Lee Morgan – Taru – Blue Note Tone Poet Series 180g Vinyl
Lee Morgan’s 1968 album Taru—which wouldn’t be first released until 1980 as part of the LT Series—found the trumpeter at a crossroads exploring a variety of styles. The band on this outstanding date is notable for several reasons including the elevating presence of guitarist George Benson who delivers inspired solos throughout. The session also marked Morgan’s first recorded collaboration with tenor saxophonist Bennie Maupin who would play an integral role on future Morgan albums including Caramba! and Live at the Lighthouse. Rounding out the sextet were pianist John Hicks, bassist Reggie Workman, and the ever-inspiriting drummer Billy Higgins. The six-song set covered a range of stylistic ground including modal jazz (“Avotcja One”), hard-charging post-bop (“Get Yourself Together”), beautiful balladry (“Haeschen” and “Taru, What’s Wrong With You?”), gospel-tinged numbers (“Dee Lawd”), and funky boogaloos (“Durem”).
Lee Morgan – The Sidewinder (Blue Note Classic Series) – Blue Note Vinyl
Lee Morgan’s magnum opus The Sidewinder—recorded in 1963 and release in 1964—was both a comeback and a coronation. The prodigious trumpeter had debuted on Blue Note in 1956 at the age of 18, but personal problems in the early-60s forced him off the scene temporarily. His rebound recording turned out to be The Sidewinder, an assured and energetic set of 5 indelible Morgan originals featuring tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, pianist Barry Harris, bassist Bob Cranshaw, and drummer Billy Higgins. The album became his biggest commercial success fueled by the irrepressible title track.
Les McCann & Eddie Harris – Swiss Movement – Analogue Productions Atlantic 75 Series 45 rpm 180g Vinyl
Available to Pre-Order
Imagine yourself in a smoky, vibrant jazz club in the 1960s. The album opens with Les McCann, a soulful and charismatic pianist and vocalist, playing the keys with infectious energy. He's accompanied by an equally talented group of musicians. McCann's music is deeply rooted in gospel, blues, and soul, and it shines through in his performance. His warm, expressive voice draws you in, making you feel like you're right there in the audience.
Lincolnshire Posy – Reference Recordings HDCD
Dallas Wind Symphony Jerry Junkin
Showcases the wind band music of Percy Grainger, including favorites Lincolnshire Posy and Irish Tune from County Derry (“Danny Boy”). Australia considers Grainger its greatest composer; the U.S., where he lived most of his life, praises him as a music educator, composer and arranger of band music; and England considers him supremely important in the preservation and arrangement of British folk songs.
Livingston Taylor – Ink – Chesky Records 180g Vinyl LP
Experience the smooth, heartfelt storytelling of Livingston Taylor with Ink, now available on Chesky Records' 180-gram vinyl LP. Showcasing his signature blend of folk, pop, and jazz, this audiophile-grade pressing delivers an intimate, richly detailed sound, bringing Taylor’s warm vocals and masterful guitar work to life. Recorded with Chesky’s world-renowned high-fidelity techniques, this limited-edition vinyl release ensures a pure, immersive listening experience, making it a must-have for audiophiles, vinyl collectors, and fans of classic singer-songwriters.
Rediscover the magic of Livingston Taylor’s Ink—order your 180G Vinyl LP today!
Lonnie Smith – Turning Point – Blue Note 180g Vinyl
A stone killer from organist Lonnie Smith one of his completely cooking early albums for Blue Note, and a hard-burner all the way through! Smith’s working here with a really great group that includes Idris Muhammad on drums and Melvin Sparks on guitar both of whom give the album a really heavy bottom, and almost make the set feel like one of those classic Prestige jammers from the same time. But added to them is a great horn section of Lee Morgan on trumpet, Julian Preister on trombone, and Bennie Maupin on tenor all of whom give the record a slightly hipper, more modern feel in keeping with the Blue Note groove of the time. Tracks are all nice and long and titles include the originals “Turning Point” and “Slow High” plus versions of “See Saw”, “People Sure Act Funny”, and “Eleanor Rigby”.
Lou Donaldson – Midnight Creeper Blue Note Tone Poet Series 180g Vinyl
Alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson hadn’t recorded for Blue Note since 1963 when he returned to the label in 1967 and began a new chapter in his lengthy career. Sweet Papa Lou had helped lay Blue Note’s soul jazz foundation alongside Hammond B3 organists including Jimmy Smith, Baby Face Willette, and Big John Patton going back to the late-1950s thru the early-60s on standout dates including his own Here ‘Tis, Good Gracious!, and The Natural Soul.
