is Back

Elvis Presley - Elvis Is Back! (1960) {2011 2CD Set, 50th Anniversary Legacy Edition}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 577 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 218 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 108 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1960, 2011 RCA Records / Legacy | 88697 76233 2
Rock / Contemporary Pop / Rock & Roll

In the mold of recent 2-CD Legacy Editions of the classic albums From Elvis In Memphis and On Stage, Elvis Is Back (Legacy Edition) is the definitive version of one of Elvis most essential albums, expanded to include another historically significant album from the time period and the hit singles associated with both albums. It is argued by many that Elvis Is Back is possibly the best album Elvis ever recorded. During his two years in the army, Elvis had spent what spare time he had expanding his vocal range and improving his technique. Combined with a challenging and diverse repertoire, a new band of Nashville session aces, and improved three-track recording technology, it was an almost completely new Elvis who emerged in April of 1960. Recorded over just two nights, the sessions produced not only the twelve album tracks, but also six tracks for single release, including three #1 singles: all-time classics It s Now Or Never, Are You Lonesome Tonight? and Stuck On You.

The executives at Prestige must have been felt ecstatic when they heard Gene Ammons first play after his release from a very severe seven-year jail sentence. The great tenor proved to still be in his prime, his huge sound was unchanged and he was hungry to make new music. This CD, which completely reissues the first two LPs Ammons cut after his return (The Boss Is Back! and Brother Jug!) rewards repeated listenings. The first date (in an acoustic quintet with pianist Junior Mance) hints at his earlier bop-based music while the numbers from the following day (with organist Sonny Phillips) find Ammons playing over a couple of boogaloo vamps very much of the period. Actually it is his ballad statements (particularly "Here's That Rainy Day," "Feeling Good" and even "Didn't We") that really make this CD memorable, although on "He's a Real Gone Guy" Ammons shows that he had not forgotten how to jam the blues either.

Chet Baker - Chet Is Back! (1962) {Bluebird First Editions Series rel 2003}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 296 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 153 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 20 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1962, 2003 RCA / Bluebird | 09026-64020-2
Jazz / Cool / West Coast Jazz / Trumpet

Having been reissued numerous times over the years under various titles, this Bluebird version of Chet Is Back! stands out as the definitive packaging of one of Chet Baker's best early-'60s recordings. Besides featuring the original artwork and liner notes – as well as detailed new liner notes from James Gavin, author of Deep in a Dream: The Long Night of Chet Baker – the real impetus to pick this up is the inclusion of four orchestral pop singles Baker recorded with Ennio Morricone around the same time as the album. Never before released in the U.S., these tracks were purportedly composed by the trumpeter/vocalist while serving jail time in Lucca, Italy after obtaining fake drug prescriptions.

Johnnie Bassett has been the most populist bluesman in Detroit for many decades, and his scant few dates for independent labels have been regarded internationally as the best sounding recordings of his peer group. Now with national U.S. distribution from Mack Avenue Records, Bassett has a chance to break out on the commercial scene with a set of contemporary originals that can appeal to a wide range of listeners. His sleek and clean vocal style cannot be mistaken for anything other than what it is, with a sweetness and light that supersede any scolding he might dole out. An economical guitarist who is, to say the least, understated, Bassett keeps a light groove going, punctuated by the equally concise and controlled organ playing of Chris Codish. with his regular trio the Brothers Groove. A small horn section comprising some of the Motor City's best musicians join the band as they strut through this program of simplified, easygoing, no-nonsense current day blues.