Blue Note Records has announced the continuation of the Classic Vinyl Reissue Series, which presents affordable 180g vinyl reissues in standard packaging that are mastered by Kevin Gray and manufactured at Optimal. The pressings are all-analog whenever an analog source is available, with Gray mastering directly from the original master tapes. While the first 16 titles of the series focused on the best-known Blue Note classics from the 1950s and 60s, the new run of titles curated by Don Was and Cem Kurosman broadens its scope to span the many eras and styles of the legendary label’s eight-decade history presented by themes: Bebop, Hard Bop, Soul Jazz, Post-Bop, Avant-Garde, The 70s, The Rebirth, and Hidden Gems.
From vibraphonist Milt Jackson’s late-1940s bebop sides with pianist Thelonious Monk to vocalist Cassandra Wilson’s expansive 1993 jazz/folk/blues masterpiece Blue Light ‘Til Dawn, the Classic Series fully represents Blue Note’s motto: The Finest In Jazz Since 1939. Upcoming highlights of the series include: a first-ever vinyl release of pianist Geri Allen’s excellent 1994 trio album Twenty Onewith bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams; a first-time vinyl reissue of Detroit piano legend Kenny Cox’s 1968 debut Introducing Kenny Cox and The Contemporary Jazz Quintet; and under-recognized pianist and composer Herbie Nichols’ two 10” LPs The Prophetic Herbie Nichols, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 recorded in 1955 will be reissued on a single 12” LP.
On November 19, two timeless hard bop treasures produced by label founder Alfred Lion—6 Pieces of Silverby the Horace Silver Quintet and The Big Beatby Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers—will be paired with two classic 1975 productions by Larry Mizell—Places and Spacesby trumpeter Donald Byrd and a first-time vinyl reissue of Fancy Dancer by flutist Bobbi Humphrey. October 1 will see the first-time vinyl reissue of pianist Duke Pearson’s too-little-known holiday gem Merry Ole Soul, recorded in 1969 with Bob Cranshaw on bass, Mickey Roker on drums, and percussionist Airto Moreira. Explore the Classic Vinyl Reissue Series on the Blue Note Store.
“The sound on the first four releases in the Classic Vinyl Reissue Series is remarkably clear, allowing for top-notch dynamics,” wrote Bill Milkowski in The Absolute Sound. “The low end is outstanding, producing a warm, woody presence from the upright bass and a resounding depth in the low register of the piano, while the high notes issuing forth from trumpets and saxes are swathed in a very natural blanket of sound. Regarding the drum kit, the nuance of brushwork on the snare registers with clarity and adds an alluring quality to the mix. And the ride cymbal, the veritable heartbeat of these swinging jazz classics, rings out with authority… Overall, the sound is gorgeous on this Classic Vinyl Reissue Series.”
Classic Vinyl Reissue Series – Release Schedule:
October 1, 2021
· Duke Pearson – Merry Ole Soul (1969)
November 19, 2021 – Hard Bop
· Horace Silver – 6 Pieces of Silver (1956)
· Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers – The Big Beat (1960)
November 19, 2021 – The 70s
· Donald Byrd – Places and Spaces (1975)
· Bobbi Humphrey – Fancy Dancer (1975)
December 10, 2021 – Soul Jazz
· Jimmy Smith – Home Cookin’ (1958)
· Reuben Wilson – Love Bug (1969)
December 10, 2021 – Hidden Gems
· Herbie Nichols – The Prophetic Herbie Nichols, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 (1955)
· Kenny Cox – Introducing Kenny Cox and The Contemporary Jazz Quintet (1968)
January 21, 2022 – The Avant-Garde
· Jackie McLean – Destination Out (1963)
· Don Cherry – Where Is Brooklyn? (1966)
February 18, 2022 – Post-Bop
· Joe Henderson – Inner Urge (1964)
· Lee Morgan – Caramba (1968)
March 18, 2022 – The Rebirth
· Cassandra Wilson – Blue Light ‘Til Dawn (1993)*
· Geri Allen – Twenty One (1994)*
· Milt Jackson – Milt Jackson With John Lewis, Percy Heath, Kenny Clarke, Lou Donaldson And The Thelonious Monk Quintet (1948-52)
· Bud Powell – Time Waits: The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol. 4 (1958)
*mastered from a digital source
Previously Released/Announced:
· Lee Morgan – The Sidewinder
· McCoy Tyner – The Real McCoy
· Horace Silver – Song for My Father
· Wayne Shorter – Speak No Evil
· Cannonball Adderley – Somethin’ Else
· Joe Henderson – Page One
· Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers – Moanin’
· Hank Mobley – Soul Station
· Sonny Clark – Cool Struttin’
· Jimmy Smith – Back At The Chicken Shack
· Dexter Gordon – GO!
· Grant Green – Idle Moments
· Kenny Burrell – Midnight Blue
· Eric Dolphy – Out To Lunch
· Herbie Hancock – Maiden Voyage
· Freddie Hubbard – Ready for Freddie
