Artist: Charlie Rouse
   Album: Epistrophy
   Label: 32 Jazz
   Year: 1988
   Format/Bitrate: mp3, 320 kb/s
   Size: 145 mb


   Although he had an extensive career, tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse is best remembered for his decade (1960-1970) as a member of the Thelonious Monk Quartet. It is only right that the last time that he picked up his horn was for a Monk tribute concert. This historic event, originally released by Landmark and reissued with one extra selection on a 1997 32 Jazz CD, finds Rouse in prime form despite the fact that he had just seven weeks to live (before passing on from lung cancer). A historic occasion that resulted in near-classic music. Highly recommended! Scott Yanow, AMG

     Title: Crossroads
     Director: Walter Hill
     Writer: John Fusco
     Composer: Ry Cooder
     Studio: Columbia Pictures, 1986
     Cast: Ralph Macchio, Joe Seneca, Jami Gertz, Joe Morton, Robert Judd, John Hancock, Steve Vai, Dennis Lipscomb, Harry Carey, Jr.
     Language: Russian
     Video: 789 Kbps, 23.976 fps, 640x368 (16:9), DivX 5
     Audio: 192 Kbps, 48000 Hz, stereo, MPEG Layer-3
     Size: 300+300+96 MB/1.51 Gb

Eugene is an extraordinary talent in classic guitar, but he dreams of being a famous Blues guitarist. So he investigates to find a storied lost song. He asks the legendary Blues musician Willie Brown to help him, but Willie demands to free him from the old-people's prison first and to really learn the blues on the way to it's origin: Mississippi Delta. Eugene doesn't know yet about Willie's deal with the devil, that he now wants to revoke. -- by Tom Zoerner

Молодой, честолюбивый гитарист находит легендарного исполнителя блюзов в гарлемской больнице и соглашается помочь ему вернуться домой в обмен на старые и утраченные песни. -- М. Иванов

     Artist - Andre Previn
     Album - A Touch Of Elegance: The Music Of Duke Ellington
     Label - Columbia
     Year - 1960, release - 1961
     Quality - MP3@256kbps (LP-rip)
     Size - 68,4mb
     Total time - app. 36:00



     As if being a classical conductor, jazz pianist, and film composer weren't enough, Previn was also one of the biggest mood music mavens of the 1960s. This elegant collection showcases his lush, elegant "swing with strings" side, and even includes a few straight-ahead numbers. In his notes for Previn's album, Richard Gehman says: "There is also an Ellington premire, Le Sucrier Velours, which Duke gave to Andr especially for this collection."

     Artist: Joe Pass
     Album: The Best Of Joe Pass 1973-1982
     Genre: bebop guitar
     Recording Date: Nov 11, 1973-May 25, 1982
     Format; Mpeg-4 320kbps
     Time; 43:06
     Size; 97.5 MB
     Label; Pablo

     There are very few people that can sit down without a band and play guitar well enough to demand listening. Joe Pass is such a master. Five of the eight songs on this album are just that, Pass and his guitar. He is able to mix his soloing and chords with subtle ease. His fingers blaze on the neck of the guitar, but his solos tell more than just an idea - they tell a story. Amazon.com

     Artist: C.J. Chenier
     Album: Hot Rod
     Year: 1990
     Label: Slash
     Genre: Zydeco Blues
     Time: 00:45:18
     Size: 76,83 MB
     Format/Bitrate: MP3 VBR -new V0 237 kbits

     On his third album after taking over his father's band, and his first on Slash, C.J. Chenier lets loose with a pile of zydeco. The majority of the songs are jumping little pieces, with a mishmash of zydeco, boogaloo, and R&B all rolled into one, though there are a few slower numbers, too. The album opens up with "I Feel Alright," a sax-driven R&B riffed song, and continues on with "Got My Eyes on You," in the same vein. With "It's a Shame," he slows down to a more sentimental tone, which in turn is broken by the funkiness of "Zydeco Express." "You're Still the King to Me" is a heartfelt tribute to C.J.'s father, the late Clifton Chenier. "Before It's Too Late" holds onto the sentimental nature a little longer, broken again by "Harmonica Zydeco." "Your Time to Cry" is one of the basic soul/blues tell-off songs that show up in zydeco from time to time, and the title track drives through with a thick driving force. "Old Fashioned Party" is a simple party track, and "Jole Blon" is C.J.'s take on the ultimate standard of Cajun music. The album ends on "Just the Beginning," a thick funky piece that only tells of things to come. Give the album a listen for the notes of stylistic reference to the elder Chenier, but moreover just to hear some good party tunes from one of the more important younger guns on the scene. Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide

     Artist: Etta Jones
     Album: Don't Go To Strangers
     Label: Prestige/OJC
     Recorded: Jun 21, 1960
     Format: mp3 320Kbps
     Time: 40:55
     Size: 91 Mb

     Don't Go to Strangers was Etta Jones' first album for the independent jazz label Prestige when it was released in 1960 (having been recorded in a single session on June 21 of that year), and although Jones had been releasing records since 1944, including a dozen sides for RCA in 1946 and an album for King Records in 1957, she was treated as an overnight sensation when the title tune from the album went gold, hitting the Top 40 on the pop charts and reaching number five on the R&B charts.[...] Don't Go to Strangers is a perfect gem of a recording. (By Steve Leggett)

     Artist: Robben Ford & The Blue Line
     Album: Handful Of Blues
     Release: 1995
     Label: Blue Thumb
     Genre: Modern Electric Blues
     Tracks: 12
     Total Time: 56:00
     Format: mp3 320
     Archive Size: 126Mb

     "On Handful of Blues, Robben Ford strips his sound back to the basics, recording a set of blues with only a bassist and a drummer. The group runs through a handful of standards, including "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and "I Just Want to Make Love to You," and a number of made-to-order originals. Throughout the album the musicians play well, but Ford's voice is never commanding. However, this is a minor flaw, since his guitar speaks for itself." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AMG

     Artists: Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker
     Album: Original Tentet & Quartet
     Genre: Jazz / cool, West Coast
     Year: 1953
     Quality: MP3 @ 320 kbps
     Size: 105 mb (RS.com) + Covers & Scans
     Time: 39:85
     Label: GNP / Crescendo
     AMG Rating:

     The Original Gerry Mulligan Tentet & Quartet is a reissue on Gene Norman's GNP/Crescendo label. Norman originally produced the sessions in 1953, but the music contained on this CD sounds timeless... A young but exciting Chet Baker is heard throughout on trumpet.

     Artist: James Asher
     Album: Feet In The Soil
     Label: New Earth Records
     Year: 1996
     Genre: World music
     Format, bitrate: mp3 320Kbps
     Time: 63.55
     Size: 85Mb

     Feet in the Soil is an uplifting celebration of danceable energies centred in the earth. Rhythms of an infectious, hypnotic and tribal quality provide the frameworks for the music, which draws much inspiration from Aboriginal and African lifestyles. James Asher has written and composed many beautiful pieces for Aura-Soma, inspired by his association with Vicky Wall in the early days of Aura-Soma. Although James is well known in the ambient 'New Age' music field, he is a drummer! His first instrument is the drum and this collection shows his rich feel and love for the diverse indigenous rhythms of this planet. So, get to it! Kick off your shoes, and get your Feet in the Soil.

     Artist: The Gales brothers
     Album: Left Hand Brand
     Label: House of Blues
     Year: , release 1996
     Genre: blues, blues-rock
     Format, bitrate: mp3@320 kbps
     Time: 56 min, 31 sec.
     Size: 136 mb.

     Перебирал недавно старые кассетки на предмет "выбросить-отдать-в-добрые-руки-а-может-и-оставить" и наткнулся на одну любопытную запись. Кассетку, понятное дело, отложил в стопочку "подарить-кому-то" и отправился в бескрайние просторы интернета, дабы найти всё это счастье в цифре и сохранить, если не для потомков, то хотя бы для себя. Не могу не поделиться этой музыкой с почтенной публикой из нашего клуба. Да и хотелось бы узнать мнение других людей о данном проекте.

     Artist: John McLaughlin
     Album: Tokyo Live
     Label: Polygram
     Year: 1993
     Genre: Jazz, Fusion, Post Bop
     Format: MP3@320
     Time: 74:57
     Size: 165MB

     Although it is tempting to think that The Free Spirits (the trio featured on this CD), due to the similarity of the instrumentation (guitarist John McLaughlin, organist Joey DeFrancesco and drummer Dennis Chambers), would be an updating of Tony Williams's groundbreaking fusion group Lifetime, the reality is somewhat different. McLaughlin may get top billing but this music sounds very much like a Joey DeFrancesco-led Jimmy Smith revival date with most of the selections being blues-based. There are some introspective moments for the guitarist (who plays strictly electric here) but DeFrancesco dominates the ensembles and takes the lion's share of the solo space. The music is enjoyable enough although none of the compositions (all but Miles Davis's "No Blues" are by McLaughlin) are all that memorable. By Scott Yanow ( AMG )

     Artist: Laco Tayfa
     Album: Hicaz Dolap
     Format: FLAC
     Size: 435 MB (full scans)
     Label: Doublemoon
     Genre: World Fusion, Ethno-Jazz
     Total time: 61:44

     Laco Tayfa represents a new synthesis within the Turkish Roman (Gypsy) tradition. Under the leardership of clarinetist Husnu Senlendirici, Laco Tayfa brings Turkish regional folk music into dialogue with contemporary world music styles, fired by a driving improvisational style. This unification is achieved in Hicaz Dolap at such a level that listeners will find themselves caught up in a journey to the edges of a harmonious whole that is composed of incongruous melodic structures. Every instrument breathes on their own in this album; instruments that once are thought to be archrivals merge in great harmony.Who gave birth to the funk, Joe Tex used to ask? For Husnu Senlendirici, clarinet and leader of Laco Tayfa, the answer is clear - Gypsy musicians from the Aegean Turkish town of Bergama, famous in the country for its bands where the classic zurna and davul are coupled with clarinet and snare drum. Husnu comes from a lineage of musicians, trumpet and clarinet players, so much that his family name means "those who celebrate" (the name of the band is half Turkish half Romany, meaning something like "good team" or "happy company"). His father, Ergun, was an amazing trumpet player, whose unique jazz style was featured in Okay Temiz's Magnetic Band; under the percussionist, Senlendirici also took his first steps.Their first album Bergama Gaydasi was very successful and is well worth seeking out. To add to the basic ingredients of Turkish-Gypsy dance music and 70's funk, Laco Tayfa looks toward other forms of Turkish pop: arabesk, belly dance, and "anatolian ska" as premiered by the best selling group Athena, whose vocalists are guesting on a track here. The CD takes its title from a piece that is often played as an introduction to a belly dance number, and serves as a showcase for the soloists, who take turns in the central section improvising on the makam Hicaz. - product information

     Artist: Nicole Henry
     Album: The Very Thought of You
     Label: Banister
     Year: 2008
     Genre: Jazz
     Format: MP3@320 kbps
     Time: 51 min.
     Size: 116 mb.

     Новый альбом молодой американской певицы.

     The second U.S. release for beautiful vocalist Nicole Henry is romantic, intimate and even fun at times. Henry adds a few originals to the mix of jazz standards and lesser known tunes from the Gershwins, Eaton and Shand. With power, grace, and a stellar list of international performances and awards, vocalist Nicole Henry delivers herself in the most genuine fashion and sings to sincerely inspire and touch hearts. Henry's voice adds new life and new meaning to lyrics. Her repertoire ranges from uplifting ballads and jazz standards to soul, memorable originals and popular music. As Jazz Times stated, 'She can sell a power ballad as well as Whitney, Diana and Patti...' Along with a voice that takes command of all styles, her statuesque beauty also creates the package and the presence that is Nicole - a distinctive sentiment indeed. Amazon.com

     Artist: Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand) & Ekaya
     Album: African River
     Year: 1989
     Genre: Post-Bop
     Label: Enja
     Format: FLAC
     Size: 261 MB (full scans)
     Total time: 45:38

     For this excellent date, pianist Abdullah Ibrahim performs eight of his compositions with a particularly strong group of players: trombonist Robin Eubanks, John Stubblefield on tenor and flute, Horace Alexander Young switching between soprano, alto and piccolo, Howard Johnson on tuba, baritone and trumpet, bassist Buster Williams and drummer Brian Abrahams. But more important than the individual players are the colorful ensembles and the frequently memorable compositions. Highlights include "African River," "Sweet Samba," "Duke 88" and a beautiful version of "The Wedding." - by Scott Yanow, AMG

     Artist: Betty Carter
     Album: Live At The Village Vanguard
     Label: Verve
     Year: 1970
     Genre: Vocal Jazz
     Format: MP3@320
     Time: 39:44
     Size: 88.1MB

     Betty Carter's remarkable early-'70s LPs were initially available only on her own poorly distributed label. This live date captured Carter when her voice was its most pliable, her delivery in full bloom and her range and power at their peak. She could scat with a fury and rhythmic intensity that were almost magical, then turn a slow tune like "The Sun Died" or "Body and Soul" into a showcase by emphasizing key lyrics, subtly changing each stanza, or increasing the pace at an unexpected moment. This deserves full attention, as it represents Betty Carter still evolving and perfecting her matchless technique. By Ron Wynn ( AMG )

     Artist: George Shearing and Hank Jones
     Album: The Spirit of 176
     Label: Concord Jazz
     Year: 1988, re-release 2003
     Genre: Cool
     Format, bitrate: FLAC, 452 kbps
     Time: 54 min 10 sec
     Size: 179 Mb
     AMG rating:

     An unmatchable combination of two widely acknowledged jazz pianists, George Shearing and Hank Jones creates a unique stereo effect. A record well worth listening!

   Artist: Stephane Grappelli & David Grisman
   Album: Live
   Label: Warner Bros.
   Year: 1979
   Release 1994
   Format Mp3, bitrate: 320 kb/s
   Time: 43:43
   Size: 102 Mb
   Bubu's Rating: ****

   One of the most exciting of the many Stephane Grappelli recordings, this live session (a straight CD reissue of the original LP) teams the veteran violinist with mandolist David Grisman's band, an ensemble that (in addition to its leader) boasts hot solos from Mike Marshall on violin, guitarist Mark O'Connor (who switches to violin to battle Grappelli on a memorable "Tiger Rag"), and bassist Rob Wasserman. The first two songs ("Shine" and "Pent-Up House") are taken at breakneck tempos and then, after the group tries to cool off on "Misty," they really burn on "Sweet Georgia Brown" and "Tiger Rag." Essential music with more than its share of great solos.
   Scott Yanow, AMG

     Artist: Afro Cuban All Stars
     Album: A Toda Cuba Le Gusta
     Label: Elektra/Asylum
     Year: 1996
     Genre: Afro-Cuban, Afro-Cuban Jazz
     Format: MP3@320
     Time: 53:43
     Size: 120MB

     A lively, spontaneous record that manages to sound both relaxed and forceful at the same time, A Toda Cuba Le Gusta shows off the talents of many of Cuba's elder statesmen of Afro-Cuban jazz. Over gently pulsating conga grooves and low-register ostinatos, such luminaries as pianist Ruben Gonzalez and singer Manuel "Puntillita" Licea float dramatic melodies, as their solo contributions are answered by brass section chords as thick and sweet as cane syrup. Although it is Ruben Gonzalez' presence on this album that gets the most attention, his tendency towards relentless chromaticism becomes tiresome early on, especially when it is contrasted with the exquisite phrasing and tremulous beauty of singers such as Licea, Raul Planas, and Ibrahum Ferrer. As would be expected, the trumpets blare with traditional Cuban bravado, evoking gentle romance and fiery passion with equal ease. Even the resident gringo, Ry Cooder, gets in some choice licks on "Alto Songo." The relative lack of dynamic movement in most of these songs may lead to them blending together in the ear of the listener, but the inherent tunefulness of each track, not to mention the sheer drive that this band is capable of summoning, cancels that complaint out nicely. An important collaboration and a promising debut. By Daniel Gioffre ( AMG )

   Artist: Stephane Grappelli
   Album: In Tokyo
   Label: Denon/Columbia Japan/Zoom
   Year: 1990
   Release 1993
   Format Mp3, bitrate: 320 kb/s
   Time: 1:04:30
   Size: 149 mb
   AMG Rating:

   One of several fine live dates recorded in the twilight of Stephane Grappelli's long career, this concert has few surprises. The repertoire is fairly standard for the violinist, accompanied by the always enjoyable guitarist Marc Fossett, bassist Jean-Philippe Viret, with the trio occasionally augmented by accordion player Marcel Azzola. At this time in his life he was still playing at least one piano medley during most concerts. Here the audience is treated to "Time After Time," "Two Sleepy People," and "Satin Doll." One can never have enough Stephane Grappelli, especially on stage.
   - Ken Dryden, AMG

   Artist: Stephane Grappelli
   Album: Satin Doll
   Label: Vanguard/Accord
   Year: 1972
   Release 1995
   Format Mp3, bitrate: 320 kb/s
   Time: 1:10:01
   Size: 161 Mb
   Bubu's Rating: ****

   On this double LP, violinist Stéphane Grappelli gets away from his usual tribute to the late Django Reinhardt and plays 15 standards, including "Mack the Knife," "The Girl from Ipanema," "You Took Advantage of Me," and "Body and Soul." Accompanied by organist Eddy Louiss, pianist Marc Hemmeler, guitarist Jimmy Gourley, bassist Guy Pedersen, and drummer Kenny Clarke, Grappelli is in typically flawless form for these enjoyable swing sessions.
   Scott Yanow, AMG