Artist: Al Di Meola
     CD Title: Anthology (1975-1982)
     Released date: October 26, 2000
     Record Label: Sony / Columbia Records
     Genre: Jazz / Jazz-Rock / Guitar Virtuoso / Collections
     Type: MP3 format sound
     Quality: 320(cbr) Kbit
     Channels: 44Khz, j.stereo
     Total size: 339 mb
     More info: front cover, M3U file
     All files have recovery record

     Sony's third anthology of Return to Forever guitarist Al di Meola's Columbia Records years hits most of the bases and scores extra points by adding four previously unavailable live tracks that account for a whopping 40 minutes of playing time. The double disc features 16 songs from di Meola's seven albums for the label from 1975-1983 and successfully covers highlights from the jazz guitar fusionist's eclectic styles during his early career. Only 22 when his first solo album, Land of the Midnight Sun, was released, di Meola had already cut his teeth for three years with Chick Corea's Return to Forever, and although his style owed a lot to Corea's vision, he had already defined his sound. The guitarist's precise attack, staccato playing, furious speed, and heavily percussive arrangements would serve him well throughout these formative years. Even though he was often criticized for playing too many notes (just listen to the frantic, head-spinning beginning of "Suite: Golden Dawn" from Land of the Midnight Sun), di Meola's more subtle roots in Latin, flamenco, funk, and rock are evident in almost all of his work. He even incorporates strains of the world music that later became the dominant force in his recordings. Although there is evidence of a softer approach, the majority of Anthology concentrates on the hyperactive fret-hopping ability of the young di Meola as he tries to prove he's the fastest guitarist in the world. Even on the acoustic, newly released live tracks from 1978 like the 11-minute "Medley: Short Tales from the Black Forest/Fantasia Suite for Two Guitars," the results are anything but laid-back. Oddly, the disc does not include anything from di Meola's two predominately unplugged trio albums, when he partnered with John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucнa for a tremendously successful guitar summit. With three tracks off Tour de Force: Live and another four from concerts in 1982 and 1978, this disc includes almost an hour of di Meola and his versatile and talented bands tearing it up in front of appreciative audiences. While that makes for some hot guitar showcases, it also focuses too heavily on his frantic fingering, a style which gets wearing over the long haul. The audio fidelity of the newly released live songs is also of substantially inferior quality (the 1982 selections are particularly bad, with the drums sounding like trash cans), making them even more difficult to listen to. But with almost two and a half hours of music, along with liner notes that feature pertinent quotes from the artist, there's plenty on these discs to enjoy. Fret-shredders of all ages will undoubtedly be inspired by the astounding musicianship exemplified here. It's not a full picture of the guitarist's skills, but Anthology is a well-chosen compilation of a major portion of di Meola's career. ~ Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide

REPOST! Today is Al's Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Al!

     Artist: Dexter Gordon
     Album: One Flight Up
     Label: Blue Note
     Year: rec.1964/rel. 2004
     Format: MP3@320 Kb/s
     Time: 48:06
     Size: 71.5 + 34.2 Mb; FLAC 242 MB
     AMG: 4 stars





Tenor-great Dexter Gordon and trumpeter Donald Byrd make for an excellent team on this 1964 hard bop quintet date with pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Niels Pedersen (then only 18) and drummer Art Taylor. The Blue Note album only contains three selections: an 18-minute rendition of Byrd's "Tanya," Drew's minor-toned "Coppin' the Haven" and a quartet version of "Darn That Dream" that finds Gordon in lyrical form. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

     Artist: Les McCann
     Album: Talk To The People
     Label: Atlantic
     Release: 1972
     Genre: funky soul/jazz
     Size: 105 MB
     Time: 48:41
     Format/Bitrate: MP3;320 kb/s

     Les McCann, пианист, вокалист, шоумен. Музыка этого альбома на любой вкус - funky soul – jazz – R&B, при этом сам он играет на Rhodes electric piano.

     While Invitation to Openness was Les McCann's progressive statement of 1972, this was his populist sermon, with a title to match. With four vocals among the seven tracks, Talk to the People preaches earthily in the funky soul/jazz and R&B languages of the time, with some social comment besides. Having gone completely over to the Rhodes electric piano and Hohner clavinet, McCann became a fervent convert -- indeed, he and Stevie Wonder were the funky-butt champs of the clavinet in the 1970s -- and he could beat on them with the rhythmic snap of a conga drummer. "Shamading" may be the funkiest, hip-shaking thing Les has ever recorded; the cool, swaggering funkathon "North Carolina" runs a close second; and the best of the vocals is a very gritty and convincing treatment of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On." Although there are some weak links in this chain of tunes, the highs are sky-high, and they represent some of Les' peak studio performances. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide

     Artist: Al Di Meola
     Album: Di Meola Plays Piazzolla
     Label: Atlantic
     Recording Date: Oct/Sept 1990
     Quality: FLAC & MP3@256 kbit/s     
     Size: 346 mb
     

     Virtuoso musicians of different genres often collaborate on albums for a variety of reasons, i.e. perhaps from mutual admiration, for ego, or for a charitable benefit. Rarely does such collaboration result in something memorable. The meeting of Astor Piazzolla and Al DiMeola before the former's death resulted in project that did. The disc as a whole has a cinematic feel to it, it is world music regionalized and internationalized for all to enjoy. One great composer and another fantastic interpreter create one memorable listening experience for the tango music fan. Put this on your home stereo and as the music fills the room you will be taken back and away.

     Recommended for all audiophiles who appreciate classy music that will stand the test of time!

Today is Al's Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Al!

     Artist: Corduroy
     Album: Out Of Here
     Quality: mp3@320 Kbps
     Size: 107 MB (covers)
     Label: Hollywood Records
     Genre - Acid Jazz
     Year: 1994
     Total time: 47:15

     Corduroy's fourth album is both a departure from their earlier more frenetic instrumental albums, and a rare treat for those who appreciate mood-soaked, unpretentiously groovy tunes. The instrumentation is unashamedly 70s; Rhodes, B3, Ricky bass, tight drums and loads of nicely-played chicken-scratch. The fact that none of the instruments is continually trying to spotlight itself makes for very relaxing listening, from the wah-driven groove of 'Mini' to the punchy, understated funk of 'Practise What You Preach'. Some bands make whole albums solely of grooves, licks or riffs. This is an album of SONGS which go places and take you with them. The singing has obviously been produced so as to blend some nice harmonies with the polite-but-funky arrangements rather than blow over the top. I don't believe everyone should be required to sing like they're trying to stifle a big sneeze. - from amazon.com

     Artist - Ann Richards
     Album - Ann, Man!
     Label - Atlantic
     Year - 1961
     Quality - MP3@256 (LP - rip.)
     Size - 73,1mb
     Total time - 40:28



Ann Richards, an excellent singer who was married to Stan Kenton for a few years, only recorded a few solo albums before slipping away into obscurity. Ann, Man! is her most intimate date, a quartet set with trumpeter Jack Sheldon, guitarist Barney Kessel, bassist Red Callender, and drummer Larry Bunker. Four of the songs (including "There's a Lull in My Life" and "You Go to My Head") are duets with Kessel. Richards shows off her versatility and sensitivity on this well-rounded set, swinging lightly and singing with restrained emotions. It is a pity that she did not have a prosperous career, for the talent was definitely there. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

     Artist: Dexter Gordon
     Album: Doin' Allright
     Label: Blue Note
     Quality: FLAC
     Size: 277 MB
     Time: 41:36

     The title of this Blue Note set, Doin' Allright, fit perfectly at the time, for tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon was making the first of three successful comebacks. Largely neglected during the 1950s, Gordon's Blue Note recordings (of which this was the first) led to his rediscovery. The tenor is teamed with the young trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, pianist Horace Parlan, bassist George Tucker, and drummer Al Harewood for a strong set of music that is highlighted by "You've Changed" (which would become a permanent part of Gordon's repertoire), "Society Red" (a blues later used in the film Round Midnight), and "It's You or No One." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

     Artists: Al DiMeola, John Mclaughlin, Paco De Lucia
     Album: Friday Night In San Francisco
     Label: Columbia
     Year: 1980, release 1997
     Format, bitrate: MP3@320 kb/s
     Time: 40:41
     Size: 93 MB

     Биографии: Al DiMeola, John Mclaughlin, Paco De Lucia

     Этот, в основном "живой" альбом, представляет из себя плод сотрудничества трех величайших гитаристов мира. Разбитый на три дуэта и два трио, этот альбом запечатлел всех троих гитаристов на пике их формы.

     Artist: Bryan Lee
     Album: Live At The Old Absinthe House Bar Saturday Night
     Label: Justin Time
     Year: 1998
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 10
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ CBR 320
     File Size: 84 MB + 82 MB

     Guests - James Cotton, Frank Marino, Kenny Wayne Shepherd

     Artist: Bryan Lee
     Album: Live At The Old Absinthe House Bar Friday Night
     Label: Justin Time
     Year: 1998
     Genre: Blues
     Tracks: 10
     Format: mp3, Bitrate: @ CBR 320
     File Size: 80 MB + 80 MB


     Guests - James Cotton, Frank Marino, Kenny Wayne Shepherd