Little And Lion

Thelonious Monk - The Complete Black Lion and Vogue Recordings (1989) {3CD Set Mosaic MD3-112 rec 1954, 1971}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 620 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 403 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 52 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1954, 1971, 1989 Black Lion / Vogue / Mosaic Records | MD3-112
Jazz / Bop / Modal Jazz / Piano

The recordings gathered in this package have been issued in a multitude of ways and are available in a number of configurations. The audiophile jazz label Mosaic Records issued The Complete Vogue Recordings/The Black Lion Sessions on vinyl initially, later releasing the title as a slightly expanded three-CD package. Chronologically, the earlier of the two sets consists of the Vogue recordings from June 7, 1954. The Black Lion sides are divided between a second batch of solo works as well as a trio session – featuring Al McKibbon (bass) and Art Blakey (drums) – both of which were cut on November 11, 1971.

Mal Waldron - Blues For Lady Day (1972) {Black Lion BLCD760193 rel 1993}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 359 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 169 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 13 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1972, 1993 Black Lion | BLCD760193
Jazz / Post Bop / Piano

Pianist Mal Waldron was Billie Holiday's final regular accompanist and has recorded several tributes to Lady Day through the years. This CD brings back a nine-song solo tribute that consists of eight songs associated with Holiday (including "Don't Blame Me," "You're My Thrill," "Strange Fruit" and "Mean to Me") plus Waldron's "Blues for Lady Day"; the emphasis is on thoughtful (and sometimes a bit downbeat) interpretations at ballad tempoes. The reissue adds two lengthy and unrelated trio improvisations with bassist Henk Haverhoek and drummer Pierre Courbois ("A Little Bit of Miles" and "Here, There and Everywhere") that actually have nothing to do with Lady Day but do feature Mal Waldron coming up with some interesting and fresh ideas.

Beyoncé returns a year after releasing her original The Lion King soundtrack with the deluxe edition. A little over a year ago, Beyoncé shared her Africa-inspired album The Lion King: The Gift. The project included additions from dozens of producers and artists from the Motherland, and now the accomplished multi-hyphenate entertainer returns with the updated version of her applauded record. The Lion King: The Gift (Deluxe) is a revamped version of the original: it is absent of the interludes that plucked sound from scenes of the live animation film, and it has three additional tracks including "Black Parade," "Black Parade (Extended Version)," and "Find Your Way Back (MELO-X Remix)."

Willie "The Lion" Smith, one of stride piano's Big Three of the 1920s (along with James P. Johnson and Fats Waller), recorded a lot less than his two friends. In fact, with the exception of two selections apiece with the Gulf Coast Seven in 1925 (which features trombonist Jimmy Harrison and clarinetist Buster Bailey) and 1927's Georgia Strutters (starring singer Perry Bradford, Harrison, and cornetist Jabbo Smith), along with the rare and originally unreleased 1934 solo piano showcase "Finger Buster," this CD does not get started until 1935. Smith's Decca recordings of 1935 and 1937 were formerly quite obscure, showcasing his piano with three different versions of "His Cubs"…