Duke Ellington & Johnny Hodges – Back to Back – Analogue Productions 45RPM 200g 2LP
Several times in his career star alto-saxophone soloist Johnny Hodges struck out on his own, only to return each time to Duke Ellington’s band. There seemed to be a constant tension between them, though it was old hat by the time of this recording. In the enclosed notes, critic Michael Ullman examines this complex relationship, suggesting that the blues classics chosen for this program may have been neutral ground. A place where Ellington’s unique piano playing could come to the fore and Hodges’ irrepressible sensuality could have free rein. This is one of the very best small-group records Ellington ever made — a relaxed, perfectly integrated set of music that truly swings the blues.
Gregg Allman – Midnight Rider / These Days – Analogue Productions 45 rpm Vinyl Single
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.
Train – Drops of Jupiter – Mofi SACD
Triple-Platinum Train Album Awarded Two Grammy Awards: Drops Of Jupiter Contains The Hits “Drops Of Jupiter (Tell Me)” And “She’s On Fire”
Sourced From The Original Master Tapes And Strictly Limited To 2,000 Numbered Copies: Hybrid Sacd Plays With Openness, Airiness, And Smoothness
New Release SACD Very Limited, Only 2,000 Numbered Copies!
There’s definitely nothing wrong with echoing classic rock and harmonic pop sounds, especially when it’s done this well. Drops of Jupiter, Train’s two-time Grammy-winning 2001 album, revels in sweeping hooks and soulful comfort borrowed from proven 70s methods. Remarks of jealous critics aside, the approach resonated with the public and made Train a ubiquitous presence of mainstream radio, a status the group still enjoys.
Matchbox Twenty – Yourself Or Someone Like You – Analogue Productions SACD
Otis Redding – The Dock Of The Bay – Analogue Productions Atlantic 75 Series Hybrid Stereo SACD
In Stock
The guts of the story are this: While on tour with the Bar-Kays in August 1967, Otis Redding's popularity was rising, and he was inundated with fans at his hotel in downtown San Francisco. Looking for a retreat, he accepted rock concert impresario Bill Graham's offer to stay at his houseboat at Waldo Point in Sausalito, California. Inspired, Redding started writing the lines, "Sittin' in the morning sun, I'll be sittin' when the evening comes" and the first verse of a song, under the abbreviated title "Dock of the Bay."
Ray Charles – Ray Charles – Analogue Productions Atlantic 75 Series Hybrid Mono SACD
Ray Charles' self-titled 1957 album was one of the first handful of albums issued by Atlantic (and was later retitled Hallelujah I Love Her So). As AllMusic reviewer Bruce Elder notes, the album is weighted about three to one in favor of Charles' own compositions, with the hits "Hallelujah I Love Her So" and the pounding, soaring "Ain't That Love," which opens the record, its raison d'etre.
Dire Straits – On Every Street – Mofi SACD
SOURCED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES: HYBRID SACD PRESENTS 1991 ALBUM WITH CINEMATIC SOUND AND TRANSPARENT CLARITY
Dire Straits never made a big to-do about its final run. In classic understated British fashion, the band simply let its music speak for itself. And how. Originally released in September 1991, On Every Street became the group’s swan song — a lasting testament to the influence, musicianship, and integrity of an ensemble whose merit has never been tainted by cash-grab reunions or farewell treks. It remains an essential part of the Dire Straits catalog and a blueprint of the distinctive U.K. roots rock the collective played for its 15-year career.
Alice Cooper – Welcome To My Nightmare – Analogue Productions Atlantic 75 Series Hybrid Stereo SACD
Patricia Barber – Cafe Blue – Impex 24K Gold CD
Nightclub has been newly remastered from the original analog tapes by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering for added warmth musicality. The deluxe book-style packaging has a heavy-stock booklet that pays homage to the original Premonition CDs while updating them to Impex Records’ premium look and feel.
