Format > 180 Gram Jazz Vinyl

Hands down one of the greatest festival recordings ever! Out of circulation for nearly twenty years, this great two-record set from 1973 is available once again. It s a document of an incredible three days of powerful music, attended by more than 15,000 fans. Hopefully, future re-examination of the Ann Arbor Festival 1972 will yield full sets by each of the participants, including those not represented on this LP, such as Miles Davis, Pharaoh Sanders, and Lightin Slim!

Kitchen Sink Boogie
Wang Dang Doodle
Ain't That Loving You
I Walk On Guilded Splinters
(I'm A) Roadrunner/These Things Will Keep Me Loving You
Write Me A Few of Your Lines
Highway 49
Honey Bee
Form Kinetic
Dedication to Otis Spann
Dedicated to Otis
Goin' Down
Please Send Me Someone To Love
My Last Meal
Dust My Broom
Gambler's Blues
Women Be Wise
Life Is Splendid

Another '59 release, this is one of three official duet dates released on LP by these two. As usual, sparks fly between the dueling alto saxes when the "heir apparent" Woods is joined by the seemingly unknown and definitely under-recorded Quill. Arrangements pay homage to the masters with material from Sonny Rollins, Charlie Parker, Stan Getz and Dizzy Gillespie, none of which is foreign territory for any of the players. Another great Epic "Stereo-Rama" recording from producer Mike Berniker.

Doxie I
A Night In Tunisia
Hymn For Kim
Dear Old Stockholm
Scrapple From The Apple
Doxie II

"…This is another Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray mastering job and it has outstanding sound. It's one of the choice titles from this fourth batch from the Fantasy 45 Series. Great music, great sound engineering and great mastering add up to a winner." Recording = 10/10; Music = 10/10 – Dennis D. Davis, Hi-Fi+, Issue 52

Considered by many to be Art Pepper's masterpiece, Intensity was recorded at the end of 1960, just before Pepper's lengthy incarceration. Pepper was beginning to incorporate into his playing some of the new freedom being pioneered into jazz by John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman. The result was even greater daring in his playing style. On Intensity, Pepper tests the boundaries of conventional harmony while observing the traditions of melodic improvisation which he never abandoned.

1. I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me
2. I Love You
3. Come Rain or Come Shine
4. Long Ago (And Far Away)
5. Gone With the Wind
6. I Wished on the Moon
7. Too Close for Comfort
8. Five Points

This title is not eligible for further discount.

Coltrane does not do the old Dexter Gordon/Leo Parker duet number, “Settin’ the Pace,” in this set. The overall title merely refers to his preeminence in the jazz world at the time the recording was released in the early Sixties. Recorded in 1958, this session comes from a time when Trane had already played in the Miles Davis quintet and the Thelonious Monk quartet and was frequenting Rudy Van Gelder’s New Jersey studio in recording situations backed by the Red Garland Trio. This threesome — Garland, Paul Chambers and Arthur Taylor — was a Prestige entity on its own, but had already released such albums with Coltrane as Traneing In and Soultrane. Settin’ The Pace, with its heady combination of seldom-done pop material and Jackie McLean’s intriguing “Little Melonae,” continued the excellent quartet series at a time when Trane was making jazz history at the head of yet another powerful foursome.

1. I See Your Face Before Me (9:56)
2. If There is Someone Lovelier Than You (9:19)
3. Little Melonae (14:03)
4. Rise 'N' Shine (7:14)

This title is not eligible for further discount.

D4 Refills - D4+ cleaning fluid lifts contaminants from -- and suspends them above -- the record surface for removal by the soft, non-abrasive, unidirectional fibers of the pad. For use with Discwasher Cleaning System. 1.25 oz. Item No. 1046

Comin' Home Baby
Two Feet In The Gutter
Shiny Stockings
Lady Iris B
Coffee Walk

Slop Jah
Little Old Mongoose
Evad Smurd
Clues For J.P.

A Jackson In Your House
Get In Line
The Waltz
Ericka
Song For Charles
Old Time Religion
Dexterity
Rock Out
A Brain For The Seine

Old Time Religion
Dexterity
Rock Out
A Brain For The Seine

Reese/ The Smooth Ones Pt. 1
Reese/ The Smooth Ones Pt. 2

SIDE ONE:
1. WHEN YOUR LOVER HAS GONE
2. A COTTAGE FOR SALE
3. WHO''S SORRY NOW
4. ONCE IN A WHILE
5. THESE FOOLISH THINGS REMIND ME OF YOU
6. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT
7. DON''T GET AROUND MUCH ANYMORE
SIDE TWO:
1. I UNDERSTAND
2. JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS
3. THE SONG IS OVER (BUT THE MELODY LINGERS ON)
4. I SHOULD CARE
5. THE PARTY''S OVER (BONUS TRACKS:
6. DAY IN-DAY OUT
7. I''M GONNA SIT RIGHT DOWN (AND WRITE MYSELF A LETTER)
8. SOMETHING MAKES ME WANT TO DANCE WITH YOU

SIDE 1:
1. WATERMELON MAN
2. THREE BAGS FULL
3. EMPTY POCKETS

SIDE 2:
1. THE MAZE
2. DRIFTIN
3. ALONE AND I

THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: COMPLETE JOHN COLTRANE ATLANTIC RECORDINGS

12 HIGH QUALITY 180 grams LPs (86 tracks)

1) GIANT STEPS
2) COLTRANE JAZZ
3) MY FAVORITE THINGS
4) BAGS & TRANE
5) OLE’ COLTRANE
6) PLAYS THE BLUES
7) COLTRANE’S SOUND
8) THE AVANT-GARDE (with DON CHERRY)
9) THE COLTRANE LEGACY
10) ALTERNATE TAKES
11) 12) OUTTAKES
+ 44 pages color booklet

1. Stairway To The Stairs
2. The Late Late Blues
3. Bags & Trane
4. Three Little Words
5. The Night We Called It A Day
6. Be-Bop
7. Blues Legacy
8. Centerpiece
9. Gaint Steps (Alternate Version)
10. Naima (Alternate Version)
11. Like Sonny (Alternate Version)
12. Spiral
13. Countdown
14. Countdown (Alternate Take)
15. Syeeda's Song Flute
16. Syeeda's Song Flute (Alternate Take)
17. Mr. P.C.
18. Giant Steps
19. Cousin Mary
20. Cousin Mary (Alternate Take)
21. I'll Wait And Pray
22. I'll Wait And Pray (Alternate Take)
23. Little Old Lady
24. Like Sonny
25 Harmonique
26. My Shinning Hour
27. Naima
28. Some Other Blues
29. Fifth House
30. Cherryco
31. The Blessing
32. Focus On Sanity
33. The Invisible
34. Bemsha Swing
35. Village Blues
36. Village Blues (Alternate Take)
37 My Favorite Things
38. Central Park West
39. Mr. Syms
40. Untitled Original (Exotica)
41. Summertime
42. Body And Soul
43. Body And Soul (Alternate Take)
44. Mr. Knight
45. Blues To Elvin (Alternate Take)
46. Blues To Elvin
47. Mr. Day
48 Blues To You (Alternate Take)
49. Blues To You
50. Blues To Bechet
51. Satellite
52. Everytime We Say Goodbye
53. 26-2
54. But Not For Me
55. Liberia
56. The Night Has A Thousand Eyes
57. Equinox
58. Ole
59 Dahomey Dance
60. Aisha
61. Original Untitled Ballad (To Her Ladyship)
62. Giant Steps (Alternate Version): Take 1 [Incomplete]
63. Giant Steps (Alternate Version): Take 2 [False Start]
64. Giant Steps (Alternate Version): Take 3 [Incomplete]
65. Giant Steps (Alternate Version): Take 4 [Incomplete]
66. Giant Steps (Alternate Version): Take 5 [Alternate]
67. Giant Steps (Alternate Version): Take 6 [False Start]
68. Giant Steps (Alternate Version): Take 7 [Incomplete]
69. Naima (Alternate Version): Take 1 [Incomplete]
70. Naima (Alternate Version): Take 2 [Incomplete]
71. Naima (Alternate Version): Take 4 [False Start]
72. Naima (Alternate Version): Take 5 [Alternate]
73. Naima (Alternate Version): Take 6 [Alternate]
74. Like Sonny (Alternate Version): Rehearsal 1 [False Start]
75. Like Sonny (Alternate Version): Rehearsal 2 [Incomplete]
76. Like Sonny (Alternate Version): Take 1 [False Start]
77. Like Sonny (Alternate Version): Take 2 [Incomplete]
78. Like Sonny (Alternate Version): Take 3 [Incomplete]
79. Like Sonny (Alternate Version): Take 4 [False Start]
80. Like Sonny (Alternate Version): Take 5 [Alternate]
81. Like Sonny (Alternate Version): Take 6 [Incomplete]
82. Giant Steps: Take 3 [Incomplete]
83. Giant Steps: Take 6 [Alternate]
84. Blues To Elvin: Take 2 [False Start]
85. Blues To Elvin: Take 3 [Alternate]
86. Blues To You: Take 2 [Alternate]

An alto player originally deep-rooted in bop, who by the late fifties was beginning to shed his Charlie Parker influences and take a more bluesy/soul approach. Blues Walk, from a one-day session in July of ‘58 has attained unanimous five-star status with the title track itself becoming one the leader’s signature tunes. Surrounding himself not with the usual all-stars found on many Blue Note dates from this period, Donaldson carefully chose his cohorts personally for their cohesiveness as a unit. Never one to engage frequently in wide-open “blowing sessions�, the results are powerful yet melodic and in one case, “Autumn Nocturne�, fairly romantic without causing full-blown diabetes. Pianist Herman Foster’s intense pianistics almost steal the show while Peck Morrison’s bass and the often-overlooked Dave Bai! ley’s d rumming augment to perfection. The addition of Ray Barretto’s congas (a regular on many of Donaldson’s sessions from this period) is tasteful and a nice touch without turning every song into a Latin re-write. “Play, Ray� is an arrangement dedicated to the congist while “The Masquerade Is Over�, “Calling All Cats� and “Move� complete the set. Mastered and cut from the original TWO TRACK master tapes (running simultaneously with the full track mono master) using ALL TUBE tape electronics and cutting system allowed Bernie "BeBop" Grundman to extract every nuance on the tapes which adds to the magic of this Rudy Van Gelder recording. This is the real deal and it is done perfectly from mastering through to the authentic laminated cover art (front only) to the "deep groove" in the center label. In a few cases, when the two track master is done just right as with this recording, Classic complements the MONO release with a stereo offering. If you have to choose one over the other, you should go for the MONO as this was Rudy's focus in mixing live to MONO but if you can't resist comparing the two versions recorded at the same time with the same equipment or you can get a deal, then buy both - you won't be unhappy!

1. Blues Walk
2. Move
3. The Masquerade is Over
4. Play Ray
5. Autumn Nocturne
6. Callin' All Cats

On this, her sophomore effort, Norah Jones shows how great a vocalist she really is on tunes such as "Broken", "Wish I Could", "Sinkin' Soon" and the title track "Not to Late" among others. Its not that Norah hasn't always been a great vocal talent, it's that, on this record she is more confidently out in front vocally exhibiting a control of nuance that she is famous for live. Would it be presumptuous to say she is securely the top female Jazzy/Pop vocalist on the strip, probably, but so what, she lives up to that badge on this record. Firmly back to the "Come Away with Me" style songs albeit even more refined on songs like "My Dear Country", Norah and band are in the groove on this release and it shows. On "Wake Me Up", Norah delivers a stirring Mary - Chapin Carpenter-ish performance accompanied by producer/band member Lee Alexander on lap steel guitar. If there is any question about my assessment of this record, let me be clear, Norah delivers her most solid and fluid record to date - I can't wait to hear it again - excuse me while I flip the vinyl over! Mastered by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Hollywood directly from the original 1/2" analog master tapes and pressed on available as a 200g Super Vinyl Profile Pressing by Classic Records for Blue Note and Norah. Highest Recommendations!

1. Wish I Could
2. Sinkin' Soon
3. The Sun Doesn't Like You
4. Until The End
5. Not My Friend
6. Thinking About You
7. Broken
8. My Dear Country
9. Wake Me Up
10. Be My Somebody
11. Little Room
12. Rosie's Lullaby
13. Not Too Late

Over his twenty-five year tenure on Blue Note, pianist Silver employed some great horn men to record with but arguably none blended better with his arranging than the group he assembled for this May 1957 session. Hank Mobley’s tenor and Art Farmer’s trumpet become the right and left hands to Silver’s body of work and set a standard for small-ensemble writing and playing. No slouches themselves, Teddy Kotick’s bass and Louis Hayes’ drum work help produce a stellar collection including a version of “Home Cookin” that became a jazz classic. Mastered and cut on an all tube pure mono cutting system by Bernie Grundman. Pressed on Classic's proprietary 200g super vinyl profile for the best and most authentic sound possible.

1. No Smokin'
2. The Back Beat
3. Soulville
4. Home Cookin'
5. Metamorphosis
6. My One and Only Love

Recorded in 1962 by Rudy Van Gelder at the Englewood Cliffs studio, Rouse and Co. departed from the normal hard-bop that as Monk’s main tenorman he had earned his New York rep with and took the recent bossa nova / calypso craze, started by Stan Getz, Charlie Byrd and even Sonny Rollins to another place. With great grooves from the rhythm section, including augmentation with conga and chekere, the result is a great collection, rooted in various Afro-Caribbean styles and not American jazzmen trying to sound Brazilian. Among others, guitarist Kenny Burrell’s and especially drummer Willie Bobo’s playing makes this not just another bossa nova fad date. Mastered and cut on an all tube pure mono cutting system by Bernie Grundman. Pressed on Classic's proprietary 200g super vinyl profile for the best and most authentic sound possible.

1. Back to the Tropics
2. Aconteceu
3. Velhos Tempos
4. Samba de Orfeu
5. Un Dia
6. Meci Bon Dieu
7. In Martinique

Outside of Paul Chambers, who was employed as Miles Davis’s bassist at this time, all of the other players on these April 1957 RVG Hackensack dates were leaders of their own renowned groups; a reflection of the respect they all shared for the date leader, Sonny Rollins. Besides Chambers, with J.J. Johnson on trombone, Art Blakey behind the drums and alternating pianists Thelonious Monk and Horace Silver, who both play on the now-famous version of “Misterioso”, the words All-Star seem almost demeaning to this conclave. The resulting recordings burst forth with confidence and enthusiasm, capturing a fire and passion usually found only with uninhibited live dates and not the constraints of a recording studio. Exceptional versions of “Poor Butterfly” and “You Stepped Out Of a Dream” elevate this record to monumental status. Mastered and cut on an all tube pure mono cutting system by Bernie Grundman. Pressed on Classic's proprietary 200g super vinyl profile for the best and most authentic sound possible

1. Why Don't I
2. Wail March
3. Misterioso
4. Reflections
5. You Stepped Out of a Dream
6. Poor Butterfly

Put Thad Jones on trumpet supported by Billy Mitchell on tenor sax, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Tommy Flanagan on piano, Oscar Pettiford on bass and Shadow Wilson on drums and you get a great recording session. This sextet swings through tunes such as "Blue Room", "Little Girl Blue" and "Scratch" among others. This impossible to find Blue Note Mono has been faithfully reproduced and transferred from the original full track Mono master tapes on Classic's ALL TUBE, MONO cutting system - no Mono cut on a stereo lathe here. Another in the Classic Blue Note Signature Mono LP reissue series pressed with the authentic "deep groove" on Classic's proprietary 200g Super Vinyl Profile.

1. Blue Room
2. Tarriff
3. Little Girl Blue
4. Scratch
5. Zec

This is one of those Blue Note Records as that Larry Cohn would say, should have come out in 1960 when it was recorded but not released which was common for Blue Note. Tina on tenor sax is accompanied by Jackie McLean on alto sax, Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Kenny Drew on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Art Taylor on drums doing tunes like "Back to the Tracks", "Street Singer" and "The Blues and I" all penned by Brooks as well as other tunes. The first issue of this recording was in Japan and it has only subsequently been issued in the US in stereo and as such this constitutes the first MONO LP issue as it would have been if it had been put out in 1960. This first US Blue Note Mono issue on LP has been faithfully reproduced and transferred from the original full track Mono master tapes on Classic's ALL TUBE, MONO cutting system - no Mono cut on a stereo lathe here. Another in the Classic Blue Note Signature Mono LP reissue series pressed with the authentic "deep groove" on Classic's proprietary 200g Super Vinyl Profile.

1. Back to the Tracks
2. Street Singer
3. The Blues and I
4. For Heavens Sake
5. The Ruby and the Pearl

The Legendary performances at the Half Note in New York that were for years only available as a bootleg from tapes made off the radio is now available officially for the first time. Coltrane is accompanied by McCoy Tyner on piano, Jimmy Garrison on bass and Elvin Jones on drums performing "One Up One Down", "Afro Blue", "Song of Praise", and "My Favorite Things" on this deluxe 2 LP set with 12 page booklet. The original analog master tapes obtained from the Coltrane family were used by Bernie Grundman to master from and cut lacquers using Classic's "all tube" cutting system. Pressed on Classic's 200g Super Vinyl Profile, this is a must have for serious jazz lovers and audiophiles alike.

LP 1
Side 1 - One Down, One Up
Side 2 - Afro Blue
LP 2
Side 3 - Song of Praise
Side 4 - My Favorite Things

Why do this title in STEREO when the MONO is generally the way the Classic Blue Note Signature Series titles are released and given that we've made such a big deal about how Van Gelder intended his recordings to be listened to in Mono? The answer is simply that the 2 - track tape sounds great and like "Somethin' Else" and "Blue Train" deserves its own treatment in addition to the mono release. The transfer by Bernie Grundman was done on Classic's "All Tube" Stereo cutting system from the original 2 - track master tape (the same tape used for the MONO release). Midnight Blue is one of those records that you just put on, sit back and relax. Burrell and a great band including Stanley Turrentine on tenor sax, Bill English on drums, Ray Barretto on conga and Major Holley Jr. on bass lay down tunes including "Mule", "Soul Lament", "Wavy Gravy", "Gee Baby Ain't I good for You" and "Midnight Blue" among others. Burrell is quoted as saying to Alfred Lion "I have always had a Love for the blues. In my earliest days in Detroit, I worked with groups that concentrated a great deal on the blues. And I wanted to get a group together for this session that can feel the blues the way I do." Pressed on Classic's own Quiex Super Vinyl Profile, this release, as part of the Classic Blue Note Signature LP Series is a must have. Also available in MONO cut from the same 2 - channel master tapes - summed into MONO per Rudy's instructions!

1. Chittlins Con Carne
2. Mule
3. Soul Lament
4. Midnight Blue
5. Wavy Gravy
6. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You
7. Saturday Night Blues

Arguably one of Hank Mobley's biggest Blue Note releases and another in the Classic Blue Note Signature Series. Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Kelly, and Paul Chambers sit in on "Roll Call", "My Groove Your Move", "Take Your Pick", "A Baptist Beat", "The More I see You", and "The Breakdown". This Van Gelder recording was transferred from the original two track master tape (same as for the mono) with cutting as usual done by Bernie "Be Bop" Grundman using Classic's "all tube" stereo cutting system and pressed on Quiex 200g Super Vinyl Profile.

1. Roll Call
2. My Groove Your Move
3. Take Your Pick
4. A Baptist Beat
5. The More I See You
6. The Breakdown

Sings Songs from the movie "Let No Man Write My Epitaph" is one of those rare recordings that is often overlooked because of its relative obscurity. Of the thirteen songs recorded and presented on this LP, only three were actually used in the film. Ella is accompanied by Paul Smith on piano and is performs tunes like "Misty", "Angel Eyes", "Black Coffee" and a host of others with breathtaking finesse and sensitivity. If you had to have one Ella Fitzgerald record, as everyone should, this would surely be a worthy candidate. Transferred from the original two track analog master tape by Bernie Grundman and back for the first time on Classic's Quiex 200g Super Vinyl Profile. Highest Recommendation.

1. Black Coffee
2. Angel Eyes
3. I Cried for You
4. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
5. Then You've Never Been Blue
6. I Hadn't Anyone Till You
7. My Melancholy Baby
8. Misty
9. September Song
10. One for My Baby (And One More For The Road)
11. Who's Sorry Now
12. I'm Getting Sentimental over You
13. Reach for Tomorrow

Back to Back, like it's compendium, Side By Side has The Duke teamed up with Johnny Hodges and an all star lineup to play the Blue - Jazz Style. On tunes like Wabash Blues, Basin Street Blues, St. Louis Blues and Weary Blues among others it is thrilling to hear Harry "Sweets" Edison playing trumpet, Sam Jones on Bass and "Philly" Jo Jones on drums. Recorded directly to two track and transferred from the original master by Bernie "Bebop" Grundman, this title has long been out of print and is finally back by popular demand on Classic's Quiex 200g Super Vinyl Profile. Not to be missed - check out "Side by Side" (MGVS 6109) as well.

1. Wabash Blues
2. Basin Street Blues
3. Beale Street Blues
4. Weary Blues
5. The St. Louis Blues
6. Loveless Love
7. Royal Garden Blues

Side By Side is the follow up to "Back To Back" where Ellington meets Hodges and an all star lineup that includes Harry "Sweets" Edison on trumpet, Al Hall on bass, Leslie Spann on guitar and flute, Jo Jones on drums Ben Webster on Tenor Sax, and Billy Strayhorn on piano among others. Tunes include "Stompy Jones", "Big Shoe", "Going Up" , "Just A Memory", "Let's Fall in Love" and "Bend One" among others. Another Verve direct to two track recording that is back by popular demand for the first time on Classic's 200g Quiex Super Vinyl Profile. Not to be missed - check out "Back To Back" (MGVS 6055) as well.

1. Stompy Jones
2. Squeeze Me
3. Big Shoe
4. Going Up
5. Just a Memory
6. Let's Fall in Love
7. Ruint
8. Bend One
9. You Need to Rock

Midnight Blue is one of those records that you just put on, sit back and relax. Burrell and a great band including Stanley Turrentine on tenor sax, Bill English on drums, Ray Barretto on conga and Major Holley Jr. on bass lay down tunes including "Mule", "Soul Lament", "Wavy Gravy", "Gee Baby Ain't I good for You" and "Midnight Blue" among others. Burrell is quoted as saying to Alfred Lion "I have always had a Love for the blues. In my earliest days in Detroit, I worked with groups that concentrated a great deal on the blues. And I wanted to get a group together for this session that can feel the blues the way I do." Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder, this MONO release employs the original 2 - track master tapes with the channels "folded 50/50" per instructions on the tape box used and cut on Classic's "all tube" MONO cutting system (including MONO cutting amp and cutter head) at Bernie Grundman Mastering with Bernie "Bebop" Grundman doing the set-up and cutting. Pressed on Classic's own Quiex Super Vinyl Profile, this release, as part of the Classic Blue Note Signature LP Series is a must have. Also available on stereo cut from the same 1/4" 2-track master tapes!

1. Chittlins Con Carne
2. Mule
3. Soul Lament
4. Midnight Blue
5. Wavy Gravy
6. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You
7. Saturday Night Blues

Arguably one of Hank Mobley's biggest Blue Note releases and another in the Classic Blue Note Signature Series. Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Kelly, and Paul Chambers sit in on "Roll Call", "My Groove Your Move", "Take Your Pick", "A Baptist Beat", "The More I see You", and "The Breakdown". This Van Gelder recording was transferred from the original two track master tape heeding the instructions on the box to combine the two tracks 50/50 for the Mono. Cutting was by as usual done by Bernie "Be Bop" Grundman using Classic's "all tube" pure mono cutting system and pressed on Quiex 200g Super Vinyl Profile.

1. Roll Call
2. My Groove Your Move
3. Take Your Pick
4. A Baptist Beat
5. The More I See You
6. The Breakdown

Warne Marsh and Ted Brown playing tenor Saxes are joined by Ronnie Ball on piano, Ben Tucker on bass and Jeff Morton on drums on this Classic Imperial Series reissue of "Jazz of Two Cities". The original full track mono master tape was used on Classic's "all tube" MONO cutting system (including MONO tape head, cutting amp and cutter head) at Bernie Grundman Mastering with Bernie "Bebop" Grundman doing the set-up and cutting. Pressed on Classic's own Quiex Super Vinyl Profile, tunes include "Smog Eyes", "Ear Conditioning", "Lover Man", "Jazz of Two Cities", "Dixie's Dilemma", "Tschaikowsky's Opus #42" and "I Never Knew". According to the liner notes : " Since high fidelity includes a true reproduction of all sounds without discrimination or distortion, the original recording was done on an Ampex 300-C Magnetic Tape Recorder at 15 IPS using Scotch Tape. To effectively the full frequency spectrum Telefunken U-47M microphones were used." If that's not an audiophile endorsement then I don't know what is.....

1. Smog Eyes
2. Ear Conditioning
3. Lover Man
4. Quintessence
5. Jazz Of Two Cities
6. Dixie's Dilemma
7. Tschaikowski's Opus No. 42, Mt. 3
8. I Never Knew

One of the FIVE recordings the Basie Band made for its new label in 1959 and in hindsight the one many call his best. By this time, stereo recording had developed significantly and it shows in the spaciousness of the recording. Big Band is hard to capture in mono as well as it can be recorded in stereo and this original two track is BIG BAND Stereo! This one gets top recommendations.

1. Blues in Hoss' Flat
2. H.R.H. (Her Royal Highness)
3. Segue in C
4. Kansas City Shout
5. Speaking of Sounds
6. T.V. Time
7. Who Me
8. The Deacon
9. Half Moon Street
10. Mutt and Jeff

Continuing where his debut left off, Morgan’s second LP in 1956 as a leader for Blue Note, finds the teen prodigy (still only 18) slowly emerging out from the long shadow of his idol and mentor Clifford Brown and feeling his own way among giants. You can hear his confidence growing in his solos, energized and fed by the company he has been keeping rather than any intimidation or hesitation at all. Excellent ensemble work must be credited to Benny Golson, who arranged four of the six numbers on the date. Led by a three-horn assault of Morgan’s trumpet, BN regular Hank Mobley on tenor and the fairly obscure altoist Kenny Rodgers, they cruise through a variety of tempos and moods, the highlights being their memorable takes on “Whisper Not” and “Where Am I”? As expected, Horace Silver’s piano, Paul Chambers’ bass and the drumming of Charlie Persip ! is both impeccable and tasteful throughout. Other selections include “Latin Hangover”, “His Sister”, “D’s Funk” and “Slightly Hep” Extremely hep is more like it. Mastered and cut by Bernie Grundman on Classic's "ALL TUBE PURE MONO" cutting system (not like others who use a stereo cutting head which imparts "crosstalk" onto the groove cut) and pressed onto 200 gram QUIEX Super Vinyl Profile for maximum fidelity. Jackets are authentic "tip-on" and laminated (front only) as were the originals - and the labels have the desirable "deep groove". Another installment in the Classic Blue Note Signature Mono LP Series.

1. Whisper Not
2. Latin Hangover
3. His Sister
4. Slightly Hep
5. Where Am I?
6. D's Fink

This September 1957 session, recorded by Rudy Van Gelder in Hackensack, finds the still young Morgan (age 19) in the company of an interesting mix of players and not your Blue Note supporting regulars. Yes, Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones are present on bass and drums respectively but asking Pepper Adams in on baritone sax and the inclusion of pianist Bobby Timmons, both usually associated with rival Riverside (but no strangers to Van Gelder), give these particular sides a nice edge. Morgan’s interplay with Adams’ throatier horn gives a new perspective to his patented rapid-fire lines. Having assumed his place in the majors from his childhood idol, the late Clifford Brown (d. 1956), Morgan was on the assent in ’57 with what was to be a series of recordings for Blue Note that would help establish him in his short lifetime (33 years) as one of the greatest bop trumpeters. The Cooker contains two Morgan originals “Heavy Dipper” and “New-Ma”, with standards “Just One Of Those Things”, “A Night In Tunisia” and “Lover Man” completing the album. Mastered and cut by Bernie Grundman on Classic's "ALL TUBE PURE MONO" cutting system (not like others who use a stereo cutting head which imparts "crosstalk" onto the groove cut) and pressed onto 200 gram QUIEX Super Vinyl Profile for maximum fidelity. Jackets are authentic "tip-on" and laminated (front only) as were the originals - and the labels have the desirable "deep groove". Another installment in the Classic Blue Note Signature Mono LP Series.

1. A Night In Tunisia
2. Heavy Dipper
3. Just One of Those Things
4. Lover Man
5. New Ma

The tremendously detailed audio effect achieved by Columbia's engineers is brought back to life by Classic Records. Dizzy'y spectacular trumpet blooms amidst the Ellingtonian aggregate. The sometimes tender, sometimes shouting blues style of Jimmy Rushing provides nice contrast in one of the most varied and satisfying Ellington recordings ever.

1. Malletoba Spank
2. Toot Suite:
Red Garter - Red Shoes - Red Carpet (Part 1)
Red Carpet (Part 2)
Red Carpet (Part 3)...
3. Satin Doll
4. U.M.M.G.
5. All Of Me
6. Tymperturbably Blue
7. Fillie Trillie
8. Hello Little Girl

The Freddie Redd Quintet featuring Jackie McLean on Alto Sax, Tina Brooks on Tenor Sax, Paul Chambers on bass, Louis Hayes on drums accompanying Redd on piano is a monster Blue Note mono. Tunes include "Thespian", "Blues Blues Blues", "Melanie", "Shadows", "Swift", "Just A Ballad for my Baby" and "Ole" all faithfully transferred from the original full track mono masters Bernie "Be Bop" Grundman using Classic's "all tube" pure mono cutting system and pressed on Quiex 200g Super Vinyl Profile.

1. Thespian
2. Blues Blues Blues
3. Melanie
4. Shadows
5. Swift
6. Just a Ballad for My Baby
7. Ole

Sonny Criss' second effort for the now infamous Imperial label features tunes such as "Summertime", "How High the Moon", "Wailin with Joe" with Sonny accompanied by Yeatis Clark, Leroy Vinnegar and Lawrence Marable. Transferred from the original full track mono tapes by Bernie Grundman using Classic's "all tube" pure mono cutting system and pressed on Quiex 200g Super Vinyl Profile.

1. Summertime
2. Memories Of You
3. Wailin' With Joe
4. How Deep Is The Ocean
5. The Blues For Rose
6. The Man I Love
7. Until The Real Thing Comes Along
8. Blue Prelude
9. After You've Gone
10. Come Rain Or Come Shine
11. How High The Moon
12. If I Had You

Another in the series of Classic's Blue Note Signature Series, this Tina Brooks effort featuring Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Duke Jordan on piano, Sam Jones on bass and Art Taylor on drums accompanying Brooks on Tenor Sax is phenomenal and features five tunes of the six written by Tina. The Rudy Van Gelder recorded full track mono tape was used for the mastering and transfer by Bernie "Be Bop" Grundman using Classic's "all tube" pure mono cutting system and pressed on Quiex 200g Super Vinyl Profile.

1. Good Ole Soul
2. Up Tight's Creek
3. Theme For Doris
4. True Blue
5. Miss Hazel
6. Nothing Ever Changes My Love For You

Classic reissued this title a few years ago in stereo from the original two track master tapes cut on our all tube cutting system by Bernie "Be-Bop" Grundman and pressed on a conventional 180g profile. Now we've gone back and cut it in Mono on our all tube MONO cutting system. Why? Because many argue persuasively that Van Gelder really recorded to two channels not for the stereo effect but for more control in the final MONO mix of the two channels. This recording features Tommy Turrentine on trumpet, Stanley Turrentine (brother) on tenor Sax, Horace on piano, George Tucker on bass and Al Harewood on drums. Tunes include the title track, and "Shoo Chee", "And that I am so in Love", "Al's Tune", "Ray C." (for Mr. Charles) and "Pyramid". Cut in Mono cut from the same two track master tape with the channels folded 50/50 as per Rudy's original notes to do so on the tape box. Also available in stereo from the same tapes. Both Pressed on Classic's uniquely better sounding 200g Super Vinyl Profile.

1. On The Spur of The Moment
2. Skoo Chee
3. And That I Am So In Love
4. Al's Tune
5. Ray C.
6. Pyramid

Classic reissued this title a few years ago in stereo from the original two track master tapes cut on our all tube cutting system by Bernie "Be-Bop" Grundman and pressed on a conventional 180g profile. Now we've gone back and cut it in Mono on our all tube MONO cutting system. Why? Because many argue persuasively that Van Gelder really recorded to two channels not for the stereo effect but for more control in the final MONO mix of the two channels. This recording features Tommy Turrentine on trumpet, Stanley Turrentine (brother) on tenor Sax, Horace on piano, George Tucker on bass and Al Harewood on drums. Tunes include the title track, and "Shoo Chee", "And that I am so in Love", "Al's Tune", "Ray C." (for Mr. Charles) and "Pyramid". Cut in Mono cut from the same two track master tape with the channels folded 50/50 as per Rudy's original notes to do so on the tape box. Also available in stereo from the same tapes. Both Pressed on Classic's uniquely better sounding 200g Super Vinyl Profile.

1. On The Spur of The Moment
2. Skoo Chee
3. And That I Am So In Love
4. Al's Tune
5. Ray C.
6. Pyramid

Sonny Criss's first Imperial release recorded in 1956 featuring Sonny Criss on Alto Sax, Kenny Drew on piano, Barney Kessel on guitar, Bill Woodson on bass and Chuck Thompson on drums. The tunes, recorded in Los Angeles, CA, January 26, 1956, February 24th and March 23rd 1956, include "Sweet Georgia Brown", "These Foolish Things", "Something's Gotta Give", "Willow Weep for Me" among others. Cut from the original MONO master tapes played back on a full track MONO head through an all tube MONO cutting chain including a pure mono cutter head - as it was originally and should be! This is an extremely collectible record in its original issue and impossible to find in any condition. Authentic tip on jacket and labels make this reissue hard to distinguish from one you could have bought in 1956. This initial release is part of the Classic Sonny Criss Imperial Series which will include two of Sonny's other Imperial Recordings: "Go Man" - LP 9020, and "Play's Cole Porter" - LP 9024 both of which are forthcoming in 2005.

1. Easy Living
2. Criss Cross
3. Willow Weep for Me
4. Alabamy Bound
5. Something's Gotta Give
6. These Foolish Things
7. West Coast Blues
8. Blue Friday
9. More Than You Know
10. Sunday
11. Sweet Georgia Brown
12. Ham's Blues

"Lou Takes Off" is not just one of the big money collectible Blue Notes for no reason. With a line up including Lou Donaldson on Sax, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Art Taylor on drums, Sonny "Cool Struttin'" Clark on piano and Donald Byrd on trumpet. The tunes on the LP include "Sputnik", "Dewey Square", Srollin' IN" and "Groovin' High". The Stereo version of this release was cut on the Classic "ALL Tube" stereo cutting system from the original "Stereo Master" tapes which were run simultaneously with the original "Mono Master" tapes in 1956 by Rudy Van Gelder used to cut the Mono version of this release on Classic's ALL TUBE MONO cutting system. The comparison is very interesting - buy both in the Classic Blue Note Signature LP reissue series and decide for yourself which you prefer.

1. Sputnik
2. Dewey Square
3. Srollin' In
4. Groovin' High

"Lou Takes Off" is not just one of the big money collectible Blue Notes for no reason. With a line up including Lou Donaldson on Sax, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Art Taylor on drums, Sonny "Cool Struttin'" Clark on piano and Donald Byrd on trumpet. The tunes on the LP include "Sputnik", "Dewey Square", Srollin' IN" and "Groovin' High". The Stereo version of this release was cut on the Classic "ALL Tube" stereo cutting system from the original "Stereo Master" tapes which were run simultaneously with the original "Mono Master" tapes in 1956 by Rudy Van Gelder used to cut the Mono version of this release on Classic's ALL TUBE MONO cutting system. The comparison is very interesting - buy both in the Classic Blue Note Signature LP reissue series and decide for yourself which you prefer.

1. Sputnik
2. Dewey Square
3. Srollin' In
4. Groovin' High

You to can be "Back on the Scene" with Bennie Green accompanied by Charlie Rouse on tenor sax, Louis Hayes on drums, Joe Knight on piano and George Tucker on Bass. As part of the Classic Blue Note Signature LP reissue Series, this title was cut on Classic's All Tube Mono cutting system from the original full track Mono master tapes by Bernie Grundman, pressed on Classic's exclusive 200g Super Vinyl Profile and packaged in an authentic tip-on cover making this a must have. Tunes include: "I Love You", "Melba's Mood","Just Friends", "You're Mine You", "Bennie Plays The Blues", and "Green Street".

1. I Love You
2. Melba's Mood
3. Just Friends
4. You're Mine You
5. Bennie Plays The Blues
6. Green Street

This is Harry Belafonte's favorite recording according to the liner notes and rightly so. The blues are close to Belafonte's heart and it shows in the way he delivers such tunes as "One for my Baby", "Cotton Fields" and "God Bless the Child" among others. This long out of print Classic Record is now back as a 200g Super Vinyl Profile re-release.

1. A Fool For You
2. Losing Hand
3. One For My Baby
4. In The Evenin' Mama
5. Hallelujah I Love Her So
6. The Way That I Feel
7. Cotton Fields
8. God Bless' The Child
9. Mary Ann
10. Sinner's Prayer
11. Fare Thee Well

Another of the famous and Ultra Rare 1500 series Blue Note titles that fetches over a thousand dollars as a mint original - good luck finding one! This installment in the Classic Blue Note Signature LP reissue series was cut on Classic's All Tube "Mono" cutting system by Bernie "Be Bop" Grundman and is authentically packaged in a tip on jacket with film laminate on the cover to replicate the original Blue Note gloss look and feel.

1. Cool Eyes
2. Shirl
3. Camouflage
4. Enchantment
5. Senor Blues
6. Virgo
7. For Heaven's Sake

Another installment in Classic's now famous Blue Note Signature LP Series. McLean is joined by Art Taylor on drums, Walter Bishop Jr. on piano, and Jimmy Garrison on Bass and delivers a great session of tunes including "What's New", "Let's Face the Music and Dance", "Stable Mates, "I'll Remember You", "I Love You", "I'll Take Romance", and "11th and Lenox". Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder and transferred from the original analog master tapes on Classic's All Tube MONO cutting system. You can try and buy one on eBay for $2000. Or get this authentic reissue for about 1.5% of that price - a bargain by any calculation.

1. What's New
2. Let's Face The Music And Dance
3. Stable Mates
4. I'll Remember You
5. I Love You
6. I'll Take Romance
7. 116th And Lenox

Boasting the first jazz instrumental to sell a million copies, the Paul Desmond-penned "Take Five," Time Out captures the celebrated jazz quartet at the height of both its popularity and its powers. Recorded in 1959, the album combines superb performances by pianist Dave Brubeck, alto saxophonist Paul Desmond, drummer Joe Morrello and bassist Gene Wright. Along with "Take Five," the album features another one of the group's signature compositions, "Blue Rondo a la Turk." Though influenced by the West Coast-cool school, Brubeck's greatest interest and contribution to jazz was the use of irregular meters in composition, which he did with great flair. Much of the band's appeal is due to Desmond, whose airy tone and fluid attack often carried the band's already strong performances to another level. Together, he and Brubeck proved one of the most potent pairings of the era. Now available on Classic Records Clarity Vinyl SVP-II 200g as a Single Sided 45rpm Four Disc Deluxe Box Set.

Track Listing:

1. Blue Rondo A La Turk
2. Strange Meadow Lark
3. Take Five
4. Three To Get Ready
5. Kathy's Waltz
6. Everybody's Jumpin'
7. Pick Up Sticks

This title is not eligible for discount.

Down Beat's West Coast editor John Tynan gave this a four star review, remarking that it is, "...loose, utterly relaxed, a top flight solo work." The great Lady Day is backed by Harry Edison's trumpet, Ben Webster on tenor sax, Jimmy Rowles on Piano, Barney Kessel on guitar, Red Mitchell on bass and Alvin Stoller on drums.

1. Day In Day Out
2. A Foggy Day
3. Stars Fell On Alabama
4. One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)
5. Just One Of Those Things
6. I Didn't Know What Time It Was

Another of the fantastic Hank Mobley Blue Note recordings featuring Donald Byrd, John Jenkins (BN 1573), Bobby Timmons, Wilbur Ware and "Philly" Joe Jones. As part of the Classic Blue Note Signature Series this LP was cut from the original full track mono master tapes on an all tube mono cutting system and pressed on Classic's 200g Super Vinyl Profile. Tunes include "Fit for a Hanker", "Hi Groove, Low Feed-Back", "Easy to Love", "Time after Time" and "Dance of the Infidels".

1. Fit For A Hanker
2. Hi Groove, Low Feed-back
3. Easy To Love
4. Time After Time
5. Dane Of The Infidels
5. Where Am I?
6. D's Fink

Another of the famous 1500 series Rudy Van Gelder Blue Note recordings and part of the Classic Blue Note Signature LP reissue Series transferred from the original mono master tapes and cut on Classic's all tube MONO cutting system by Bernie Grundman. Sonny Clark is joined by Donald Byrd, Curtis Fuller, Paul Chambers, Art Taylor and features John Coltrane. Songs include "With a Song in My Heart", "Speak Low", "Come Rain or Come Shine", "Sonny's Crib" and "News for Lulu". Not to be missed.

1. With A Song In My Heart
2. Speak Low
3. Come Rain Or Come Shine
4. Sonny's Crib
5. New For Lulu

Ironically, this album entitled: "Introducing Johnny Griffin" does not have tenor saxophonist Johnny, as a leader , but it gained Griffin a great deal of attention. Soon billed as "the world's fastest saxophonist," Griffin was also a superior ballad interpreter with a fairly distinctive tone of his own. With strong support given by pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Curly Russell, and drummer Max Roach, Griffin romps through: Mil Dew (Griffin) Chicago Calling (Griffin), These Foolish Things, The Boy Next Door, Nice and Easy, It's Alright With Me and Lover Man. Recorded April 17, 1956 by the legendary Rudy Van Gelder directly to 1/4" Mono analog tape which was used at Bernie Grundman Mastering on Classic's all tube Mono cutting system. This is as close to the original as you'll ever likely get and it is pressed on Classic's proprietary 200g QUIEX SV- P (SUPER VINYL PROFILE).

1. Mil Dew
2. Chicago Calling
3. These Foolish Things
4. The Boy Next Door
5. Nice And Easy
6. It's All Right With Me
7. Lover Man

Originally released November 4, 1956 this album showcases some amazing sidework from Jo Jones and Horace Silver. Mastered from the original mono tapes.

1. Roccus
2. Reggie of Chester
3. The Lady
4. Little T
5. Gaza Strip
6. Stand By

Containing the monster hit "Take Five", Time Out firmly establishes the Dave Brubeck Quartet outside of the jazz world. This seminal recording is highlighted by the moody arrangements and saxophone work of Paul Desmond.

1. Blue Rondo A La Turk
2. Strange Meadow Lark
3. Take 5
4. 3 To Get Ready
5. Kathy's Waltz
6. Everybody's Jumpin'
7. Pick Up Sticks

Trak Listing

1. I'm A Fool To Want You
2. For Heaven's Sake
3. You Don't Know What Love Is
4. I Get Along Without You Very Well
5. For All We Know
6. Violets For Your Furs
7. I'll Be Around

Over the past decade, new talent such as Cassandra Wilson, Patricia Barber and Holly Cole have re-defined the world of female jazz vocals. Cole's Temptation, a 1995 Blue Note release, is her musical tribute to the writings of Tom Waits. Besides being a superb audiophile recording, perfect in every production detail from Cole's amazing voice to the incredible natural sound captured by producer Craig Street and his team, this recording went on to garner kudos for her personal interpretation of Waits' unique compositions. Standouts include a catchy version of Jersey Girl, which made it to some radio playlists. A rendition of The Briar and The Rose which is brilliantly augmented by The Canadian Brass.

1. Take Me Home
2. Train Song
3. Jersey Girl
4. Temptation
5. Falling Down
6. Invitation To The Blues
7. Cinny's Waltz
8. Frank's Theme
9. Little Boy Blue
10. I Don't Wanna Grow Up
11. Tango Til They're Sore
12. (Looking For) The Heart Of Saturday Night
13. Soldiers Things
14. I Want You
15. Good Old World
16. The Briar And The Rose

Holly Cole explores a number of styles on her second album, Don't Smoke in Bed, without overreaching her grasp. Adding pop, blues, country, and a French ballad to her standard, low-key jazz, Cole demonstrates that not only does she have impeccable taste, but she has the talent to make all of the material sound convincing. This is an all time audiophile favorite, cut from the original master on the Bernie Grundman all tube cutting system and pressed on Classic s 200g QUIEX Super Vinyl Profile

1. I Can See Clearly Now
2. Don't Let the Teardrops Rust Your Shining Heart
3. Get Out of Town
4. So and So
5. Tennessee Waltz
6. Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday
7. Blame It on My Youth
8. Ev'rything I've Got
9. Je Ne T'Aime Pas
10. Cry (If You Want To)
11. Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)
12. Don't Smoke in Bed

Barber's second Blue Note release and a compilation of live tracks recorded in three French cities in 2004. The Quartet features Patricia on piano and vocals, Neal Alger on guitar, Michael Arnopol on bass, and Eric Montzma on drums. Tunes include "Gotcha", "Crash", "Laura", "Call Me" among others on this 2 LP gatefold edition mastered by Bernie Grundman on Classic's "all tube" cutting system and made available on 200g Quiex Super Vinyl Profile pressings. This is a great live recording by a great Jazz singer and as such an audiophile must have! Highest Recommendations.

1. Gotcha
2. Dansons la Gigue!
3. Crash
4. Laura
5. Pieces
6. Blue Prelude
7. Witchcraft
8. Norwegian Wood
9. Whiteworld
10. Call Me

"Piano in the Background" is the sister, albeit earlier, recording to "Piano in the Foreground" this time featuring Ellington with Orchestral accompaniment. The band is amazing as are the original three track master tapes used to cut directly to master lacquer on Bernie Grundman's all tube cutting system. Now on Classic's 200g Quiex Super Vinyl Profile this is a must have compendium to "Piano in the Foreground" also available from Classic Records.

1. Happy Go Lucky
2. What Am I Here For
3. Kinda Dukish
4. Rockin' In Rhythm
5. I'm Beginning To See The Light
6. Midriff
7. It Don't Mean A Thing
8. Main Stem
9. Take The "A" Train

Originally released in 1959 on Roulette, this meeting finds Count Basie and his band in a peak period: a fantastic rhythm section, tight and powerful brass, silky reeds and skillful arrangers like Neal Hefti doing his charts. And you can hear the glee in his piano playing, to boot. Tony Bennett's vocals seem propelled along with such support and swings right into line on such tunes as "Jeepers Creepers", "Anything Goes" and "I'll Guess I'll Have To Change My Plans". Ballads and up tempo tunes alike are perfect blends for these two masters, who make them all sound fresh. Other songs include Life is A Song, With Plenty of Money and You, Are You Havin' Any Fun, Strike Up The Band, Chicago, I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face, Poor Little Rich Girl, Growing Pains and After Supper.

1. Jeepers Creepers
2. Anything Goes
3. I'll Guess I'll Have To Change My Plans
4. Life Is A Song
5. With Plenty of Money and You
6. Are You Having Any Fun
7. Strike Up The Band
8. Chicago
9. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face
10. Poor Little Rich Girl
11. Growing Pains
12. After Supper

Louis Armstrong plays King Oliver is one of those titles that audiophiles have known about for years and a favorite at Hi Fi shows for demonstration. The first cut - 'St. James Infirmary' is out of this world like many of the other tunes including a great version of 'Frankie and Johnny'. Originally issued on Audio Fidelity, this Classic reissue is available for the first time on 180 gram vinyl. There is also a companion 45 rpm disc of St. James Infirmary to be co-released as well. Not to be missed!

1. St. James Infirmary (Gambler's Blues)
2. I Want A Big Butter & Egg Man
3. I Ain't Got Nobody
4. Panama
5. Dr. Jazz
6. Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight
7. Frankie and Johnny
8. I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None of this Jelly Roll
9. Drop That Sack
10. Jelly Roll Blues
11. Old Kentucky Home
12. Chimes Blues

The Ellington band is superb and Louis just blows and sings to your heart's content. Transfered, for the first time, directly from the 3 track session masters. You can hear everything! If you had to take one record to a desert island with you this would be one of the top choices.