Luckburz

Europe1 regularly recorded jazz concerts for broadcast during the 1950s and '60s, so this 1960 performance by Count Basie at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris is representative of the heights of the band during the era in which Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Frank Foster, Marshall Royal and Frank Wess were all a part of the group. The set list is diverse, blending originals by bandmembers and Neal Hefti (one of the most prolific contributors to Basie at the time), favorites from other bands' repertoire and a few blues. With a rock-solid rhythm section (Freddie Green, Eddie Jones and Sonny Payne) led by Basie, the focus is on the horn soloists and the tight, consistently swinging ensembles. Highlights include the strutting "Blues in Hoss' Flat," "Makin' Whoopee" (with its delicious vocal-like muted trombone, probably by Al Grey) and band favorite "'Shiny Stockings."

Fauré Quartett - Popsongs
FLAC, EAC, LOG & CUE | Artwork | Size: 255 MB + Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: Deutsche Grammophon 476 361-0 | Country/Year: Germany 2009
Genre: Classical/Pop | Style: Crossover

…A really amazing album, full of creative energy and impeccable performances by the Fauré Quartett (Erika Geldsetzer on violin, Sascha Frombling on viola, Konstantin Heidrich on cello & Dirk Mommertz on piano), featuring unpredictable chamber arrangements - by the likes of Peter Hinderthur, Wieland Reissman and producer Sven Helbig - of pop tunes. Gorgeous sound quality for a perfect album!

Prez was the album that brought Perez Prado, the King of the Mambo, into the American mainstream. Here he rearranged pop hits to fit the Latin dance idiom, adding a few genuine mambos for good measure. Though the album wasn't pure mambo, it was simply delightful music and it illustrated how to bring world music to a broader, popular audience.

The first lady of jazz piano, Marian McPartland, is spotlighted in her dream recording project. Her first recording with string orchestra, Silent Pool, captures Marian’s distinctive, encyclopedic jazz piano playing and her lyrical, original compositions - many of them now jazz standards - in a truly mesmerizing setting. Wrapped in lush and inventive string orchestrations from the pen of acclaimed arranger Alan Broadbent, Silent Pool stands out as a landmark recordings in Marian's long and distinguished career in music.

Shirley Bassey sings updated versions of her greatest hits accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra. This album presents Shirley in a more understated manner than normal ,under the inspired backing of the LSO. It presents an interesting comparison to the original versions of the songs as it gives them a more classical feel. A recommended addition to your Bassey collection, or as simply a collection of memorable songs by one of the great pop divas.