes) (2007) [2 cd]

This 1974 debut from psychedelic Brazilian funkateers Azymuth gets the remaster/reissue treatment it deserves. Displaying their unique melding of electric jazz, funk, and the casual swing of Brazilian samba, 'Azimuth' is a classic album and the perfect playground for the remix talent that contributes to the second disc. Peanut Butter Wolf lends a production hand to the breezy, organ-led jazz of "Morning," while remix don Spiritual South deftly reworks "Wait For My Turn" from slo-mo funk into cut 'n' paste samba. The revitalization process continues throughout with new takes on old classics by Recloose, Marc Mac, and Yam Who?" - XLR8R (April '07)

This long lost Azymuth jewel gets a repress from Far Out - part historical document, part springboard for an album of remixes and re-edits by today's finest producers. The original album is worth checking for the seeds of what would become the Azymuth sound, particularly the Brazilian boogie funk of 'Caca A Raposa'. But the rework album offers some real bullets tho, none smacking harder than the opener 'Melo Dos Dois Bicudos,', which gets the Mark 'Harmonic 33' Pritchard treatment. Well worth checking." - Straight No Chaser (Spring '07)

Tracklist:
1. Linha Do Horizonte 4:29
2. Melô Dos Dois Bicudos 3:08
3. Brazil 3:58
4. Seems like this 4:31
5. Caça A Raposa 5:12
6. Estrada Dos Deuses 3:41
7. Wait For My Turn 3:01
8. Montreal City 3:19
9. Morning 3:48
10. Periscópio 7:36
11. Melô Dos Dois Bicudos (Harmonic 313 Re-Edit) 4:10
12. Wait For My Turn (Spiritual South Remix) 7:26
13. Linha Do Horizonte (Mr Beatnick Remix) 5:45
14. Montreal City (Volcov Re-Edit) 4:29
15. Estrada Dos Deuses (Recloose Re-Edit) 5:43
16. Seems Like This (As One Remix) 6:53
17. Periscópio (Marc Mac for 4hero Re-Edit) 6:05
18. Morning (Peanut Butter Wolf Re-Edit) 3:42
19. Caca A Raposa (DJ Venom Re-Edit) 4:42
20. Linha Do Horizonte (Kashmeer Brothers Remix) 3:38
21. Wait For My Turn (Yam Who Remix)
Azimuth (Remastered & Remixes)
Part 1 - Part 2 (DF) / Part 1 - Part 2 (HF) @ 320K

Lee Ritenour: 6 String Theory (2010)

It’s hard to believe that 2010 marks 50 years since Lee Ritenour starting playing the guitar, setting in motion a career that legends are made of. A career that has earned him 19 GRAMMY® nominations, a GRAMMY Award, numerous #1 spots on guitar polls, A Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian SJ Awards, and the prestigious “Alumnus of the Year” award from USC. During his illustrious career, he has recorded over 40 albums, with 35 chart songs and was a founding member of the group Fourplay, considered the most successful group in contemporary jazz. As a young guitarist his diverse musical style became the foundation of over 3,000 sessions, covering a broad spectrum of artists ranging from his first session at 16 with the Mamas and Papas, to Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Simon & Garfunkel and Frank Sinatra. On his latest endeavor, 6 String Theory, Ritenour celebrates the instrument that has allowed him this blessing, the guitar; -by producing and assembling a star-studded tribute with the greatest and soon- to- be greatest guitarists of our time.

For 6 String Theory, Ritenour is also among the twenty legendary world class guitarists starring on the recording, which he produced along with John Burk of the Concord Music Group. Joining him in this tribute to the guitar, the all-star line-up includes: George Benson, BB King, Slash, Steve Lukather, John Scofield, Robert Cray and Vince Gill among many other superstars. Blending rock, blues, jazz, acoustic, country and classical, they come together for a seamless project that promises to take the listener on a musical journey and exploration of the guitar. Also featured on vocals are BB King, Robert Cray, Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Majal, Joe Bonamassa and Jonny Lang.

Blending together styles, ages and musical colors, Lee Ritenour’s 6 String Theory promises to be one of the greatest guitar recordings ever made!

Tracklist:

01. Lay It Down (Ft. John Scofield) 5:58

02. Am I Wrong (Ft. Keb' Mo' And Taj Mahal) 4:07
03. L.P. (For Les Paul) (Ft. Pat Martino, And Joey DeFrancesco) 4:50
04. Give Me One Reason (Ft. Joe Bonamassa And Robert Cray) 5:14
05. "68" (Ft. Steve Lukather, Neal Schon, And Slash) 4:58
06. In Your Dreams (Ft. Steve Lukather, And Neal Schon) 5:57
07. My One and Only Love (Ft. George Benson) 1:44
08. Moon River (Ft. George Benson And Joey DeFrancesco) 4:57
09. Why I Sing the Blues (Ft. B.B. King, Vince Gill, Keb' Mo', Johnny Lan) 6:34
10. Daddy Longlicks (Ft. Joe Robinson) 1:54
11. Shape of My Heart (Ft. Steve Lukather, And Andy McKee) 4:48
12. Drifting (Ft. Andy McKee) 3:40
13. Freeway Jam (Ft. Mike Stern, Tomoyasu Hotei,) 4:56
14. Fives (Ft. Guthrie Govan And Tal Wilkenfeld) 4:33
15. Caprices, Op. 20, No. 2 and 7 (Ft. Shon Boublil) 3:30
6 String Theory
Hotfile / Depositfiles @ 192K
Hotfile @ 320K

Al Di Meola: Diabolic Inventions and Seduction for Solo Guitar, Vol. 1: Music of Astor Piazzolla (2007)

Too some, Al di Meola is best known for is shredding guitar work as part of Return to Forever, and also his early solo albums. But di Meola has always had an interest in flamenco styled acoustic playing ("Mediterranean Sundance" off of Elegant Gypsy, anyone?) — which is the six-string style that he fully embraces on his 2007 release, Diabolic Inventions and Seduction for Solo Guitar, Vol. 1: Music of Astor Piazzolla. Like its title says, the album is comprised solely of renditions of tunes by Argentine tango composer Astor Piazzolla, who is best known for trailblazing the nuevo tango style (which contained traces of both jazz and classical). And di Meola has no problem offering up a fine tribute, especially on such tracks as "Campero" and "Romantico." With Diabolic Inventions and Seduction for Solo Guitar, one of the world's most technically gifted guitarists proves once and for all that he is also one of the most versatile, as well.

Tracklist:

1 Campero

2 Poema Valseado
3 Tangata Del Alba
4 Adios Nonino
5 Tema De Maria
6 Milonga Del Angel
7 Romantico
8 Milonga Carrieguera
Diabolic Inventions and Seduction for Solo Guitar, Vol. 1: Music of Astor Piazzolla
Rapidshare / Hotfile @ 320K

Curtis Stigers: Secret Heart (2002)

A brief look at the background of singer and saxophonist Curtis Stigers offers a fair explanation for his broad and resilient jazz pedigree. Growing up in Boise, Idaho, he studied clarinet first and then drums, playing in a succession of rock bands in high school. This experience allowed him to stay open for diverse sources of material and develop his own writing. Discovered and signed in 1991, Stigers mixed originals, standards, and covers by such contemporary writers as Elvis Costello in his repertoire. Secret Heart continues with the same confident mix of material that he's explored over the past decade. Songs by Randy Newman, Ron Sexsmith, and Steve Earle intermingle agreeably with numbers by Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, and Henry Mancini. In addition, his own writing is solidly represented with the bluesy sashay of "How Could a Man Take Such a Fall" and the laid-back shuffle of "Swingin' Down at 10th & Main." --David Greenberger

Tracklist:

01. How Could A Man Take Such A Fall [0:04:13.65]

02. It's So Hard Living Without You [0:04:53.42]
03. Days Of Wine And Roses [0:04:44.33]
04. Hometown Blues [0:03:20.30]
05. My Foolish Heart [0:06:58.05]
06. You're Driving Me Crazy [0:04:01.60]
07. Secret Heart [0:05:01.55]
08. Down With Love [0:03:28.20]
09. Swingin' Down At 10th & Main [0:05:53.05]
10. Sweet Kentucky Ham [0:04:40.10]
11. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To [0:03:12.17]
12. Body And Soul [0:05:26.58]
Secret Heart
Rapidshare / Hotfile / Depositfiles @ 320K

Imer Demirer: You, Me & Char (2009)

Born in 1964 February, began playing the trumpet at the age of 12, he finished the music school Istanbul conservatory in 1986 (M.S.U)but he started to search about jazz 1982-83.he played many different kind of groups and he recorded many solos for his friends album as a sideman and also he still plays on National Turkish Radio Big Band (T.R.T) since 1989 and he teached at I.B.U as a trumpet teacher and he did ensemble lessons between 1998 - 2004 ; he’s been an inspiration for lots of younger musicians. Having performed in numerous festivals and concerts, he collaborated with the best musicians in Turkey and took part in projects like Acid Trippin’, Istanbul Caz Dortlusu, Emin Findikoglu group, TRT Jazz Orchestra (since 1989) EBU Jazz Orchestra. He recorded his first album " You , me & Char " in July 2009.

Tracklist:
01. Chesney
02. Monday Morning ( Oguz Durukan'a Ithafen )
03. Railroad
04. Canakkale Song
05. Love Song To A Dog
06. Be Quite
07. Ti
08. You, Me & Char ( Car )
You, Me & Char
Depositfiles / Hotfile @ 320K

Trio Sud: Young and Fine (2008)

Hailing from Bayonne in the Basque region of southwest France, Sylvain Luc is one of today's most compelling acoustic guitar stylists. On Young and Fine he reunites with the remarkable musicians of Trio Sud - bassist Jean-Marc Jafet and drummer Andre Ceccarelli. Their third Dreyfus recording (Luc's sixth overall), Young and Fine, takes its title from a lovely composition by a recently departed European jazz legend, Austria's Josef Zawinul.

Luc weaves a complex web of acoustic-electric sound, nylonand steel-string textures, showcasing his own music, venerable jazz standards (Wayne Shorter, Dizzy Gillespie), classics of modern jazz repertoire (Joseph Zawinul) and even well-chosen items (Stevie Wonder) from the pop realm.

Tracklist:

01. Song For My Twins (5:18)
02. Sylvain Shadows (3:56)
03. Darn That Dream (4:55)
04. Sweetest Somebody I Know (5:02)
05. Message (5:12)
06. Con Alma (3:30)
07. Infant Eyes (4:20)
08. Avenue Des Diables Bleus (4:15)
09. Young And Fine (3:20)
10. Renaissance (4:15)
11. French Brother (2:22)
12. Imperfect Tune (2:25)
13. Magnificient Marcel (3:09)
Trio Sud: Young and Fine
Rapidshare / Hotfile @ 320K

George Duke: Deja Vu (2010)

Album NotesWhen keyboardist-composer-producer George Duke made a return trip to the heyday of funk on his 2008 recording, Dukey Treats, he reminded his fans and the music press of exactly what made the good old stuff so good. DownBeat called it “a wild and crazy album, especially if you’re nostalgic about the guitar-scratching, double-clutching rhythms of James Brown and George Clinton and the bedroom ballads of Stevie Wonder and Aaron Neville.” The Philadephia Enquirer called it simply “a valentine to funk.”

Duke returns to that same wellspring for Deja Vu, his new recording on BPM/Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group. Set for release on August 10, 2010, the album revisits the synthesizer sound that characterized some of his most memorable recordings from the golden age of funk and soul.

“The whole idea behind Deja Vu was to take a look back at some of the stuff I used to do that was a little more musically challenging,” says Duke. “In some way or another, whatever happened before always comes around again. It may be a little different, but it will resurface. That’s kind of what this album is – a resurfacing of some ideas I had back in the ‘70s when I recorded albums with a lot of synthesizers, like Feel and The Aura Will Prevail.

Still, Deja Vu does feature a few more shades of straightahead and contemporary jazz than its predecessor – as evidenced by fine guest performances throughout the record by trumpeter Nicholas Payton, flutist Hubert Laws and saxophonist Bob Sheppard. “These are three very strong instrumentalists,” says Duke. “We do it here just like we did in the old days. Everybody gets a shot at playing. It’s not just me playing a solo and then we take it out. I try to keep it a little more democratic. It’s the typical jazz scenario of the old days, where everybody gets to play.”

The album opens with the simply titled and breezy “A Melody,” a Latin-flavored track embellished by an intriguing synth solo from Duke. “I hadn’t put a Latin tune on any of my records in a while, and I really love that Brazilian kind of thing,” he says. “I really wanted to include something like that on this record, but with a different twist.”

The funky and sensual “You Touch My Brain” was originally written for Dukey Treats, but never recorded. “I put it together for this record using some weird old clavinets and Wurlitzers and other vintage instruments – stuff that would give it that vintage ‘60s sound,” says Duke. “I had everyone in the room at the same time for that track, and we just did it, so it has that spontaneous feel.”

“What Goes Around Comes Around,” co-written by Duke and saxophonist Everett Harp, lays an easygoing horn melody atop a tricky, syncopated backbeat. As an added surprise, Duke takes a turn behind the drum kit in addition to manning the keyboards.

At first shimmering and exotic, then rocked up and edgy, “Ripple in Time” is Duke’s tribute to Miles Davis that features Oscar Brashear on trumpet. “It was fun to have Oscar do his Miles imitation on this track,” says Duke. “It conjures up that period for Miles in the ‘70s when he was doing some of his more funky stuff with the strange chords underneath.”

The midtempo and energetic “6 O’Clock Revisited” is a refashioning of a track that Duke originally recorded in the ‘80s. This version adds lyrics to the instrumental original, with the father-and-son team of George and Rashid Duke sharing the vocals.

“Stupid Is As Stupid Does” is a rollicking free-for-all that features the triple threat of Payton, Sheppard and Laws. All three are given plenty of room to stretch out on their own and exchange riffs on a track that’s held together by the solid drumming of Ronald Bruner, Jr., and Duke’s intriguing synth work.

In the final analysis, Deja Vu is a glance back, but with a very contemporary sensibility – a piece of work that comes together very much in the present, but also conjures up a persistent feeling of something great that came before. “I’ve always considered myself a multi-stylistic artist,” says Duke. “I try to take people on a musical journey, whether it’s on an album or in a show. I think the style of music that you choose to play is really irrelevant, as long as you’re honest about what you’re trying to present.”

Tracklist:

01. A Melody (4:31)
02. You Touch My Brain (6:23)
03. What Goes Around Comes Around (5:35)
04. Bring Me Joy (4:48)
05. Ripple In Time (6:33)
06. Oh Really? (5:53)
07. 6 O'Clock Revisited (4:27)
08. Come To Me Now (5:50)
09. Stupid Is As Stupid Does (6:42)
10. Deja Vu (5:06)
Deja Vu
Rapidshare / Hotfile @ 256-320K

Marlene meets Masato Honda & B.B.Station: Jazz'N Out (2007)

Since leaving fusion outfit T-SQUARE almost a decade ago, wind player and bandmaster Masato Honda has embarked on a series of projects with his group B.B. Station. The latest sees him paired with Filipina jazz singer Marlene on this collection of big band and swing. Among a familiar lineup of standards, a chilled, electro-backed intro brings Pee Wee King's "Tennessee Waltz" into the modern age, before it suddenly transforms into a showcase of improvised flourishes that dance among the lyrics. Complex arrangements of pop songs "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and "I Was Born To Love You," meanwhile, are invigorated by swing instrumentation, the latter even briefly touching on bebop. The tracks missing out on Honda's magical solo touch are the only letdowns, the mournful "Left Alone" - a brave attempt to introduce ambient effects into the mix - spoiled by a murky, echoing piano. It's also a pity that, lacking in reverb, each word of Marlene's husky vocals seem to be snatched away as soon as it is voiced.

Even so, while taking only a few steps outside of a conservative rereading of classics, Honda's masterful performances and the occasional daring arrangement make this an accessible - and fun - album for any fan of big-band music.

Tracklist:

01. Sing Sing Sing

02. It's Magic
03. You'll Never Get To Heaven
04. Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You
05. Cafe' Style
06. Tennessee Waltz
07. Dazzle The Night
08. Left Alone
09. I Was Born To Love You
10. In The Quiet Blue
Jazz'n Out: Marlene meets Masato Honda
Rapidshare / Hotfile @ 320K

Ray Brown Trio: Bass Face (1993)

For this Telarc CD, bassist Ray Brown and pianist Benny Green split the solo chores almost evenly with drummer Jeff Hamilton, giving them stellar and creative support. Green has his best improvisations on "Phineas Can Be" and "Taking a Chance on Love," and the trio plays very close attention to dynamics (often swinging very quietly) and quickly reacting to each other's ideas. Rather than merely jamming the songs (the majority of which are standards), the bop-oriented group gives each melody a colorful framework filled with plenty of subtle surprises. ~ Scott Yanow

Personnel: Ray Brown (acoustic bass); Benny Green (piano); Jeff Hamilton (drums). Down Beat (1/94, p.35) - 3 Stars - Good - "...The Brown group sounds settled and sure of its material before a live club crowd...'

Tracklist
1. Milestones (M.Davis) 5:19
2. Bass Face (K.Burrell) 7:24
3. In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning (Hilliard-Mann) 4:44
4. Tin Tin Deo (W.Fuller) 10:03
5. CRS-Craft (R.Brown) 7:55
6. Taking a Chance on Love (Duke-Fetter) 8:27
7. Remember (I.Berlin) 7:14
8. Makin' Whoopee (Donaldson-Kahn) 7:04
9. Phineas Can Be (R.Brown) 5:55
Bassface / Live at Kuumbawa
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Roy Hargrove & Antonio Hart: The Tokyo Sessions (1991)

Trumpeter Roy Hargrove and alto saxophonist Antonio Hart, two of the finest contemporary hard boppers, made a potent team on this CD featuring sessions recorded in Tokyo during 1991. Hargrove's fierce trumpet solos and Hart's bluesy, equally energetic and accomplished answering alto statements fueled nine excellent reworkings of standards and jazz repertory. The quintet performed such established material as Oscar Pettiford's "Bohemia After Dark," and Thelonious Monk's "Straight No Chaser," and Kenny Dorham's "Lotus Blossom," as well as Cole Porter's "Easy To Love," with confidence and in a smooth yet expressive style. It would still be nice to hear Hart and Hargrove doing their own material rather than simply putting their spin on shopworn, though wonderful, anthems. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide

Personnel:
Roy Hargrove (Trumpet, Arranger),
Antonio Hart (Sax (Alto), Arranger)
Steve Backer (Series Director),
Larry Clothier (Producer),
Masahiko Osaka (Drums),
Jacqueline Murphy (Art Coordinator),
Ikuyoshi Hirakawa (Producer),
Ikuyoshi Hirakawa (Series Director),
Yutaka Shiina (Piano),
Masataka Ito (Assistant Engineer),
Takahiro Nochimura (Engineer),
Tomo Shima (Bass),
Tohru Yamana (Mastering)
Tracklist:
1. Bohemia After Dark
2. Love, Your Spell Is Everywhere
3. Work Song
4. I Remember Clifford
5. Straight, No Chaser
6. But Not for Me
7. Alone Together
8. Lotus Blossom
9. Easy to Love
Tokyo Sessions
Depositfiles / Hotfile flac

Steve Davis: Images (2010)

Music is truly an evocative art form when the subtle interactions of melody and harmony stimulate the formation of auditory or visual imagery in combination with eliciting a direct emotional response. Trombonist Steve Davis succeeds in conveying his message with his latest set of musical "Images" collected together on his latest record for Posi-Tone. Davis is joined again by the solid lineup of his current working quintet, featuring alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo, pianist David Bryant, bassist Dezron Douglas, and powerhouse drummer Eric McPherson. With a well balanced program of original compositions, "Images" is insightfully straight ahead, steadily swinging, and refreshingly melodic enough to evoke a wide assortment of bright moments to discerning jazz fans everywhere.

Tracklist:
1. Nato 3:49
2. The Modernist 6:52
3. Twain's World 5:40
4. J Mac's Way 5:55
5. Mode For Miantonomoh 7:07
6. Rose Garden 4:51
7. Tune For Calhoun 6:00
8. Park Street 5:21
9. Kenney's 5:28
10. Club 880 5:07
Images
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Chris Minh Doky: The Nomad Diaries (2006)

Chris Minh Doky is one of the most exciting and most talented bassists in the world today and he has a strong following in the European jazz/electronica scene.

Inspired by the life of a traveling musician and conceived as a series of short stories, renowned Danish bassist Chris Minh Doky's new Blue Note album "The Nomad Diaries" marries his trademark melodic jazz with contemporary electronica, drawing on Doky's work as a producer and his love of artists such as Bjork, Nils Petter Molvaer and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Framed by glitchy electronics and ambient soundscapes Doky's beautiful melodic bass playing and improvisations draw heavily on European jazz. The appearance of US heavyweights such as Mike Stern and Randy and Michael Brecker (with one of his last studio recordings just prior to his death) make The Nomad Diaries a true trans-Atlantic jazz album and one of the years most exciting releases.

Tracklist:
01. September (for Tanja) (06:33)
02. Last Call (05:03)
03. If I Run (04:50)
04. Blog : Tracking (M.Krog) (00:35)
05. Satellite (05:26)
06. Blog : Frida + Milo (01:25)
07. The Scanner (04:50)
08. Blog : Rise + Shine (01:43)
09. Life in The Mirror (G.Whity) (06:03)
10. Where R U? (04:38)
11. I Skovens Dybe Stille Ro (04:46)
12. Blog : Noon - bonus track (01:14)
13. Teen Town - bonus track (J.Pastorius) (04:59)
14. Blog : Display - bonus track (00:35)
Personnel:
CHRIS MINH DOKY- bass, keyboards, piano, voice
RUICHI SAKAMOTO (1), KASPER WILLAUME- piano (5,11)
JACOB CHRISTOFFERSEN- piano (2)
GEORGE WHITY- keyboards
MIKE STERN- guitar solo (2), phone message (10)
OZ NOY- guitar and sound vibes (2,10)
MICHAEL BRECKER- tenor sax (10), EWI (3)
'KO' PERRY- vocals
RANDY BRECKER- trumpet (7)
MADS B.B. KROG- electro programming
Nomad Diaries at Amazon
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Marion Meadows: Dressed to Chill (2006)

Soprano/tenor saxophonist and clarinetist Marion Meadows comes from the smooth jazz sax tradition paved by Grover Washington, Jr. and George Howard. Though his sound is not a full as those two, he makes up for it with his lyricism, which imbues the twelve tracks here. Highlights include the "down-low" quiet-storm track "Miss Know it All," with vocalist Will Brock, "Dance With My Daughter," Meadows' companion piece to Luther Vandross' "Dance With My Father,""and his engaging cover of R. Kelley's "I Believe I Can Fly." The lively "Steppers...Let's Do This" is a high-energy salute to the disco-house dance genre from Chicago. With production by keyboardists Michael Broening and Chris "Big Dog" Davis and some instrumental support from guitarists Chuck Loeb and Freddy Fox, this recording is the right fit for Marion Meadows' contemporary fans. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Tracklist:
1. Dressed To Chill
2. Remember Me
3. Dance With My Daughter
4. Miss Know It All
5. Bounce
6. I Believe I Can Fly
7. Coco Flow
8. Just My Style
9. Scent Of A Woman
10. Steppers...Let's Do This
11. 1000 Dreams
12. To Love Her
Dressed to Chill
Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 (RS) / Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 (HF) flac

Terence Blanchard: Let's Get Lost (2001)

Entertainment Weekly (6/8/01, p.77) - "One of jazz's trumpeters-of-choice has settled on a ripe concept, with inviting tunes by great American songwriter Jimmy McHugh. Wisely, Blanchard calls on several fine singers..." - Rating: B+

CMJ (6/11/01, p.23) - "...Thoughtful and reaching arrangements that simmer with the same blue flame that fueled Miles Davis' '50s work....This is a no-brainer for fans of vocal and traditional jazz."

Down Beat (8/01, pp.66-7) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Blanchard's buttoned-down performance is consistently restrained and thoughtful....adroit and distinctive....with some attractive interpretive and sometimes idiosyncratic departures..."

Personnel: Terence Blanchard (trumpet); Diana Krall (vocals, piano); Jane Monheit, Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson (vocals); Brice Winston (tenor saxophone); Edward Simon (piano); Derek Nievergelt (bass); Eric Harland (drums)

Tracklist:

1. Let's Get Lost — (with Diana Krall)

2. Too Young to Go Steady — (with Jane Monheit)
3. You're a Sweetheart
4. I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me — (with Dianne Reeves)
5. I'm in the Mood For Love
6. Don't Blame Me — (with Cassandra Wilson)
7. I Can't Give You Anything But Love — (with Jane Monheit)
8. Exactly Like You
9. Can't Get Out of This Mood — (with Dianne Reeves)
10. Lost in a Fog
11. On the Sunny Side of the Street — (with Cassandra Wilson)
Let's Get Lost
Rapidshare / Hotfile @ 320K

Masato Honda: Cross Hearts (2001)

This fifth album from Masato Honda was co-produced by Toshiki Kadomatsu. His first studio recorded album since last 2000's 'Real Fusion.' Contains original songs, newly written songs by Toshiki Kadomatsu, and songs by Kadomatsu arranged by Honda such as 'Amanusa no Umi,' 'I Can Give You My Love.' Also includes songs that feature Honda's emotionally charged sax performances.

Tracklist:
01. Parallelogram (4:12)
02. A Distancia (7:40)
03. K2 (4:16)
04. Feel at Ease (6:20)
05. …And You ? (5:52)
06. Techno Mambo (5:50)
07. Digi-Shake (6:10)
08. Sea Amanusa (5:39)
09. Stop! Stop! the Funk (6:52)
10. I Can Give You My Love (5:26)
11. Tomorrow is Another Day (6:28)
Personnel:
Masato Honda - All Sax, EWI, Flute and more
Akira Jimbo - Drums (3)
Gen Ogimi - Percussion (2,4,6,7)
Hideki Matsubara - Electric Bass (2,11)
Hiroshi Yamada - Computer Manipulation (3,8)
Hiroyuki Noritake - Drums (1,2,4,5,11)
Jun Kajiwara - Acoustic and Electric Guitar (except 3,8)
Keiji Matsumoto - Acoustic Piano (2)
Satoru Shionoya - Acoustic and Electric Piano (7,11)
Satoshi Sano - Trombone (1,9,11)
Shingo Kobayashi - Acoustic and Electric Piano (3,4,5,9,10)
Shiro Sasaki - Trumpet (1,9,11)
Takashi Numazawa - Drums (9,10)
Tomohito Aoki - Electric Bass (1,3,4,5,8,9,10)
Toshiki Kadomatsu - Electric Guitar, Keyboards (3,8,10)
Cross Hearts
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Azymuth: Woodland Warrior (1999)

An album of variation and plenty of surprises from the Brazilian masters of electric jazz fusion. -- Amazon
Tracklist:
1. Amazon Adventure
2. Quest?
3. Laranjeiras (Orange Grove)
4. Sinto Muito (So Sad)
5. Woodland Warrior
6. Festa Nativa (Native Festival)
7. That's Today
8. Xingo
9. Ah Voce Nao Sabe (You Don't Know)
10. Chameleon
Woodland Warriors
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Azymuth: Partido Novo (2002)

A delicious new album from Rio's finest, 'Partido Novo' finds Azymuth in reflective mood. Covering a range of styles, with jazzy interludes and soothing Bossa Novas giving way to 70s space-age funk and traditional Brazilian sambas.

Partido Novo is their 5th album for Far Out. Still going strong they have added a special chilled touch along with plenty of gorgeous melodies and vocals. Partido Novo translates as broken or off-beat and accordingly tracks feature a dirtier, heavier sound with funky 70s soundtrack vibe as well as the usual samba magic with a mellow wistful summery twist. Blending past and present, this is a brand new album of broken funk and blissed out beats from Brazil's legendary group.

Tracklist:

1. Em Marica (In Marica)

2. Partido Novo (Newley Broken)

3. Tempo Classico Prelude (Classic Times)
4. Tempo Classico (Classic Times)
5. Rede de Espera (Waiting Web)
6. Nome Dele E Joan (My Name Is)
7. Meu Amigo (My Friend)
8. Duro de Roer (Hard to Bite)
9. Livre Como Um Passaro (Free as a Bird)
10. Suadade Do Doutor (Still Missing Doutor)
11. Questao de Etica (Question of Etiquette)
12. Algodao Doce (Cotton Candy)
Partido Novo

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Phillip Martin: Realization (2009)

Phillip Martin is back and better than ever in his latest effort Realization. No labels, no strings attached, just 100 percent pure Phillip Martin. Below is what Phillip Martin says Realization is about:

What Realization Is About:

As I was finishing dental school at Howard University, I thought back on my undergraduate and graduate studies. Since day one, my professors told me to pick a career--music or dentistry. Pick one, not both. As I traveled across the country, flying from gig to gig and studying at 30,000 feet, I recognized that my professors had a point--a point I was determined to prove wrong. Despite the inherent challenge, I wanted to make an album while finishing dental school, and I wanted to do it on my own. Record labels and management did not fund or write this record. Every penny was earned playing gigs and doing studio work. Every note was written while reading books and pulling teeth. In May of 2008, I did two things: graduate from dental school and record the last notes of this album. In the months that followed, I continued to mix and master this album while practicing dentistry professionally on Capitol Hill. Thus, realization. The realization that I can do both, and I did. On this album you won't hear fancy licks or overproduced tracks. You will hear music from my heart, music from my sweat, music from my soul. I hope you enjoy this record as much as I enjoyed creating it. -PM

Realization

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Esbjörn Svensson Trio - Retrospective (The Very Best of E.S.T.) (2009)

It’s only 18 months since Swedish pianist Esbjorn Svensson died in a diving accident, but it seems as if the tragedy stretches further in time. How so? Because E.S.T, the trio that also comprised double bassist Dan Berglund and drummer Magnus Ostrom, had made such an impact on the European jazz scene that its absence has left an unfilled gap that heightens the nostalgia for what they achieved over 17 years. It’s a little known fact being that the group was born in 1991, even though its breakthrough, From Gagarin’s Point of View, came in 1998.

The title track of said album kicks off this compilation and forcefully makes it clear why E.S.T reached beyond a jazz audience. They had songs. Hooks. Themes fit for radio purpose. They were often ethereal and gentle, their contours modelled on the classical music that Svensson had so thoroughly absorbed alongside his education as an improvising musician, and at times these melodies hovered on the edge of easy listening, their trajectory understated enough to work as incidental music. Yet E.S.T’s output was equally defined by the kind of musicianship that saw both Berglund and Ostrom pass impressively pithy comment on a chord sequence or rhythmic cycle to effectively lift the band’s aesthetic beyond the trite even if their form was accessible, something that jazz moral custodians often treat as a vice when, if well wrought, it can be a virtue.

Owing an obvious debt to Keith Jarrett’s early 70s folk but not folk, rock but beyond rock sensibilities, E.S.T was well versed in pop culture and contemporary technology, be it the snakish, electronic shimmer around the piano or the quivering, curvaceous flange on the bass, and they used such strategies well. Their sleek ambient and funk-rock forays are pleasing rather than truly overwhelming though, and it is hard to escape the feeling they could have achieved more had they emboldened the sonic starkness, if not wildness, at which they often picked. A hip hop producer could have been the key. Posthumous remixes might still open stylistic doors.-- Kevin Le Gendre (BBC Music)

Tracklist:

01. From Gagarin's Point Of View 4:05

02. Dodge The Dodo 4:19

03. Good Morning Susie Soho 5:49

04. Spam-Boo-Limbo 4:38

05. Behind The Yashmark 10:09

06. Viaticum 6:47

07. Seven Days Of Falling 5:59

08. Strange Place For Snow 6:39

09. Believe, Beleft, Below 4:45

10. A Picture Of Doris Travelling With Boris 5:36

11. Goldwrap 3:50

12. Dolores In A Shoestand 8:56

13. Leucocyte 3:43

retrospective - the very best of e.s.t.
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Herbie Hancock: The Imagine Project (2010)

Herbie Hancock's Imagine Project is an unprecedented international recording and film project featuring collaborations between music legend Herbie Hancock and a dozen superstars from every region of the planet. It utilizes the universal language of music to express its central themes of peace and global responsibility. The album combines Herbie s genre defying musical vision with the local musical identities of cultures from around the world.
Herbie s last two eforts, 2008 S Gramy Album of the Year River: The Joni Letters sold over 750,000 units worldwide, and 2005 S Possibilities sold over one milion units INTERNATIONALLY.
Tracklist:
1. Imagine (Featuring Pink, Seal, India Arie & Jeff Beck)
2. Don t Give Up (Featuring Pink and John Legend)
3. Tempo De Amor (Featuring Ceu)
4. Space Captain (Featuring Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks)
5. The Times, They Are A Changin (Featuring The Chieftains and Lisa Hannigan)
6. La Tierra (Featuring Juanes)
7. Tamitant Tilay/Exodus (Featuring K Naan and Los Lobos)
8. Tomorrow Never Knows (Featuring Dave Matthews)
9. A Change is Gonna Come (Featuring James Morrison)
10. The Songs Goes On (Featuring Chaka Khan, Anoushka Shankar and Wayne Shorter)
The Imagine Project
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Jaared: Manhattan Nights (2010)

Washington, D.C., born Jaared is a master of all saxes. Alto sax, soprano sax, EWI, or tenor sax, give him something to blow and you will listen the finest notes. Meanwhile Jaared is a in-demand stage-hero and especially his concerts with Peter White foster his immense popularity.

That gave him the opportunity to build up his solo career, which started with his debut album Foreward (2001), followed by Hangtime (2002), both on Marcus Johnson’s label Lightyear/Marimelj. Addiction (2003) and this year Manhattan Nights (2010) are released on Les Cutmore’s Trippin n Rhythm Records.

Grammy award winning producer Michael Broening produced the album and also performed keyboards and programming. Jaared comments: “It was a blast and amazing working with Michael. His approach, his vision, everything is so on point. He is truly the best producer I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with and I look forward to many more albums together with him in the future.”

Further musicians on Jaared’s album are Mel Brown (bass), Freddie Fox (guitar), Thano Sahnas (guitar), Michael White (drums), Jay Soto (guitar), Greg Adams (trumpet), Tim Bowman (guitar), and many more.

Jaared draws on unlimited resources with the starting If You Know What I Mean. Gregg Adams, Bill Churchville (trumpet, trombone), and Nick Lane (trombone) team up to a splendid horn arrangement. The best backbone for Jaared first brilliant performance on alto and tenor sax.

Manhattan Nights

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Akiko Tsuruga: Sweet and Funky (2007)

Japanese-born Akiko Tsuruga has lived in New York since 2001. Sweet and Funky is her breakthrough record, showing that she can hold her own with virtually every other jazz organist. Her style fits well into ’60s/’70s soul-jazz and hard bop styles, grooving like Charles Earland, Jimmy McGriff, Jimmy Smith and the other great organists of the era without directly copying any of them. She swings her way through standards, blues and three originals, never losing her momentum, drive or flow of rhythmic ideas. Guitarist Eric Johnson (who takes plenty of fine solos), drummer Vince Ector and percussionist Wilson 'Chembo' Corniel all have plenty of experience in this type of organ group and keep the music swinging and grooving. Based on the performances on Sweet and Funky, Akiko Tsuruga ranks as one of the top organists around today and, with luck, this is only the beginning.-- Scott Yanow (AMG)

Tracklist:

01. Meanie Queeni (5:14)

02. DLG (5:21)
03. Sweet And Lovely (6:25)
04. Stormy Weather (4:37)
05. Saving All My Love For You (5:43)
06. Where Is The Love (4:24)
07. Polka Dots And Moonbeams (5:56)
08. Mushi-Mushi (5:27)
09. Booga Lou (3:59)
Personnel:
Akiko Tsuruga, organ
Eric Johnson, guitar
Vince Ector, drums
Wilson 'Chembo' Corniel, percussion
Sweet and Funky
Rapidshare / Hotfile @vbr 224-320K

Metro: Special Edition North Sea Jazz Festival (2008)

Metro was formed in 1994 by jazz guitarist Chuck Loeb (Steps Ahead) and pianist Mitchel Forman (who has played with John McLaughlin and Wayne Shorter, among others). The two established names came across each other regularly when they worked in the bands of Stan Getz and Bill Evans and they decided to join forces. In the six recordings Metro has made with a series of changing bassists, the band's sound has developed from contemporary jazz to fusion. Although the music is complex with a great deal of improvising, it always sounds funky. In Metro Special Edition the band is supplemented by an unbelievably select company: trumpeter Randy Brecker, saxophonist Eric Marienthal and drummer Dave Weckl.

Tracklist:
1. Metrocafe - Rio Frio
2. Cross Currents
3. The Standard for Michael Brecker
4. Dirty Dogs
5. Field of Diamonds
6. Bing Bang Boom
Personnel:
Chuck Loeb (Guitar);
Randy Brecker (Trumpet);
Mitch Forman (Keyboard);
Eric Marienthal (Sax);
Gerald Veasley (Bass);
Dave Weckl (Drums)

Rapidshare / Hotfile @192K

Keefe Jackson Quartet: Seeing You See (2010)

This disc features four musicians who, collectively and on their own, are making major contributions to the almost absurdly active Chicago jazz scene. Keefe Jackson is a tenor saxophonist who occasionally picks up the bass clarinet. He’s paired here with Jeb Bishop, who’s put in time in both the Vandermark 5 and an early lineup of the Flying Luttenbachers, not to mention Peter Brötzmann’s Chicago Tentet. Bassist Jason Roebke studied under Roscoe Mitchell of the Art Ensemble of Chicago, while drummer Noritaka Tanaka has worked with guitarist Jeff Parker, among others.

Rhythmically, Seeing You See vacillates between low-impact swing and spacious ambient blues. Bishop’s utter mastery of the trombone lets him smear as many notes as he releases free and clear, and Jackson is every bit his equal, switching back and forth between gleaming lyrical runs and scratchy squalls. There’s a whole lot of unison horn work here, too; these guys like to play together, rather than standing idly by while the other man solos. There are solos aplenty, of course, and of a high quality; on “How-a-Low,” Jackson plays his bass clarinet like he’s swirling down a giant drain, humming melodies to himself as he goes. Roebke thrums out huge Milt Hinton-like notes behind him, and Tanaka brushes his kit like a dancing mouse. When Bishop enters, it’s with ultra-muted squeals like something trapped in a small jar and running out of air, though eventually the lid comes off and the gulps of air get slightly larger.

There’s not a whole lot to say about this disc. For the most part, all four men are playing it relatively straight, with no serious rhythmic impetus but plenty of two-, three- and four-way interaction, and appealing compositions that mix freedom and hard bop in a way not unlike a whole bunch of albums that came out on Blue Note in 1964. And I’m not being even slightly sarcastic when I say that there’s nothing wrong with that at all. In fact, if that had been all this disc offered, I’d have liked it better. There are three tracks, though (the title cut, “Since Then,” and “Close”), where the group heads into totally abstract territory, and frankly things don’t go as well as they do when everyone’s swinging. These three pieces, which add up to a total of about 17 minutes of music, could have been excised from the nearly 65-minute disc, leaving behind 47 minutes of semi-adventurous freebop and making me a happier listener.

Tracklist:

1 Maker 7:16

2 If You Were 6:56
3 Put My Finger On It 6:19
4 How-A-Low 6:34
5 Eff-Time 7:22
6 Seein You See 4:56
7 Turns To Everything 6:42
8 Since Then 5:19
9 World Made Fresh 5:13
10 Close 6:22
Seeing You See
Part 1 - Part 2 (HF) / Part 1 - Part 2 (DF) flac