LADY BLACKBIRD — Black Acid Soul (2021) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Vocalist Marley Munroe (aka Lady Blackbird) evokes the maverick style of singer Nina Simone on her potent 2021 debut Black Acid Soul. Produced by Chris Seefried, Black Acid Soul is Munroe's first full-length album following a handful of singles and several years of studio work and live performing. Much like Simone, Munroe is blessed with a throaty, highly resonant voice that's well-suited to carrying a jazz standard, but which also fits nicely on dusky R&B ballads. Working with guitarist Seefried and an intimate ensemble of collaborators, including pianist Deron Johnson, bassist Jon Flaugher, and drummer Jimmy Paxson, Munroe finds a spellbinding balance between acoustic jazz and live small group soul. She underlines the Simone connection from the start, opening with a burnished take of the legendary singer's classic "Blackbird," conjuring a menacing, earthy sensuality that perfectly sets the tone for what is to come. Part of what made Simone's classic work of the '60s and '70s so intriguing was her ability to take a song from any genre and make it her own. Munroe has the same gift and displays it throughout, diving into an organ-tinged take on Reuben Bell's 1967 track "It's Not That Easy" and transforming Bill Evans' languid 1958 composition "Peace Piece" into a dreamily intoxicating tone poem called "Fix It." She even reworks the James Gang's 1969 "Collage" into a far-eyed modal number that draws equally from John Coltrane and the psychedelic band Love. While Lady Blackbird's distinct influences and love of Simone certainly drives much of Black Acid Soul, there's an immediacy and warmth to the album that feels all her own. Matt Collar
Tracklist :
1    Blackbird 4:01
Written-By – Nina Simone
2    It's Not That Easy 3:00
Written-By – Reuben Bell
3    Fix It 4:51
Music By [Derivative work of Peace Piece] – Bill Evans
Words By – Chris Seefried, Marley Munroe
4    Ruler Of My Heart 3:42
Written-By – Naomi Neville
5    Nobody's Sweetheart 3:38
Electric Guitar – Chris Seefried
Trumpet – Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews
Written-By – Chris Seefried
6    Collage 3:17
Written-By – Joe Walsh, Patrick Cullie
7    Five Feet Tall 3:20
Acoustic Guitar – Chris Seefried
Written-By – Chris Seefried, Marley Munroe
8    Lost And Looking 4:21
Written-By – James W. Alexander, Lowell Jordan
9    It'll Never Happen Again 3:38
Written-By – Tim Hardin
10    Beware The Stranger 4:13
Written-By – Eugene Dixon, James Thompson
11    Black Acid Soul 3:54
Written-By – Chris Seefried, Deron Johnson, Jimmy Paxson, Jon Flaugher, Marley Munroe
Credits :
A&R – Ross Allen
Baby Grand Piano [Steinway], Mellotron, Synth [Casio Synth] – Deron Johnson
Double Bass – Jon Flaugher
Drums, Percussion – Jimmy Paxson
Producer, Arranged By – Chris Seefried
Vocals [All Vocals] – Lady Blackbird

MARIE QUEENIE LYONS — Soul Fever (1970-2008) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Marie "Queenie" Lyons is the sort of artist soul collectors salivate over -- she paid her dues on the Southern chitlin' circuit, shared stages with the likes of King Curtis, Jackie Wilson, and James Brown, scored a record deal with the King Records subsidiary DeLuxe Records, and after a few singles cut an album, 1970's Soul Fever, that sank without a trace. As far as anyone can tell, Lyons never made another record after Soul Fever, making her obscure enough to please even the most finicky British R&B archivist, and as luck would have it Lyons was also a gifted singer whose sole LP is a fine piece of work. Lyons manages to show a very Southern variety of passion and fire along with a big city sense of showmanship and control, and her vocals reveal an impressive balance of sass and skill, knowing when to play it subtle and when to open up and wail. Lyons was well served in the studio on these sessions; the production and arrangements are solidly soulful but imaginative, with just the right amount of sweetening from string and horn arrangements that don't undercut the steady groove of the rhythm section. And while Lyons didn't write her own material, she and her handlers knew how to pick songs that fit her talents, and from the lean funk of "See and Don't See" to the gospel-influenced Black Power anthem "I Want My Freedom" and the polished heartache of "We'll Cry Together," every song on this set fits her like a glove. Soul Fever is a better than average soul obscurity that will please fans of the golden age of R&B, but while this is a good album, it's not a great one, and more casual observers may want to give it a listen before they invest. Mark Deming
Tracklist :
1    See And Don't See    3:20
Written-By – Rose Marie McCoy
2    Daddy's House    3:14
Written-By – Hal Miller, Rose Marie McCoy
3    You Used Me    3:38
Written-By – Don Pullen
4    Your Thing Ain't Good Without My Thing    2:27
Written-By – Don Pullen
5    Snake In The Grass    2:42
Written-By – Don Pullen
6    Your Key Don't Fit It Anymore    2:38
Written-By – Alecia Evelyn, Henry Glover
7    Fever    5:25
Written-By – Cooley, Davenport
8    I Don't Want Nobody To Have It But You    3:02
Written-By – Don Pullen
9    We'll Cry Together    3:15
Written-By – Helen Miller, Rose Marie McCoy
10    I'll Drown In My Own Tears    3:50
Written-By – H. Glover
11    I Want My Freedom    4:35
Written-By – Don Pullen
12    Try Me    2:38
Written-By – James Brown

BETTYE CRUTCHER — Long As You Love Me (1974-2013) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Long As You Love Me    2:53
Written-By – Bettye Crutcher, Mack Rice
2    When We're Together    3:39
Written-By – Bettye Crutcher
3    Passion    4:17
Written-By – Arris Wheaton, Bettye Crutcher, Mack Rice
4    A Little Bit More Won't Hurt    4:07
Written-By – Bettye Crutcher, Mack Rice
5    Sunday Morning's Gonna Find Us In Love    4:54
Written-By – Bettye Crutcher, Mack Rice
6    Sugar Daddy    3:48
Written-By – Arris Wheaton, Bettye Crutcher, Mack Rice
7    Call Me When All Else Fails    5:05
Written-By – Bettye Crutcher, David Porter, Ronnie Williams
8    Up For A Let Down    2:52
Written-By – Bettye Crutcher, Mack Rice
9    So Lonely Without You    2:50
Written-By – Bettye Crutcher, Mack Rice
10    Sleepy People    4:25
Written-By – Bettye Crutcher
Previously Unissued Bonus Tracks (2013)    
11    So Glad To Have You    3:32
12    Don't You Think It's About Time?    3:25
13    Make A Joyful Noise    5:03
14    We've Got Love On Our Side    3:31
15    Walk On To Your New Love (Demo)    3:36
16    I Forgive You (Demo)    2:22
Credits :
Arranged By – Johnny Allen
Backing Band [Rhythm By] – Muscle Shoals Sound Rhythm Section
Orchestra [Horns & Strings] – The Memphis Symphony Orchestra

ADELE — 30 (2021) Japan Bonus Track | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Since 2008, Adele has allowed listeners to peek into her world, carrying them through the major stages of her life as a shoulder to cry on and a relatable presence. With her fourth set, 30, she grants more access than ever before, detailing one of her most painful seasons with poise and grace. Charting the aftermath of her 2019 divorce, 30 is not a fiery breakup album. Rather, focusing on acceptance, growth, and owning her mistakes, she's created a time capsule for her son, Angelo, to understand what his mother was going through at this pivotal time. After the curtains part on the dramatic, Judy Garland-inspired overture "Strangers by Nature," she addresses the split with "Easy on Me," redirecting her focus as a plea for patience and understanding from her son. "My Little Love" interpolates their intimate conversations atop smoky R&B production that echoes early-2000s Alicia Keys. When she confesses, "Mummy's been having a lot of big feelings lately," it's a prelude to the heartbreak that closes the song, where a crying Adele admits she's lonely and scared. Hearing the superstar in such an unguarded human state might be jarring, but it's oddly reassuring to witness these levels of vulnerability and candor: Adele feels the same pain and she's fumbling along the way to happiness just like the rest of us.

As 30 unfolds, she takes tentative steps back onto the market, having the wrong kind of "fun" on the standout "Oh My God," a hit in the making that rides an infectious beat peppered with handclaps and whistles. Wading deeper into the dating pool with the stomping Max Martin and Shellback-penned "Can I Get It," she searches for a real love connection, which leads to "All Night Parking," a lovelorn gem about budding romance. Those fresh thrills don't last long, as the delicious kiss-off "Woman Like Me" knocks the unnamed Romeo down a few pegs for being too lazy, whiny, and complacent for a powerhouse like Ms. Adkins. Later, on the triumphant "Hold On," a choir of friends empowers a faltering Adele, reminding her that, "You are still strong/Love will soon come." Tough realizations and soul-searching land on the Elton John-influenced piano ballad "I Drink Wine" and the showstopping "To Be Loved," a shiver-inducing showcase of vocal acrobatics that stands tall alongside the best performances by Whitney, Mariah, and Celine. As the credits roll on "Love Is a Game," lush strings and a pensive organ usher in a nostalgic Motown girl group timelessness, where Adele admits, "Love is a game for fools to play," picking up the pieces and taking responsibility for her actions. Meeting titanic expectations, this linear journey of the heart is Adele's most cohesive statement to date, pairing her inimitable voice with a dozen engrossing vignettes, reminding us that all we can do is keep trying. Neil Z. Yeung
Tracklist :
1    Strangers by Nature 3:02
Adele Adkins / Ludwig Göransson
2    Easy on Me 3:44
Adele Adkins / Greg Kurstin
3    My Little Love 6:29
Adele Adkins / Greg Kurstin
4    Cry Your Heart Out 4:15
Adele Adkins / Greg Kurstin
5    Oh My God 3:45
Adele Adkins / Greg Kurstin
6    Can I Get It 3:30
Adele Adkins / Max Martin / Karl Schuster / Shellback
7    I Drink Wine 6:16
Adele Adkins / Greg Kurstin
8    All Night Parking (Interlude) 2:41
Adele Adkins / Erroll Garner
9    Woman Like Me 5:00
Adele Adkins / Dean Josiah Cover
10    Hold On 6:06
Adele Adkins / Dean Josiah Cover
11    To Be Loved 6:43
Adele Adkins / Tobias Jesso, Jr.
12    Love Is a Game 6:43
Adele Adkins / Dean Josiah Cover
Japan Bonus Tracks    
13    Wild Wild West
14    Can't Be Together
15    Easy On Me
Featuring – Chris Stapleton

AMY WINEHOUSE — Back To Black (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The story of Back to Black is one in which celebrity and the potential of commercial success threaten to ruin Amy Winehouse, since the same insouciance and playfulness that made her sound so special when she debuted could easily have been whitewashed right out of existence for this breakout record. (That fact may help to explain why fans were so scared by press allegations that Winehouse had deliberately lost weight in order to present a slimmer appearance.) Although Back to Black does see her deserting jazz and wholly embracing contemporary R&B, all the best parts of her musical character emerge intact, and actually, are all the better for the transformation from jazz vocalist to soul siren. With producer Salaam Remi returning from Frank, plus the welcome addition of Mark Ronson (fresh off successes producing for Christina Aguilera and Robbie Williams), Back to Black has a similar sound to Frank but much more flair and spark to it. Winehouse was inspired by girl group soul of the '60s, and fortunately Ronson and Remi are two of the most facile and organic R&B producers active. (They certainly know how to evoke the era too; Remi's "Tears Dry on Their Own" is a sparkling homage to the Motown chestnut "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," and Ronson summons a host of Brill Building touchstones on his tracks.) As before, Winehouse writes all of the songs from her experiences, most of which involve the occasionally riotous and often bittersweet vagaries of love. Also in similar fashion to Frank, her eye for details and her way of relating them are delightful. She states her case against "Rehab" on the knockout first single with some great lines: "They tried to make me go to rehab I won't go go go, I'd rather be at home with Ray" (Charles, that is). As often as not, though, the songs on Back to Black are universal, songs that anyone, even Joss Stone, could take to the top of the charts, such as "Love Is a Losing Game" or the title song ("We only said good bye with words, I died a hundred times/You go back to her, and I go back to black"). John Bush
Tracklist :
1    Rehab 3:34
Alto Saxophone – Andy Mackintosh, Chris Davies
Arranged By [Band] – Gabriel Roth, Mark Ronson
Arranged By [Orchestra], Conductor – Chris Elliott
Baritone Saxophone – Dave Bishop, Ian Hendrickson-Smith
Bass Guitar – Nick Movshon
Cello – Anthony Pleeth, Joely Koos, John Heley
Contractor [Orchestra] – Isobel Griffiths
Drums – Homer Steinweiss
Engineer [Assistant] – Jesse Gladstone, Mike Makowski
Guitar – Binky Griptite, Thomas Brenneck
Handclaps – Mark Ronson, Vaughan Merrick
Harp – Helen Tunstall
Leader [Orchestra] – Perry Montague-Mason
Percussion – Frank Ricotti
Piano, Electric Piano [Wurlitzer], Handclaps – Victor Axelrod
Recorded By – Mark Ronson, Vaughan Merrick
Tenor Saxophone – Jamie Talbot, Mike Smith, Neal Sugarman
Tenor Trombone – Richard Edwards
Trumpet – Dave Guy, Steve Sidwell
Viola – Bruce White, Jon Thorne, Katie Wilkinson, Rachel Bolt
Violin – Boguslaw Kostecki, Chris Tombling, Liz Edwards*, Everton Nelson, Jonathan Rees, Mark Berrow, Perry Montague-Mason, Peter Hanson, Tom Piggot-Smith, Warren Zielinski
2    You Know I'm No Good 4:17
Arranged By [Band] – Gabriel Roth, Mark Ronson
Baritone Saxophone – Ian Hendrickson-Smith
Bass Guitar – Nick Movshon
Drums – Homer Steinweiss
Engineer [Assistant] – Jesse Gladstone, Mike Makowski
Guitar – Binky Griptite, Thomas Brenneck
Piano, Electric Piano [Wurlitzer], Handclaps – Victor Axelrod
Recorded By – Mark Ronson, Vaughan Merrick
Tenor Saxophone – Neal Sugarman
Trumpet – Dave Guy
3    Me And Mr Jones 2:33
Bass Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Bruce Purse
Double Bass [Upright Bass], Drums, Piano – Salaam Remi
Guitar, Backing Vocals – Amy Winehouse
Guitar, Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Vincent Henry
4    Just Friends 3:13
Bass – Salaam Remi
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Guitar – Vincent Henry
Drums – Troy Auxilly-Wilson
Guitar – Amy Winehouse
Organ, Electric Piano [Rhodes] – John Adams
Trumpet, Bass Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Bruce Purse
5    Back To Black 4:01
Alto Saxophone – Andy Mackintosh, Chris Davies*
Arranged By [Band] – Gabriel Roth
Arranged By [Orchestra], Conductor – Chris Elliott
Baritone Saxophone – Dave Bishop
Bass Guitar – Nick Movshon
Cello – Anthony Pleeth, Joely Koos, John Heley
Contractor – Isobel Griffiths
Drums – Homer Steinweiss
Engineer [Assistant] – Jesse Gladstone, Mike Makowski
Guitar – Binky Griptite, Thomas Brenneck
Leader [Orchestra] – Perry Montague-Mason
Percussion – Frank Ricotti
Piano – Victor Axelrod
Recorded By – Mark Ronson, Vaughan Merrick
Tenor Saxophone – Jamie Talbot
Viola – Bruce White, Jon Thorne, Katie Wilkinson, Rachel Bolt
Violin – Boguslaw Kostecki, Chris Tombling, Liz Edwards*, Everton Nelson, Jonathan Rees, Mark Berrow, Perry Montague-Mason, Peter Hanson, Tom Piggot-Smith*, Warren Zielinski
Written-By – Amy Winehouse
Written-By, Arranged By [Band], Tambourine – Mark Ronson
6    Love Is A Losing Game 2:35
Alto Saxophone – Andy Mackintosh, Chris Davies
Arranged By [Band] – Gabriel Roth, Mark Ronson
Arranged By [Orchestra], Conductor – Chris Elliott
Baritone Saxophone – Dave Bishop
Bass Guitar – Nick Movshon
Cello – Anthony Pleeth, Joely Koos, John Heley
Contractor [Orchestra] – Isobel Griffiths
Drums – Homer Steinweiss
Engineer [Assistant] – Jesse Gladstone, Mike Makowski
Guitar – Binky Griptite, Thomas Brenneck
Harp – Helen Tunstall
Leader [Orchestra] – Perry Montague-Mason
Percussion – Frank Ricotti
Piano – Victor Axelrod
Recorded By – Mark Ronson, Vaughan Merrick
Tenor Saxophone – Jamie Talbot, Mike Smith
Tenor Trombone – Richard Edwards
Trumpet – Steve Sidwell
Viola – Bruce White, Jon Thorne, Katie Wilkinson, Rachel Bolt
Violin – Boguslaw Kostecki, Chris Tombling, Liz Edwards*, Everton Nelson, Jonathan Rees, Mark Berrow, Perry Montague-Mason, Peter Hanson, Tom Piggot-Smith*, Warren Zielinski
7    Tears Dry On Their Own 3:06
Backing Vocals – Amy Winehouse
Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Piano, Celesta, Guitar – Vincent Henry
Bass, Piano, Guitar – Salaam Remi
Drums, Tambourine – Troy Auxilly-Wilson
Performer [Uncredited, Sample Interpolation] – Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell
Trumpet, Bass Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Bruce Purse
Written-By – Amy Winehouse, Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson
Written-By [Sample Interpolation] – Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson
8    Wake Up Alone 3:42
Arranged By [Band] – Gabriel Roth
Arranged By [Band], Recorded By – Mark Ronson
Bass Guitar – Nick Movshon
Drums – Homer Steinweiss
Engineer [Assistant] – Jesse Gladstone, Mike Makowski
Guitar – Binky Griptite, Thomas Brenneck
Piano – Victor Axelrod
Recorded By – Vaughan Merrick
Written-By – Paul O'Duffy
9    Some Unholy War 2:22
Bass, Drums, Guitar – Salaam Remi
Guitar – Vincent Henry
Guitar, Backing Vocals – Amy Winehouse
Organ – John Adams
10    He Can Only Hold Her 2:46
Backing Vocals – Ade*, Zalon*
Baritone Saxophone – Cochemea Gastelum
Bass Guitar – Nick Movshon
Drums – Homer Steinweiss
Finger Snaps – Mark Ronson
Guitar – Binky Griptite, Thomas Brenneck
Percussion – Sam Koppelman
Performer [Uncredited, Sample interpolation] – The Icemen
Piano – Victor Axelrod
Producer [Original Demo] – P*Nut
Recorded By – Derek Pacuk, Dom Morley, Gabriel Roth, Matt Paul, Vaughan Merrick
Tenor Saxophone – Neal Sugarman
Trumpet – Dave Guy
Written-By – Amy Winehouse, Richard Poindexter, Robert Poindexter
Written-By [Sample Interpolation] – Richard Poindexter, Robert Poindexter

DELLA GRIFFIN — The Very Thought of You (1996) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Despite being on the scene since the 1950s as a singer, a drummer and an occasional alto sax player, this is just Della Griffin's third album. Similarities to Billie Holiday's Verve Records voice are unmistakable, particularly on those tunes most closely associated with Lady Day like "The Very Thought of You," "You Go to My Head," and "All of Me." But Griffin is not a Holiday clone: she brings her special interpretive qualities to this set of nine standards. She delivers an aching rendition of "This Bitter Earth" that holds up very well with Dinah Washington's seminal version. Griffin has extraordinary backing on this session. Houston Person brings all of his experience working with such singers as Ernie Andrews, Lou Rawls, and especially Etta Jones. His bluesy saxophone is a perfect foil for Griffin's husky, smoky voice. "All of Me" is a platform for Ray Drummond's lyrical bass playing. Kenny Washington's brushes stand out on this cut. David Braham, who is on one of Griffin's earlier recordings, is familiar with the Griffin singing style and his piano is accordingly sympathetic. Vinnie Corrao's clean, uncluttered guitar is very effective on "Yesterdays." It's been over six years between recording sessions for Della Griffin. Based on her performance on this album, there should be a shorter lapse of time before the next release. The sole complaint is the paucity of playing time, just a bit over 41 minutes. Dave Nathan
Tracklist :
1    My Melancholy Baby    4:15
 Ernie Burnett / George Norton
2    The Very Thought Of You    5:42
 Ray Noble
3    All Of Me    3:18
 Gerald Marks / Seymour Simons
4    Misty    4:43
 Johnny Burke / Erroll Garner
5    This Bitter Earth    5:16
 Clyde Otis
6    Yesterdays    4:30
 Otto Harbach / Jerome Kern
7    It Could Happen To You    4:09
 Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
8    You Go To My Head    5:43
 J. Fred Coots / Haven Gillespie
9    Sunday    3:40
 Chester Conn / Benny Krueger / Ned Miller / Jule Styne
Credits :
Bass – Ray Drummond
Drums – Kenny Washington
Guitar – Vinnie Corrao
Piano – David Braham
Tenor Saxophone, Producer – Houston Person
Vocals – Della Griffin

CORINNE BAILEY RAE — Black Rainbows (2023) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Her curiosity piqued by a photo of Theaster Gates taken in his workspace, Corinne Bailey Rae met the artist and activist the next time she played Chicago, where he welcomed her to the Stony Island Arts Bank, a gallery, archive, library, and community center. Bailey Rae felt profoundly affected inside the South Side monument to Black culture, and returned for an artist residency at the invitation of founder Gates. She wrote songs informed by her surroundings and experience -- everything from works of art to pages of Ebony and Jet to a dance party soundtracked by the preserved record collection of house pioneer Frankie Knuckles. Approaching the material as a side project had a liberating effect that allowed her to create without thinking about how the results would be received. Although Black Rainbows is a uniquely conceptual work and sticks all the way out from Corinne Bailey Rae, The Sea, and The Heart Speaks in Whispers, it's at least as personal as any of the singer's first three albums. Contrary to her reputation for making pillowy adult contemporary R&B, Bailey Rae started in a punk band that was hard enough to be courted by Roadrunner Records. Black Rainbows taps into that spirit more than once. "New York Transit Queen" is a thrashing celebration inspired by a mid-'50s image of future fashion legend Audrey Smaltz. "Erasure," seething and thunderous, was written in response to examining graphically anti-Black postcards. On these songs, Bailey Rae's buzzing guitar is as much a lead as her full-tilt vocals. Other moments -- the bristly, knocking, and wailing "Black Rainbows," the unfurling incantation "Before the Throne of the Invisible God" -- sound unselfconsciously sculpted, teeming with unbound imagination. The solitary piano ballad, "Peach Velvet Sky," is also a progression; written from the confined and anguished perspective of abolitionist and author Harriet Jacobs, it features Bailey's most powerful lyrics and vocal performance. The house diversions are suitably carefree, delightfully weird, and just as meaningful. A futuristic paradise is imagined in "Earthlings" through a slow, off-center groove slathered in guitar and concluded by birdsong. In the eight-minute "Put It Down," Bailey Rae achieves hard-fought release, distressed over turbulent strings and synthesizers, then seemingly indestructible as her voice slides atop a stout four-four rhythm. "I put it down -- I feel so free" could be the album's subtitle. Andy Kellman
Tracklist :
1    A Spell, A Prayer    5:27
Written-By – Corinne Bailey Rae
2    Black Rainbows 1:58
Written-By – Myke Wilson, S. J. Brown
3    Erasure    2:46
Written-By – Corinne Bailey Rae
4    Earthlings 3:38
Written-By – S. J. Brown
5    Red Horse 5:43
Written-By – Amber Strother, Paris Strother, S. J. Brown
6    New York Transit Queen    1:49
Written-By – Corinne Bailey Rae
7    He Will Follow You With His Eyes    3:45
Written-By – Corinne Bailey Rae
8    Put It Down 8:29
Written-By – S. J. Brown
9    Peach Velvet Sky 5:51
Written-By – S. J. Brown
10    Before The Throne Of The Invisible God    5:14
Written-By – Corinne Bailey Rae
Credits :
Aaron Burnett - Engineer, Sax (Tenor)
Amber Strother - Composer, Spoken Word, Vocals (Background)
Corinne Bailey Rae - Analogue Synthesizer, Bass, Composer, Drums, Fender Rhodes, Flute (Wood), Fuzz Guitar, Glockenspiel, Guitar, Guitar (Electric), Handclapping, Marxophone, Mini Moog, Percussion, Prayer Bowl, Primary Artist, Producer, Toms, Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Delphine Bailey Brown - Flute (Wood)
James Knight -Engineer, Sax (Alto)
Kyle Bolden - Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric)
Marvin Tate - Vocals
Myke Wilson - Bell, Composer, Congas, Djembe, Drums, Drums (Snare), Percussion, Surdo, Tympanon
Paris Strother - Composer, Engineer, Producer, Synthesizer, Vocals (Background), Wurlitzer Piano
Sam Bell - Bongos, Congas, Hand Percussion, Percussion
The Spitfire - Ensembles Horn, Strings, Woodwind
Yaw Agyeman - Vocals

LIZZ WRIGHT — Salt (2003) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Vocalist Lizz Wright delivers jazz that harks back to such luminaries as Nina Simone and Abbey Lincoln on her debut Verve release, Salt. Still in her early twenties, Wright has a warm, dusky voice reminiscent of Cassandra Wilson and similarly to Wilson seems interested in tackling an eclectic mix of jazz standards, traditional folk, and R&B. Early on, a folky afterglow-Latin version of "Afro Blue" takes center stage followed by the gorgeous "Soon as I Get Home," which betters the version from The Wiz. Wright fairs equally well as a songwriter with about half the album filled with her soaring, bluesy ballads. There is a melancholy yet positive '70s vibe that eminates from songs like "Fire," which resonates lyrically as well as melodically much like the personal/sociopolitical writing of another of Wright's obvious inspirations, Terry Callier. Perhaps a little too low-key to register very high on the pop radio scale, but invested with enough sanguine emotionality and chops to make Salt easily recommended to fans of the neo-soul movement. Matt Collar
Tracklist :
1    Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly 5:09
Written-By – Chick Corea, Neville Potter
2    Salt 3:26
Written-By – Lizz Wright
3    Afro Blue 5:51
Written-By – Mongo Santamaria, Oscar Brown Jr.
4    Soon As I Get Home 4:26
Written-By – Charlie Smalls
5    Walk With Me, Lord 4:06
Traditional
6    Eternity 3:34
Written-By – Lizz Wright
7    Goodbye 3:57
Written-By – Gordon Jenkins
8    Vocalise / End Of The Line 4:33
Written-By – Cynthia Medley, John Edmonson, Sergei Rachmaninov
9    Fire 4:14
Written-By – Lizz Wright
10    Blue Rose 4:05
Written-By – Kenny Banks, Lizz Wright
11    Lead The Way 4:23
Written-By – Brian Blade
12    Silence 2:43
Written-By – Lizz Wright
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Doug Weiss (tracks: 1 to 11)
Acoustic Guitar – Brian Blade (tracks: 12), John Hart (tracks: 8, 10)
Alto Saxophone – Myron Walden (tracks: 2, 3, 11)
Arranged By – Brian Blade (tracks: 3, 7, 9, 12), Doug Weiss (tracks: 9), John Hart (tracks: 9), Jon Cowherd (tracks: 1, 6 to 10), Kenny Banks (tracks: 5, 10)
Arranged By [Horns] – Jon Cowherd (tracks: 2)
Arranged By [Strings] – Jon Cowherd
Bass Clarinet – Myron Walden (tracks: 11)
Cello – Caryl Paisner (tracks: 6, 8, 10), Ellen Westermann (tracks: 6, 8, 10), Joe Kimura (tracks: 6, 8, 10), Mark Shuman (tracks: 6, 8, 10)
Cello [Solo] – Ellen Westermann (tracks: 8)
Conductor [Strings] – Jon Cowherd
Drums – Brian Blade (tracks: 1, 4 to 11), Terreon Gully (tracks: 2, 3)
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Guitar [Bottleneck] – Adam Rogers (tracks: 12)
Electric Organ [Hammond B3] – Kenny Banks (tracks: 2, 5, 9), Sam Yahel (tracks: 1)
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Jon Cowherd (tracks: 4, 7, 10, 11), Kenny Banks (tracks: 1)
Guitar – John Hart (tracks: 1 to 7, 9, 11)
Marimba – Monte Croft (tracks: 8)
Percussion – Jeff Haynes (tracks: 1, 3 to 9, 11)
Piano [Acoustic Piano] – Danilo Perez (tracks: 3), Jon Cowherd (tracks: 4, 6, 8, 9, 11), Kenny Banks (tracks: 2, 10)
Soprano Saxophone – Chris Potter (tracks: 7)
Trombone – Vincent Gardner (tracks: 2, 3)
Trumpet – Derrick Gardner (tracks: 2, 3)
Vibraphone – Monte Croft (tracks: 4)
Viola – Crystal Garner (tracks: 6, 8, 10), Judy Witmerr (tracks: 6, 8, 10), Ron Carbone (tracks: 6, 8, 10), Sarah Adams (tracks: 6, 8, 10)
Vocals – Lizz Wright

LIANE FOLY — Les Petites Notes (1993) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Les Faux Soleils 4:03
Arranged By [Horns] – Hervé Gourdikian
2    Doucement    4:22
3    Voler La Nuit 5:03
Backing Vocals – Trio Esperança
4    Les Parfums D'Autrefois 4:41
Arranged By [Violins] – Hervé Leduc
Backing Vocals – Trio Esperança
5    Laisse Pleurer Les Nuages 4:04
Arranged By [Horns] – Pierre Drevet
Backing Vocals – Trio Esperança
6    Une Larme De Bonheur 3:42
Arranged By [Horns] – Hervé Gourdikian
7    La Marelle 3:49
Arranged By [Horns] – Hervé Gourdikian
8    J'Irai Tranquille 4:18
Arranged By [Horns] – Hervé Gourdikian
Backing Vocals – Carole Fredericks, Yvonne Jones
9    Passe Le Temps    3:51
10    Les Yeux Doux 5:15
Arranged By [Horns] – Pierre Drevet
Backing Vocals – Trio Esperança
11    Les Petites Notes 3:56
Arranged By [Violins] – Hervé Leduc
Credits :
Accordion – Richard Galliano
Bass – Etienne M'Bape
Double Bass – Gilles Coquard
Drums – André Ceccarelli
Electronics [Programming] – Allioum Ba
Guitar – Jean Marc Benaïs
Keyboards – André Manoukian
Lyrics By – Liane Foly, Philippe Viennet
Music By – André Manoukian
Percussion – Steve Shehan
Saxophone – Hervé Gourdikian
Trumpet – Pierre Drevet

ROBIN McKELLE & THE FLYTONES — Soul Flower (2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    So It Goes    5:20
2    Tell You One Thing    3:59
3    Nothing’s Really Changed    3:34
4    Fairytale Ending    3:50
5    Miss You Madly    5:09
6    Don’t Give Up    3:41
7    Walk On By    3:13
8    To Love Somebody 4:06
Featuring – Lee Fields
9    Change    3:42
10    I’m Ready    4:49
11    Love’s Work 4:30
Featuring – Gregory Porter
12    I’m A Fool To Want You    4:50
Credits :
Arranged By – Ben Stivers, Robin McKelle
Bass – Derek Nievergelt
Drums – Adrian Harpham
Guitar – Al Street
Keyboards – Ben Stivers
Saxophone – Pee Wee Ellis
Tenor Saxophone – Mike Tucker
Trombone – Clayton DeWalt, Fred Wesley
Trumpet – Scott Aruda
Vocals – Gregory Porter (tracks: 11), Lee Fields (tracks: 8), Robin McKelle

NICOLE HENRY — The Very Thought of You (2008) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    That's All    4:43
 Alan Brandt / Bob Haymes
2    Almost Like Being In Love    4:15
 Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe
3    I Can't Be Bothered Now 2:38
 G. & I. Gershwin
4    Waters Of March 3:39
 A.C. Jobim
5    What'll I Do 4:24
 I. Berlin
6     Found You    4:26
 K.J. Denhert
7    All That I Can See 3:58
 J.B. McCollum, N. Henry
8    All The Way    3:46
 Sammy Cahn / James Van Heusen
9    I'm Gonna Lock My Heart    2:58
 Terry Shand
10    At Last    5:14
 Mack Gordon / Harry Warren
11    The Very Thought Of You    5:20
 Ray Noble
12    Make It Last    5:16
Credits :
Double Bass – Jamie Ousley (tracks: 3-8, 12), Paul Shewchuk (tracks: 1, 2, 9, 10)
Drums – Danny Burger (tracks: 1, 2, 9, 10), Dave Chiverton (tracks: 7), Orlando Hernandez (tracks: 3-6, 8, 12)
Guitar – Aaron Fishbein (tracks: 7), James Bryan McCollum* (tracks: 7), Manny López (tracks: 6), Mariana Martin (tracks: 4)
Keyboards – Brian Murphy (tracks: 1, 10), Michael Orta (tracks: 4, 6, 7, 12)
Percussion – Sammy Figueroa (tracks: 4)
Piano – Brian Murphy (tracks: 1, 2, 9, 10), Jaui Schneider (tracks: 3, 5, 8), Michael Orta (tracks: 4, 6, 7, 11, 12)

HANNE HUKKELBERG — Featherbrain (2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Featherbrain 4:35
Effects [Guitar Effects] – Ivar
Kalimba [Calimba] – Kåre
Kalimba [Calimba], Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Clavinet, Sounds [Clogs On A Forth Greene Sewing Table] – Hanne
2    Noah 4:31
Acoustic Guitar [Violin Bow On Acoustic Steel String Guitar], Strings, Effects [Guitar Effects], Sounds [Scissors, Ladle, Lunch Packet, Skaland Rocks], Piano, Bass [Frenetic Bass] – Hanne
Organ [Kongsberg Church's Gloger Organ] – Sigurd
Strings, Acoustic Guitar – Kåre
3    I Sing You 3:05
Guitar [Bow On Guitar String Quartet], Sounds [Cutlery, Breath], Tom Tom [Toms], Bass [Chorus Bass], Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Harpsichord – Hanne
Guitar, Soloist [Guitar Solo], Noises – Kåre
4    The Bigger Me 2:48
Kalimba [Calimba], Sounds [Wineglasses], Acoustic Guitar [Blåsningen On Acoustic Guitar], Whistling, Whistling [New York Kettle Whistling] – Hanne
5    My Devils 4:02
Choir [Loud Kitchen Choir], Sounds [Bass Clogs, Clogs On A Forth Green Sewing Table], Synthesizer [Gil's Linndrum], Kalimba [Calimba On The Bruket], Percussion [On A Big Katzenjammer Bass Flight], Drums, Bass Drum, Piano [Kåre-Prepared Bruket Piano] – Hanne
Guitar [Guitar Noise] – Ivar
Guitar, Tape [Tape Treatment] – Kåre
Organ [Kongsberg Church's Gloger Organ] – Sigurd
6    Too Good To Be Good 7:52
Backing Vocals, Sounds [Clogs On A Forth Greene Sewing Table], Handclaps [Hand Claps], Glockenspiel, Synthesizer [Neel's Casio], Effects [Guitar Tuning Knob], Synth [Synth Bass], Bass Drum [Double Bass Drums On New York Sewing Table], Guitar [Pitched Guitar] – Hanne
Banjo [Bow On Banjo] – Ivar
Electric Guitar, Vibraphone, Piano, E-Bow – Kåre
7    Sms 1:14
Harmonica – Kåre
Sounds [Cell Phone, Clogs On A Forth Greene City Sewing Table, Pocket], Guitar – Hanne
8    The Time And I And What We Make 4:30
Guitar [Guitar Noise] – Ivar
Guitar, Tape [Guitar Tape Treatment] – Kåre
Organ [Kongsberg Church's Gloger Organ] – Sigurd
Vocals [Beautiful High Tuned Vocals] – Mai Elise
Vocals [Crazy Kitchen Vocals] – Hanne
9    You Gonna 3:47
Acoustic Guitar, Percussion [Cutlery Percussion], Tape [Tape Treatment] – Kåre
Guitar [Bow On Guitar], Synthesizer [Gil's Linndrum], Synth, Percussion [On A Katzenjammer's Hardcase, Cupboard], Acoustic Guitar, Piano – Hanne
Guitar [Guitar Noise] – Ivar
10    Erik 4:18
Backing Vocals, Whistling – Hanne
E-Bow [On Celestophone], Piano [Kåre's Self-tuned & Prepared Piano] – Kåre
Lead Vocals [Main Vocals] – Erik

KATIE MELUA — In Winter (2016) Two Version | Special Edition 2CD | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

A gorgeously rendered holiday-themed effort, In Winter finds singer/songwriter Katie Melua backed by the 25-member Gori Women's Choir. The album is Melua's seventh studio production and first since parting ways with longtime collaborator Mike Batt. Recorded in her native country of Georgia (Melua left with her parents at age nine), In Winter is a lushly produced, thoughtfully conceived album featuring arrangements by esteemed choral composer Bob Chilcott. An acclaimed institution, the Gori Women's Choir are famous for their haunting classical harmonies. They prove a superb match for Melua, who both sings along with the choir and frames herself against its angelic, delicately layered harmonies. Although the album is technically a holiday-themed work, it's not a cheery collection of Yuletide favorites. Instead, Melua delivers a handful of ruminative and lyrical originals, many inspired by her memories of growing up in what was then the Soviet Union, as well as the complex and often heartbreaking history of Georgia's civil war. She also weaves in several well-curated covers, including poignant renditions of Joni Mitchell's "River," Sergey Rachmaninov's "All-Night Vigil-Nunc Dimittis," and the hymn "O Holy Night." Melua even finds room to sing in Ukrainian, opening the album with a magical rendition of the traditional song "The Little Swallow," whose melody is better recognized to Western audiences as "The Carol of the Bells." These are warmly arranged, beautifully executed recordings that capture the stark, introspective beauty of a rural Eastern Europe in winter. Matt Collar   All Tracks & Credits :

LIANE CARROLL — Dolly Bird (2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Life In One Day 3:58
Arranged By – Liane Carroll
Written By – Howard Jones
2    Bird Chase Bird 4:37
Written By – Peter Kirtley, Tom Pickard
3    Do It Again 5:23
Written-By – Donald Fagen, Walter Becker
4    The Briar And The Rose 4:08
Written By – Tom Waits
5    Yatra-Ta 6:42
Written By – Tania Maria
6    Suzanne 5:38
Arranged By – Liane Carroll
Written-By – Leonard Cohen
7    Natural Woman 7:10
Written-By – Goffin And King, Jerry Wexler
8    Fairytale Of New York 5:09
Written By – Shane MacGowan
9    Perfect Day 5:04
Written-By – Lou Reed
10    And When I Die 6:55
Written-By – Laura Nyro
Credits :
Bass – Steve Lamb
Drums – Greg Leppard
Guitar, Vocals – Peter Kirtley
Piano, Vocals – Liane Carroll

VIKTOR LAZLO – Hot & Soul (1989) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    City Never Sleeps 4:12
Bass – Michel Hatzigeorgiou
Guitar – Patrick Deltenre
Percussion – Frank Michiels
Programmed By, Keyboards – Philippe Decock
Written-By – Rob Davis
2    Hot And Soul 4:14
Bass – Michel Hatzigeorgiou
Guitar – Patrick Deltenre
Percussion – Bashiri Johnson
Programmed By, Keyboards, Synthesizer – Philippe Decock
Written-By – Boris Bergman, Charles Geurts, David Linx, Marc Nocquet, Viktor Lazlo
3    In The Midnight Sky 4:34
Guitar – Kevin Mulligan
Programmed By, Synthesizer – Evert Verhees
Saxophone – Vincent Mardens
Written-By – Evert Verhees, Jan Walravens, Patricia Maessen
4    Long Distance 4:09
Bass – Michel Hatzigeorgiou
Drums – Bruno Castellucci
Programmed By, Synthesizer, Harmonica – Philippe Decock
Written-By – Claude Bofane, Guy Bernard Cadiere, Joëlle Kopf, Maxime Leforestier
5    Fever 4:28
Guitar – Eric Mellaerts
Programmed By, Synthesizer – Marc Moulin
Written-By – Marc Moulin
6    Tell Me "Pourquoi Pas" 3:52
Programmed By, Synthesizer – Nicolas Fiszman
Programmed By, Synthesizer, Harmonica – Philippe Decock
Written-By – David Linx, Nicolas Fiszman
7    Quiet Now 3:16
Accordion – Richard Galliano
Bass – Michel Hatzigeorgiou
Piano – Philippe Decock
Saxophone – Johnny Griffin
Written-By – Jack Van Poll
8    Wish You Were Here 5:39
Bass – Michel Hatzigeorgiou
Drums – Phil Allaert
Guitar – Patrick Deltenre
Percussion – Bashiri Johnson
Programmed By, Synthesizer, Keyboards – Philippe Decock
Written-By – Christophe Vervoort, David Linx, Roland Bindi, Viktor Lazlo
9    Amour Puissance Six 5:24
Guitar – Kevin Mulligan
Percussion – Frank Michiels
Programmed By, Keyboards, Synthesizer – Paolo Ragatzu
Saxophone – Vincent Mardens
Written-By – Claude Bofane, Guy Bernard Cadiere, Serge Gainsbourg, Viktor Lazlo
10    Pigmy World 4:07
Bass – Michel Hatzigeorgiou
Guitar – Patrick Deltenre
Percussion – Frank Michiels
Programmed By, Keyboards – Philippe Decock
Written By – B.J. Scott
Written-By – Raphaël Schillebeeckx
11    Máxime 4:30
Programmed By, Guitar, Synthesizer – Kevin Mulligan
Written-By – David Linx, Kevin Mulligan, Viktor Lazlo

GWYNETH HERBERT — All The Ghosts (2009) FLAC (tracks+.cue) lossless

 Tracklist :
1    So Worn Out    3:36
 Gwyneth Herbert
2    Annie's Yellow Bag    3:54
 Gwyneth Herbert
3    Lorelei    3:38
 Gwyneth Herbert
4    My Narrow Man    3:37
 Gwyneth Herbert
5    Jane Into A Beauty Queen    3:03
 Gwyneth Herbert
6    Put Your Mouth Where Your Money Is    4:42
 Gwyneth Herbert
7    Nataliya    2:58
 Gwyneth Herbert
8    My Mini And Me    4:34
 Gwyneth Herbert
9.1    Some Days I Forget    3:36
 Gwyneth Herbert
9.2    Rock 'n' Roll Suicide    3:39
 David Bowie
Credits :
Artwork [Artwork By] – Keemo
Bass – Sam Burgess
Guitar – Al Cherry
Percussion – Dave Price
Piano, Organ – Steven Holness
Vocals, Piano (4) – Gwyneth Herbert 

NATALIA MATEO — De Profundis (2017) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The title of Natalia Mateo’s album, “De Profundis” - meaning ‘out of the depths’ in Latin - sets the tone: the inspirational well-springs for her music are both personal and profound. Thoughtful, original compositions and highly personal adaptations of songs reflect her story set against a backdrop of East and West, a life punctuated by changes of surroundings, by departures which lead to fresh beginnings. ACT
Tracklist :
1. Bandoska
2. Eternity
3. Elegja Pielgrzyma
4. I Will Always Love You
5. Rosemary's Baby
6. Unsound
7. Prayer
8. Eksplozja Paranoja
9. Dziwny Jest Ten Świat
10. François Villon-Modlitwa
11. To Die of Gravity (Bonus Track)
Credits :
Natalia Mateo - Vocals
Sebastian Gille - Saxophone
Simon Grote - Piano
Dany Ahmad - Guitars
Christopher Bolte - E-Bass
Felix Barth - Double Bass
Fabian Ristau - Drums

BEADY BELLE — Nothing But the Truth (2022) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Truth Wide Open    4:38
2    Lost    3:59
3    Morning Part I (Interlude)    2:08
4    Buoy (Interlude)    2:11
5    Sinking Ship    4:03
6    The Animal    3:50
7    Quiet Sounds    3:22
8    Morning Part II (Interlude)    1:48
9    Independence    4:08
10    Morning Part III (Interlude)    1:38
11    Last Dance    4:08
12    Cocoon    3:56
13    Morning Part IV (Interlude)    1:10
14    Happiness    4:10
15    Playing With Fire    3:00
16    Flyte    0:52

MARIA PIA DE VITO - Fore Paese (1996) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Rumba D' 'E Scugnizze    4:05
2    So' Bammenella 'E Coppo 'E Quartiere    6:49
3    Tarantella Segreta    7:16
4    M'hê 'A Spusà    4:35
5    E Aspettammo, Aspettammo Ca Vene    7:03
6    So' 'Nfame Assaje 'Il' Uommene...    5:50
7    Scugnizzeide    6:20
Zingari Suite    (18:07)
8a    E Chisto È 'O Zingaro    5:08
8b    Radio Balkania    2:56
8c    Simme Zingare, Carne E Surore    9:58
9    Carmè, M' Alluntano Pe' Mo'    2:07
Credits :
Accordion [Organetto] – Riccardo Tesi (tracks: 4, 8c)
Backing Vocals – Maria Pia De Vito (tracks: 3, 7)
Bass – Enzo Pietropaoli (tracks: 1 to 8a, 8c)
Drums – Marcello Di Leonardo (tracks: 1 to 8a, 8c)
Ensemble – Il Tiglio (tracks: 8b)
Flute, Saxophone [Saxophones] – Daniele Sepe (tracks: 8a, 8c)
Keyboards – Maria Pia De Vito (tracks: 8a)
Percussion – Massimo Carrano (tracks: 1, 3, 4)
Piano – Maria Pia De Vito (tracks: 9)
Piano, Keyboards – Rita Marcotulli (tracks: 1 to 8a, 8c)
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Paolo Fresu (tracks: 2, 6)
Vocals – Enzo Moscato (tracks: 1), Maria Pia De Vito
Voice [Reciting] – Enzo Moscato (tracks: 8c) 

MINA — Mina Canta Sinatra (2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Angel Eyes 2:28
 Dennis / Brent
2    Full Moon and Empty Arms 2:49
 Buddy Kaye / Ted Mossman
3    Stars Fell On Alabama 3:18
 Frank Perkins
4    My Melancholy Baby 3:23
 Ernie Burnett
5    You Go To My Head 3:00
 J. Fred Coots
6    Stella By Starlight 2:26
 Devilli / Washington / Young
7    Ebb Tide 2:45
 Sigman / Maxwell
8    I'm a Fool To Want You 1:58
 Frank Sinatra
9    I'm Glad There is You 2:30
 Madeira / Dorsey
10    The Nearness of You 2:40
 Hoagy Carmichael
11    Everything Happens To Me 2:41
 Crosara / Adais / Dennis