Tom Kennedy: Just For The Record (2011)

Bassist extraordinaire Tom Kennedy’s “Just For The Record” (his 3rd CD) is one of the most anticipated releases of 2011. Tom is best known for his work with Tania Maria, Bill Connors, Dave Weckl and Mike Stern. Weckl and Stern return the favor with their generous contributions to this new recording. Sound wise, the CD covers many genres from Bop and Latin to Fusion and Funk with an allstar musician lineup: Tom Kennedy, acoustic, fretless and electric bass; Mike Stern, guitar; Dave Weckl, drums; Charles Blenzig, keyboards; Jay Oliver, keyboards; Sarina Suno, violin; Bob Albanese, keyboards & Nathan Childers, sax. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!

Tracklist:
1.Breakneck
2.Just For The Record
3.Pumpkinette
4.Joyful Noise
5.Quasi
6.Since Then
7.Love's Disguise
8.Just For The Record
9.Alone Together
===========
lossless
Fileserve
Uploading
Depositfiles

Stanley Jordan: Friends (2011)

There is no guitarist quite like Stanley Jordan, a star from the moment Blue Note Records launched its second life in 1985 with his own commercial debut, The Magic Touch. In response, a respected reviewer stated that the lanky 26-year-old fresh from several years spent refining his craft as a Manhattan street busker had extended the limits of the guitar, adding that few players in the history of music of music have brought an instrument to a more radical crossroad.
He reached the public for reasons pertaining both to his astonishing chops (his sui generis touch technique, a pianistic approach that enabled him to play melody, chords and basslines simultaneously), exemplary musicianship, and consistent devotion to melodic and creative imperatives. But at a certain point in the early 90s, Jordan retreated from his career, and although he soon returned to public performance he operated without a label until 2008, when he released State of Nature on the rising-star Detroit-based indie Mack Avenue.
Whether playing in public or in the studio, it has been Jordan s intention to make his own inventions the primary focus of the occasion. But on his forthcoming release,Friends [Mack Avenue] (said friends include guitar heros Mike Stern, Bucky Pizzarelli, Charlie Hunter, and Rusell Malone; saxophonists Kenny Garrett and Ronnie Laws; and violinist Regina Carter), Jordan is a consummate team player, prodding and igniting the flow on an 11-piece program that runs a 360-degree gamut of stylistic food groups.
At 52, Jordan has something consequential to SAY in each genre, as though he s thought deeply about each mode of expression over many years. Highlights include a four-to-the-floor, George Benson on steroids cover of Katy Perry s I Kissed A Girl (without overdubbing, Jordan plays the melody on piano while chording for himself on the guitar), an idiomatic investigation of Bela Bartok, a lively samba for Laws, and various ebullient, spectacularly executed interactions with each member of his guitar cohort. ~ Ted Panken

Tracklist:

01. Capital J [6:40]
02. Walkin' The Dog [6:10]
03. Lil' Darlin' [5:39]
04. Giant Steps [4:30]
05. I Kissed A Girl [5:43]
06. Samba Delight [5:26]
07. Seven Come Eleven [5:29]
08. Bathed In Light [7:45]
09. Romantic Intermezzo From Bartok's Concerto For Orchestra [8:29]
10. Reverie [3:56]
11. One For Milton [4:07]

Personnel:

Stanley Jordan: guitar, piano (5, 9);
Bucky Pizzarelli: guitar (3, 6);
Mike Stern: guitar (4);
Russell Malone: guitar (6, 11);
Charlie Hunter: guitar (2, 5);
Regina Carter: violin (7, 9);
Kenny Garrett: soprano sax (1, 8);
Ronnie Laws: soprano sax (7);
Nicholas Payton: trumpet (1, 8);
Christian McBride: bass (1, 8);
Charnett Moffett: bass (5, 6, 10);
Kenwood Dennard: drums (1-8, 10, 11)

=============

320K

Hotfile

Uploading

Fileserve

Bunny Brunel: For You To Play (1994)

When CHICK COREA watched BERNARD BUNNY BRUNEL play one night at an upscale London jazz club in 1978, Bunny was unaware of the ultimate significance Corea would play in his future success as a bassist. A few weeks after that visit to London, Chick called Bunny on the telephone and asked him to pack up and join him on a world wide tour. Bunny quickly accepted and went on to record the classics "Tap Step" and "Secret Agent" with the legendary jazz fusionist. The roster of artists Bunny went on to record and perform with is practically a "Who's Who" of music industry giants. Notables include: HERBIE HANCOCK, WAYNE SHORTER, TONY WILLIAMS, AL JARREAU, NATALIE COLE, LARRY CORYELL, AL DIMEOLA, MIKE STERN, JOE FARRELL, and a list that goes on and on.

Besides his work as a performer, he is equally at home in the roles of composer, arranger and producer. As a soundtrack composer, Bunny collaborated with Clint Eastwood in creating the main theme ("Claudia's Theme") for the Oscar winning film, "The Unforgiven." He also worked on several TV shows, including the popular series "Highlander."

As a designer, Bunny created a line of Electric Bass Guitars for Carvin Corp. and an Electric Upright Bass.

Bunny has released many albums. See his page on CD Baby or personal website at bunnybrunel.com for current list. These projects highlight his beautiful compositions and melodic solos and show off breathtaking bass lines. "CAB2" was nominated for the "Best Contemporary Jazz Instrumental Album" Grammy award of 2002.

Taking an active interest in helping bass players, Brunel regularly gives seminars and lessons on his unique approach to the instrument. He has written several books and instructional videos.

Tracklist:

01 - New Blues
02 - Champagne & You
03 - For You To Play
04 - Basie's Mood
05 - Chan's Song
06 - Liven Up
07 - Little Thing
08 - One For Clint
Personnel:
BUNNY BRUNEL- bass
MIKE STERN- guitar
BILLY CHILDS- keyboards
TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON- drums (1,8)
CLIFF ALMOND- drums
For You To Play
Uploading / FileServe @ 320K

Jim Hall: Downbeat Critics' Choice (2002)

One of the many great things about guitarist Jim Hall is his unparalleled ability to excel in both a straight-ahead jazz context and in a variety of more experimental modes, from harmonically challenging avant-garde jazz to playful adaptations of Caribbean themes and innovative instrumental settings (such as the trio improvisation with bassist Scott Colley and George Mraz featured on this album). Hall's guitar sound is famously round, soft, and gentle, and yet his note choices and compositional strategies can be highly difficult. Down Beat Critics' Choice collects 12 tracks from albums Hall recorded for the Telarc label between 1995 and 2001, and includes some of his most exciting and sophisticated work, as well as a clunker or two. Among the former are his exquisite collaboration with guitarist Mike Stern on "Stern Stuff," which Hall composed in Stern's honor and which is based on a Monk-ish, almost atonal theme and yet features some of Hall's most spirited and sweetly swinging solo playing. The calypso-flavored "Pan-O-Rama," which features pianist Geoff Keezer, is another solid winner, as is the melancholy "Snowbound," a duet with accordionist Gil Goldstein. "Circus Dance" is just a bit too literal in its development of the titular theme, and never really gets off the ground. But the high points outnumber the low ones by a huge margin on this very fine collection.

Tracklist:
01. Dream Steps (Hall)
02. Stern Stuff (Hall)
03. Snowbound (Hall)
04. Fanfare (Hall)
05. Quadrologue (Hall)
06. Circus Dance (Hall)
07. Pan-O-Rama (Hall)
08. Furnished Flats (Hall)
09. October Song (Hall)
10. The Wind (Freeman-Gladstone)
11. Abstract 3 (Colley-Hall-Mraz)
12. Tango Loco (Hall)
Downbeat Critics' Choice
FileServe / Depositfiles @ 320K

Mike Stern: Odds Or Evens (1991)

This is a powerhouse date of high-powered fusion, mixing together the sound of rock with the musicianship and improvising of jazz. With the assistance of tenor saxophonist Bob Berg, keyboardist Jim Beard and a rhythm section, guitarist Stern jams through a set of originals that serve as jumping-off devices for fairly long solos. The musicians really stretch themselves within the idiom and even the quieter numbers are full of intensity.

Tracklist:

1  Keys - Stern 7:28
2  D.C. - Stern 7:40
3  Common Ground - Stern 6:05
4  Odds or Evens - Stern 7:08
5  Seven Thirty - Stern 6:26
6  If You Say So - Stern 7:36
7  Sandbox - Stern 3:59
8  Walkie Talkie - Stern 6:57

Odds Or Evens
FileServe @ 320K

Dennis Chambers: Getting Even (1991)

Originally released in 1991, this hard-to-find Fusion recording is worth searching for. This session features the brilliant drumming of Dennis Chambers, who was just coming into his own at this stage of his career. The selections are fairly typical to the music Chambers was playing with John Scofield, who he uses here on a few tracks, along with another former employer, guitarist Mike Stern. The chemistry with Scofield, Stern, saxophonist Bob Berg and keyboardist Jim Beard is obvious as the three have worked together on several sessions. The temptation to overplay here is addressed by a strong dedication to the groove and by allowing each player ample space. Aside from Chambers' innovative and powerful drumming, the session's excitement is enhanced by the rousing playing of guitarist Jimi Tunnell. While this debut is not in the same class as Stratus (Billy Cobham) or Essence of Mystery (Alphonse Mouzoun), Dennis Chambers demonstrates why he is considered to be one of the most innovative and important players in the history of drumming. This debut is a fine representation of his playing, although fans are encouraged to seek out his extensive discography as a 'sideman' to appreciate his full contributions.

Tracklist:
1  Fortune Dance - Gatzen.Bob 5:54
2  The Opener - Herington 4:23
3  Keep Walking - Gatzen 6:11
4  Red Eyes - Gatzen 6:18
5  Getting Even - Herington 7:30
6  Window's Peak - Holzman 5:56
7  Boo - Soroka 5:55
8  Unitl We Return - Soroka 8:09
--------------
FileServe @ 320K

Lew Soloff: Yesterdays (1986)

Lew Soloff ia s brilliant high-note trumpeter long in great demand for big bands and session work. He is also a distinctive soloist and an expert with the plunger mute. After studying at Juilliard, he freelanced in New York with Maynard Ferguson, Joe Henderson, and Clark Terry, among others, and then was a part of Blood, Sweat & Tears during 1968-1973. Soloff was closely associated with Gil Evans from 1973 on, and also played with George Gruntz's Concert Jazz Band, the Manhattan Jazz Quintet, and Carla Bley; he was also teamed with the colorful trombonist Ray Anderson on several often-humorous recordings.

A stunning album of fusion-treated jazz standards, 'Yesterdays" includes several original compositions by Soloff and features Mike Stern (g), Charnett Moffett (b), and Elvin Jones (d). Mike Stern's guitar work is featured prominently throughout.

Tracklist:

1.Yesterdays - Harbach, Kern 9:46
2.Barbara - Silver 8:55
3.Beautiful Mimi - Soloff 3:37
4.All Blues - Davis 8:59
5.Thaddeus - Soloff 6:28
6.Little Laura - Soloff 6:00
7.Antigua - Prince 7:21

------------------------

Fileserve @ 320K

Andrea Marcelli: Beyond the Blue (2008)

Andrea Marcelli: born in Rome, in 01/22/1962. Graduated in 1986 from the L. Refice Conservatory in Frosinone (Rome) in Classical Clarinet, Jazz Composition and Arrangement. He also attended clinics with Tommy Campbell and Peter Erskine. Worked as featured drummer playing shows for RAI Television from 1982 to 1988 also with the St.Louis Big Band directed by Bruno Biriaco (82/86), including the Live TV Show, "Unicef", "Il Nastro D`Argento" and "Domenica In" 82,83,84 for Pippo Baudo. The big band has included occasionally Baldo Maestri, Sal Genovese and Paolo Fresu. Among other TV shows that Marcelli performed are: Tandem, DOC, Blitz, Orecchiocchio,"La Musica c`e`, Il Piacere dell`Estate, Vediamoci sul 2, Cartoni Magici. Andrea also composed and recorded 7 CDs of Library music for Films, TV and Radio for Primrose Music, Flippermusic and Fonit Cetra broadcasted world-wide. More than 190 of his compositionas have been recorded in CD. Andrea moved to USA in 1989 spending 8 years in Los Angeles and 4 in New York and quickly gaining a Special Green Card Visa as a "First preference Alien wth Extraordinary abilities in the Field of Jazz".

Tracklist:

01. Between Poles 08:03

02. Summer Nights 05:54
03. Herbst (Autumn) 06:24
04. The Meaning of the Family 07:11
05. Beyond the Blue 06:04
06. Orange Green 05:26
07. Fragments 03:42
08. Distances 06:22
09. Still 03:16
10. Retirantes 05:24
11. Emotions 03:11
12. Welcome 02:58
13. Between Poles, reprise 05:57
14. More Orange 01:00
Persommel: Andrea Marcelli - drums, Mike Stern - guitar, Eddie Gomez - bass, Bob Mintzer - tenor sax,  Mitchel Forman - piano
Beyond The Blue Feat. Mike Stern, Eddie Gomez, Bob Mintzer, Mitchel Forman
Hotfile / Rapidshare @ 320K

Mike Stern: Standards (& Other Songs) (1992)

Guitarist Mike Stern, best-known for playing rock-oriented fusion and in more commercial settings, surprised many listeners by recording an album dominated by standards. Actually, there are three originals included among the 11 pieces, but Stern also digs into such songs as "Like Someone in Love," "Moment's Notice," Chick Corea's "Windows," and "Straight No Chaser." Among Stern's sidemen on this fairly straight-ahead but adventurous set are trumpeter Randy Brecker, Bob Berg on tenor, and keyboardist Gil Goldstein. This little-known release is well-worth acquiring.

Tracklist

1. Like someone in love (6:40)

2. Source (1:48)
3. There is no greater love (9:13)
4. L Bird (5:48)
5. Moment's notice (4:41)
6. Lost time (6:46)
7. Windows (6:28)
8. Straight to chaser (5:26)
9. Peace (5:17)
10. Jean Pierre (1:44)
11. Nardis (7:38)
Standards (& Other Songs)
Uploading / Rapidshare @ 320K

Mike Stern: Play (1999)

Mike Stern is a preeminent guitarist for two key reasons: One, he can play all styles very well and with equal command; and two, he plays very well with all other players. He always shows great respect for those with whom he is playing and gives them each the time and space to develop their musical ideas. Stern displays these two qualities in abundance on Play. Several notable guests join Stern and his core band for this release. Guitarists John Scofield and Bill Frisell and drummer Dennis Chambers each team with Stern on several tracks. If you enjoy straight-ahead jazz, listen to Stern and Scofield on the title track, or mix in Bob Malach's tenor sax on "Outta Town." If you like your guitar music slightly more spacious and lyrical, try Stern and Frisell on the hypnotic "Blue Tone" or the pensive "All Heart." Finally, if you want to turn up the heat and move into some rock/funk-influenced fusion, then check out the groovy "Tipatina's," the bold rocker "Link," or the intensely funky "Big Kids." It is no surprise, based on his other work, that Chambers, in particular, gives the band a kick in the musical pants inspiring bassist Lincoln Goines to enjoy the ride. Play is an outstanding guitar album from the highly accomplished and incredibly versatile Mike Stern. It is highly recommended.

Tracklist
1. Play (7:13)
2. Small World (5:24)
3. Outta Town (6:08)
4. Blue Tone (6:43)
5. Tipatina's (6:33)
6. All Heart (6:22)
7. Frizz (5:39)
8. Link (6:52)
9. Goin' Under (4:07)
10. Big Kids (7:27)
Play
Hotfile / Depositfiles @ 320K