Stanley Clarke: 1,2, To The Bass (2003)

Philadelphia-born bassist Stanley Clarke is a first-generation fusionist who burst on the scene with Return to Forever in the '70s. From then to now, he recorded a number of critically-acclaimed recordings that encompassed jazz, rock, r&b, and funk with George Duke, Al DiMeola, and Lenny White. On this CD, Clarke is joined by Duke, guitarist Joe Satriani, saxophonist Everette Harp, flautist Hubert Laws, violinist Dr. L Subramaniam, and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. The title track features the hip-hop contributions of Q-Tip, while "Just Cruzin'" is Clarke's straight-ahead, piccolo bass shout to Wes Montgomery. "I Shall Not Be Moved" is a spiritual piece co-produced by Quincy Jones, featuring Oprah Winfrey reciting lines from a Maya Angelou poem. But "About the Bass" is Clarke's eight-minute long tour-de-force where he reminds everybody, in no uncertain terms, that he's still king of the lower frequencies. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Tracklist:
1. 1, 2, To the Bass (featuring Q-Tip) 5:57  
2. Simply Said 4:34  
3. Where Is The Love (featuring Glenn Lewis & Amel Larrieux) 4:06
4. Anna (She Loves The Good Life) 5:01
5. Los Caballos (The Horses) 4:41 
6. Just Cruizin' 4:26 
7. 'Bout the Bass 7:32 
8. Hair 5:14
9. Touch 6:03  
10. Todos Los Ninos (All the Children) 4:57 
11. I Shall Not Be Moved 6:37 
12. Shanti, Peace, Paz 5:53
Personnel:
Stanley Clarke – Electric Bass, Acoustic Bass, Tenor Bass, Piano, Vocals
Q-Tip - Spoken Word, Co-producer (track #1)
John "J.R." Robinson - Drums
Doug Webb - Saxophone
Michael Hart Thompson - Guitar
Amel Larrieux - Vocals
Reggie C. Young - Trombone
Myron McKinley - Keyboards
Oprah Winfrey - Spoken Word
Gerry "The Gov" Brown - Drums
Glenn Lewis - Vocals
Doctor L. Subramaniam - Violin
James Earl - Bass
Vinnie Colaiuta - Drums
Reggie Hamilton - Bass
Everette Harp - Saxophone, Sax (Soprano), Sax (Alto)
Michael Hunter - Trumpet
Paul Jackson, Jr. - Guitar
Bob Leatherbarrow - Vibraphone
Armand Sabal-Lecco - Bass
Joe Satriani - Guitar
George Duke - Keyboards, Wurlitzer
Hubert Laws - Flute
Dre and Vidal – Co-producer (track #3)
Quincy Jones – Co-producer (track #11)
============
FLAC / 408 Mb
Rapidgator
Depositfiles

U-Nam & Friends: Weekend In L.A: A Tribute To George Benson (2012)

"The man known as U-Nam, is destined to become one of the most controversial musicians.  In the few recordings that I have heard, there is a conviction towards making himself felt by the general public, and the critics alike.  It's great to have a new voice on the guitar scene; one that is loaded with energy and excitement."---Ten time Grammy Award recipient, NAE Jazz Master and guitar legend---George Benson

Tracklist:

01. Weekend in L.A (feat. Andreas Oberg & Ronnie Foster) (8:16)
02. Give Me the Night (feat. Tim "Tio" Owens) (5:42)
03. Shiver (feat. Paul Jackson Jr & Tim "Tio" Owens) (6:28)
04. Love X Love (5:50)
05. Nature Boy (feat. Stokley Williams) (6:09)
06. This Masquerade (feat. Marcus Miller, Phil Perry, Tim "Tio" Owens, Jeff Lacey & George Duke) (11:34)
07. Hip Skip (5:14)
08. I Just Wanna Hang Around You (feat. Tim "Tio" Owens) (5:37)
09. Turn Your Love Around (4:34)
10. Before You Go / Breezin' (feat. Patrice Rushen) (8:14)
11. On Broadway (feat. Tim "Tio" Owens & Jeff Lacey) (9:20)
============
320K
Rapidgator
Depositfiles
password: musicontop

Marcus Miller: Renaissance (2012)

An album entitled Renaissance is long overdue for the widely acclaimed Renaissance Man Marcus Miller. In among the most enviable careers in music, Miller is a two-time Grammy-winner and the composer/producer of ten critically acclaimed and genre-defying albums (seven studio and three live). Even the most devoted follower may be astonished to realise that Renaissance is only his eighth studio project since his 1983 debut, Suddenly, considering the abundance of occasions Miller's name has appeared within album credits and that he has dazzled with performances, compositions and productions in the company of some of the world s most respected and accomplished players and superstars - from the mid-'70s to the present. As a multi-instrumentalist, Marcus is highly proficient as a keyboardist, clarinetist/bass clarinetist and, primarily, as a world-renowned electric bassist, topping critics' and readers' polls for three decades. His resume as an A-list player brims with over 500 recording credits as a sideman on albums across the spectrum of musical styles: rock (Donald Fagen and Eric Clapton), Jazz (George Benson, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Sample, Wayne Shorter and Grover Washington, Jr.), pop (Roberta Flack, Paul Simon and Mariah Carey), R&B (Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan), hip hop (Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg), blues (Z.Z. Hill), new wave (Billy Idol), smooth jazz (Al Jarreau and Dave Koz) and opera (collaborations with tenor Kenn Hicks and soprano Kathleen Battle). As a film music pro, Miller rose from writing the go-go party classic 'Da Butt' for Spike Lee's 'School Daze' to becoming the go-to composer for 20+ films (from the documentary 1 Love to the animated children's fable The Trumpet and The Swan to the Eddie Murphy/Halle Berry classic Boomerang ). As a producer, writer and player, he was the last primary collaborator of jazz legend Miles Davis, contributing the composition and album 'Tutu' to the canon of contemporary jazz music. The breadth of his collaborative talents were best showcased in his work with the late, great soul man Luther Vandross, contributing to well over half of his albums as a producer, composer and/or player on a string of hits capped by 'Power of Love/Love Power' for which Marcus won his first Grammy, 1991's R&B Song of the Year. And starting with David Sanborn's 1980 album Hideaway and its follow-up Voyeur (for which the alto sax giant won a Grammy performing Marcus' composition 'All I Need is You', Marcus not only left an indelible mark on Sanborn's distinctive sound, he laid the often-copied blueprint for the coolest of contemporary jazz sounds. Style, soul and intense professionalism have set Marcus Miller at the top of his game for three decades now. Marcus was born in 1959 and raised in a musical family that includes his father, William Miller (a church organist and choir director) and jazz pianist Wynton Kelly. By 13, Marcus was proficient on clarinet, piano and bass guitar, and already writing songs. Two years later he was working regularly in New York City, eventually playing bass and writing music for jazz flutist Bobbi Humphrey and keyboardist Lonnie Liston Smith. Miller soon became a top call session musician, gracing well over 500 albums, recording with musicians and in countries around the globe - from Frank Sinatra and Elton John to Bill Withers and LL Cool J. After two R&B-leaning solo albums for Warner Bros. in the '80s followed by co-leading The Jamaica Boys (with drummer Lenny White and singer Mark Stevens), Marcus took a hiatus then returned rejuvenated with the galvanizing The Sun Don't Lie (1993) and Tales (1995), both of which found him brilliantly connecting the dots of Black music's evolution. Following the fan-demanded Live and More in 1997, Miller released M2 ('M-Squared') on his own 3 Deuces Records label. -- Amazon.co.uk

Tracklist:
01. Detroit [5:46]
02. Redemption [6:09]
03. February [4:15]
04. Slippin' Into Darkness [9:17]
05. Setembro (Brazilian Wedding Song) [feat. Gretchen Parlato & Ruben Blades] [6:39]
06. Jekyll & Hyde [6:30]
07. Interlude - Nocturnal Mist [1:16]
08. Revelation [4:46]
09. Mr. Clean [5:01]
10. Goree (Go-ray) [5:38]
11. Cee-Tee-Eye [7:39]
12. Tightrope (feat. Dr. John) [5:46]
13. I'll Be There [3:48]
Personnel:
Marcus Miller - bass, fretless bass, bass clarinet, acoustic bass
Louis Cato - drums
Kris Bowers - piano, fender rhodes
Adam Agati - guitar
Alex Han - alto sax
Maurice Brown - trumpet
Federico Gonzales Pena - fender rhodes, piano
Adam Rogers - guitar, acoustic guitar
Sean Jones - trumpet
Gretchen Parlato - vocals
Ruben Blades - vocals
Ramon Yslas - percussion
Bobby Sparks - organ
Paul Jackson, Jr. - guitar
Dr. John - vocals
===========
320K
Depositfiles
Turbobit

Patrice Rushen: Straight From The Heart (1982)

Straight from the Heart is soul/R&B singer/songwriter Patrice Rushen's most successful album, it features "Forget Me Nots" and "Remind Me" among others.

Tracklist:
1. "Forget Me Nots" 4:42
2. "I Was Tired Of Being Alone" 3:49
3. "All We Need" 5:50
4. "Number One (Instrumental)" 4:55
5. "Where There Is Love" 3:07
6. "Breakout!" 4:04
7 "If Only" 3:19
8. "Remind Me" 5:15
9. "(She Will) Take You Down To Love" 4:20
Released April 2, 1982. Recorded 1981-1982 at Conway Recording, Hollywood, CA
Length 39:34
Personnel:

Patrice Rushen (vocals, guitar, piano, electric piano, Clavinet, synthesizer, hand claps, percussion, background vocals)
Paul M. Jackson, Jr. (acoustic guitar)
Wali Ali (guitar)
Marlo Henderson (guitar)
"Ready" Freddie Washington (bass)
Karen Evans (vocals)
Jeanette Hawes (vocals)
Lynn Davis (vocals)
Roy Galloway (vocals)
Brenda Russell (vocals)
Gerald Albright (saxophone)
Ray Brown (trumpet)
Clay Lawry (trombone, bass trombone)
Charles Mims, Jr. (piano, electric piano, keyboards, synthesizer)
James Gadson (drums)
Ollie E. Brown (drums)
Melvin Webb (drums)
Paulinho Da Costa (percussion)

==============
FLAC
Uploaded
Turbobit
Depositfiles

Michael Lington: Everything Must Change (2002)

Some bop snobs would have listeners believe that smooth jazz is inherently evil because it is designed to attract R&B and pop audiences -- that commercialism is a place where only infidels, heretics, and blasphemers dwell. But truth be told, smooth jazz is what the artist chooses to make it; some pop-friendly jazz (Grover Washington, Jr., David Sanborn, Pat Metheny) has been quite creative. Unfortunately, a lot of radio-oriented smooth jazz tends to be contrived and formulaic, and more often than not, Michael Lington's Everything Must Change is a perfect example of an artist modeling himself after what NAC radio is playing instead of gambling with inspiration. The problem with much of this CD isn't the fact that Lington has been influenced by urban contemporary, funk, and pop -- contrary to the assertions of bop snobs, there is no reason why jazz shouldn't be combined with a variety of different things. Nor is Lington's problem a lack of chops; he's a capable saxophonist who knows his way around both the alto and the soprano. The problem with most of Everything Must Change is a lack of spontaneity and a refusal to break free of the dictates of smooth jazz/NAC radio; all too often, the Danish saxman is more than happy to emulate Dave Koz, Warren Hill, or Kenny G. if it will make program directors happy. Nonetheless, this CD does have a few memorable tracks -- most notably, the Spanish-tinged, somewhat Gato Barbieri-ish "Mallorca" and a soulful interpretation of "Everything Must Change." Lington really digs into Bernard Ighner's standard, and he demonstrates that he is quite capable of being warm and personal instead of formulaic. But those tracks are the exception instead of the rule; most of the time Lington sells himself short on this 2002 release. - AMG

Tracklist:
01. Off The Hook [3:57]
02. In The Shade [4:26]
03. Through The Fire [4:44]
04. The Moment [4:02]
05. For You [3:48]
06. Larger Than Life [3:50]
07. Still Thinking Of You [3:58]
08. 3 A.M. [4:39]
09. Mallorca [3:34]
10. Everything Must Change [06:51]
Personnel:
Michael Lington (soprano & alto saxophone);
Lee Thornburg (trumpet);
Ricky Peterson (hammond B-3 organ);
Gregg Karukas (keyboards, Mini-Moog synthesizer);
Jeff Lorber (keyboards, guitar, programming);
Julian Bunetta, Sam Purkin, Brian Culbertson (keyboards, programming);
Tony Maiden, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar);
Paul Viapiano (spanish guitar);
Alex Al, Roberto Vally, Nathan East (bass);
Ricky Lawson (drums);
Leslie Smith (percussion)
=============
320K
Hotfile
Uploading
Fileserve

Jeff Lorber Fusion: Galaxy (2012)

It was in 2010, with the CD ‘Now Is The Time’, that Jeff Lorber revisited the sound that he had helped to pioneer. This return to jazz fusion was heralded with critical acclaim and now, for part two, he is back with ‘Galaxy’. Full of the same funk driven energy that was a feature of ‘Now Is The Time’, and with the likes of Eric Marienthal, Jimmy Haslip and Lenny Castro all involved, ‘Galaxy’ is a wonderful throwback to the halcyon days of jazz fusion. Not only that, this 21st century version of the Jeff Lorber Fusion includes contributions from trumpeter Randy Brecker, guitarists Paul Jackson Jr. and Larry Koonse plus drummers Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl. With eleven original compositions, including four tracks from the Jeff Lorber Fusion’s early catalogue, ‘Galaxy’ really is something to savor.

Lorber make an early statement of his funky intent with the zesty ‘Live Wire’ which not only provides a fine showcase for the percussive power of Vinnie Colaiuta but also runs to an intoxicating seven minutes in length. That said, there is magic in every second of it and much the same can be said of the intense title cut which is a perfect example of the tight, high octane performances that can be found throughout.

In similar vein is the all consuming ‘Rapids’ and, although the swaggering ‘Big Brother’ serves to recapture some of the buzz that one associates with the best examples of early contemporary jazz, ‘The Underground’ proves to be an invigorating extravaganza of the highest order.

The Latin influenced ‘The Samba’ first appeared on the 1987 album ‘Soft Space’ while ‘City’ is a reworking of the track that originally appeared on the JLF 1980 long player ‘Wizard Island’. When Lorber returns to this same collection for the velvety title tune he contrives to make it sound brand new and elsewhere Lorber uses the jazzy ‘Horace’ to a tip a hat to the legendary Horace Silver.

When, occasionally, Lorber notches down the tempo, the result is as pleasing as it is surprising and this is particularly so with the edgily mellifluous ‘Singaraja’ which is right up there with the album’s best. Yet, in the final analysis, ‘Galaxy’ is all about the funk and with ‘Monserrat’ Lorber delivers a number that, courtesy of a tasty brass infusion, sizzles from beginning to end.

‘Galaxy’ is due for release January 31, 2012, on Heads Up International, a division of Concord Music Group and looks set to cement Lorber’s legendary status within the genre of contemporary jazz.

Tracklist:

1. Live Wire
2. Big Brother
3. Montserrat
4. Singaraja
5. Galaxy
6. City
7. Horace
8. The Samba
9. Rapids
10. Wizard Island
11. The Underground

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

256K

Hotfile

Fileserve

George Benson: Guitar Man (2011)

Grammy-winning legend George Benson brings his guitar to the forefront in his newest album Guitar Man. The 12-song collection includes a mix of jazz and pop standards - some in a combo setting and some solo, but all of them tied together seamlessly by Benson's soulful and exploratory signature sound. Lending a hand on this recording is a solid team made up of veterans and newcomers alike - pianist Joe Sample, keyboardist and musical director David Garfield, bassist Ben Williams and drummer Harvey Mason. Williams is one of the hottest up-and-coming new artists on the jazz scene. Mason is a regular member of Fourplay, and a studio collaborator with Benson all the way back to Benson's 1976 blockbuster album, Breezin'.

In a career that spans five decades, more than 30 recordings as a leader and ten Grammy Awards, Benson has used his jazz roots as the foundation for an engaging mix of pop, R&B and other shades that add up to a style that appeals to a broad mainstream audience. Along the way, he has also established himself as a formidable jazz singer - one whose biggest career hits have showcased his vocals. But Guitar Man is just what the title implies - an album that highlights Benson's unparalleled guitar playing, perhaps more than any other album he has released in decades.

For the new project, the crew came together in the studio with a minimum of prior rehearsal time but an eagerness to jump in and lay down tracks in something very close to the live experience - what Benson describes as an "old school" approach. The impromptu sensibility comes across in the final product, much of which came together with minimal takes in a single day of recording.

"We figured that we would get the best energy if we went into the studio with some live musicians who are savvy and flexible," says Benson, "and boy, did we accomplish that." On Guitar Man, Benson's mastery of the guitar is demonstrated in a variety of styles and settings, all with legendary jazz roots. Benson has never been one to shy away from innovation or experimentation. For this guitar man, putting a jazz spin on pop standards - not just on this recording but throughout his career - is less of a taboo when you're willing to dispense with labels and the limitations that come with them. ~ amazon.com

Tracklist:
01. Tenderly [2:01]
02. I Want To Hold Your Hand [5:10]
03. My Cherie Amour [4:08]
04. Naima [3:41]
05. Tequila [4:31]
06. Don't Know Why [2:45]
07. The Lady In My Life [4:30]
08. My One And Only Love [3:24]
09. Paper Moon [2:44]
10. Danny Boy [3:26]
11. Since I Fell For You [2:58]
12. Fingerlero [3:40]
-------------
Uploading / Fileserve @ 320K