Pop & Rock News

Bob Mintzer has the knack. Whether he developed it during his brief
association with the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, his two years with the Buddy Rich Big Band, or his time with Jaco Pastorius’ Word of Mouth Big Band is unclear.
What is certain, however, is that the great tenor saxophonist has continued to perfect his instincts for orchestration and counterpoint over the years.
With ‘Soundscapes’, the maestro now returns as leader of the WDR Big Band with ten newly arranged pieces. “At WDR, there is, after all, a tradition that the chief conductor implements a project of his own writing at some point during his tenure,” he explains. “So I pulled together some of the things I’ve written for the band over the last five years, as well as a number of brand new numbers, for this recording.”
‘Soundscapes’, an amalgam of moods, grooves and complex textures, not only showcases Mintzer’s work for this widely acclaimed ensemble, but he does double duty. After all, he is also featured as the main soloist on tenor saxophone and the Electronic Wind Instrument (EWI), while spotlighting other outstanding soloists - such as long-time WDR members Paul Heller on tenor saxophone, Karolina Strassmayer and Johan Horlen on alto saxophone, Ruud Breuls
and Andy Haderer on trumpet, and Andy Hunter on trombone. Recorded in December 2019, the album is certainly among the very best of Mintzer’s long career.

Mountain Call, ein Höhepunkt im musikalischen Schaffen von Miroslav Vitous, präsentiert den Meisterbassisten in unterschiedlichen Ensemblekonstellationen – zu seinen musikalischen Mitstreitern auf dem
Album gehören u.a. Klarinettist Michel Portal und Schlagzeuger Jack DeJohnette. Der Mitbegründer
von Weather Report kam Ende der 1970er-Jahre erstmals zu ECM, im Trio mit Terje Rypdal und Jack
DeJohnette. Schon damals bildeten Miroslav und Jack eine kraftvolle Rhythmussektion, die später auf Universal Syncopations (2003) mit Jan Garbarek und Chick Corea erneut zusammen kam. Auch auf Mountain
Call spielt diese Kombination eine zentrale Rolle. Bassist und Schlagzeuger interagieren dynamisch auf
„Tribal Dance“ und „Epilog“, wobei ihr Spiel im letzteren Stück orchestral eingerahmt wird – Jack soliert
auf Vitous’ dreiteiligem Werk „Evolution“ mit großer Entdeckungslust. In der Suite „Rhapsody“ tritt die
Stimme Esperanza Spaldings in den Vordergrund, die Vitous’ Texte singt. Mountain Call beginnt und endet jedoch mit einer Reihe herausragender Duette mit Michel Portal, die möglicherweise Miroslavs stärkste
improvisatorische Momente seit seiner gefeierten Zusammenarbeit mit Jan Garbarek auf Atmos darstellen.
Der abschließende Titelsong mit Miroslavs dramatischem Arco-Spiel und Portals eindringlicher Bassklarinette bestätigt ihre bemerkenswerte kreative Verbindung. Mountain Call wurde von Miroslav Vitous und
Manfred Eicher produziert

Classic 1980s SteepleChase recording from award-winning American
saxophonist/composer Bob Rockwell featuring Butch Lacy (piano), Jesper Lundgaard (bass), Jukkis Uotila (drums), now repressed on standard weight vinyl. This limited pressing is from the original matrices. Rockwell grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and after touring the USA with various rock and R&B bands in the late 60s and early 70s Rockwell settled in New York to seek his place in jazz. He established himself quickly playing with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Tito Puente, Ben Sidran, Freddie Hubbard, Ray Drummond, Billy Hart, Tom Harrell, Richie Beirach, among others, demonstrating his immense skills and versatility.

Since 1983 Rockwell calls Denmark his home where he leads his band and performs and records all over Europe. Rockwell recorded eight leader albums for SteepleChase. This his second release features the late pianist Butch Lacy (1947-2018), another American expatriate of his generation. “Rockwell is simply one of the heaviest players in his genre anywhere.” - Thomas Conrad, JazzTimes “Bob Rockwell is a warm-toned tenor player whose love of Coltrane becomes most apparent at higher intensity levels. For most of the time this is spirited but non-too-aggressive modern tenor playing.” - John Robert Brown, Jazz Journal on ‘On the Natch’

"In the summer of 2021 I was introduced to the French filmaker Émilie Deleuze in Paris. She asked me if I would create a soundtrack for a film she intended to make titled Cinq Hectares. When I asked Emilie what the story of the film was about she replied "It's a comedy and road movie , about a guy driving a tractor across France". I love road movies and I had never composed a movie soundtrack before so I immediately said "yes". I recorded the soundtrack in the summer of 2022 in east London with the help of producers James Rand & Thomas Gorton of @godcolony and a bunch of great young musicians they introduced me to, one of which @alwhite who now plays saxophone with Primal Scream. Émilie's film is an absolute cracker and I'm very proud of the soundtrack. Hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it”

Bobby Gillespie, June 2024

The musical partnership between vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson and tenor saxophonist Harold Land fully blossomed on the 1970 album San Francisco, which found the musicians moving into fusion territory with relentlessly grooving tunes like “Goin’ Down South” and “Ummh” counterbalanced by exploratory pieces like the mesmerizing “Prints Tie.”

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.

Bobby Hutcherson’s 1968 album Total Eclipse was the vibraphonist’s first recording to feature saxophonist Harold Land who would become a key collaborator for years to come. Rounding out the band were pianist Chick Corea, bassist Reggie Johnson, and drummer Joe Chambers on this impassioned post-bop set. This stereo Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI, and packaged in a deluxe gatefold tip-on jacket.

Bobby Hutcherson’s 1968 album Total Eclipse was the vibraphonist’s first recording to feature saxophonist Harold Land who would become a key collaborator for years to come. Rounding out the band were pianist Chick Corea, bassist Reggie Johnson, and drummer Joe Chambers on this impassioned post-bop set. This stereo Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI, and packaged in a deluxe gatefold tip-on jacket.

BLUE NOTE TONE POET EDITION: Stereo, produziert von Joe Harley, komplett analog von Kevin Gray von den Originalbändern remastert, RTI-Pressung (180g), stabiles Tip-on-Single Sleeve, wattierte Innenhülle.

Als Lee Morgan 1968 “Taru” einspielte, befand sich der Trompeter musikalisch gerade an einem Scheideweg. Reflektiert wird das in der Vielzahl von Stilen, mit denen er sich auf dem Album auseinandersetzt: das Spektrum reicht von modalem Jazz und Post-Bop bis hin zu wunderschönen Balladen und funkigen
Boogaloos. Zusätzliche Inspiration erhielt Morgan von einem progressiv ausgerichteten Sextett mit u.a. George Benson an der Gitarre. (Gatefold Sleeve)

Auf dem Album “Medina” setzte Vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson 1969 die ungemein inspirierende Zusammenarbeit mit Tenorsaxofonist Harold Land fort, die er ein Jahr zuvor auf “Total Eclipse” begonnen hatte. Hutcherson und den exzellenten Musikern seines Quintetts gelingt es hier, die im modalen Post-Bop verwurzelten und recht anspruchsvollen Originalkompositionen erstaunlich beseelt klingen zu lassen. (Single
Sleeve)

1965’s Dialogue was the debut by vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson who had already proven himself a versatile sideman on albums from Idle Moments to Out To Lunch. Dialogue showcased his more adventurous leanings with a sextet featuring Freddie Hubbard, Sam Rivers, Andrew Hill, Richard Davis & Joe Chambers. This stereo Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI, and packaged in a deluxe gatefold tip-on jacket.

Nachdem er zuvor auf wichtigen Blue-Note-Alben von Jackie McLean, Eric Dolphy und Grant Green
geglänzt hatte, konnte der junge Vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson 1965 mit “Dialogue” sein erstes eigenes
Album bei dem Label vorlegen. Mit der Unterstützung eines abenteuerlustigen Sextetts gelang dem 24-
Jährigen gelang auf Anhieb ein richtungsweisendes Album, das sowohl bei AllMusic als auch im “Penguin
Guide To Jazz” die Höchstwertung erhielt

When considering the jazz vibraphone giants of the 20th century, seven stand out: Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo, Milt Jackson, Terry Gibbs, Cal Tjader, Gary Burton, and Bobby Hutcherson. Bobby Hutcherson (1941-2016), originally inspired by Milt Jackson, emerged from Los Angeles in the late 1950s. After a stint with the Billy Mitchell-Al Grey sextet in 1962, Hutcherson moved to New York, becoming the house vibraphonist for the Blue Note label. His foundation in hard bop did not limit him, as he also played in avant-garde sessions with artists like Eric Dolphy and Jackie McLean. On December 11, 1983, the 42-year-old Hutcherson performed seven standards with a stellar group. Pianist George Cables, consistently excellent throughout his career, had been working with Hutcherson since 1977. Bassist Herbie Lewis, a versatile musician, had collaborated with Hutcherson since 1966. Drummer Philly Joe Jones, known for his work with Miles Davis, also contributed to the session. The recording of the Four Seasons album features seven standards, starting with Thelonious Monk’s “I Mean You,” which showcases each musician. Hutcherson’s solo on Cole Porter’s “All Of You” is particularly adventurous. “Spring Is Here” receives a beautiful interpretation, and “Star Eyes” is taken uptempo. Hutcherson’s introduction on “If I Were A Bell” is notable, as is Jones’s solo. The session spotlights Cables on “Summertime” and concludes with a vibrant version of “Autumn Leaves.” Decades later, the music remains a timeless classic. Four Seasons is available on black vinyl, celebrates its 40th Anniversary, and includes an insert with newly written liner-notes by Scott Yanow

In den 1970er Jahren unternahm der experimentierfreudige Vibrafonist und Marimba-Spieler Bobby Hutcherson bei Blue Note einige Ausflüge in kommerziellere Gefilde. Ein absoluter Höhepunkt dieser Schaffensphase war das 1975 entstandene Album “Montara”. Angetrieben von einer exzellent besetzten Band mit
sechs Perkussionisten bietet Hutcherson darauf eine berauschende Mischung aus Latin Jazz und FusionGrooves, die vor guter Laune nur so überschäumt

Auf dem im Juni 1965 aufgenommenen Album “Components” vertiefte Vibrafonist Bobby Hutcherson seine
Zusammenarbeit mit Schlagzeuger Joe Chambers, die er wenige Monate zuvor auf “Dialogue” begonnen
hatte. Zu hören sind die beiden hier mit einem erstklassigen Sextett, das mit Trompeter Freddie Hubbard
und Pianist Herbie Hancock zwei weitere Blue-Note-Stars jener Zeit umfasst. “‘Components’ ist wohl das
Album, das Bobby Hutchersons frühe musikalische Persönlichkeit am besten widerspiegelt”, schrieb Steve
Huey bei AllMusic und gab dem Album die Höchstwertung von fünf Sternen. “Es ist passenderweise in
zwei sehr unterschiedliche Hälften unterteilt. Die erste enthält vier Eigenkompositionen von Hutcherson im
melodischen, aber dennoch anspruchsvollen Hard-Bop-Stil, während die zweite Hälfte vier frei interpretierte
Avantgarde-Stücke von Chambers bietet.”

Re-mastered from original mono master tapes.

Limited edition 1000 copies.

180 gr vinyl pressed by Pallas in Germany.

Deluxe high-gloss flipback album jacket.

Facsimile reissue using the original cover art.

Double insert using an original photo by JP Leloir from 1955.

Each record has been visually checked to prevent defects.

Recorded December 27 and 29, 1955 at the Pathé Magellan studio, Paris.

Original LP issue: Barclay 84.023.

After hitting Paris in 1950, saxophonist Bobby Jaspar enthralled jazz fans and jazzmen alike with his smooth, elegant playing, with the lyricism of his tranquil phrases heavily influenced by Stan Getz in particular. So when Jaspar began regularly performing with a small ensemble at the Club St-Germain five years later, he adopted the same instrumentation as that of his idol’s illustrious quintet, with Sacha Distel on guitar and René Urtreger on piano in the roles of Jimmy Raney and Al Haig, respectively.

Contrary to what its title might suggest, ‘Modern Jazz au Club St-Germain’ was actually recorded in the studio. It features compositions by Milt Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis along with a handful of standards, in which the angular aridity of bebop gives way to the generous and yet sensitive idiom of cool jazz.

Jaspar’s premature death in 1963 robbed the jazz world of a promising talent; this record is among his best efforts as a leader. Bobby Jaspar is in top form here !!!

Text – Pierre de Chocqueuse

Bobby Jaspar (Tenor Saxophone & Flute)
Sacha Distel (Guitar)
René Urtreger (Piano)
Benoit Quersin (Bass)
Jean-Louis Viale (Drums)

2024 Repress

Re-mastered from original stereo master tapes.

Limited edition 1000 copies.

180 gr vinyl pressed by Pallas in Germany.

Deluxe high-gloss flipback album jacket.

Facsimile reissue using the original cover art (front photo is lost).

Double insert using an original photo by JP Leloir from 1959.

Each record has been visually checked to prevent defects.

Recorded December 19 and 20, 1958 at the studio Hoche, Paris.

Original LP issue: Barclay 84.063.

Belgian jazz artist Bobby Jaspar died far too young at age 37 in 1963, but fortunately made a handful of memorable dates as a leader. This is the last studio session under his name. Jaspar sticks exclusively to flute on these December 1958 studio recordings. He’s joined by drummer Kenny Clarke, Sadi Lallemand or Michel Hausser (who also doubles on xylophone) on vibes, and either Paul Rovere or Jymie Merritt on bass, as well as percussionist Humberto Canto (on one of the two sessions). Jaspar’s soft arrangements prove very appealing for his originals, standards such as ‘Lullaby of the Leaves’ and ‘There Will Never Be Another You’, and classic jazz tunes (an exotic ‘Misterioso’ and a Latin-flavored ‘Chasin’ the Bird’, the latter featuring Hausser on xylophone). This is easily one of Jaspar’s finest recordings as a leader.

Ken Dryden / All Music

Bobby Jaspar (Flute)
Michel Hausser (Vibes) (tracks 1 to 4, 6,8,9)
Sadi Lallemand (Vibes) (tracks 5,7,10)
Paul Rovère (Bass) (tracks 1 to 4, 6,8,9)
Jymie Merritt (Bass) (tracks 5,7,10)
Humberto Canto (Percussion)
Kenny Clarke (Drums)

Bobby Lyle is a keyboard legend from the fusion period of jazz in the mid to late 1970s. He was the pianist with Young Holt Unlimited and played with Jimi Hendricks, booked to go on the road with him just ahead of the untimely death. In 1974 he moved to Los Angeles and went on the road with Sly & The Family Stone, and then through dates with Ronnie Laws he met ex-Crusader Wayne Henderson who took him to Capitol Records where this, the first of three iconic albums was released in 1977. Bobby also became Wayne’s keyboard player of choice on his solo albums and productions through the remainder of the 70s and early 80s, contributing to the ‘At Home Production’ sound which defines these albums. “The Genie” was rediscovered in the ‘rare groove’ period of the 80s and is from which Bobby gets his nickname for the lightning pace and magic of his playing. This album is ultimate jazz funk from a period that gave us artists like Lonnie Liston Smith, Joe Sample and Bob James. Bobby still tours to this day with artists like George Benson and Anita Baker.

While Bobby Oroza puts the finishing touches on his next album, he treats us to this killer two-sider to end out 2021 and hold us over until the new record is finished. Bobby's debut album "This Love" made big waves around the world and amassed him a cult following from the US to Japan and everywhere in between. He found big love in the sweet soul scene early, but has since made fans in a myriad of circles and subcultures globally. It has by now become clear that his music is not just one thing, analog soul textured for sure, but also with an array of influences that span far beyond the soul ballad world. It is that inability to really nail down his sound that has become the biggest charm, an esoteric and profound passion permeate the lyrics and vibe of everything about Mr. Oroza. This new 7" shows off two sides of Bobby's song writing, an upbeat number on the "plug" side and a heavy duty ballad on the flip. The A side "The Otherside" is an optimistic tune that Bobby humbly shares his story about the troubles we can create for ourselves and the possibility of having a change of mind that frees us from them. The track is equally encouraging with its sunny energy that carries an important message from Bobby to anyone who is struggling and can't see a way out. The B side "Make Me Believe" is another instant classic for the slowie enthusiasts. A moody, soul bearing, cry for help that comes off with a sweet- ness.

Die Fähigkeit des Bobo Stenson Trios, weitreichende Idiome und ein breit gefächertes Repertoire im Rahmen seines eigenständigen Ausdrucks zu umfassen, ist inzwischen so etwas wie ein Markenzeichen der Gruppe geworden und brachte The New York Times zu der Aussage, der Pianist mache ”erhabene KlaviertrioPlatten, ohne jemals zu viel zu spielen.

Es pulsiert, bewegt sich in Wellen mit langen improvisierten
Phrasen; es ist lebendig”. Das erfahrene Trio zeigt sich auf Sphere als besonders eingespielte Einheit und bewegt sich auf zugleich subtile und eigenwillige Weise durch eine Reihe von Eigenkompositionen
sowie Melodien, die von diversen skandinavischen Komponisten stammen.

Der schwedische Pianist hat in jahrzehntelanger Zusammenarbeit mit ECM und Manfred Eicher – der, wie Bobo sagt, ”die besten
Qualitäten der Musiker hervorhebt” und die Platte produziert hat – eine einzigartige Mischung aus verschiedenen musikalischen Strömungen entwickelt und verfeinert. Die Mitstreiter des Pianisten, Anders Jormin am Bass und Schlagzeuger Jon Fält, die den Bandleader seit Cantando (2008) begleiten, sind mehr als ideale musikalische Partner für Bobos sanften Anschlag und unendliches Verlangen nach Zusammenspiel. Bobo: ”Wir spielen nie ’von der Stange’. Die Dinge kristallisieren sich aus dem Moment heraus und
wir passen uns dem an. Das ist die Quintessenz.
Das macht die Freude des Zusammenspiels aus; nie das Gleiche zweimal zu machen, und mit Entschlossenheit.”

Already a multi award-winning and established artist, with a growing global reputation, South African artist Bokani Dyer presents his newest record ‘Radio Secheba’ - due for release on digital, CD & LP vinyl formats on 12th May 2023 via Brownswood Recordings.

This 15-track album continues Dyer’s creative journey of making rich and immersive music which places him amongst the new wave of South African jazz artists, including the likes of Siya Makuzeni and Nduduzo Makhathini.

‘Radio Sechaba’ provides an intimate view into South Africa’s multifaceted people - and an opportunity for global connection through music. The meaning behind ‘Sechaba’ in the album title is nation. The record hones into the related topics of nation-building and unity and this is no ordinary topic for Dyer, who was born into a Botswanan community in exile from apartheid. The title of this thought-provoking album echoes that of “Radio Freedom” - the voice in exile of the African National Congress.

Dyer’s career highlights include acclaim as a solo artist (including being named the Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for Jazz in 2011) and with his trio (the Bokani Dyer trio’s Neo Native won the South African Music Award for Best Jazz Album in 2019). Bokani features on the opening track of the critically acclaimed Johannesburg scene jazz compilation, ‘Indaba Is’ - released in early 2021. Bokani played at the 2022 North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, Netherlands, was a part of the South African Songbook (2019) at the Lincoln Centre USA, London Jazz Festival (2015), headlined the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (2015) and held an artistic residency at the Bird’s Eye jazz club in Basel, Switzerland (2014).

Bolbec, brand new project of childhood friends and multi-instrumentalists Axel Concato and Barth Corbelet, present their debut record, "Victime De L"aube", on Batov Records. Drawing on their wide blend of musical tastes, from spiritual jazz and folk to classical and electronic sounds, to create an imaginary soundtrack that could easily sit beside the best of Piero Piccioni or Michel Legrand.

The Bolbec duo return with their sophomore album Foutu Félin, a richly cinematic collection of instrumental music that unfolds like an imaginary soundtrack, melodic, tactile and transportive. The record is inspired as much by the cut-and-paste production techniques of Portishead and the Beastie Boys as by the legendary composers of le cinéma français and il cinema italiano.

FRENCH COMPOSER, PRODUCER AND MULTI INSTRUMENTALIST ADRIEN DURAND’S THIRD ALBUM

"Our last album, “La Course” was released in 2020 during the lockdown. Inspired by the feedback from listeners, who received the music with special attention, the idea and need for “(Loin des) Rivages” was born.” - Adrien Durand

Bon Voyage Organisation is the story of the construction of an ensemble, the quest for harmony, through music, between beings. This story has been the central leitmotif in Adrien Durand's composition and production work for almost ten years. Adrien Durand is a renowned Parisian bass keyboard player, composer, producer and mixing engineer having worked with noteworthy projects such as Amadou & Mariam and Papooz among others. Known for his knowledge of ensemble recording and arrangement techniques, BVO is his attempt at meticulously creating a musical dialogue around his compositions with a distinguished cast of musicians from di?erent backgrounds without the pressure associated with pop music recordings reminding us of the musical ensembles of the 70’s such as that of Carla Bley, Soft Machine or Irakere. (Loin des) Rivages was recorded over five days in June 2020 at Studio Atlas, the studio of Air’s Jean- Benoit Dunckel and mixed the following summer by Adrien Durand in his Parisian studio, Bureau 12. It was an orchestrated performance considering that all ten tracks of the album were played live, gathering up to thirteen musicians in the same room. The album follows what was initiated with BVO’s previous album La Course: an entirely instrumental sound free from any constraints. The close collaboration between Adrien Durand and the members of the ensemble allowed for an exquisite completion. Together, they deliver the incredible energy of "Le Sentier des Orpailleurs", the depth of melancholy of "Apacheta", and the originality of "Et s’éveillent"... Inspired by the great explorers of the soul: Sun Ra, Moondog and Coltrane - a cover of his Naïma actually opens the album - Adrien Durand mixes humanity’s first instruments (percussion and the wind) with its latest ones (mixing desks and synthesizers). Thus, he continues the most interesting yet rewarding artistic journey: The journey inward, far from the standards of civilization, in the heart of what some can take for madness, reaching into a jungle of the soul so marvelously represented in Clément Vuillet’s artwork. This is not an intellectual record but rather a spiritual e?ort, because, as Adrien Durand likes to repeat in his concerts: "Let us step into music as we step into a sanctuary."

Jim O’Rourke (of Gastr del Sol and Sonic Youth fame) plays a lot with Japanese Free jazz legend Akira Sakata in various formations. Together with Italian composer and pianist di Domenico and the drummer Yamamoto they form this powerful band. Their second release combines contemporary Avantgarde and Free Jazz in a beautiful way.

Akira Sakata - sax, clarinet, voice
Jim O’Rourke - double bass
Giovanni Di Domenico – piano, hohner pianet
Tatsuhisa Yamamoto - drums

Recorded at Hoshi to Niji studio 30th June 2018
Recorded by Jim O’Rourke

Reissue of the 1961 Classic debut album by the American Jazz tenor saxophonist. BOOKER ERVIN was one of jazz’s biggest what-if’s; he died young, at 39, from kidney disease, right as he was hitting another wave of sonic experiments. He was a tenor who played the blues like they emanated from deep inside him, taking inspiration from field hollers as much as bebop. He got compared to Coltrane--who made a lot of similar playing decisions--but he had a different way of playing his blues. His debut LP, THE BOOK COOKS, shows he arrived on the solo scene essentially fully formed; he’d change towards the end of the ‘60s, but this LP was a roadmap for him for the first part of his bandleader career.

REISSUE

Associated with Charles Mingus - with whom he recorded 10 albums between 1958 and 1961 - Booker Ervin is one of the great saxophone players of his generation. That"s It! is Ervin"s third outing as a band leader. The sessions are influenced by Ervin"s time with Mingus" Jazz Workshop, and indeed Mingus is quoted extensively in the album"s liner notes with singular praise for the saxophonist. This brand new reissue of the 1961 album is available on CD and LP, and has been remastered from the original Candid Records master tapes by Bernie Grundman.

Booker Ervin cut two stellar Blue Note records in the late-60s including Tex Book Tenor which had to wait until 2005 for its first standalone release. With a quintet featuring Woody Shaw, Kenny Barron, Jan Arnet, and Billy Higgins the Texas-born saxophonist slices through a set of captivating bandmember originals. This stereo Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI, and packaged in a deluxe tip-on jacket.

Trumpet genius Booker Little appeared on many seminal records such as Max Roach's "We insist", Eric Dolphys' "Far Cry" and John Coltrane's "Africa Brass". Recorded in 1960 for the Time label, this is Booker Little's second album as a leader (there would only be four) and a major statement in his too short career. A dynamic and yet relaxed session with Little as the only horn in the band, a fine quartet featuring Winton Kelly or Tommy Flanagan on piano, Scott LaFaro on bass, and Roy Haynes on drums. A highly interactive combo inspired by Little's unique trumpet approach. "Little's immediately recognizable melancholy sound and lyrical style are heard in top form" as Scott Yanow stated in his 4½ stars album review.

REISSUE

Out Front is the greatest realisation of trumpeter Booker Little"s scope as a musician and composer. It is also one of only five sessions led by Little as a band leader before his premature death at the age of 23 in 1961. Arguably, the seven original compositions here might be more widely known today had his life not been so tragically cut short. Little is mostly known for his work with Max Roach, who he began playing with as early as 1955. The sextet on these dates include the great Max Roach on drums, Eric Dolphy on reeds, and Julian Priester on drums. This brand new reissue is available on CD and LP (180g), and has been remastered from the original Candid master tapes by Bernie Grundman

'Out Front' is the greatest realisation of trumpeter Booker Little's scope as
a musician and composer, this brand new reissue is available on CD and
LP (180g), and has been remastered from the original Candid master
tapes by Bernie Grundman
It is also one of only five sessions led by Little as a band leader before his
premature death at the age of 23 in 1961. Arguably, the seven original
compositions here might be more widely known today had his life not been so
tragically cut short. Little is mostly known for his work with Max Roach, who he
began playing with as early as 1955.
The sextet on these dates include the great Max Roach on drums, Eric Dolphy on
reeds, and Julian Priester on drums.
4 star Jazzwise review

Trumpeter Booker Little made only a few albums during his tragically short life including his astounding debut Booker Little 4 & Max Roach recorded in 1958 for United Artists. Little came to prominence in Max Roach’s band and the drummer joins him here along with George Coleman, Tommy Flanagan, and Art Davis. This stereo Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI, and packaged in a deluxe tip-on jacket.

Booker Little - Booker Little 4 & Max Roach
Gerade einmal 20 Jahre alt war Booker Little, als er 1958 für United Artists sein Solodebütalbum “Booker
Little 4 & Max Roach” einspielen konnte. Auf ihm präsentierte sich der Trompeter, den Max Roach nach
dem Unfalltod von Clifford Brown in sein Quintett geholt hatte, als neuer Hoffnungsträger des Hardbop.
Seine Originalität bewies der Youngster, der leider auch schon mit nur 23 Jahren sterben sollte, dabei auch
mit drei Eigenkompositionen.

UpTight is a soundtrack album by Southern soul band Booker T. & the M.G.'s for the film of the same title. The album features "Time Is Tight", the single version of which became a US Top 10 hit and a signature song for the band.

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going is the second studio album by English new wave band Bow Wow Wow, originally released in 1983. It was produced by Mike Chapman, who previously worked with Pat Benatar and Blondie amongst others. It is the final album featuring all four original members of the band and the first album that had no writers other than the band members contributing. At the behest of guitarist Matthew Ashman, vocalist Annabella Lwin wrote all the lyrics on the album. The lead single, “Do You Wanna Hold Me?”, reached #47 in the UK, but fared best on the Dutch charts, where it peaked at
#3. With the help of a video in heavy rotation on MTV, the song achieved success in the US.

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going is available as a 40th anniversary edition of 1000 individually numbered copies on translucent pink coloured vinyl and includes an insert.

Legendary Sun Ra bassist Ronnie Boykins (1935 1980) stepped out on his own for his first and only release as a leader on The Will Come, Is Now. He was invited by ESP in 1964 to record his own album, and in February 1974, he told ESP that he was finally ready, and the session took place later that month. This recording not only features Boykins's solid abilities as a bassist, including his marvelous arco work, but also his talents as a composer and arranger. In addition, one is treated to an all natural bass sound, a rare sound during this particular era of jazz history. In septet format, Boykinss' six originals create a variety of moods and textures that not only evoke the music of Sun Ra but also reflect Boykins's own sensibilities as an artist. Original pressings, made just before ESP Disk' went on hiatus for forty years and thus less common than other ESP LPs, often go for upwards of $150. This limited edition of 500 is on black 180 gram vinyl and features the original artwork.

Grammy-winner, Boz Scaggs, known for his silky voice and genre-blending style, takes a refined turn with a jazz-influenced record that showcases his deep appreciation for classic grooves and sophisticated arrangements Blending smoky vocals with laid-back rhythms, the album nods to the cool jazz clubs of the past while keeping Scaggs' signature soul intact. It's a smooth, mature work comprised of Boz's interpretation of classic standards as well as one new original track.