Artist: Buddy Childers
     Album: West Coast Quintet
     Label: Candid Records
     Year: 1994, release: 1997
     Quality: mp3; 192 kb/s
     Size: 72,53 mb
     Total time: 61:46

     Buddy Childers is one of the most talented and respected lead trumpets in the big band jazz and dance band field. His musical career began in 1943, when at the age of 16 he joined the Stan Kenton Orchestra, holding that demanding spot for more than eleven years. In 1954, Buddy settled on the West Coast where he also began playing in small groups, developing a subtle warm sound, and emerging as a very sensitive soloist with a lot of feeling and creativity. Since then he alternated in both those roles. However, although his name as a leader of the brass section appeared in countless recordings, the present sides are the only ones he made leading his own group during the Fifties. You will agree that they are a fine showcase for the trumpet style of Buddy Childers.

     Artist: Various Artists
     Album: Andrew Lloyd Webber 60
     Number of Discs: 3
     Label: Polydor
     Year: 2008
     Genre: Soundtrack, Musical Show
     Format, bitrate: MP3@320 kbps
     Time: 78:48 79:02 79:46
     Size: 171.9 + 172.6 + 174.2 Mb



     Issued in late 2008, this three-disc collection wishes renowned British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber a happy 60th birthday by presenting key songs from his many beloved musicals. Highlights include Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford's sweepingly dramatic rendition of "The Phantom of the Opera" and "It's Easy for You," an emotive Webber-penned number performed by Elvis Presley shortly before his death.

     Artist: Wynton Marsalis
     Album: Standard Time, Vol. 4: Marsalis Plays Monk
     Label: Sbme Special Mkts.
     Year: , release April 27, 1999
     Genre: Jazz
     Format, bitrate: MP3 320Kbps
     Time: 65:33
     Size:148Mb

     As the fourth volume of Wynton Marsalis' ongoing Standard Time project, as well as the first volume of his planned eight-disc series Swinging into the 2, Marsalis Plays Monk arrives with some baggage -- but it isn't as great as the baggage that comes with tackling the compositions of Thelonious Monk, one of the greatest and most idiosyncratic composers in jazz history. Marsalis takes two different tactics to distinguish himself. He avoids the obvious choices, the songs that have long been part of every jazz musician's repertoire -- no "Round Midnight" or "Well, You Needn't" will be heard here -- and focuses on a selection of 14 tunes that illustrate the complexity and diversity of Monk's music. Secondly, Marsalis decided to give all these songs clean, direct arrangements, which makes this music more accessible. To some listeners, it may be a little disconcerting to hear the rough edges sanded away, but these precise arrangements are quite engaging in their own right, demonstrating the versatility of Monk's compositions. Marsalis might not offer anything new, but with his stellar supporting band -- including tenor saxophonists Walter Blanding and Victor Goines, alto saxophonist Wessell Anderson, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, pianist Eric Reed, bassists Ben Wolfe and Reginald Veal, and drummer Herlin Riley -- he's made an enjoyable classicist jazz LP that happens to be an affectionate tribute to a true master. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

     Artist: Wynton Marsalis
     Album: Citi Movement
     Label: Wounded Bird Records
     Year: , release July 27, 1992
     Genre: Jazz
     Format, bitrate: MP3 256Kbps
     Time: 72:47 + 50
     Size: 133 Mb + 91Mb

     This double CD contains Wynton Marsalis' score for the modern ballet Griot New York. Even more than his trumpet playing, his writing skills had developed quickly during the five years prior to this set. Marsalis' superb septet (including trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, altoist Wes Anderson, Todd Williams on tenor and soprano, pianist Eric Reed, bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer Herlin Riley) performs the complex and consistently colorful music, which goes through a wide variety of styles (including New Orleans jazz, swing, bop, modal music, and even some sections bordering on the avant-garde). The results are unpredictable, exciting, and quite enjoyable. This is one of Wynton Marsalis' finest recordings to date. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

     Artist: Wynton Marsalis
     Album: Standard Time, Vol.2: Intimacy Calling
     Label: Sony
     Year: , release March 26, 1991
     Genre: Jazz
     Format, bitrate: mp3, 128 kbps
     Time: 70m, 02s
     Size: 64.2 Mb

     Wynton Marsalis's second of three standard albums was actually released after the third volume. On most of the selections, the brilliant trumpeter is heard in excellent form with his quartet (comprised of pianist Marcus Roberts, bassist Reginald Veal or Robert Hurst and either Herlin Riley or Jeff Watts on drums); tenorman Todd Williams helps out on "I'll Remember April" and altoist Wes Anderson is also added to "Crepuscule with Nellie." Marsalis's tone really makes the ballads worth hearing, and his unusual choice and placement of notes keeps the music stimulating. This mostly bop-oriented set is rounded off by a jaunty version of "Bourbon Street Parade." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

     Artist - Charlie Spivak & His Orchestra
     Album - The O'Keh And Columbia Years 1941 - 1942
     Label - Collectables Records
     Years: 1941 - 1942, release - 2002
     Quality - MP3@320 kbps
     Size - 159 mb
     AMG rating:



     Coming along halfway through the swing era, Charlie Spivak's big band managed to rank among the top ten orchestras of the early '40s. That Spivak never broke into the top five, occupied by the likes of Glenn Miller, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Harry James, and Benny Goodman, had to do with timing -- all of them had preceded him -- but also with his musical approach. Spivak got his shot at leading an orchestra because he was so respected as a hot trumpeter, but when he organized a band he usually stuck a mute in his horn and aimed for a smooth style not unlike the sound of Tommy Dorsey's trombone. Indeed, he seemed to pattern his band on that of the younger Dorsey, similarly attempting to straddle the hot and sweet strains of swing. When he did play his trumpet open, he reminded a lot of listeners of James (though some found his tone purer). As a result, his legacy has been compromised, and there have been few compilations of his original studio recordings. Collectables Records redresses this wrong with its 24-track, 77-minute collection of Spivak's earliest recordings, made for Columbia and its OKeh subsidiary between the start of 1941 and the onset of the first recording ban in August 1942. All of the band's chart hits from that period, with the exception of its cover of "White Christmas," have been included. Spivak's trumpet playing is the attraction on such instrumentals as "What's Cookin'" and vocal numbers like "Don't Take Your Love From Me." The Tommy Dorsey sound is very apparent on "I Understand" and the hit "Intermezzo (A Love Story)," while James is recalled on "At Last" and "Autumn Nocturne." Throughout, the band plays sturdy, familiar swing music that remains just a little too much like that of its betters. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide

     Artist: Stan Getz
     Album: Jazz Ballads
     Label: Jazz Ballads
     Year: 2004
     Format: FLAC
     Total time: 1:50:23
     Size: 416 MB + Artwork

     Artist: Oscar Peterson
     Album: Piano Moods (The Definitive Oscar Peterson)
     Label: Universal Jazz
     Year: 1954 - 1971
     Release: 2005
     Format, bitrate: Mp3, 192 kb/s vbr
     Time: 2:26:36
     Size: 283 Mb
     AMG Rating: ****

     IMPORTANT NOTICE
     There are on this compilation certain tracks that can't be found elsewhere (at least in this reading):
     Who Can I Turn To?
     I Loves You Porgy (I Want to Stay Here)
     Here's the Rainy Day
     Night Train - appears only on the "Night Train" remastered bonus tracks album from 1997
     Fly Me To The Moon - appears only on The Very Best of Oscar Peterson from 2003
     Windmills Of Your Mind - appears only on The Genius of Oscar Peterson from 2004
     In The Still Of The Night - can be found on "1959" compilation but this remastered variant sounds much better - Bubu Hans

     The material here was recorded for the Verve and MPS labels, and this two-disc, import retrospective of the work of legendary pianist Oscar Peterson is not only representative, but solid from top to bottom, showcasing many of his finest moments on wax in both live and studio recordings with his great trio of Herb Ellis and Ray Brown as well as in other settings. This is as fine an introduction as there is and, for the money, simply cannot be beaten. by Thom Jurek - All Music Guide

     This is an enjoyable 33-Track compilation (made in England; probably explains why the Beatles "Yesterday" is included) of Verve recordings from the late 50s through early 70s, nicely re-mastered. It is weighted toward the slower, more thoughtful side of Peterson, rather than his more "invigorating" pyrotechnics. The majority of the tunes are fine trio arrangements with piano, bass (usually Ray Brown) and drums (usually Ed Thigpen). By David Conklin at Amazon.com

     Artist: Dizzy Reece
     Album: Star Bright
     Label: Blue Note
     Quality: FLAC & MP3@320
     Size: 259 MB & 85 MB
     Time: 39:25
     AMG rating:

     Artist: Red Garland
     Album: The best of the Red Garland Trios
     Label: Prestige
     Format, bitrate: MP3@320 kbps + all covers
     Size: ~130 MB

     Red Garland in a trio setting provided the definitive sound of both Prestige Records and the entire modern jazz era. The sparkling touch, buoyant beat, and soulful affirmation of the pianist’s music can be heard in one of the largest and most consistent bodies of work from the period. The ten gems here include six tracks where Garland is accompanied by his signature partners, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Arthur Taylor, and also find guest artists Ray Barretto, Kenny Burrell, and Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis fitting right into the groove. With its mix of standards, jazz classics, and rhythm and blues hits, the program captures both the scope and depth of Garland’s trio magic.

     Artist: Red Garland
     Album: Stretching Out: Satin Doll/Lil' Darlin'
     Label: Prestige/OJC
     Year: 1959, release:2002
     Quality: mp3@320 kbps + all covers
     Size:170 mb


     When it comes to Red Garland's history as a recording artist, there is good news and bad news. First, the bad news: Garland spent most of the '60s in semi-retirement and didn't get into the studio at all from 1963-1969. Now, the good news: Prestige and its various subsidiaries documented Garland extensively in the late '50s and early '60s. During that period, the influential pianist recorded about 25 sessions as a leader -- and that isn't counting all the Prestige releases that feature him as a sideman. Fantasy, which owns the Prestige catalog, has generally been good about reissuing Garland's work. Assembled by Fantasy in 2002, this 70-minute CD draws on two LPs that Garland recorded in 1959: Satin Doll and Lil' Darlin'. Garland's Prestige output was impressively consistent, and Stretching Out finds him in fine form on both live and studio material. The studio tracks (which include George Gershwin's "The Man I Love" and Duke Ellington's "Satin Doll") were recorded in Rudy Van Gelder's famous New Jersey location, while the live performances are from an October 2, 1959, appearance at the Prelude in New York's Harlem section. That same Prelude gig is the focus of Fantasy's 77-minute CD At the Prelude, Vol. 1 -- Garland did more than one set that night, and none of the performances that are on that CD are on Stretching Out. When this disc is playing, listeners are reminded that Garland was as lyrical and melodic as he was hard-swinging. He is also highly charismatic; Garland brings a great deal of warmth to the studio tracks as well as to Prelude performances that include Oscar Pettiford's "Blues in the Closet," Neal Hefti's "Lil' Darlin'," and Rodgers & Hammerstein's "We Kiss in the Shadow." From the Prelude to Van Gelder's studio, Stretching Out paints a consistently attractive picture of Garland in 1959. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide

     Artist: Kondakov, Volkov, Shilkloper
     Album: Out Line
     Year: 2000
     Label: Boheme Music (BMR)
     Genre: Modern Jazz
     Time: 46:52
     Format: Mp3@320/kbs
     Size: 102.31 MB



В 2003 г., по результатам ежегодного опроса членов московской ассоциации джазовых журналистов, Андрей Кондаков был отмечен в следующих номинациях: "Джазовый деятель" (музыкант, сочетающий творческую деятельность с организационной), "Диск" (за диск "Alone and Together" Андрей Кондаков - Пол Болленбэк, "Beyond") и "Диски смежных жанров" (за диск "Outline" трио Кондаков - Волков - Шилклопер).

     Artist: Willis Jackson
     Album: Nothing Butt...
     Label: Muse
     Recorded: June 20, 1980
     Format: MP3@320 kbps, vinyl rip
     Size: 75.2 MB

     Tenor saxophonist Willis Jackson got into a routine on his Muse albums, but never lost his enthusiasm and creativity within the genre. This album features Jackson on a current hit ("Just the Way You Are"), a couple of ballads, and three romps ("Nothing Butt," "Hittin' and Missin'," and "Move"). Guitarist Pat Martino is heard in excellent form just before a serious illness; organist Charles Earland is up to his usual groovin' form, and drummer Grady Tate and percussionist Buddy Caldwell keep the music moving. An excellent effort full of enjoyable and fairly accessible music. ~ Review by Scott Yanow, AMG.

     Artists: Allan Botschinsky & Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen
     Album: Duologue
     Label: M.A. MUSIC
     Year: 1987
     Format, bitrate: mp3, 320 kbps
     Size: 59,7 MB

     Trumpeter Allan Botschinsky (doubling on flugelhorn) teams up with bassist Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen for a set of sparse yet swinging duets.

     Artist: Jay McShann
     Album: Roll 'em
     Genre: Blues, Piano-Blues, Swing
     Label: Black & Blue
     Original Release Date: March 29, 1969
     Release: 1987
     Format, bitrate: APE+CUE+LOG+Scan
     Size: 290 MB
     Time: 59:44

     В джаз-блюз клубе уже есть несколько альбомов этого удивительного блюзового пианиста, представляю еще один его альбом, исполненный в лучших традициях piano-blues.

     Artist: Марк Бернес
     Album: Я люблю тебя, жизнь
     Release: 1997
     Label: Пролог-Мьюзик
     Genre: Шансон
     Format, bitrate: MP3@320 kb/s
     Time: 1:03:17
     Size: 149,5 MB (+5% recovery)

     Ни один праздник Победы уже давно не обходится без этих и других песен Марка Бернеса - возможно, лучшего "шансонье" советской эпохи.
     Сейчас модно ругать советскую эстраду за пошлость и конъюнктурность - до Бернеса все эти упреки как бы не долетают. Он был вполне "официальным" певцом, но в его творчестве почти нет песен, потерявших свою актуальность или кажущихся теперь наивными. А его негромкий, но всегда доверительный голос, пожалуй, стоит доброго десятка тех, кто якобы "умеет петь".