Artist: Sid Ramin
     Album: The Big Band Sound Of Sid Ramin
     Label: RCA LSP-2716
     Year: 1963
     Format: FLAC (cue+log)
     Time: 33:20
     Size: 90+87 Mb


     Academy Award Winner Ramin with an Audio-Musical Prize Package!
     When Sid undertook the creation of his album he knew he had his work cut out for him if he was to equal or surpass his first Dynagroove system outing. That package is considered one of the triumphs of recording by the hi-fi/stereo cognoscenti as well as by amateurs who just happen to like stunning popular music.

     Artist: Joe Cocker
     Album: Heart & Soul
     Label: EMI
     Year: 2004
     Format, bitrate: mp3, 320kb/s
     Size: 114MB

     When he came to popular attention in the late 1960s, Joe Cocker reinvigorated and to a certain extent reinvented the art of interpretive singing at a time when it seemed to have been put in the shade permanently by the rise of singing songwriters led by Bob Dylan and the Beatles. Just when it seemed that no one but the songwriters themselves had the right to sing their songs, Cocker came along giving a gruff, pleading rendition of the Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends" that stood in stark contrast to Ringo Starr's happy-go-lucky version. But on his many albums, Cocker usually made sure to balance his carefully selected covers of well-known material with previously unknown tunes so that he was able to originate some material. On Heart & Soul, which marks the 60-year-old singer's return to major-label status (it was released on EMI internationally in October 2004 and on Universal's New Door imprint in the U.S. in February 2005), he doesn't bother with the new stuff; this one's all standards. The songs date from the 1950s, '60s, '70s, and '90s, and are drawn from R&B, pop/rock, and alternative rock stalwarts ranging from Screamin' Jay Hawkins to former Beatles and contemporary acts U2 and R.E.M.. Producer Jeffrey C.J. Vanston makes a point of referencing the hit versions of the songs in the arrangements, which leave room for the talents of a who's who of guest guitarists including Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Steve Lukather. . . .

     Artist: Lee Morgan
     Album: We Remember You
     Label: Fresh Sound
     Year: 1962 & 1972
     Release:1991
     Format, bitrate: MP3, 160 kbps
     Time: 50 min
     Size: 56 MB

     This compilation of live performances by Lee Morgan were recorded nearly a decade apart. The first, from a 1962 aircheck originating at Birdland, features the trumpeter with tenor saxophonist Jimmy Heath, pianist Barry Harris, bassist Spanky DeBrest, and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath. The opener, "Bruh Slim," showcases Morgan's imaginative use of half-valve and unique tonguing techniques. DeBrest takes the initial solo in Sonny Red's strutting blues "Bluesville," with choice solos by Harris, Jimmy Heath, and Morgan, as well. The driving "All Members" is seminal hard bop, kicked off by Harris followed by terrific interplay between the tenor saxophonist and the trumpeter. The later recording, from January 1972, is evidently Morgan's last documented performance before he was shot to death outside a Philadelphia nightclub the following month. Pianist Harold Mabern, Billy Harper, (doubling on tenor sax and flute), bassist Jymie Merritt, and drummer Freddie Waitts join Morgan. "I Remember Britt" is a somewhat obscure but attractive composition by Mabern, recorded several times by Morgan for Blue Note in 1970 during a series of gigs at the Lighthouse but unreleased until long after his death. Merritt contributed "Angela" (dedicated to the outspoken Angela Davis), though the piece is hardly as turbulent as this radical professor's public persona. A brief, incomplete rendition of Morgan's huge hit "The Sidewinder," which fades near the start of Mabern's solo, closes the book on the trumpeter's career. The sound of this CD is a bit rough in spots, though still enjoyable.
    ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide

     Artist: Vladimir Martynov
     Album: Night in Galicia
     Label: Long Arms
     Year: 2000
     Quality: VBR
     Size: 95 MB

     Artist: Nils Petter Molvaer'
     Album: Steamer (Live)
     Label: Thirsty Ear
     Year: 2004
     Format, bitrate: MP3, 320 kb/s
     Size: 102 mb

     Norwegian trumpeter Nils Petter Molvжr's live recording Streamer was issued in Europe on the Sura label in 2004. Finally issued here in the United States in Thirsty Ear's celebrated Blue Series, it is Molvжr's third U.S. CD, and it almost catches us up with his catalog (NP3 is still not in print in the U.S.). Streamer features material from Molvжr's second album on ECM, Solid Ether, as well as NP3. Present here is the trumpeter's standard accompanying band which includes atmospheric guitar powerhouse Eivind Aarset, drum master Rune Arnesen, as well as sidemen DJ Strangefruit, and French electronic programmer Raymond C. Pellicer creating loops and interspersing samples and effects. The four cuts performed from NP3, "Frozen," "Marrow" "Little Indian," and "Simply So" differ substantially from their studio counterparts in that the rhythmic intensity on the former two are more dynamic, and on the latter two, the sounds and placements are more relaxed and organic. The dreaminess inherent in this mix proves beyond the shadow of any doubt that Molvжr is a master of his music in a live setting, creating dreamy, shimmering soundscapes in one moment and tribal, ecstatic ones the next, never losing his melodic invention or sense of control. . . .

     Artist: Steve Oliver
     Album: Positive Energy
     Label: Native Language
     Release: 2002
     Format, bitrate: MP3, 192 kbps
     Size: 70 MB
     Time: 50:14

     Contemporary jazz guitarist and vocalist Steve Oliver offers something everyone will enjoy on his sophomore release as a leader, titled Positive Energy. The recording reflects Oliver's smooth, upbeat, joyous spirit through dynamic vocals and instrumentals on 12 brand-new originals. Working with Steve Oliver are such prominent contemporary jazz favorites as his labelmate, Jeff Kashiwa, on saxophone and Spyro Gyra keyboardist Tom Schuman alongside the multi-talented bassists Brian Bromberg and Larry Antonino. The recording opens with the radio-friendly "High Noon," the first single to be released from the CD. The song combines the freshest licks from Latin funk and the smoothest grooves from smooth jazz in an energetic presentation with a contemporary flair. Oliver's vocals set the song apart from the instrumentals on the set and give his listeners more than enough room to enjoy the "positive energy" emanating from his playing style. On the title track, Steve Reid adds his mighty percussion to the mix and not only provides an extra layer of rhythmic fuel, but inspires Oliver's excellent guitar playing to another level of performance. Oliver's ability to tell a story is quite evident on the vocal version of "Show You Love." This song has the potential to cross over to the R&B genre due to its funky backbeat and danceability and is reprised as an instrumental, with Brandon Fields' smooth tenor sax as the lead voice, to close the set. Positive Energy has no problem meeting the standards set by Oliver's 1999 debut, First View, and should garner additional smooth jazz and groove fans for Oliver. In the making for nearly three years, the new musical dimensions added by the guest stars, the romantic and sometimes-funky celebratory vibe, and Oliver's excellent musicality make Positive Energy another great opportunity to hear what Steve Oliver is all about.
    ~ Paula Edelstein, AMG

     Artist: Mike Stern
     Album:4 Generations of Miles
     Label: Chesky Records
     Year: 2002
     Format, bitrate: MP3, 320 kb/s
     Size: 148 mb


     4 Generations of Miles (on the Chesky Records label) is just what it sounds like. Miles had a very long career, spanning the 40s to the 90s. I don’t know if it was a deliberate choice from the start or they decided on the name of the album after the fact, but Jimmy Cobb, who worked with Davis in the 50s, Ron Carter and George Coleman who worked with Davis in the 60s and Mike Stern, who worked with Davis in the 80s got together and did some live dates playing tunes associated with Miles.
   Jazzbonotes.com

    Artist: John Mayall
    Album: 70th Birthday Concert (2cd)
    Label: Eagle Records
    Year: 2003
    Format, bitrate: Mp3, 320 kb/s
    Time: 2:30:59
    Size: 348 (full covers)
    AMG Rating:


   Though almost always well-intentioned, events like this usually don't pan out on record, let alone on DVD. Thankfully, this is not one of those occasions. John Mayall in his 70th Birthday Concert is as spry, ferocious, and on top of his game as ever. There is nothing tired about the presentation or the performances. Mayall's own umpteenth version of the Bluesbreakers is yet another example of his uncanny ability to pick the right cats for the job. They play with plenty of fire, brilliant musicianship, and taste. There are two discs in this package encompassing 19 cuts. The show broke down as follows: the bland play two burning tracks on their own — "Grits Ain't Groceries" and "Jacksboro Highway," — before Mayall joins them for three, including a stunning rendition of "Dirty Water." Mayall then invites Mick Taylor to the stage for no less than four cuts — two of which are "Blues for the Lost Days," and "Oh Pretty Woman." But it gets better. Eric Clapton and Chris Barber join the Bluesbreakers for seven cuts — "Hideaway" (what else?), and a beautiful duet performance of "No Big Hurry" between Eric and John. Both Clapton and Taylor are in hungry, fine form, and hold nothing back. The last finale features Taylor and Clapton, and is a guitar orgy, as one would expect. What it all adds up to, however, is a stinging, overdriven performance of modern electric blues by a master bandleader who shows no signs of slowing down physically, and most importantly, creatively. Highly recommended.
    Thom Jurek, AMG

     Artist: Junko Onishi Trio
     Album: Wow
     Label: Somethin' Else TOCJ 5547
     Year: 1993
     Format, bitrate: FLAC & MP3@320
     Size: 323 MB & 116 MB
     Time: 51:16




     With the release of her 1993 Blue Note debut Cruisin', pianist Junko Onishi has arrived as one of the most promising of Japan-born jazz musicians. Growing up in Tokyo, Onishi received classical piano lessons but became quite interested in jazz. She studied at Berklee and after three years she moved to New York. Already a well-developed player, Onishi worked with Joe Henderson, Betty Carter, Kenny Garrett, and Mingus Dynasty before recording her debut as a leader. She considers her style to be based on Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Ornette Coleman; her other recordings include 1994's Live at the Village Vanguard, 1995's Piano Quintet Suite, and 1999's Fragile.
   ~ Scott Yanow, AMG

    Artist: Andrew Hill
    Album: Passing Ships
    Year: 1969
    Release: 2003
    Label: Blue Note
    Time: 49 mins
    Format, bitrate: MP3, 320 kbps (booklet)
    Size: 113 mb
    AMG Rating:

    Now this is more like it. In its Connoisseur Series, Blue Note is making available a completely unreleased Andrew Hill date from 1969. Passing Ships wasn't even included in the Mosaic box because the master tape wasn't found until 2001. The band Hill employed on this session was a nonet, featuring Woody Shaw and Dizzy Reece on trumpets, Joe Farrell on reeds, woodwinds, and English horn, Howard Johnson on tuba and bass clarinet, Ron Carter on bass, Lenny White (on only his second recording date) playing drums, trombonist Julian Priester, and French horn player Bob Northern. The music here is ambitious. Hill's scoring for one reed, two trumpets, and low brass is remarkable for the time. In fact, it isn't until his big-band album of 2002 that he ever ventured into these waters again. The title cut, with its bass clarinet and English horn counterpoint, is almost classical in structure but nearly Malian in melody. While the cut's dynamics are restrained, its color palette -- especially with the lilting muted trumpets playing a mysterious harmonic line -- is flush and royal. "Plantation Bag" is a showcase for Farrell's tough, grooved-out soloing as he blows blue and free in response to Hill's funky, large-spread chord voicings. The trumpets layer one another in the middle of the tune, alternately soloing and punching comp lines through the middle. The Asian melodic figures at the heart of "Noon Tide" add exoticism to one of the most adventurous tunes ever written by Hill. Rhythmically it turns on pulse rhythms that shift and slide methodically as Priester takes the tune's first solo, playing against Hill's left-hand stridency. Of the remaining three selections, "Cascade," with its staggered harmonic architecture that goes against all common wisdom for big-band harmony, is remarkable for its precision and rhythmic invention. Why this isn't going to be out there for the general public for all time is beyond reason. Why punish the artist that way? Conventional wisdom would suggest that something that has been unearthed for the first time in 34 years deserves to be a part of the general catalog. Get it quick.
   Thom Jurek, AMG

    Artist: John Mayall
    Album: Blues Forever
    Label: Varese Sarabande
    Year: 1987
    Release: 2003
    Format, bitrate: Mp3, 320 kb/s
    Time: 50:03
    Size: 116 Mb (cover)

   The Fuel 2000 reissue of Blues Forever highlights John Mayall's re-formed Bluesbreakers of the '80s. This live date is an early showcase for Coco Montoya and Walter Trout, the featured guitarists who secured their musical reputations during this stint with Mayall. While Blues Forever is mainly a guitarist showcase, Mayall leads the proceedings but doesn't dominate them. These eight digitally remastered cuts include strong versions of the Willie Dixon/Otis Rush classic "All Your Love," "Ridin' on the L & N," and Mayall's signature tune, "Room to Move."
    ~ Al Campbell, AMG

     Artist: Tim Warfield
     Album: One For Shirley
     Label: Criss Cross
     Year: 2008
     Format, bitrate: MP3@320
     Time: 75:36
     Size: 87.8MB



     A veteran of the groups of Nicholas Payton and Adonis Rose, saxophonist Tim Warfield breaks significantly from the format of the four previous Criss Cross sides. One For Shirley pays homage to the legendary organist Shirley Scott, with whom Warfield play
Tim Warfield, a big-toned, swaggering titan of the tenor saxophone, has decided to make his contribution to the jazz organ group tradition with ONE FOR SHIRLEY. The lady of the title is Shirley Scott, the late queen of jazz organ, with whom Warfield often played in the 1990s, and this set pays tribute to her style of bop-laced soul-jazz. Warfield's tenor (and soprano) is joined by Terrell Stafford's trumpet and Pat Bianchi's organ in a simmering, groove-heavy update of a Scott original as well as swing era and `60s pop classics--plus some nifty Warfield originals to put the icing on the cake.
    ~ Cd.universe

     Artist: Charles Mingus
     Album: Mingus Oh Yeah
     Label: Atlantic 790 667-2
     Year: 1961
     Release: 1987
     Format, bitrate: mp3, 320 kb/s
     Time: 68:36
     Size: 160 MB + full original art
     AMG Rating:


     After several sessions with Columbia and Candid, Charles Mingus briefly returned to Atlantic and cut the freewheeling Oh Yeah, which has to rank as the wildest of all his classic albums. Mingus plays no bass whatsoever, hiring Doug Watkins to fill in while he accompanies the group on piano and contributes bluesy vocals to several tracks (while shouting encouragement on nearly all of them). Mingus had always had a bizarre sense of humor, as expressed in some of his song titles and arranging devices, but Oh Yeah often gets downright warped. That's partly because Mingus is freed up to vocalize more often, but it's also due to the presence of mad genius Roland Kirk. His chemistry with Mingus is fantastically explosive, which makes sense -- both were encyclopedias of jazz tradition, but given over to oddball modernist experimentation. It's a shame Kirk only spent three months with the band, because his solo interpretations are such symbiotic reflections of Mingus' intent as a composer. Look no further than "Hog Callin' Blues," a stomping "Haitian Fight Song" descendant where Kirk honks and roars the blues like a man possessed. Mingus' vocal selections radiate the same dementia, whether it's the stream-of-consciousness blues couplets on "Devil Woman," the dark-humored modern-day spiritual "Oh Lord Don't Let Them Drop That Atomic Bomb on Me," or the dadaist stride piano bounce of "Eat That Chicken," a nod to Fats Waller's comic novelties. Elsewhere, "Passions of a Man" sounds almost like musique concrиte, while "Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am" nicks some Monk angularity and "Ecclusiastics" adds some testifying shouts and a chorale-like theme to Mingus' gospel-jazz hybrid. Oh Yeah is probably the most offbeat Mingus album ever, and that's what makes it so vital. [The deluxe CD reissue adds three bonus tracks from the session, first released on Tonight at Noon.]
   ~ Steve Huey, AMG

     Artist: Koko Taylor
     Album: Koko Taylor
     Label: MCA/Chess
     Year: 1965 - 1969
     Release 1969
     Format, bitrate: mp3, 256 kb/s
     Time: 34:00
     Size: 77,3 mb

REPOST with a new link from Mr. pakospain

       Artist: John Mayall
       Album: Road Dogs
       Label: Eagle Records
       Year: 2005
       Format, bitrate: Mp3, 320 kb/s
       Time: 1:04:05
       Size: 152 mb (covers)
       AMG Rating:

   John Mayall's stature in the world of blues-rock cannot be understated, as his Bluesbreakers outfit was the launching pad for such renowned players as Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, and Peter Green. And while there are no musicians as recognizable as Clapton on the Bluesbreakers' 2005 release, Road Dogs, Mayall (who handles vocals, piano, harmonica, guitar, and synthesizer duties) has assembled a worthy supporting cast — Joe Yuele (drums), Buddy Whittington (guitar), Hank Van Sickle (bass) and Tom Canning (organ/piano). While the production may be a bit "cleaner" than it was on his classic-'60s era work, Road Dogs should definitely please fans of modern day blues-rock. As evidenced by the solo on "So Glad," Whittington has obviously studied his Clapton, while Mayall and co. have no problem cooking up a bluesy swamp stomp on the title track. Elsewhere, "To Heal the Pain" puts forth the usual "love is the answer" message — and while it's an amiable message, others have similarly regurgitated it countless times over the years. Of course, Road Dogs is not the groundbreaking blues-rock of 1966's Bluesbreakers With Eric Clapton (aka "The Beano Album"), but it shows that the veteran bluesman is still rockin' along at the age of 71. And most importantly, Mayall is remaining true to the style he helped popularize decades ago.
   Greg Prato, AMG

    Artist: Herbie Mann
    Album: Brazil Once Again
    Label: Atlantic
    Format, bitrate: Mp3, 224 kbps
    Year: 1978
    Time: 32:44
    Size: 62.7 MB




   More than 15 years earlier Herbie Mann was among the first Americans to record in Brazil with local musicians and really explore bossa nova at its roots. In 1978 for this LP he performed music of contemporary Brazil with a bigger accent on its pop music than on its jazz. With Pat Rebillot contributing arrangements and his keyboard work, the music is listenable but somewhat forgettable.
   ~ Scott Yanow, AMG