Jim Mcneely

“Le Sacre du Printemps” (The Rite of Spring) by Igor Stravinsky is regarded as a key work of classical music of the 20th century. Due to its rhythmic and tonal structures, interspersed with numerous dissonances, it created turmoil in the audience at its world premiere in Paris in 1913, but was then able to quickly establish itself as a central work in the repertoire of concert halls.

The advanced post-bop pianist Jim McNeely performs five originals, including a blues called "Ernie Banks" and a tribute to Bob Brookmeyer, "Brooklyn Bob," plus "End of a Love Affair," in a trio with bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Adam Nussbaum. McNeely utilizes a synthesizer for color, and fortunately, the electric keyboard does not weigh down the music, which generally swings and has plenty of strong interplay by the three masterful players. One of Jim McNeely's best outings as a leader thus far. ~ AllMusic

The Phil Woods Quartet/Quintet - 20th Anniversary Set (1976-92) [5CD BoxSet] {1995 Mosaic Remaster}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 1.55 Gb | MP3 @320 -> 650 Mb
Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 26 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1995 Mosaic Records / PWE | MD5-139
Jazz / Bop / Hard Bop / Saxophone

Mosaic's limited-edition, five-disc box Phil Woods Quartet/Quintet 20th Anniversary Set is a treasure trove for hardcore fans of the alto saxophonist. All the material on this set is previously unreleased; Woods has been saving this material for 20 years and decided to license the tapes to Mosaic to celebrate his band's 20th anniversary. Much of this music is dynamic and exciting, and it will certainly be a welcome addition to the collection of any serious Woods fan.

Mel Lewis and The Jazz Orchestra - Naturally (1979) {Telarc CD-83301 rel 1992}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 251 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 111 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 20 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1979, 1992 Telarc | CD-83301
Jazz / Bop / Modern Big Band / Post Bop

This was the first recording by the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, made just a short time after co-leader Thad Jones surprised everyone by suddenly quitting and moving to Europe. Although Jones was gone, the band was still performing his arrangements, and all six of the charts on the set were his; plus, he was the composer of five of the tunes. With such soloists as pianist Jim McNeely, altoist Dick Oatts, trumpeter John Marshall, and the tenors of Bob Rockwell and Richard Perry (along with plenty of tight ensembles), it was clear that the orchestra would live on. Worth searching for.