Artists: John Lee Hooker
Album: Best Of
Year: 2007
Original Release Date: 2007
Label: Mca UK
Genre: Blues
Format, bitrate: MP3/192 kb
Size: Part1 - 95.8 MB Part2 – 11.5 MB

Budget-price compilation for the blues living legend known as, 'the king of the endless boogie'. Features 19 classic tracks spanning his long and diverse career from the early 50's sessions throught to his mid-70's recordings. Notable tracks include 'Never Get Out Of These Blues Alive', recorded with Van Morrison and exclusive to this collection. 'The Best Of' also includes several of his tracks from his legendary 1966 session with Lafayette Leake, Eddie Burns and Fred Below, amongst them 'Stella Mae', 'Peace Loving Man' and 'I Can'tQuit You Baby'. 1994 release.

Artists: John Lee Hooker
Album: That's My Story
Label: Original Blues Classics
Year: 1960
Original Released: 1960
Quality: mp3; 128 kb/s
Genre: Blues
Size: 50.6 MB

An acoustic date cut on February 9, 1960, this finds Hooker in top-notch form, running through a dozen performances in his instantly identifiable style. Except for three solo turns, Hooker is ably backed by bassist Sam Jones and drummer Louis Hayes, both wisely following John Lee's idiosyncratic timing and changes. All the tunes are stretched out to comfortable lengths, and his interpretations of then-R&B hits like "Money" and Rosco Gordon's "No More Doggin'" are so vastly reworked that they sound like totally original compositions. A good choice to pick up if you run across a copy. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide

     Artist: The Dave Brubeck Quartet
     Album: Dave Digs Disney
     Year: 1994; Original Release Date: 1957
     Label: Sony
     Format, bitrate: MP3/160 kbps
     Size: 54.66 MB

     Dave Digs Disney - and hence, so do we! The album's one of the first to ever pay tribute to the great compositions heard in Disney films -- and it features the magical sound of the Brubeck Quartet, turned upon a host of familiar numbers, and transforming them into longer vehicles for jazz improvisation. Given Dave's great sense of play with rhythm and timings, the tunes really get changed up in these versions -- in a way that takes best advantage of the modal rhythms and jazz waltz styles that many of them share. Paul Desmond's alto work is as impeccably-handled as ever, and Joe Morello's sprightly drums seem perfectly at home with the tunes -- as does Dave's warmly lyrical work on piano. Titles include "Alice In Wonderland", "Give A Little Whistle", "One Song", and "Someday My Prince Will Come". CD also features 2 previously unreleased bonus tracks -- "So This Is Love" and "Very Good Advice".

     Artist: Eden Atwood
     Album: A Night In The Life
     Year: 1996
     Original Release Date: 1996
     Label: Concord Records
     Genre: Jazz Vocal
     Format, bitrate: MP3/192 kb
     Size: 53.1 MB

     Artist: Tom Grant
     Album: Solo Piano
     Year: 2003
     Original Release Date: 2003
     Label: Nu-Wrinkle Records
     Genre: Jazz
     Format, bitrate: MP3 VBR
     Size: 98.3 MB

     Artist: Astrud Gilberto
     Album: Astrud Gilberto Canta In Italiano
     Year: 1968
     Original Release Date: 1968
     Label: Verve
     Genre: Jazz Vocal
     Format, bitrate: MP3/192 kb
     Size: 44.7 MB


     Astrud Gilberto (born March 29, 1940) is a Brazilian singer best known for her samba and bossa nova music, most famously as the vocalist on the Grammy Award winning song "The Girl from Ipanema".
She sang on the influential album Getz/Gilberto featuring Joгo Gilberto, Stan Getz, and Antonio Carlos Jobim. She had never performed professionally, and sang on the recordings at the suggestion of her husband, Joгo Gilberto (they divorced in the mid-1960s).
Gilberto's recording of "The Girl from Ipanema" established her as a jazz and pop singer.
Astrud Gilberto received the "Latin Jazz USA Award for Lifetime Achievement" in 1992, and was inducted to the "International Latin Music Hall of Fame" in 2002. Although not officially retired, Gilberto announced in 2002 that she was taking "indefinite time off" from public performances

   Artist: David Sanborn
   Album: Songs From The Night Before
   Year: 1996
   Original Release Date: 1996
   Label: Elektra / Wea
   Genre: Smooth Jazz
   Format, bitrate: MP3/192 kb
   Size: 55.0 MB

   David Sanborn's distinctive alto is all over this set, caressing the melodies and playing short soulful solos in typical fashion. Joined by an electronic quartet that features prominent work by Ricky Peterson on keyboards (including bass and drum programming), plus a horn section, Sanborn gives humanity and honest feeling to what could have been an anonymous effort. In addition to the many originals, the influential altoist plays tasteful versions of Wayne Shorter's "Infant Eyes" and Eddie Harris' catchy "Listen Here." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

   Artist: Laura Fygi
   Album: At Ronnie Scott's
   Year: 2003
   Original Release Date: 2003
   Label: Universal Int'l
   Genre: Jazz Vocal
   Format, bitrate: MP3@192 kb
   Size: 69.2 MB

     Artist: Renee Olstead
     Album: By Request
     Year: 2002
     Original Release Date: 2002
     Label: Reprise / Wea
     Genre: Jazz Vocal
     Format, bitrate: MP3@192 kbit/smp3
     Size: 28.2 MB


     Renee is a multi-dimensional entertainer with a unique style and emotional energy that produces an extra-ordinary entertainment experience. She has been singing and entertaining for over half of her life. She spends her time with live vocal appearances and playing the violin. Her credits are many. Just to mention a few of her performances, she has performed at: The Pasadena Jazz Institute Series, The Derby, The Madison Supper Club, Suzie Q' Swing Club, The Satin Ballroom, Hollywood Palace, Hollywood and Highland, NASA, Six Flag, Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo, Continental Airlines, The Dick Clark Production of the YoungStar Awards in Hollywood, U.S. Space and Rocket Center, National Stage @ The Pasadena Rodeo, A Night At the Oscars, The Audrey Hepburn Foundation, numerous festivals around the State of Texas and California. She has performed the Naional Anthem numerous times at different sporting events including the prestigious Inaugural Opening Night for the W! NBA, Houston Comets. Her incredible vocal prowess, passion and unique style are sure to reach countless new fans in the new millennium.

     Artist: Patricia Barber
     Album: Night Club
     Year: 2000
     Original Release Date: 2000
     Label: Blue Note Records
     Genre: Jazz Vocal
     Format, bitrate: MP3@192, 160, 128 kbit/s
     Size: 53.9 MB

     The piano-playing singer Patricia Barber has quite a pearl of 12 standards on Nightclub with three stellar trios, including three tracks with Charlie Hunter's eight-string guitar. The incomparable bassist Marc Johnson also adds supple support on a few tunes and has a very tasty solo on "Yesterdays." And speaking of soloing, because Barber's vocal phrasing, rhythm, and timbre are so unique, it's easy to overlook her brilliant improvisations on piano. Despite their surface similarities, Barber seems worlds apart from Diana Krall in her presentation. Putting out an album of standards after the ultrahip Modern Cool challenges Barber with a different concept, rather than an attempt to capitalize on the tremendous success of other mainstream jazz vocalists (Krall included). In fact, if there's a problem here, it's that the sardonic wit displayed on Barber's previous releases is missing. On the other hand, it's mightily refreshing to report that a great American jazz singer who established herself on her own material has succeeded at an album of standard tunes. It's a chain of events that most vocalists can't claim. On Nightclub, Barber creates a dark, smoky atmosphere where, like any good impressionistic artist, she brings listeners into her world and lets them enjoy art from her side of the creative pane. Quite an accomplishment. -- Mark A. Ruffin

     Artist: David Sanborn
     Album: Pearls
     Year: 1995
     Original Release Date: 1995
     Label: Elektra / Wea
     Genre: Smoth Jazz
     Format, bitrate: mp3, 192 kb/s
     Size: 73 MB

Over the years certain collections real music lovers come back to over and over and "Pearls" is one of those rare collections that never grow tired and this sublime collection of magnificent performances is one of those timeless collections that stand out like a fine jewel! Legendary arranger Johnny Mandel brillantly arranged old standards and newer ones (two stand-outs by legend Leon Russell!) and David Sanborn has never sounded better and his performances throughout are deeply soulful and satisfying. Guest artists are superb with "For All We Know" by Jimmy Scott a tour-de-force of singing deep from the soul being a mesmerizing performance to be experienced over and over...Oleta Adams doing a sublime "Nobody Does It Better" makes one wonder why this awesome talent isn't a household name...music industry today is filled with lost opportunities as radio programmers program non-talent and pass on greats in favor of creating their boring trends and that is why all the major music chains have folded...a house built on sand doesn't stand and hopefully some day the industry will realize this and promote real talent that people can get excited about and this amazing collection is something to listen to over and over again and defines what great popular music is all about yet the masses never have a chance to experience something this fine. A stunning collection and a must have for any music lover and this collection of "Pearls" is a keeper! Bravo Mr. Sanborn...your artistry inspired greatness which was acheived all here for anyone who cares about great music to savor and enjoy over and over again for years to come!!!

     Artist: Sarah Vaughan
     Album: A Time In My Life
     Label: MAINSTREAM
     Year: 1991
     Release Date: 1972
     Genre: Jazz Vocal
     Format, bitrate: mp3; 192 kb/s
     Size: 44.60MB

Sarah Vaughan is one of the greatest vocalists of all time. A Time In My Life is a mixed bag that illustrates the challenges many interpreters of the Great American Songbook faced in trying to keep up with the times, from a commercial standpoint. Released in 1972, there are some sublime moments here and almost as many frightening ones. "On Thinking It Over" is a jazzy, soulful track that shifts mood and tempo between chorus and verse. "Magical Connection" is a cool, swaying midtempo. Carly Simon's "That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be" is a great song but this lament of a young upper middle class, white woman coming of age in the first wave of political feminism loses all context in the hands of a mature, knowing woman of another era. In contrast, Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" fits Vaughan like a glove and it is my personal favorite here; funky and forward, it is clear that Vaughan really feels the message. It's hard to go wrong with John Lennon's "Imagine" (provided you can actually sing) so Vaughan's version is good but not great, but even mediocre Sarah Vaughan is still pretty good when compared to mere mortals.

     Artist: Regina Belle
     Album: Reachin’ Back
     Label: Sony
     Year: 1995
     Release Date: 1995
     Genre: R&B
     Format, bitrate: mp3
     Size: 65.60MB

Regina Belle emerged as a prolific, consistently engaging vocalist on the urban contemporary scene. Born in New Jersey, Belle's early experience was in gospel, though she was also attracted to R&B during her childhood. She studied trombone, tuba, and steel drums, and at 12 won a school contest singing the Emotions' "Don't Ask My Neighbors." Belle sang in a New Jersey vocal group, and studied opera and jazz in college. New York disc jockey Vaughn Harper introduced her to the Manhattans, and she began working as their opening act. Belle recorded a duet with them, "Where Did We Go Wrong," that was produced by Bobby Womack in 1986. She earned a solo Columbia contract in 1987, and the single "Please Be Mine" earned both praise and a number two R&B hit. A follow-up single, "So Many Tears," also made the R&B Top 20, and the hit "Without You," pairing her with Peabo Bryson, was the only memorable thing about the film Leonard, Part 6. Her second LP, Stay with Me, secured her success, and she went on to earn more acclaim. Releasing Passion in 1993, she returned five years later with Believe in Me, which was followed by 2001's This Is Regina! and 2004's Lazy Afternoon. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide

     Artist: David Sanborn
     Album: Love Songs
     Label: Warner Bros / Wea
     Year: 1995
     Release Date: 1976
     Genre: Smooth Jazz
     Format, bitrate: mp3;160 kb/sec
     Size: 49.91MB

     This 1995 CD sampler has a dozen songs taken from eight of altoist David Sanborn's Warner Bros. releases, including a 1985 version of "The Water Is Wide" (with Linda Ronstadt on vocal) that was not previously released domestically. A fine all-around set with the emphasis on passionate ballad statements, the CD is more for listeners unfamiliar with Sanborn than for more serious Sanborn collectors, who will prefer the complete original sets. Highlights include "Straight To The Heart," "You Don't Know Me" and "I Do It For Your Love." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

     Artist: Ernestine Anderson
     Album: Live From Concord To London
     Label: Concord Records
     Year: 1976
     Release Date: 1976
     Genre: Jazz Vocal
     Format, bitrate: mp3, 128 kb/s
     Size: 35.90MB

The first half of this CD is quite historic 17Ѕ minutes from Ernestine Anderson's comeback concert at the 1976 Concord Jazz Festival. One can feel excitement throughout the performance as the audience rediscovers the talented singer, who had not recorded in a decade. Four songs ("Don't Get Around Much Anymore," "Days of Wine and Roses," "Stormy Monday" and a soulful "Am I Blue") have swinging and stimulating accompaniment by pianist Hank Jones, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Jake Hanna, while a brief "Take the 'A' Train" has Anderson joined by Bill Berry's Big Band. The "London" half of the disc is from a year later and is more laidback and routine, although enjoyable. Backed by an English rhythm section, the singer interprets "My Romance," a four-song Duke Ellington medley, and "Love for Sale" in winning fashion. Overall, this is one of the best in Ernestine Anderson's string of Concord recordings. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

     Artist: Peter Cincotti
     Album: On the Moon
     Label: Concord Records
     Year: 2004
     Release Date: 2004
     Genre: Jazz Vocal
     Format, bitrate: mp3
     Size: 67.71MB

[i]

     Artist: Anita Baker
     Album: My Everything
     Label: Blue Note Records
     Year: 2004
     Release Date: 2004
     Genre: R&B
     Format, bitrate: mp3
     Size: 63.41MB

     Artists: Nnenna Freelon
     Album: Nnenna Freelon
     Label: Sony
     Year: 1992
     Release Date: 1992
     Genre: Jazz Vocal
     Format, bitrate: mp3
     Size: 47.06 MB

     When Nnenna Freelon recorded her debut album for Columbia, a string-filled affair titled Nnenna Freelon, she was quickly labeled a Sarah Vaughan imitator. However, her second date (Heritage), which featured her backed by just a trio and occasionally a couple of horns, was a major improvement and she displayed a much more adventurous and original style, showing that first impressions are not always correct. Freelon, after graduating from Simmons College, raised three children and had a career in health services in Durham, NC, before really starting her vocal career. She performed well at an Atlanta jam session with Ellis Marsalis and two years later, on the strength of that jam, she was signed to Columbia. In 1996, she switched to the Concord label and Shaking Free was released in 1996 and Maiden Voyage followed two years later. The new millennium brought the release of Soulcall in September 2000. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

     Artists: Etta James
     Album: Time After Time
     Label: RCA Victor
     Year: 1995
     Release Date: 1995
     Genre: Jazz Vocal
     Format, bitrate: mp3
     Size: 153.32MB

No one can deny Etta James's legendary status as a queen of the blues, and here, in this 1995 recording, she still wails with the best. Surrounded by extraordinary musicians--especially the brilliant Cedar Walton on piano and Eddie Harris and Herman Riley on tenor sax--she turns standards into big, bold, assertive statements, capitalizing on her lower register (much lower than when she was younger). Full of passion, she proclaims her songs, as much as she sings them, using volume and her somewhat harsh voice, instead of sweetness and subtlety, to convey her messages.

     Artists: Laura Fygi
     Album: Change
     Label: Mercury
     Year: 2002
     Release Date: 2002
     Genre: Jazz Vocal
     Format, bitrate: mp3
     Size: 81.42MB
     Total time: 64:20

'Change' is a semi-biography album of Laura chronicles stories of her past and present. With her unique smooth and sultry velvet voice, Laura once again leads her audiences to a music world of great beauty. The depth of feeling that she portrays in the songs alternate unmistakably between the lyrical and the passionate. The musicianship of Laura's each album is as ever impeccable and incomparable. For this new album, Laura has teamed up a huge number of talented musicians and to top it all, she collaborates with a grand orchestra to join in the production of these 14 new masterpieces of music.
The song quality of Laura is as ever uniformly high. The catchy first single "Midnight Stroll" highlights Laura's very capable vocal abilities. The second single "Remember me" is one of the most outstanding tracks on the album. This song surely brings you a warm feeling deep inside your heart while listening to it. The other numbers on the album are also stand-outs. "Change" is a beautiful expression that sums up the whole album. "How do I win your heart" and "No small talk please" retained a gentle moody style felt throughout the album. "He saw her there" and "You can't judge" combined a touch of sexy and classic jazzy spirit while "Every moment", "Girltalk", "Enfant Terrible", "Loved you so long" and "Eternal honeymoon" deliver a refreshing and joy-inducing rhythm in a jazzy style and in a mood to get pumped. "Latin eyes" a continuous latin grooves with infectious drum beats that will sure get you dancing for joy. "I belong" certainly shows Laura's sensitive side demonstrates sheer emotion touching each and everyone's heart.