Count Basie was undoubtedly one of the most influential bandleaders in jazz history. It seems only logical then that saxophonist Bob Mintzer (who has dedicated most of his career to big-band music) would sooner or later record a tribute to the great father of swing. Joined by many of the top New York City-based jazz players including Pete Yellin on reeds, Scott Wendholt on trumpet, Phil Markowitz on piano, Dennis Irwin on bass, and John Riley on drums, Mintzer and group create a touching homage to the Count. We hear five tunes commonly associated with Basie on this disc. Among them are smart versions of "Cute," "April in Paris," and "Shiny Stockings." In addition, we are treated to three compositions by Mintzer himself, each reflecting the Basie style in one way or another. As a modernist, Mintzer adds a contemporary flair to otherwise classic swing charts such as "Lil' Darling" and "One O'Clock Jump," but it's the spirit of the music, not the harmonic vocabulary, that really matters here. For Basie, the key ingredient was always swing. Thankfully, Mintzer's music and ensemble live up to that great Basie reputation by swinging these charts just right.

"Sweden posesses incredible gems in Lars Jansson and the Bohuslan Big Band. The Bohuslan Big Band is a true ensemble, playing in a way that is rare these days as more and more large ensembles fall by the wayside. Thank godness this wonderful group has managed to survive. They've done well to choose Lars Jansson to compose this project. His playing and writhing exude beauty - inviting you in with melody, line, warmth and power. It is performed here in such a lovely way - with a perfect blend from these marvelous musicians whose long experience in playing with one another allows the spirit of the music to float freely to our ears." ~ Maria Schneider

In 1957, the greatest year for recorded music including modern jazz, Detroit was a hot spot, a centerpiece to many hometown heroes as well as short-term residents like John Coltrane and Miles Davis. It was here that Trane connected with pianist Tommy Flanagan, subsequently headed for the East Coast, and recorded this seminal hard bop album. In tow were fellow Detroiters - drummer Louis Hayes, bassist Doug Watkins, and guitarist Kenny Burrell, with the fine trumpeter from modern big bands Idrees Sulieman as the sixth wheel...

Montefiori Cocktail - The Best (2010)
Lounge/Acid Jazz/Bossa Nova | MP3 | VBR 160-320 kbps | 01:32:00 | 165 MB

Italian jazz-lounge group featuring bassist Marco Battistini, Francesco Montefiori on keyboards, drummer Luciano Vincenzi and Federico Montefiori playing Sax, flute and voice. Their smooth, classic sounds are just right for easy lounging and relaxing with your favorite cocktail.

With sensual vocals and dynamic Guitar playing, this collection of her original songs is meant to 'groove' you with emotional authenticity and real world sound as Soulstress Jeanne Ricks brings a tasty blend of Neo-Soul, Jazz and R&B.

Bud Shank began his career pigeonholed as a cool schooler, but those who listened to the altoist progress over the long haul knew that he became one of the hottest, most original players of the immediate post-Parker generation. Lumped in with the limpid-toned West Coast crowd in the '50s, Shank never ceased to evolve; in his later years, he had more in common with Jackie McLean or Phil Woods than with Paul Desmond or Lee Konitz. Shank's keening, blithely melodic, and tonally expressive style was one of the more genuinely distinctive approaches that grew out of the bebop idiom.

Neal Hefti, a fine trumpeter whose swing-based style hinted at bop, became a notable full-time arranger by the late 1940s. However, this obscure LP from the mid-'50s is a real surprise, for Hefti is featured playing trumpet on ten danceable numbers as part of an unidentified quintet. The last (and most extended) example of Neal Hefti's decent abilities on trumpet, this date finds Hefti improvising melodically on such tunes as "That Old Black Magic," "You Do Something to Me," "Mack the Knife" and "I Won't Dance." Not essential music, but certainly a historical curiosity. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Compilation of more than 10 years of Avernum, with the rawest songs, only Grim.Black Metal. Tape limited to 300 copies.