Artists: John Allred & Wycliffe Gordon
     Album: Head to head
     Label: Arbors Records
     Year: 2002
     Format : MP3@320 kb/s
     Time: 1:08:00
     Size: 153 mb

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     It all started, of course, with J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding back in the 1950s, but the trombone duo with rhythm has since been tried from time to time with varying success by several others. This one is sure to please fans of the genre, for not only are John Allred and Wycliffe Gordon two of the top jazz trombonists around, but the choice of tunes, the attention to detail, and the fine arrangements add up to a whopping good time, not to mention a splendid example of modern technical artistry. The bold, if not audacious, opener, "It's All Right With Me," lays down the challenge, as Allred's arrangement brings back memories of Johnson and Winding, for the tune was one of their most popularly recorded numbers. Highlights abound as Allred and Gordon engage in a startlingly fast and vigorous version of Ellington's "Cottontail"; a swinging take of Horace Silver's "The Preacher"; an overdubbed trombone quartet of "The Curse of an Aching Heart," which features some characteristically energetic scatting from Gordon; and a tastefully emotional rendition of "America the Beautiful." The fairly tepid rhythm section is curiously reminiscent of the classic The Great Kai and J.J. album, so that in both cases the focus is totally on the horns. For some of the best modern jazz trombone blowing on disk, try out Head to Head: You won't be disappointed. ~ Steven Loewy, All Music Guide

   Artist: Oscar Peterson Trio
   Album: London Concert 1964 (video)
   Label: Discovery Records/Jazz Line Dist
   Year: 1964, release 1998
   Format avi, bitrate: 354 kb/s (black & white)
   Time: 38:00
   Size: 586 Mb
   AMG rating:

   Oscar Peterson Trio is featured in a television broadcast on this video release. The nine performances find the pianist with his regular trio of 1964, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen. Presumably videotaped for broadcast on the BBC, the audio and video suffer due to being dubs of several generations from the original source, though the selections are well photographed and the music holds up nicely. Peterson takes his time building up a head of steam, as it is not until the fourth song, a blistering interpretation of Ray Bryant's "Cubano Chant," that he really starts to show off his chops. This pace continues through most of the rest of the set.
   ~ Dryden at All Music Guide

   This is amazing video of the Oscar Peterson Trio in 1964. Ray Brown is on bass and Ed Thigpen is on drums.
   The choice of material is great: Waltz for Debby, Cubano Chant, You are my Hearts Delight to name but a few.
   This last track in particular is absolutely mind blowing. Peterson at his virtuoso best. Where lesser pianists would have stopped after the first two choruses Peterson takes the tempo up and up until Thigpen is struggling to keep up on drums!
   The picture quality and the sound of the tracks are reasonable. The playing from all three musicians is so good it can only get 5 stars.
   ~ Amazon.com

   Artist: Heather Bennett
   Album: Suite Talk
   Year: 2003
   Label: Apria
   Format/Bitrate: mp3, 320kbps
   Size: 147MB
   Time: 64 min.
   


   Bennett's not a name previously known to me, though she's had several albums out before now. She's got a great band on this one Rick Margitza, Bill Mobley, Rufus Reid & Billy Hart & she plays good, distinctive, though unspectacular piano, but what really makes this one are the smart compositions. Most of them come from two suites of related compositions the "Texas Suite" (based on a 16-bar theme which I found virtually unrecognizable as it gets reworked from track to track) & "New York Suite" (based on a bluesier 8-bar theme whose variations are much more obvious to the ear), though to give variety to the album she's mixed them in together & also added a few other compositions. The harmonic sensibility is very distinctive: these don't really sound like anyone else's tunes, & it's a great pleasure to hear someone writing mainstream jazz tunes that don't sound just like Herbie Hancock or Wayne Shorter knockoffs. My favourites here are the most "outside" track, "Blue Bonnet", & the mysterious "Falling". There's also a moving elegy for a former drummer, A.D. Minion, called "Taps for A.D.", where the dedicatee's absence is symbolized by Hart's sitting the track out. Bennett herself is a discreet player, without the tendency towards overpolish & technical finesse which makes some modern jazz sound so cold. Sometimes I wished she were a little more forceful, but otherwise I have no complaints for "Suite Talk": it's a very enjoyable disc!

     Artists: The Boswell Sisters
     Album:That's How Rhythm Was Born
     Label : Columbia/Legacy
     Years: 1931-1934, release - 1995
     Quality: MP3@320 kbps
     Size: 128 mb
     Total time: 60:55
     AMG Rating


     This 1995 CD has a sampling of the Boswell Sisters' recordings, 20 titles from the premier vocal jazz group's prime period. A few of the tunes are rarities (particularly "Song of Surrender," "Coffee in the Morning," and "Trav'lin All Alone"), while some others have been reissued numerous times ("Shuffle Off to Buffalo," a classic "Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia," and "Minnie the Moocher's Wedding Day"). Although one hopes that all of the Boswells' recordings will be reissued in chronological order someday (this collection skips around a bit), the CD acts as a strong introduction to the music of this magical and innovative group. The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra (with trumpeter Bunny Berigan) provides accompaniment on many of the titles. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

     Artist: Boozoo Chavis
     Album: Down Home On Dog Hill
     Label: Rounder
     Year: 2001
     Genre: Cajun, Zydeco
     Format (bitrate): mp3 (vbr ~477-637)
     Size: 87 MB
     AMG rating:

     Zydeco legend Boozoo Chavis may have been at the peak of his musical form when this album was recorded in early 2001, but sadly he was at the end of his physical reserves; the heart problems that had plagued him for several years caught up with him shortly after this album was recorded, and he died on May 5, 2001. But there is no sign of ailing health in the performances captured here. Whether delivering a familiar Chavis original like "Johnnie Billy Goat," a traditional instrumental like "Henry Martin Two Step," or surprise covers (which, on this album, include a slow-burning version of Arthur Crudup's "Rock Me Mama" and a gently rollicking rendition of "The Twist"), Chavis sounds absolutely in control of both his technique and his band. And as inspiring as Chavis himself is, that band is half the attraction on this wonderful album: slide guitarist Sonny Landreth is sitting in for the ailing Carlton "Guitar" Thomas, and David Greely is sitting in on fiddle, but bassist Classie Ballou, who self-effacingly guides every groove from his place at the back of the mix, is the band's real secret weapon. Overall, this album is a worthy legacy for a sorely missed star of Lousiana music. ~ Rick Anderson, AMG

     Artist: Tierney Sutton
     Album: Something Cool
     Orig Year: 2002
     Audio CD: 2002
     Label: Telarc CD-83548
     Quality: MP3@320kb/s
     Size: 148 MB
     Time: 64:59


     Номинант премии Grammy, певица Tierney Sutton стала победителем конкурса джазовых вокалистов, который в проводился в Лос Анжелесе в рамках ежегодной L.A. Jazz Society Awards. Премий так же удостоились John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, and Billy Childs, Tommy LiPuma, DJ Helen Borgers и активист местного джазового сообщества Sybil Coker. В 1998 году Tierney Sutton прошла в полуфинал джазового конкурса Thelonious Monk Jazz Vocal Competition, а в 2004 году её дебютный альбом ”Dancing In The Dark”, выпущенный Telarc Records, сразу же попал в джазовый Top 10 Billboard. В 2005 году Sutton вместе со своей группой (пианист Christian Jacob, бассисты Trey Henry и Kevin Axt и барабанщик Ray Brinker) записала концертную пластинку "I’m With The Band", за которую и была номинирована на Grammy в категории "Лучший джазовый вокальный альбом".

   Artist: Joshua Breakstone Quartet
   Album: Walk Don't Run
   Year: 1991
   Label: Evidence
   Format/Bitrate: mp3, 320kbps
   Size: 139MB

   Although it is not noted anywhere except in the liner notes, this '91 session could be subtitled "tribute to the Ventures." Guitarist Joshua Breakstone covers 10 tunes originally recorded by the surf guitar legends, but does not rip through them or make any concession to a more rock or pop approach. Instead, he takes them as he does any composition, playing in a gentle, relaxed pace, investigating the melody, slowly interpreting and revising via his solos. Breakstone's sound and approach are reminiscent of Jim Hall's, although his voicings are not as full, and his comping and tone are his own. Breakstone and company give Ventures fans and jazz audiences something to ponder with their explorations of these 10 tunes.
   ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide

     Artist: Ron Afiff
     Album: 52nd Street
     Year: 1995
     Label: Pablo
     Genre: Hard Bop
     Format/Bitrate: mp3, 320kbps
     Size: 143MB
     Total Time: 62:07

     The cool-toned guitarist Ron Affif recalls Kenny Burrell a bit in this outing with a pianoless trio also including bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts. Although the program is dedicated to 52nd Street, the opening number ("Bohemia After Dark") was not even written when Swing Street was functioning. The setting and Affif's improvising style recall Kenny Burrell in spots, but the guitarist does have a voice of his own. Highlights include "Stompin' at the Savoy," "Yardbird Suite" and "Steeplechase." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

   Artist: Mark Whitfield
   Album: 7th Ave. Stroll
   Year: 1995
   Lavel: Verve
   Format/Bitrate: mp3, 320kbps
   Size: 151MB

   Excellent album! Mark Whitfield is an amazing guitarist in the Wes Montgomery / George Benson tradition. His technique is flawless, his tone soft and clear and he's got a knack for spinning lyrical, bluesy lines that you can actually hum along to after a few listens.
   I'd be hard pressed to pick any highlights on this album, because I like all of the tunes. Bowery Blues is one of my faves, along with Washington Square Thoroughfare.
   His music draws heavily on the blues and although influences from Wes & Benson are apparent, he's still got a sound of his own.
   If you like Wes Montgomery's early recordings, or the bluesy stuff by Kenny Burrell, give this album a listen. You won't regret it.

   Artist: Leonard Cohen
   Album: Live in London 2cd
   Label: Sony
   Year: 25 - 03 - 2009
   Format Mp3, bitrate: 224 kb/s
   Time: 2:31:36
   Size: 203 Mb (with covers)
   AMG rating:

   As more than one writer has pointed out, in 2008 and 2009 Leonard Cohen's loss became his audience's gain. After spending five years living as a monk in a Buddhist monastery during a sabbatical from music, Cohen discovered in 2005 that his former business manager had embezzled nearly all his savings, and two years later, in order to put his finances back in order, he warily agreed to an international concert tour, his first in nearly a decade and a half. Given the circumstances that prompted Cohen's return to the stage as well as his age — 73 when the tour began — one would have the right to wonder just how enthusiastic the great songwriter would be about meeting his audience again. But judging from Live in London — a two-disc set recorded during a rapturously received appearance at London's O2 Arena on July 17, 2008 — these concerts have unexpectedly given Cohen a chance to remind the world of his strengths as a musician and a performer, and he's embraced the opportunity with joy. The notion of Leonard Cohen playing a 20,000-seat arena may seem a bit surprising (at least in America), but Cohen and his nine-member supporting ensemble give 25 songs from his catalog a treatment that fills them out enough to work in a massive room (at least compared to the intimate arrangements of his early work) without crushing the nuances of gentler numbers like "Who by Fire" and "Suzanne," while "The Future" and "Democracy" sound just as big as they need to be...

   Artists: Pepper Adams, Donald Byrd
   Album: Out of This World
   Label: Warwick Records
   Year: 1961
   Format, bitrate: mp3 @ 320 kbps (LP-rip)
   Size: 94mb


   This set of sides recorded with the then-fledgling Donald Byrd/Pepper Adams quintet was taped for the long-defunct Warwick label. While Byrd and Adams — along with Jimmy Cobb and Charles, who is only on one track here — were veterans in Detroit before coming to the Big Apple, Herbie Hancock was a kid. His playing is the weak link here, but it nonetheless shows great promise and he acts more as an anchor for the wondrous interplay between the front line-check of Byrd's "Bird House" or the title track or even Johnny Mercer's "I'm an Old Cowhand" for the wooly, yet lyrical, interplay between this pair of soloists. With his rough and tumble tone punching through Byrd's elegant and fiery lines and creating a melodically charged harmonic invention in which the interval was everything, Adams came up with a session that was as passionate and innovative as it was hip and tender. This is a hell of an introduction to both players and captures their magic as a band better than any other document that is available .
   ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

     Artist: Ted Dunbar
     Album: Gentle Time Alone
     Realse year: 1994
     Label: SteepleChase
     Format/Bitrate: mp3, 320kbps
     Size: 129MB

     Ted Dunbar is better known for his teaching career than as a performer, though he had plenty to offer when he took part in an occasional recording session. The guitarist leads a quartet here (with bassist Ray Drummond, pianist Mickey Tucker, and drummer David Jones) through nine originals, adding flutist Dotti Anita Taylor on two selections. This release turned out to be his final recording as a leader prior to his death in 1998. by Ken Dryden

   Artist: Robben Ford & The Blue Line
   Album: Robben Ford & The Blue Line
   Release: 1992
   Label: Grp Records
   Tracks: 9
   Total Time: 48:43
   Format: mp3 320
   Archive Size: 107Mb
   



   Третий альбом из дискографии Роббина Форда, первый в составе "Robben Ford & The Blue Line".

   The debut set by guitarist Robben Ford with his Blue Line trio (a blues band with bassist Roscoe Beck and drummer Tom Brechtlein) finds Ford returning to his roots and playing the music that best fits his style. An effective singer, it is for Ford's powerful guitar playing that this CD (which has seven originals among the nine numbers) is most highly recommended to blues collectors.
   ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

     Artist - Oscar Peterson
     Album - Time After Time
     Label - Pablo
     Year - 1986, release - 1991
     Quality - MP3@320 kbps
     Size - 108 mb
     Total time - 48:14



Pianist Oscar Peterson's final Pablo album (after a countless amount of appearances as both a leader and a sideman) features his quartet (which at the time included guitarist Joe Pass, bassist David Young and drummer Martin Drew) on the second of two CDs (along with Oscar Peterson Live) recorded during an engagement at Los Angeles's Westwood Playhouse in Nov. 1986. For the well-rounded set Peterson performs two of his originals, the blues "Soft Winds," a solo ballad medley and, as a climax, a burning version of "On the Trail." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

     Artst: Coleman Hawkins
     Album: The Gentle Hawk
     Label: RCA / Camden
     Audio CD (November 18, 1996)
     Original Release Date: November 11, 1996
     Format: MP3
     Bit Rate: 128kbps
     Size: 58.7 MB



     This is a wonderful album of jazz by one of the great tenor saxophonists, Coleman Hawkins. Every note is played with feeling, tenderness and great skill. There's not a weak track on this album; each one is a carefully crafted piece of musicianship. At full price this would be highly recommended - at bargain price it more or less becomes an automatic choice. Coleman Hawkins should definitely be better known, and this album is a marvellous place to become acquainted with him and his music. ~ Amazon.com