Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Part of the Original Jazz Classics Series, this 1963 album from the great Kenny Burrell and John Coltrane is now reissued on 180-gram vinyl. Featuring Burrell and Coltrane, along with Tommy Flanagan, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb, the album comprises five tracks that have been remastered from the original tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. It's an absorbing journey into two genius creative minds and comes comes in a Tip-On Jacket, preserving the essence of the original release while offering enhanced sound quality for contemporary listeners.

Review: Celia & Johnny, released in 1974 on Fania Records, marked a pivotal moment for both Celia Cruz and salsa music. By this point, Cruz was already a celebrated star in Cuba, but her attempts to break into the U.S. salsa scene had struggled. Enter Johnny Pacheco, co-founder of Fania Records and leader of the Fania All-Stars. A longtime admirer of Celia's powerful contralto voice, Pacheco believed her potential had been stifled by overly complex arrangements. He was confident that pairing her voice with his more streamlined Afro-Caribbean rhythms would catapult her into salsa stardomiand he was right. The album produced two defining hits, 'Toro Mata' and 'Quimbara', both of which immediately resonated with dancers and salsa enthusiasts. The infectious grooves provided by Pacheco's band allowed Celia's voice to shine, and the success of these tracks solidified her status as the Queen of Salsa. Celia & Johnny is now seen as a cornerstone of salsa's golden age. The record's blend of traditional Cuban styles like mambo, guaracha, and guaguanco with the modern salsa sound brought the genre to a wider audience, particularly younger U.S.-born Latinos. Deep cuts like 'Tengo El Idde', 'Lo Tuyo Es Mental', and 'Canto a La Habana' further showcase Cruz's versatility, with moving performances that tap into spiritual, comedic and patriotic themes. Ultimately, Celia & Johnny remains a landmark collaboration that helped define the global appeal of salsa.

Review: Released with acclaim, John Wright Trio's South Side Soul resonates with an authentic and vibrant energy that captures the essence of the South Side music scene. Led by John Wright's soulful piano, the trio weaves intricate melodies and infectious rhythms throughout the record. Tracks like title song and '63rd And Cottage Grove' exhibit's the trio's ability to blend traditional jazz elements with the raw energy of soul music, resulting in a dynamic and captivating listening experience. The musicianship displayed on each track is impeccable, with tight grooves and expressive solos that keep listeners engaged from start to finish. South Side Soul is more than just an album; it's a journey through the rich musical landscape of the South Side. This album takes you to the street scene in Chicago 1950s.

Review: As part of the newly relaunched Original Jazz Classics Series, Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio has remastered this seminal jazz record from Thelonius Monk and John Coltrane from the original tapes and in all analog fashion. It's a deserving treatment for what many believe to be one of the great ever collaborative jazz records. As well as those two legendary players and jazz innovators, further greats joined in the recording sessions including Art Blakey on the drums, Wilbur Ware on bass, and alto sax from Gigi Gryce. What a piece of history it is too.