The Tickle Test Dos: vocal jazz

Showing posts with label vocal jazz. Show all posts

Monday, October 12, 2020

Teri Thornton - I'll Be Easy To Find (1999) {Verve}

Teri Thornton - I'll Be Easy To Find (1999) {Verve}
EAC Rip | FLAC with CUE and LOG | scans | 310 mb
MP3 CBR 320 kbps | RAR | 117 mb
Genre: jazz, vocal jazz

I'll Be Easy To Find is the 1999 compact disc by American singer Teri Thornton. This was released by Verve.

01. Somewhere In The Night (3:47)
02. I Believe In You (2:49)
03. It Ain't Necessarily So (3:16)
04. The Lord's Prayer (5:01)
05. Knee Deep In The Blues (7:13)
06. I'll Be Easy To Find (4:35)
07. Nature Boy (4:51)
08. Wishing Well (5:16)
09. Where Are You Running (2:52)
10. Feels Good (3:21)
11. I'll Be Seeing You (5:42)
12. Salty Mama (3:34)

Thank you to the original uploader.

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Eliane Elias - Everything I Love (2000) {Blue Note}

Eliane Elias - Everything I Love (2000) {Blue Note}
EAC Rip | FLAC with CUE and log | scans | 342 mb
MP3 CBR 320kbps | RAR | 172 mb
Genre: jazz, vocal jazz

Everything I Love is the 2000 CD by Brazilian pianist/vocalist Eliane Elias. She co-produced this album with Marc Johnson. This was her last album for Blue Note before moving to Bluebird.

Her light singing voice and light piano touch go hand in hand. Always clear and vibrant, pianist Eliane Elias creates modern mainstream quality every time out. This one is a love letter that she's put together to honor those who have inspired her. The pianist mentions Bud Powell, Charles Mingus and Dizzy Gillespie, but there are more.

Both Marc Johnson and Jack DeJohnette apply that same light touch on bass and drums to Cole Porter's lively “I Love You,” as well as to her own slow and romantic composition “That's All It Was.” Carl Allen and Christian McBride appear in roles a little heavier to suit different situations.

Elias' lovely alto voice remains soft and gentle throughout. A highlight is the sentimental ballad “I Fall in Love Too Easily” with its piano fills and sparkling interlude. Quite convincing on this one, Elias breathes new life into Sammy Cahn's lyrics. The other vocal tracks appear soft and gentle as well, representing both up-tempo and slow impressions. McBride and Allen are featured in “Nostalgia in Times Square” and “Woody 'N You.” For both classic straight-ahead pieces, Elias has captured the mood with her piano trio format. Both bassists and both drummers on the session appear in frequent solo spots. An enjoyable singer and a superb pianist, Eliane Elias' romantic love letter pays homage to many, but in her own sweet way.

Eliane Elias - Everything I Love (2000) {Blue Note} **[RE-UP]**

01. Bowing To Bud
02. Nostalgia In Times Square
03. The Best Of My Heart
04. I Fall In Love Too Easily
05. Everything I Love
06. Introduction #1/If I Should Lose You
07. They Say It's Wonderful
08. I Love You
09. That's All It Was
10. Introduction #2/Alone Together
11. Woody 'N You
12. Blah Blah Blah
13. Introduction #3/Autumn Leaves
–-
Eliane Elias-vocals, piano
Rodney Jones-guitar
Marc Johnson-bass
Christian McBride-bass
Jack DeJohnette-drums
Carl Allen-drums

Produced by Eliane Elias
Co-produced by Marc Johnson
Executive Producer: Christine Martin
Recorded & Mixed by Joe Feria
Assistant Engineers: Anthony Rutolo, Aya Takemura
Recorded & Mixed at Avatar Studios, New York, New York in May & June 1999
Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, New York

Eliane Amherd - Skylines (2016)

Skylines is the 2016 album by jazz pop singer Eliane Amherd. This album, which also features a cover of Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done For Me Lately", is self-released, which means it was made for her fans.

Eliane Amherd - Skylines (2016) **[RE-UP]**

01. Never Is
02. Gonna Get Up
03. Money Ain't No Friend Of Mine
04. Knowing That I'm A Fool
05. What Have You Done For Me Lately
06. Turn The World Around
07. Counting Grains Of Sand
08. Andromeda
09. Don't Wanna Be
10. Courage (Bill Ware Remix)
11. Andromeda (Bill Ware Remix)

Sunday, September 6, 2020

Abbey Lincoln featuring Stan Getz - You Gotta Pay The Band (1991) {Verve}

Abbey Lincoln featuring Stan Getz - You Gotta Pay The Band (1991) {Verve}
EAC Rip | FLAC with CUE and log | scans | 319 mb
MP3 CBR 320kbps | RAR | 154 mb
Genre: jazz, vocal jazz

You Gotta Pay The Band is the 1991 album by American jazz singer Abbey Lincoln, who is helped by Stan Getz with help from Hank Jones, Charlie Haden, Mark Johnson and Maxine Roach. Originally released in France by Gitanes Jazz, this is the U.S. pressing released by Verve.

01. Bird Alone
02. I'm In Love
03. You Gotta Pay The Band
04. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime
05. You Made Me Funny
06. And How I Hoped For Your Love
07. When I'm Called Home
08. Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams
09. Up Jumped Spring
10. A Time For Love

Abbey Lincoln-vocals
Stan Getz-tenor saxophone
Hank Jones-piano
Charlie Haden-bass
Mark Johnson-drums
Maxine Roach-viola (tracks 1 & 10)

Produced by Jean-Phillipe Allard
Digitally recorded on 25-26 February 1991 and digitally mixed on 27-28 February 1991 at BMG Studios, New York City
Engineered by Richard Applegate
Assistant engineer: J. Newland

Friday, August 21, 2020

Veronica Mortensen - I'm The Girl (2010) {Stunt}

Veronica Mortensen - I'm The Girl (2010) {Stunt}
EAC Rip | FLAC with CUE and LOG | scans | 304 mb
MP3 CBR 320 kbps | RAR | 117 mb
Genre: vocal jazz, big band

I'm The Girl is a 2010 album by vocalist Veronica Mortensen. This is not a trick but a Stunt.

1. Chuck E's In Love (5:35)
2. All I've Seen (5:05)
3. Busy (4:43)
4. Make Sure You're Sure (5:25)
5. Sleepless (6:37)
6. Julie (4:43)
7. Too Late (4:20)
8. I'm The Girl (6:05)
9. Not Just A Date (5:36)

Veronica Mortensen - vocals
Dave Samuels - vibraphone, marimba
Dennis Mackrel - drums

Produced by Veronica Mortensen, Jesper Riis & Morton Eriksen
Recorded by Tobias Sjögren
Mixed & mastered by Lars Nilsson
Edited by Morton Eriksen

Thank you to the original uploader.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Frank Sinatra - 20 Great Love Songs (2001) {GMG Russia}

Frank Sinatra - 20 Great Love Songs (2001) {GMG Russia}
EAC Rip | FLAC with CUE and LOG | scans | 282 mb
MP3 CBR 320 kbps | RAR | 143 mb
Genre: vocal jazz

20 Great Love Songs is a 2001 by American pop singer Frank Sinatra. This is an unauthorized Russian compilation released by GMG.

01. Somethin’ Stupid (2:38)
02. The Girl From Ipanema (3:13)
03. Love’s Been Good To Me (3:23)
04. I Fall In Love Too Easily (3:13)
05. All The Things You Are (3:01)
06. I Dream Of You (More Than You Dream Of Me) (3:07)
07. They Say It’s Wonderful (3:05)
08. I Have But One Heart (3:13)
09. The Girl Tha I Marry (3:03)
10. Five Minutes More (2:35)
11. Dream (3:02)
12. If I Loved You (3:04)
13. Where Or When (3:13)
14. The Song Is You (3:22)
15. How Deep Is The Ocean (2:57)
16. I Should Care (3:01)
17. September Song (3:06)
18. I Fall In Love With You Ev’ry Day (2:43)
19. Amoung My Souvenirs (3:14)
20. Strangers In The Night (2:35)

Track 1 featuring Nancy Sinatra
Track 2 featuring Antonio Carlos Jobim

Thank you to the original uploader.

Monday, August 3, 2020

Collage - s/t (vinyl rip) (1971) {Melodiya}

Collage - s/t (vinyl rip) (1971) {Melodiya}
Vinyl Rip | FLAC (no log) | scans | 167 mb
MP3 CBR 320 kbps | RAR | 76 mb
Genre: jazz, vocal jazz

Collage is a 1971 album by a Russian jazz band of the same name. This was released on the USSR label Мелодия (Melodiya), is a vinyl rip and while it is slightly crispy (i.e. a bit of surface noise), it is cleaned up as best as possible.

01. Kee, Pada! (Good Boiling!)
02. Tähemõrsja (The Star’s Bride)
03. Linad Liulaskijalle (Slide Is Good For Flax)
04. Talgulaul (Harvest Bee Song)
05. Ketra, Vokikene! (Keep Going My Spinning-Wheel)
06. Vikerkaar (Over The Rainbow)
07. Bossanova Hing (The Soul Of Bossanova)
08. Tallinna Blues (Blues For Tallinn)
09. Me Rändame Linnast Linna (We Wander From Town To Town)
10. Nokturn (Nocturne)
11. Spordihalli Blues (Blues In Sportshall)
12. Alfabeet (The Alphabe

Thank you to the original uploader.

Monday, July 27, 2020

VA - Swingin' At Capitol (1999) {Capitol Jazz}

VA - Swingin' At Capitol (1999) {Capitol Jazz}
EAC Rip | FLAC with CUE and LOG | scans | 244 mb
MP3 CBR 320 kbps | RAR | 109 mb
Genre: jazz, vocal jazz

Swingin' At Capitol is a 1999 compilation focusing on Capitol Records' jazz roster, back when the label was truly swingin' (or made an attempt to swing and jump in a powerful way). This was released by Capitol Jazz.

01. Harry James & His Orchestra - Two O' Clock Jump (2:59)
02. Billy Butterfield & His Orchestra - Oh Lady Be Good (2:51)
03. Cootie Williams & His Orchestra - Everything But You (2:44)
04. Freddie Slack & His Orchestra - Mister Five By Five (3:01)
05. Benny Carter & His Orchestra - Prelude To A Kiss (3:16)
06. Benny Goodman & His Orchestra - Jersey Bounce (3:06)
07. Illinois Jacquet & His Orchestra - Jivin' With Jack The Bellboy (2:49)
08. Ray Anthony & His Orchestra - Skycoach (2:44)
09. Eddie Miller & His Orchestra - Who, Me (2:53)
10. Nat 'King' Cole with The Pete Rugolo Orchcestra - Where Were You (2:17)
11. Bobby Sherwood & His Orchestra - Floatin' (2:45)
12. Les Brown & His Orchestra - Lover's Leap (2:58)
13. Duke Ellington & His Orchestra - Flyin' Home (6:15)

Thank you to the original uploader.

Katie Bull - The Story, So Far (CD/DVD) (2011) {Cold Hill Indie}

Katie Bull - The Story, So Far (CD/DVD) (2011) {Cold Hill Indie}
EAC Rip | FLAC with CUE and LOG | scans
DVD rip | MP4: 3546 kbps | 720 x 482 | MP3 (160 Kbps) | 19 + 9 min | English | 1.22 gb (1 gb + 227 mb)
MP3 CBR 320 kbps | RAR | 1 gb
Genre: jazz, vocal jazz

The Story, So Far is the 2011 album by New York City jazz vocalist Katie Bull. This is a CD/DVD presentation, with the DVD featuring two different videos, one described as a documentary but both are neither. This was released by Cold Hill Indie.

01. Which?
02. A Song For Hudson's Heart
03. For All We Know
04. Twisted
05. Half Full
06. Next Generation Doodlin'
07. Palentology
08. I Should've Noticed
09. Go Ahead
10. Topanga Canyon
11. There Will Never be Another You
12. Jack
13. Wake Up Time
14. The Fountain (Bonus Track)
15. Just Listening (Bonus Track)
16. Sad Is Beautiful (Bonus Track)
17. Undeniable Blues (Bonus Track)

VIDEO:
The Story So Far (19:28)
The Making Of… (9:07)

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Aga Zaryan - Looking Walking Being (2010) {Blue Note Poland}

Aga Zaryan - Looking Walking Being (2010) {Blue Note Poland}
EAC Rip | FLAC with CUE and LOG | scans | 386 mb
MP3 CBR 320 kbps | RAR | 139 mb
Genre: jazz, vocal jazz

Looking Walking Being is the 2010 album by Polish jazz vocalist Aga Zaryan. This was released on Blue Note in her home country.

01. Cherry Tree Avenue (2:42)
02. Looking Walking Being (4:48)
03. Let Me (5:02)
04. For The New Year (4:02)
05. The Stars Are As Lonely As Us (5:06)
06. Seeking My Love (7:42)
07. February Evening In New York (4:04)
08. My Name (5:53)
09. Temptation Game (6:32)
10. Wanting The Moon (5:23)
11. What Is This Thing Called Happiness (4:40)
12. The Thread (6:36)

Aga Zaryan - vocals
David Doruzka - guitar
Michal Baranski - double bass
Lukasz Zyta - drums
Munyungo Jackson - percussion
Michał Tokaj-piano, keyboards, programming

Produced by Michał Tokaj & Aga Zaryan
Recorded & mixed by Sebastian Witkowski
Mastered by Jacek Gawłowski

Thank you to the original uploader.

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Lena Horne + Gabor Szabo - Watch What Happens! (1970) {1990 MMS Classix/DCC}

Lena Horne + Gabor Szabo - Watch What Happens! (1970) {1990 MMS Classix/DCC}
EAC Rip | FLAC with CUE and LOG | scans | 187 mb
MP3 CBR 320 kbps | RAR | 86 mb
Genre: jazz, vocal jazz

Watch What Happens! is a 1970 collaborative album between jazz vocalist Lena Horne and guitarist Gabor Szabo. Originally a Skye and Buddah Records release, this was remastered by Steve Hoffman in 1990 for MMS Classix

01. Watch What Happens (4:04)
02. Something (3:11)
03. Everybody's Talkin' (2:56)
04. The Fool On The Hill (3:46)
05. Yesterday When I Was Young (4:09)
06. Rocky Raccoon (3:32)
07. My Mood Is You (4:45)
08. A Message To Michael (3:20)
09. Nightwind (3:43)
10. In My Life (2:56)

Thank you to the original uploader.

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie - Ella And Basie! (vinyl rip, Capitol pressing} (1963) {Verve}

Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie - Ella And Basie! (vinyl rip, Capitol pressing} (1963) {Verve}
Vinyl Rip | FLAC (no log) | scans | 247 mb
MP3 CBR 320 kbps | RAR | 97 mb
Genre: jazz, vocal jazz

Ella And Basie! is a 1963 collaborative album between Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie. This was released by Verve Records and is a vinyl rip of an LP pressed by Capitol Records for the Capitol Record Club.

01. Honeysuckle Rose (2:39)
02. 'Deed I Do (2:40)
03. Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall (3:20)
04. Them There Eyes (5:04)
05. Dream A Little Dream Of Me (4:02)
06. Tea For Two (3:10)
07. Satin Doll (3:13)
08. I'm Beginning To See The Light (3:55)
09. Shiny Stockings (3:30)
10. My Last Affair (3:12)
11. Ain't Misbehavin' (3:09)
12. On The Sunny Side Of The Street (3:00)

Thank you to the original uploader.

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Charmaine Clamor - Flippin' Out (2007) {FreeHam}

Charmaine Clamor - Flippin' Out (2007) {FreeHam}
EAC Rip | FLAC with CUE and LOG | scans | 378 mb
MP3 CBR 320 kbps | RAR | 183 mb
Genre: vocal jazz, jazz pop

Flippin' Out is the 2007 compact disc by Filipina jazz vocalist Charmaine Clamor. The title is in reference to her being a "flip", the derogatory term for someone that is Filipino but she uses it as a way to say if she is going to "flip out", you too are allowed to flip out with her in a positive way. This was released on the FreeHam label.

01. My Funny Brown Pinay
02. I Hadn't Anyone 'Til You
03. Candy
04. With Or Without You
05. Sugar In My Bowl

Filipino Suite:
06. Panahon Na
07. Usahay
08. Minamahal Kita
09. Sa Ugoy Ng Duyan
10. Dahil Sa'Yo

11. I Need A Lot Of Love
12. Be My Love

Thank you to the original uploader.

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Al Jarreau - Breakin' Away (1981) {2015 Big Break}

Al Jarreau - Breakin' Away (1981) {2015 Big Break}
WEB Rip | FLAC (no log) | scans | 429 mb
MP3 CBR 320 kbps | RAR | 146 mb
Genre: vocal jazz, soul, R&B

Breakin' Away is the 1981 album by American jazz singer Al Jarreau, which featured the hit songs "We're In This Love Together", "Breakin Away", "Teach Me Tonight", "Closer To Your Love" and "Roof Garden". This is the 2015 remaster featuring five additional tracks. It was released by Big Break Records.

1. Closer To Your Love (3:57)
2. My Old Friend (4:29)
3. We're In This Love Together (3:47)
4. Easy (5:31)
5. Our Love (3:54)
6. Breakin' Away (4:15)
7. Roof Garden (6:16)
8. (Round, Round, Round) Blue Rondo A La Turk (4:49)
9. Teach Me Tonight (4:09)
10. Girls Know How (Bonus Track) (3:29)
11. Al Jarreau & Randy Crawford - Your Precious Love (Live) (Bonus Track) (5:46)
12. Al Jarreau & Randy Crawford - Who’s Right, Who’s Wrong (Live) (Bonus Track) (5:14)
13. Al Jarreau & Randy Crawford - Sure Enough (Live) (Bonus Track) (4:31)
14. Closer To Your Love (12” Long Version) (Bonus Track) (5:59)

Thank you to the original uploader.

Sunday, May 31, 2020

VA - Jazz Me Tonight (2019)

Jazz Me Tonight is a 2019 compilation of soothing jazz to get you to the right place. This is a digital release which does not list a label.

01. Joe Williams - In The Evening (When The Sun Goes Down)
02. Michael Brecker - Evening Faces
03. Spyro Gyra - When Evening Falls
04. Quincy Jones & His Orchestra - Evening In Paris
05. Grant Green - Round About Midnight
06. Bud Shank & Bob Cooper - In The Blue Of The Evening
07. Ella Fitzgerald - Blues In The Night
08. The George Shearing Quintet - Midnight In The Air
09. Art Tatum - Dancing In The Dark
10. Booker Ervin - Deep Night
11. Dorothy Ashby - Little Sunflower
12. Joe Henderson - Out Of The Night
13. Kenny Dorham - Night Watch
14. Ravi Coltrane & Julie Patton - At Night
15. Lou Donaldson - Midnight Creeper
16. Ben Webster & Oscar Peterson - In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
17. Wes Montgomery - Midnight Mood
18. Billie Holiday - Darn That Dream
19. Ramsey Lewis - Good Night
20. Oliver Nelson - Midnight Blue
21. Wayne Shorter with Curtis Fuller, James Spaulding, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter & Joe Chambers - Miyako
22. Nina Simone - Night Song
23. Sonny Clark - Deep In A Dream
24. Dizzy Gillespie - There Is No Greater Love
25. Shirley Horn - In The Dark

Thank you to the original uploader.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Louis Armstrong - The Best Of Satchmo (vinyl rip) (1974) {MCA Coral UK}

Louis Armstrong - The Best Of Satchmo (vinyl rip) (1974) {MCA Coral UK}
WEB Rip | FLAC (no log) | scans | 346 mb
MP3 CBR 320 kbps | RAR | 125 mb
Genre: jazz, vocal jazz, dixieland

The Best Of Satchmo is a 1974 compilation album by Louis Armstrong. This was released by MCA Coral in the UK and is a vinyl rip.

01. On The Sunny Side Of The Street (5:52)
02. Lazy River (3:48)
03. Georgia On My Mind (3:05)
04. I Surrender Dear (4:36)
05. Exactly Like You (4:05)
06. Some Of These Days (3:04)
07. A Kiss To Build A Dreamon (3:02)
08. La Vie En Rose (3:24)
09. Blueberry Hill (2:51)
10. The Whiffenpoof Song (2:54)
11. Shadrack (2:43)
12. When It's Sleepy Time Down South (3:16)
13. I Can't Give You Anything But Love (4:17)
14. If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight (3:16)
15. When You're Smiling (4:00)

Thank you to the original uploader.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie - A Perfect Match (vinyl rip} (1979) {Pablo Today}

Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie - A Perfect Match (vinyl rip} (1979) {Pablo Today}
WEB Rip | FLAC (no log) | scans | 342 mb
MP3 CBR 320 kbps | RAR | 104 mb
Genre: jazz, vocal jazz

A Perfect Match is an official 1979 live album between Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basic. This was released by Pablo Today and is a vinyl rip.

01. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
02. Sweet Georgia Brown
03. Some Other Spring
04. Make Me Rainbows
05. After You've Gone
06. 'Round Midnight
07. Fine And Mellow
08. You've Changed
09. Honeysuckle Rose
10. St. Louis Blues
11. Basella

Thank you to the original uploader.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Roslyn Kind - Come What May (1994) {2007 Right Kind Music}

Roslyn Kind - Come What May (1994) {2007 Right Kind Music}
EAC Rip | FLAC with CUE and log | scans | 208 mb
MP3 CBR 320kbps | RAR | 92 mb
Genre: jazz, vocal jazz

Come What May is the 1994 album by American singer Roslyn Kind, who is the half-sister of Barbra Streisand. After releasing music in the late 1960's on RCA, she made a comeback with this. This is a pressing released in 2007 with a new cover, released on Right Kind Music.

1. Perfect
2. Living Colors/Meadowlark
3. The Man That Got Away
4. Can You Read My Mind?
5. Somebody Loves Me
6. How Do You Keep The Music Playing?
7. Romantic Medley:
Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
Where Are You
You've Changed
8. Come What May
9. At Times Like This (Bonus Track)

Sam Kriger-piano (track 9)

Produced and arranged by Michael Orland

Monday, May 4, 2020

George Benson - In Flight (1977) {198x Warner Bros.}

George Benson - In Flight (1977) {198x Warner Bros.}
EAC Rip | FLAC with CUE and log | scans | 232mb
MP3 CBR 320kbps | RAR | 100mb
Genre: jazz, pop jazz, vocal jazz

In Flight is the 1977 album by guitarist George Benson, and his follow-up to his very successful album Breezin'. On this he is joined by Phil Upchurch, Ronnie Foster, Jorge Dalto, Stanley Banks, Harvey Mason, and Ralph MacDonald. It features covers of War's "The World Is A Ghetto", Donny Hathaway's "Valdez In The Country", Benard Ighner's "Everything Must Change", and eden ahbez's "Nature Boy". No release date for this disc but it was sometime between 1987 and 1989.

George Benson is the first predominately jazz-oriented musician in 20 years to undergo the rare phenomenon that simultaneously metamorphosed the careers of Nat "King" Cole and Ray Charles. Like Benson, Cole and Charles were successful, often brilliant instrumentalists whose vocals caught the mass ear and eventually pushed their musicianship into second place. Happily, Benson seems intent on maintaining equal billing for his guitar and newly idolized voice. Known for years as a guitarist with an effortlessly fluid, near-flawless technique, Benson has in addition always been a charismatic performer and a gifted singer. Growing up, Benson was influenced by Cole, Charles and Sam Cooke; it's plain today that George has more than once walked around his living room singing along with Stevie Wonder. But his singing is much more than merely derivative—Benson can sensitively interpret a wide range of lyrics, and he can scat along with anything he can play on guitar, which is quite a lot. During ten years of recording for Columbia, A&M and CTI, the Benson persona (both instrumental and vocal) evolved into a uniquely broad-minded synthesis of jazz, R&B and rock; he was as comfortable playing "White Rabbit" or singing "Here Comes the Sun" as executing the most difficult Wes Montgomery octave runs. He's never had to make any clumsy leaps to "cross over" because he was never strictly a jazz player in the first place. So while Breezin', which sold 2 million units, was a surprise, it wasn't a fluke. In Flight was made by the same lineup as Breezin': Phil Up-church, guitar and bass; Ronnie Foster and Jorge Dalto, keyboards; Stanley Banks, bass; Harvey Mason, drums; and Ralph MacDonald, percussion. Predictably, four of In Flight's six songs contain vocals. The jacket photos—Benson in the tropics—accurately describe the music, which, as on Breezin', is relaxed, self-assured and shimmeringly warm. Benson's vocals are like two-sided mirrors, be-having as another instrument as they convey the lyrics. On the longest track, "The World Is a Ghetto," Benson waits several minutes before singing, and when he does, his voice is mixed only slightly to the fore and complemented by the tone of his hollow-bodied electric, undisturbed and not too loud. This lack of aggression is appealing; a confident man with few musical pretensions, Benson sings because he doesn't need to shout. Whatever faults In Flight may have relate to its conservatism. Benson drives the band a little harder than on Breezin', but his fire is mitigated by Claus Ogerman's string arrangements, which on the one hand unify the album with a sweet, pencil-thin outline, but on the other can also be distracting. On In Flight, Benson nearly always seems to cruise along in mellow fashion, holding back, never fully climaxing. His CTI live album, In Concert, however, despite problems related to studio overdubbing (not Benson, but rhythm musicians), offers much of the phenomenal guitar Benson can play when he's left totally to his own devices. Most of Benson's many CTI studio records were crowded with musical gingerbread, but here (the tape was made at Carnegie Hall in January 1975), playing with a transitional band joined by Hubert Laws, he displays most of his state-of-the-art guitar chops, as fast as McLaughlin or Coryell but never as self-conscious or hurried. "Octane" is prime Benson, while on "Summertime" he deftly scats a long, wonderfully unfettered vocal in duet with his guitar, a combination that is becoming a trademark, and something well worth recording in solo context.

SIDE ONE
1. Nature Boy
2. The Wind And I
3. The World Is A Ghetto
SIDE TWO
4. Gonna Love You More
5. Valdez In The Country
6. Everything Must Change