45 RPM Vinyl Records

Named A 2015 Record To Die For By Stereophile Magazine.

"Remastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound from the original analog tapes, the record was plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings. The depth and space when those rich chromatic harmonies create a wide and well-defined soundscape, the timbre of the orchestra as a whole as well as individual instruments, and the thick, wooden sound of Wendell Marshall's bass are among the aural pleasures provided when you drop a needle on this platter; expect goose bumps." — Music = 5/5; Sonics = 4.5/5 - Jeff Wilson, The Absolute Sound, May-June 2015.

"I chose the CD reissue of this album as one of my R2D4s for 2012, but now from Chad Kassem's Analogue Productions comes this QRP LP, and it's an occasion for popping corks. Released in 1950, this was Ellington's first LP, and he used the new medium to stretch out four of his biggest hits. The arrangements are jaw-droppingly gorgeous and the sound just slightly less so. Recorded by Fred Plaut, who later miked Kind of Blue and other Columbia classics, it has the dynamics, depth, and in-your-face tonal realism of a modern (mono) audiophile thumper. Among the best jazz albums ever." — Fred Kaplan, for Stereophile - "Records To Die For" - February 2015.

"This new re-issue slays my vintage copy in every way. Every dimension of the recording was much better...dynamics, harmonics, frequency response, detail, jump...all just leaped out at me! The recording sounded like it had been made that morning...absolutely fresh-sounding. No veiling. No roll-off. In fact, it's so good that it doesn't matter that this is a mono recording! Listen to it on a great turntable...you'll hear mono that fools you into thinking that it's not mono. Just wait until you hear Yvonne Lanauze sing, "Mood Indigo" amigos, after a long instrumental build-up...she'll take you there! ... The pressing itself was impeccable: flat, and free of noise, tics and pops...a genuine masterpiece of the pressing-plant arts. The Hyperion OCL, the finest cartridge that I've ever heard, revealed how superbly these grooves were carved! Commendable, reference-grade analog...very, very close to master tape sound. Very damned close! Kissing cousins close! Hell, maybe even closer than that. In fact, I now consider the Analogue Productions re-issue of Masterpieces by Ellington to be one of the very finest Jazz records ever released. (Sorry Miles! Move over, Kind of Blue!)." — David W. Robinson, editor-in-chief, Positive Feedback Online.

"Most highly recommended (the record is now on the QRP presses). It's one of my 'Records to Die For' in the February 2015 Stereophile. A true classic both musically and sonically and a historical work of art you can now own." — Music = 11/11; Sound = 11/11 — Michael Fremer, AnalogPlanet.com.

This title is not eligible for discount.

Only 2500 Numbered Limited Edition Copies Worldwide!

Duke Ellington is joined by the likes of Clark Terry, Johnny Hodges and more for this recording from multiple sessions spreading from February 1958 to December 1959.

"...(Blues In Orbit is) an album worth tracking down, if only to hear the band run through a lighter side of its sound -- indeed, it captures the essence of a late-night recording date that was as much a loose jam as a formal studio date, balancing the spontaneity of the former and the technical polish of the latter." - Bruce Eder, Allmusic.com

Features:
• Numbered Deluxe Laminated Double Gatefold Jackets
• Only 2500 Numbered Limited Edition Copies Worldwide!
• Audiophile 180 gram, 45rpm Vinyl
• Double LP
• Pressed at RTI
• Mastered by Bernie Grundman from the Original Analog Master Tapes!

Musicians:
Duke Ellington, piano
Billy Strayhorn, piano (2,7)
Ray Nance, trumpet
Cat Anderson, trumpet
Shorty Baker, trumpet
Clark Terry, trumpet
Britt Woodman, trombone
Matthew Gee, trombone
Quentin Jackson, trombone
John Sanders, valve trombone
Johnny Hodges, alto saxophone
Russell Procope, alto saxophone, clarinet
Harry Carney, baritone saxophone
Jimmy Woode, bass
Jimmy Johnson, drums
Sam Woodyard, drums

This title is not eligible for discount.

Numbered Deluxe Laminated Gatefold Jackets! Only 2500 Numbered Limited Edition Copies Worldwide!

Originally released on Columbia Records in 1959, Jazz Party In Stereo contains a formidable gallery of jazz stars including Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Rushing, Johnny Hodges, Clark Terry, Paul Gonsalves, and more!

The sometimes tender, sometimes shouting blues style of Jimmy Rushing provides nice contrast in one of the most varied and satisfying Ellington recordings ever.

Features:
Numbered Deluxe Laminated Double Gatefold Jackets
Only 2500 Numbered Limited Edition Copies Worldwide!
Audiophile 180 gram, 45rpm Vinyl
Double LP
Pressed at RTI

Musicians:
Dizzy Gillespie, trumpet
Ray Nance, trumpet
Clark Terry, trumpet
Cat Anderson, trumpet
Shorty Baker, trumpet
Andres Ford, trumpet
Johnny Hodges, saxophone
Paul Gonzalves, saxophone
Harry Carney, saxophone
Jimmy Hamilton, saxophone
Russell Procope, saxophone
Britt Woodman, trombone
Quentin Jackson, trombone
John Sanders, trombone
Duke Ellington, piano
Jimmy Jones, piano
Jimmy Woode, bass
Sam Woodyard, drums
Jimmy Rushing, vocalist
Morris Goldenberg, percussionist
George Gaber, percussionist
Elden C. Bailey, percussionist
Chauncey Morehouse, percussionist
Harry Breuer, percussionist
Robert M. Rosengarden, percussionist
Walter E. Rosenberger, percussionist
Bradley Spinney, percussionist
Milton Schlesinger, percussionist

This title is not eligible for discount.

"...these are all truly classic Verve titles that you simply don't want to miss...most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astounding. Particularly the early Billie and Ella mono records are incredible treasures of sonic beauty. I'd definitely ask Santa for the whole set, or, if you want to cherry pick, the most classic titles. Whatever you decide, you owe yourself at least a half dozen!" Winner of a 2012 Positive Feedback Online Writers' Choice Award - Danny Kaey, Positive Feedback Online, November/December 2011

When Norman Granz signed Johnny Hodges to a recording contract in 1951, it was a prelude to Hodges' leaving the Duke Ellington orchestra to lead his own small band. Four years later Hodges was back in the Ellington fold, but he continued to record for Granz under his own name. Side By Side, recorded in 1958 and 1959, is a throwback to the small-group sessions Ellington recorded with Hodges and other members of his orchestra in the Thirties, but with a couple of important differences: the absence of Ellington himself on several cuts (with Billy Strayhorn taking over on piano), and the presence of such notable non-Ellingtonians as drummer Jo Jones and trumpeters Roy Eldridge and Harry "Sweets" Edison.

Originally released in 1959.

Duke Ellington, piano
Johnny Hodges, alto saxophone
Lawrence Brown, trombone
Harry "Sweets" Edison, trumpet
Roy Eldridge, trumpet
Al Hall, bass
Johnny Hodges, alto saxophone
Jo Jones, drums
Wendell Marshall, bass
Les Spann, flute, guitar
Billy Strayhorn, piano
Ben Webster, tenor saxophone

This title is not eligible for discount.