Back catalogue: All genres

Review: 2020’s acclaimed Blue Note Re:imagined project heard London duo Blue Lab Beats - producer NK-OK and multi-instrumentalist Mr DM - usher in 2021 with the EP We Will Rise and its dynamic lead single ‘Blow You Away (Delilah) feat Ghetto Boy'. Now neatly bagged up in a five-tracker EP, with collaborations with Braxton Cook, Kojey Radical, Alex Blake, and DTsoul, this one’s a heartfelt but still breezy project, laying down healing and hope in the face of racism. Reassurance and joy interlace a sound pinching motifs of boom-bap and jazz-funk, with influences from hip-hop pioneers and the African diaspora. A future-focused London bowls headlong into the future, chanting the motto 'We Will Rise’.

Review: Human novae of the 1950s jazz circuit in Hollywood, Curtis Amy and Frank Butler imploded the local scene at the turn of the swinging decade when they began to record for local label Pacific Jazz. Laid down in a single session at the PJ studio, Groovin' Blue is a timeless and idiosyncratic experiment in jazz, its specialty being tss-tss rhythms, unhindered lead instrumental melisma, sax counterpoint, and smackout drum fills and solos from Butler, which more than transcended the strictures of the swing form of the time. Also hearing vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, who was just 19 years old at the time of this recording, this excellent six-song set is perfect for those audiophiles keen on the interesting intersection of blues and jazz.

Review: Fresh off their second consecutive win as "Jazz Group of the Year" in the DownBeat Readers Poll, Artemis returns with their third Blue Note album. Featuring a quintet lineup helmed by pianist and musical director Renee Rosnes, this all-female supergroup unites some of the most pre-eminent voices in modern jazz. Trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, saxophonist Nicole Glover, bassist Noriko Ueda and drummer Allison Miller bring their individual brilliance to a vibrant set of original compositions and inspired arrangements. 'The Smile Of The Snake' slithers with a captivating energy, while 'Komorebi' shimmers with delicate beauty. 'Footprints', a Wayne Shorter classic, receives a fresh and invigorating interpretation, while Burt Bacharach's 'What The World Needs Now Is Love' is transformed into a poignant ballad. From the intricate interplay of Jensen's trumpet and Glover's saxophone to the driving rhythms of Ueda and Miller, this album showcases a remarkable synergy between five exceptional musicians at the top of their game.

Review: Recorded during the same intense August 1960 sessions that produced another iconic album, this release showcases the brilliance of a hard-bop quintet, combining fiery improvisation with introspective ballads. The album opens with a standard tune that became a regular feature in the group's live sets, setting the stage for a collection of original compositions. Lee Morgan's 'Johnny Blue' stands out with its infectious blues line, while Wayne Shorter's compositionsiparticularly 'Sleeping Dancer Sleep On'ireveal his growing mastery of melody and complex chord changes. The track is a highlight, with lush, gospel-funky piano and a slow, stunning waltz rhythm. Shorter's 'Noise in the Attic' is a powerful drum showcase, allowing for blistering solos from the horns but placing special emphasis on the piano work. 'Giants', another Shorter composition, closes the album with a hard-bop anthem that keeps the energy high and steady throughout. While Blakey typically dominates with his high-energy drumming, here he takes a more restrained role, allowing the melodies to breathe. The synergy of the quintet is palpable, with Bobby Timmons' percussive piano providing a dynamic counterpoint to the horn lines.

Review: By the time Kenny Burrell took the stage at the Five Spot Cafe in August 1959, he had already 90-degree head-turned his best jazz fellow travellers with a glissando of Blue Note LPs. But this gig, his first live date as a leader, brought a new kind of magic. Contracting Art Blakey, Tina Brooks, Roland Hanna, Bobby Timmons, and Ben Tucker on band duties, Burrell confidently executed a suite of hard bop soaked in sweat, swing, and soul. This 3xLP brings that steamy summer evening back to life in full analogue detail; housed in a tip-on trifold jacket with an accompanying booklet of rare Francis Wolff photos, an essay by Syd Schwartz, and new reflections from Burrell himself, it's a vivid snapshot of a moment when everything clicked.

Review: Dutch-born American jazz pianist and composer Gerald Clayton is back with a sixth album, his second on Blue Note. Ones & Twos is another exploration of jazz, hip-hop, neo-soul and raw improvisation that is all rooted in a deep conceptual framework. Featuring standout collaborators like Joel Ross, Elena Pinderhughes, Kendrick Scott and Kassa Overall, the album moves effortlessly from groove to abstraction and is inspired by turntablism, which is why Clayton created two sets of tracks that can play individually or simultaneously, blurring the line between harmony and dissonance. As rich as the sonics are, there is also real philosophical intent here, making it both a visceral and cerebral listen with layered commentary on collaboration, coexistence and creativity.

Review: Chicago rock band Wilco's guitarist - a highly prolific jazz maestro in his own right - brings us his latest full length album. A hypnotic groove anchors the lead single, propelling a hard-driving yet fluid interplay between guitar and saxophone. The composition brims with urgency, each phrase unfolding with elegant harmonic tension and a deep jazz sensibility. The quartet's chemistry is undeniable, balancing structured intensity with moments of free-flowing improvisation. Echoes of classic Blue Note recordings by Andrew Hill and Eric Dolphy surface in the phrasing, while the interplay recalls the front-line dynamism of Joe Lovano and John Scofield's collaborations. Yet, the sound remains singular, shaped by a deep appreciation for Brooklyn's improvised music scene. Across the album, the group explores a vast emotional and textural rangeiat times bracing and kinetic, elsewhere delicate and atmospheric. The rhythm section locks into compelling grooves, allowing melodies to breathe and evolve organically. The guitarist's mastery is evident, seamlessly shifting from shimmering chord voicings to fiery, exploratory runs. This is a love letter to both jazz tradition and the limitless potential of improvisation, where every note serves the collective momentum.

Review: A multifaceted personality, 24-year-old breakout folk star Maya Delilah shares The Long Way Round on Decca Records, fresh off the back of a Spotify "One To Watch" award. "I get so influenced by different genres, people, places, and experiences that it's always felt hard for me to fit my music into a consistent sound or mood," the singer said in a statement. Forerun by the likes 'Squeeze' and 'Necklace', Delilah's vocals are breathy and her backing instrumentals smooth, tinged with the torrid strokes of Ayers-esque sunshine funk. Recorded between LA and London, the record flags up themes from cyclical relationships to predestination, with Delilah feeling that the record expresses a future nostalgia for someone she's never met before.

Review: Lou Donaldson's Say It Loud! is a classic of the late 60s soul-jazz movement, combining infectious grooves with a lineup of skilled musicians. Released in 1969 on Blue Note, this album highlights California-based Donaldson's expertise on the alto saxophone, blending hard-swinging bebop roots with a funkier, dance-driven approach. The title track, inspired by James Brown's anthem, is a cool, laid-back rendition that shows his nuanced playing alongside the solid rhythms of trumpeter Blue Mitchell, guitarist Jimmy Ponder, organist Charles Earland, and drummer Leo Morris. The album shines with its extended tracks like 'Snake Bone' and 'Brother Soul', where the soloists stretch out, creating moments of tension and release. Ponder's blues-infused guitar solos and Earland's dramatic organ builds are standouts. While the bossa nova rendition of 'Summertime' and the swinging 'Caravan' bring a more traditional jazz feel, the album is most vibrant when it grooves hard. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by Donaldson's earlier work, Say It Loud! remains a highly enjoyable and essential part of his legacy. It may not carry the same weight as Midnight Creeper, but its infectious rhythms and tasteful solos ensure its place as a classic in soul-jazz, deserving of a greater appreciation which this reissue celebrates.

Review: An album that defined the "cool" in West Coast Jazz when it emerged in 1960, it's a robust, swinging session led by the veteran Los Angeles-based tenor saxophonist. Edwards' smooth tone in the middle and lower registers, combined with a brassier edge in the upper range, showS his melodic inventiveness and dynamic fluidity. The primary rhythm section features Leroy Vinnegar on bass and Billy Higgins on drums, with either Amos Trice or, more often, Joe Castro on piano. Higgins, fresh off sessions with Ornette Coleman, locks into a straight-ahead groove, with the entire rhythm section swinging relentlessly. Pianists Trice and Castro bring a bebop-plus-barroom feel reminiscent of Sonny Clark, adding grit and charm to the quartet's sound. The program is largely blues and bebop-flavored originals, with several based on the chord changes of 'I've Got Rhythm'. The title track introduces a Latin flair, while Vinnegar's 'Vintage '57' offers variety.A pivotal moment in West Coast jazz when Edwards, once obscure, reemerged with vigour.

Review: Super cool jazz cat Dexter Gordon's 1963 album Our Man in Paris marked his first release from Europe and is often regarded as the final bebop album. The saxophonist gathered a quartet featuring bebop legends Bud Powell on piano and Kenny Clarke on drums and they played alongside French bassist Pierre Michelot to record this timeless work at CBS Studios in Paris. The album is defined by Gordon's commanding saxophone with the intricate rhythms of bebop that take you right back to a precise moment of musical history which marked a significant transition in jazz. It remained a defining work in Gordon's career.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve split at the top but otherwise in excellent condition***


Blue Note's Tone Poets series is all about celebrating some of the greatest jazz guitarists, reissuing their seminal albums as a nod to virtuoso talent. Grant Green's 1963 album Feelin' The Spirit consisted of jazz arrangements of traditional African American spirituals such as 'Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen' and 'Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child'. Given the historical weight of the music, it's no surprise to hear Green soaring high as he expresses the songs through his guitar, but as if that wasn't enough he's backed up by Herbie Hancock on piano, Butch Warren on bass and Billy Higgins on drums.

Review: Grant Green's Visions, released in 1971, dives into r&b and jazz-funk with an all-star lineup including Billy Wooten, Chuck Rainey, and Idris Muhammad. Green's signature tone and melodic style transform tracks from The Jackson 5, Chicago, The Carpenters, Mozart, and Quincy Jones' 'Maybe Tomorrow,' later sampled by Kendrick Lamar. This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition captures the original stereo mix, mastered by Kevin Gray from analog tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimalia soulful essential for collectors and fans of jazz-funk's golden era.

Review: Andrew Hill's 1968 release merges intricate rhythms with dense, harmonically rich compositions that push the boundaries of jazz. The ensemble, featuring Lee Morgan and Booker Ervin, dives into challenging material that unfolds with every listen. The intricate brass work on tracks like 'Grass Roots' contrasts with the fluidity of Hill's piano, while the rhythm section locks into an effortlessly tight groove. Hill's compositions are complex yet absorbing, blending intellectual depth with emotional resonance, creating a unique sonic landscape that rewards careful listening.

Review: Recorded in 1962, this album captures Hubbard at the peak of his powers, his fiery trumpet soaring alongside a stellar lineup that includes Wayne Shorter, Cedar Walton, Reggie Workman and Philly Joe Jones. From the explosive opener, 'Philly Mignon', to the tender beauty of 'Body and Soul', the album showcases Hubbard's versatility and masterful command of the trumpet. This all analogue reissue, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, really captures the energy and intimacy of this classic session.

Review: The Jazz Crusaders' Freedom Sound blends hard bop and soul-jazz in a way that feels both fresh and timeless. The band delivers a tight, energetic performance, with each member adding their distinct touch to the album's punchy grooves. The horns are sharp and emotive, while the rhythm section locks in with precision, creating a perfect backdrop for the solos. Tracks like 'The Thrust' showcase their ability to seamlessly merge complexity with accessibility, making this a standout album that defines their early sound. It's a work that thrives on its energy and bold experimentation.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Guitar virtuoso Julian Lage's Speak To Me is a dynamic Blue Note album produced by Joe Henry. Arriving with 13 original tracks, Lage's compositions navigate a rich tapestry of American music genres, from gospel hymns to California singer-songwriter vibes and skronky jazz. The album's lead single '76' showcases a hard-driving blues essence, while 'As It Were' offers an atmospheric acoustic ballad. With contributions from Kris Davis, Patrick Warren, Levon Henry, and his trusted trio with bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King, Lage presents a multifaceted musical journey that captivates and enthrals in equal measure here.

Review: By 1960, Georgia-born tenor saxophonist Mobley was at the height of his powers, crafting a trilogy of hard bop masterpiecesiSoul Station, Roll Call and Workout. Roll Call, the middle entry, finds Mobley leading an inspired quintet featuring the young and fiery Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, alongside the rock-solid Soul Station rhythm section of pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers and the explosive Art Blakey on drums. The result is a hard bop stunner, bursting with energy, interplay and lyrical phrasing. This reissue opens with the dynamic title track, a minor-key powerhouse that jumps out of the speakers, pushing each musician to deliver their best. Mobley and Hubbard's chemistry is electrifying, their solos crackling with urgency. The swaggering 'My Groove Your Move' follows, built on a confident, swinging groove, while 'A Baptist Beat' channels the deep, soulful call-and-response tradition of the black church. A second take of the latter further showcases the group's enthusiasm and spontaneity. The album's only standard, 'The More I See You', is a sublime moment of restraint, with Hubbard's use of the harmon mute adding a delicate, smoky touch. Mobley's playing here epitomises his gift for melodic improvisationisubtle yet deeply expressive. His warm, bluesy tone and sophisticated phrasing made him one of the most lyrical saxophonists of his era. Even decades later, Roll Call remains a cornerstone of hard bop.

Review: Hank Mobley's A Slice of the Top, recorded in 1966, is Mobley's nod to Birth of the Cool, blending hard bop with Duke Pearson's brilliant arrangements. With an expanded octet featuring unique additions like euphonium and tuba alongside a stellar lineupiJames Spaulding on alto sax, Lee Morgan on trumpet, McCoy Tyner on piano, Bob Cranshaw on bass and Billy Higgins on drumsithe album is a richly layered experience. This Tone Poet Vinyl Edition, produced by Joe Harley and mastered by Kevin Gray from original tapes, arrives on 180g vinyl in a deluxe gatefold tip-on jacket.

Review: Recorded in 1967, this jazz classic is a quintessential hard bop album that proves why the tenor saxophonist's signature sound was so influential. The seven-piece band includes alto saxophonist James Spaulding, trumpeter Lee Morgan, guitarist Sonny Greenwich, pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Walter Booker and drummer Billy Higgins and the ensemble's tight chemistry and individual virtuosity shine throughout the album with Mobley's smooth yet dynamic saxophone leading the way. A blend of intricate solos and rich ensemble passages, Third Season is a standout example of the era's high-calibre jazz and one that captures the spirit of the late 60s perfectly.

Review: This release feels like a collision of worlds, where abstract textures and rhythmic intricacies are forced into a dialogue with more accessible forms of electronic music. The opening track sets a tone of strange, mysterious propulsion, yet never fully gives in to any familiar conventions. Instead, it hints at a narrative unfoldingia journey, almost, where sound and intention coalesce but never fully resolve. It's a slow burn that rewards those who stick around, offering complex layers that reveal themselves gradually. Far from merely experimental, it finds a rare balance between artifice and soul, making each sonic twist feel purposeful and immersive.

Review: This Tone Poet Vinyl Edition presents Horace Parlan's quintessential hard bop quintet session. Known for his work with Charles Mingus, Parlan shines alongside George Tucker, Al Harewood, Grant Green, and Booker Ervin. The music swings with an effortless groove, showcasing Parlan's bluesy piano stylings and the band's tight interplay. Mastered from the original analogue master tapes by Kevin Gray, this reissue captures the warmth and vibrancy of the original recording. A must-have for any fan of hard bop and classic Blue Note sounds.

Review: A refined and understated session, this reissue is a masterful example of West Coast jazz, offering a smooth, mellow and introspective listening experience. Recorded between december 1956 and January 1957 in Hollywood, California, this album showed Pepper's signature melodic alto saxophone over a relaxed and fluid quartet setting. The lineup features Russ Freeman on piano, Ben Tucker on bass and Chuck Flores on drums, each contributing to the album's effortlessly cool and unfailingly swinging atmosphere. Unlike the high-energy performances found on Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section, Modern Art unfolds at a more leisurely pace, making it a perfect soundtrack for a laid-back evening. The album's bookends, 'Blues In' and 'Blues Out', frame a collection of beautifully arranged pieces, including exquisite renditions of 'Bewitched', 'Stompin' at the Savoy' and 'What Is This Thing Called Love'. One of the true highlights is 'Summertime', a performance filled with emotional depth and intensity, as though Pepper poured his very soul into each note. This Blue Note Tone Poet reissue, produced by Joe Harley and mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analogue tapes, is an essential edition. Pressed with impeccable sound quality, this release does full justice to Pepper's warm, lyrical tone. Whether you're just beginning your jazz journey or a seasoned listener, Modern Art is the type of album that continues to reveal its brilliance with every spin. If you're new to jazz, this album might just make you a fan of the West Coast sound.

Review: A transatlantic jazz summit, capturing Jamaican trumpeter Dizzy Reece alongside American legends Donald Byrd and Art Taylor. Recorded in London in 1958, Blues In Trinity marks Reece's Blue Note debut, a vibrant blend of hard bop and soulful melodies and features a stellar lineup including Tubby Hayes on tenor sax, Terry Shannon on piano and Lloyd Thompson on bass. Reece's trumpet shines throughout, his expressive playing and melodic phrasing complemented by Byrd's equally impressive contributions. Highlights include the soulful title track, the dreamy 'I Had The Craziest Dream' and a captivating rendition of Monk's 'Round About Midnight'.

Review: Freddie Roach's 1963 session is a soul jazz classic that epitomises Blue Note's golden era. With a line-up featuring Blue Mitchell's crisp trumpet lines, Hank Mobley's smoky tenor sax, Eddie Wright's intricate guitar work, and Clarence Johnston's dynamic drumming, the music brims with groove and sophistication. Roach's Hammond B3 organ anchors the ensemble, balancing soulful warmth with technical brilliance. This deluxe reissue, part of the Tone Poet series, features meticulous production by Joe Harley. A timeless gem, now restored for audiophiles and jazz lovers alike.

Review: Sonny Rollins made his Blue Note debut in 1949 with Bud Powell, but returned as a leader in 1956 with Volume 1. This album showcases classic Rollins so has plenty of hard-swinging originals and a tender ballad that perfectly offer up his powerful sound and boundless improvisational skills. The quintet includes Donald Byrd, Wynton Kelly, Gene Ramey and Max Roach who all support Rollins in creating a dynamic blend of jazz. This record solidified Rollins' reputation as a leading figure in the genre, and that is still true to this day.

Review: An album that stands as one of American jazz pianist Silver's last great albums for Blue Note. Recorded in early 1968 with two mostly different quintets, the album features trumpeter Charles Tolliver, alternating tenor saxophonists Stanley Turrentine and Bennie Maupin, bassists Bob Cranshaw and John Williams and drummers Mickey Roker and Billy Cobham. Silver's rhythmic, economical piano style is often described as funky and nowhere is this more evident than on the album's standout opener, 'Psychedelic Sally'. With its jubilant horn theme and funky Memphis soul-inspired bass riff, the track is a rollicking seven-minute classic that blends 60s funk with 50s bop. The rest of the album maintains a playful spirit. 'Rain Dance' presents a campy, American Indian-style theme, while 'Jungle Juice' offers an exotic, tribal flavour. The warm, loose-swinging title track, 'Serenade to a Soul Sister' and the ethereal 'Kindred Spirits' add depth to the set. The album closes with the gentle piano trio ballad 'Next Time I Fall in Love'. While the first half of the album leans into a bluesy, funky vibe with Turrentine's soulful saxophone, the latter half shifts to a more boppish feel with Maupin, is a different but equally engaging dynamic. Through it all, Silver's philosophy of keeping politics and anger out of his music shines, delivering a joyous and tightly performed soul-jazz classic.

Review: Lonnie Smith's 1970 opus Drives manifests an exhilarating blend of adventure and unyielding grooves. Featuring a stellar lineup with Dave Hubbard on tenor sax and Ronnie Cuber on bari sax, Smith reinterprets classics like 'Twenty-Five Miles' and 'Spinning Wheel' while breathing new life into Miles Davis' 'Seven Steps to Heaven.' This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition offers a pristine listening experience, being all-analogue and mastered by Kevin Gray from the original tapes, pressed on high-quality 180g vinyl at Optimal. A vital addition for any jazz aficionado, it captures Smith's artistic spirit brilliantly.

Review: Stanley Turrentine's debut as a bandleader arrived in June 1960, just a few months after his notable sideman role on Jimmy Smith's Midnight Special and Back at the Chicken Shack. With these albums cementing his status as a standout player, Blue Note boss Alfred Lion wasted no time bringing Turrentine back into the studio to record his first outing as a leader. The result announced the arrival of his deeply soulful tenor saxophone, immediately marking him as a key figure in the hard bop scene. Turrentine's approach was distinctiveieach note infused with emotion and a deep sense of groove. His compositions, like 'Look Out' and 'Minor Chant', alongside tunes by Parlan and Clifford Brown, revealed his mastery of both melody and rhythm. The session was anchored by a strong rhythm section, featuring pianist Horace Parlan, bassist George Tucker, and drummer Al Harewood, each contributing to the album's powerful sound. A highlight is the ballad 'Journey into Melody', where Turrentine's ability to infuse warmth and depth into a song is on full display. This all-analogue remastering offers a true-to-the-original listening experience, preserving the warmth and clarity of this essential jazz release.

Review: Forces of Nature: Live at Slugs' is a thrilling, never-before-released live recording of jazz giants McCoy Tyner and Joe Henderson, captured at Slugs' Saloon in 1966. Joining them are bassist Henry Grimes and drummer Jack DeJohnette, forming a powerhouse quartet. The performance, unearthed from DeJohnette's personal archives after nearly six decades, showcases the intense musical chemistry between Tyner and Henderson, who were central figures in the 1960s jazz scene. The recording, originally engineered by Orville O'Brien, brings the energy and creativity of this 1966 set to life. With expert mastering by Matthew Lutthans, the sound is crisp and vibrant, transporting listeners back to the legendary Slugs' Saloon. Forces of Nature is a amazing look into an era of jazz brilliance.

Review: American jazz drummer Tony Williams rose to acclaim as a member of Miles Davis' so-called 'Second Great Quintet'. He later went on to pioneer jazz fusion with the group and formed his own outfit, the Tony Williams Lifetime. In 1986 he released 'Civilization', which marked a triumphant return to Blue Note and a great window into his visionary approach to jazz. Leading a stellar acoustic quintet with Wallace Roney (trumpet), Billy Pierce (sax), Mulgrew Miller (piano) and Charnett Moffett (bass), Williams served up a dynamic set of original compositions that pulse with intensity and technical brilliance, as well as emotional depth, while taking post-bop tradition into new relays. Each player brings sharp improvisational insight, but it's Williams' explosive yet precise drumming that anchors the session.