Freddie Hubbard & Stanley Turrentine: In Concert – Speakers Corner 180g 2LP Vinyl
The producer was certainly on the ball when he recorded a concert with CTI stars on a short tour of the USA in 1973. Thus the beginning of the jazz-rock era was documented in jazz’s country of origin. Liberated from the often-sterile atmosphere in a studio, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine and friends (here also without a sometimes stifling studio band) could exhibit their amazing improvisational talents as soloists in lengthy works. This was greatly facilitated by the groove conjured up by Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and Jack deJohnette – who had all profited from Miles Davis’s tutoring. And let’s not forget Larry Gale, a not unknown or bad guitarist, who transported hot Jamaican rhythm to the wintery Chicago and Detroit.
Gabriel Mervine – Say Somethin – Octave Records (2021) 45rpm Double Vinyl
Just released. A limited-edition, individually numbered, 45rpm collector’s vinyl. These won’t be around long.
At a time in music where history and originality rarely go hand in hand, trumpeter Gabriel Mervine brings both together as never before. We are proud to announce our vinyl re-release. Limited quantities available
Gerry Mulligan – Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster (Acoustic Sounds) 180g 1LP Gatefold Sleeve
This classic 1960 album by Mulligan, the Cool Jazz innovator, and Webster, the legendary Ellingtonian, is one for the ages. The tunes they recorded, from “Chelsea Bridge” to “Go Home”, are smooth, lush and emotional, driven along by a rhythm section of Jimmy Rowles, Leroy Vinnegar and Mel Lewis that swings with just the right amount of bop.
Verve’s Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes and remastered 180-gram vinyl in deluxe gatefold packaging.
Hard Bop ART BLAKEY’S JAZZ MESSENGERS Impex Records
Some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time have passed through Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers: Horace Silver, Hank Mobley, Kenny Dorham, Wayne Shorter, and Donald Byrd, among many others.
However brief their stay, working with the demanding and full-throttle drummer not only increased their visibility, but also their chops and interprative capacity. Blakey’s ability to drum up the best players in the game may have even eclipsed his superhuman ability to play drums.
Harold Vick – Steppin’ Out – Blue Note Tone Poet Series 180g Vinyl
Tenor saxophonist Harold Vick was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and played with R&B bands coming up before working as a sideman with soul jazz organ greats including Jack McDuff and Big John Patton. Vick made his first Blue Note appearance in April 1963 on Patton's Along Came John, and a month later Alfred Lion brought the saxophonist back into the studio to record his own debut as a leader, the underrated soul jazz gem Steppin' Out.
For the session Vick assembled the same band with Patton on organ, Grant Green on guitar, Ben Dixon on drums, and added Blue Mitchell on trumpet. The record finds its groove from the very first soul drenched notes of the opener "Our Miss Brooks" and stays firmly in the pocket throughout this 6-song set including the hard-charging "Trimmed In Blue," a deeply felt rendition of the ballad "Laura," the swaggering minor blues "Vicksville," and the buoyant title track which closes the album.
Helen Humes – Songs I Like To Sing! – Contemporary Records (Acoustic Sounds Series) 180g Vinyl
Helen Humes – Songs I Like To Sing! – Contemporary Records (Acoustic Sounds Series) 180g Vinyl LP is a captivating record that showcases the timeless charm and soulful vocals of Helen Humes. This 180g vinyl edition, part of the Acoustic Sounds Series on Contemporary Records, delivers pristine sound quality and an authentic vintage listening experience. With its rich, warm tones and impeccable pressing, this LP is a must-have for jazz and blues aficionados. Add this classic release to your vinyl collection and enjoy the enduring musical legacy of Helen Humes.
Herbie Nichols – The Prophetic Herbie Nichols Vol. 1 & 2 Blue Note Re-Issue Vinyl
Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition on 180-gram LP
Art Blakey’s 1960 hard bop classic, The Big Beat, introduced one of the greatest line-ups of the Jazz Messengers with the legendary drummer joined by Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter, Bobby Timmons, and Jymie Merritt. 3 of the 6 tunes were composed by Shorter, but the album is best-known for an unforgettable version of Timmons’ enduring hit “Dat Dere.” Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Optimal in Germany.
Horace Parlan – Speakin’ My Piece (Classic Vinyl Series) Blue Note Vinyl
Best known for his work with Charles Mingus, pianist Horace Parlan began recording for Blue Note in 1960 with an excellent run of hard bop classics including Speakin’ My Piece, a quintet date featuring a frontline of Stanley Turrentine on saxophone and Tommy Turrentine on trumpet with the rhythm team of George Tucker on bass and Al Harewood on drums. This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.
Horace Tapscott – TAPSCOTT and WINDS
Horace Tapscott Conducting The Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra: Flight 17 – Pure Pleasure Records
Horace Tapscott Conducting The Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra: The Call – Pure Pleasure Records
There are certain albums you hear something new every time you revisit the music and this is one of those albums. An important part of Afro-American history; the politics and art which surrounded the album. If you get a chance check out the film ‘Horace Tapscott, Musical Griot’, by filmmaker Barbara McCullough, or buy the book ‘Songs Of The Unsung’: The Musical & Social Journey of Horace Tapscott’
UK VIBE Mark Jones
Horace Tapscott: Dial ‘B’ For Barbra – 2 x LP Pure Pleasure Vinyl
“The best of pianist Horace Tapscott’s recordings for the tiny Nimbus label is this 1981 LP which features him in a sextet with trumpeter Reggie Bullen, altoist Gary Bias, tenor saxophonist Sabir Matteen, bassist Roberto Miranda and drummer Everett Brown, Jr. The group stretches out on a couple of Tapscott’s originals plus a 19½-minute version of Linda Hill’s”Dem Folks.” Although the music could be called avant-garde, its use of rhythms and repetition keep the results from being forbidding and the performances have a momentum of their own.”
Scott Yanow/AMG
