Metropolitan Jazz Affair: Bird of Spring (2007)

This is what I call an afternoon unique smooth jazz.

Light and subtle, MJA gives birth to a springtime jazz. Crystallized with the insets of Hard Bop, stirred with US soul, flirting with hip-hop, this project brings jazz back to the hip-shaking dancefloor (Escapism). Like in the 60's, when Cannonball "Buckshot LeFonque" Adderley liked to see jazz get down, get up and sweat. The "Affair" has always had this frightening effectiveness.

Track list:

1. bird of spring (5:28)
2. drifting (rnb mix) (4:27)
3. day dreaming (interlude) (1:39)
4. escapism (4:47)
5. find a way (5:49)
6. fourmi rouge (5:24)
7. everybody knows (4:23)
8. roaming (4:27)
9. sigh of dawn (5:12)
10. swagger (4:05)
11. turned to clay (5:09)
12. you can dig (4:28)
13. drifting (swing mix) (5:01)

170 kbps.

Link in comments.

Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery: The dynamic duo

I didn't know the cover was so funny.

This is not only the collaboration of two soul jazz giants, but Oliver Nelson's big band charts of "Night Train" and "Down By The Riverside" are among the greatest work of his career. "James And Wes" and "Baby It's Cold Outside" are small group sides with the organist and guitarist supported only by Grady Tate and Ray Barretto. Rudy Van Gelder's sound is absolutely breathtaking.

This 180-gram audiophile pressing was made by Speakers Corner in Germany.

Track list:

1. Down By The Riverside
2. Happy-Go-Lucky Local (Night Train)
3. James And Wes
4. 13 (Death March)
5. Baby, It's Cold Outside
6. O. G. D (Road Song) Alternative Take

Link in comments