Original Jazz Classics US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Blue Mitchell's Blue's Moods, originally released in 1960, is a hard bop gem featuring Mitchell's superb trumpet alongside Wynton Kelly on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Roy Brooks on drums. This rhythm section's chemistry is next level, particularly evident on the slow blues track 'Kinda Vague' with Brooks' intricate hi-hat work. The album's opener, 'I'll Close My Eyes,' stands out and has even served as a favorite ringtone. Side-1, in particular, offers a relaxed and smooth blend of tunes that embody the essence of hard bop. As part of the Original Jazz Classics Series, this reissue boasts 180-gram vinyl, AAA lacquers cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, and is pressed at RTI. The OJC series, known for its dedication to preserving and reissuing influential jazz albums, continues its legacy with this release. Mitchell's work on Riverside is often considered superior to his Blue Note recordings, with Blue's Moods, Blue Soul, The Cupbearers, and Out Of The Blue being standout examples. This reissue ensures that new generations of jazz enthusiasts can experience the soulful brilliance of Blue Mitchell in pristine quality.

Review: Reissued on vinyl, Thelonious Monk's Monk's Music has the maestro at his peak in 1957, backed by an all-star lineup including John Coltrane, Coleman Hawkins and Art Blakey. This session epitomizes Monk's genius, with compositions like 'In Walked Bud,' 'Blue Monk,' and 'Round Midnight' asserting themselves as timeless jazz standards. Despite Monk's modest soloing, his leadership allows Coltrane and Hawkins to shine, backed by Gigi Gryce's alto sax, Ray Copeland's trumpet and Wilbur Ware's bass. Art Blakey's percussion adds dynamic rhythm throughout. The album, a meeting of jazz generations, marks Monk's breakthrough, earning him rightful acclaim alongside Miles Davis and Charlie Parker. The session's historical significance is enhanced by its dual release context with 'Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane,' capturing the breadth of Monk's artistry from the same 1957 sessions. For jazz aficionados and newcomers alike, this reissue not only delights with its musical brilliance but also serves as a gateway to exploring Monk's pivotal role in jazz history and the innovative spirit that defines his legacy.

Review: The Original Jazz Classics series makes a triumphant return with the reissue of Cal Tjader's influential 1956 album, Latin Kick. Renowned for blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with mainstream jazz elements, this album highlights Tjader's talented abilities on the vibraphone. The ensemble features brilliant performances from Brew Moore on saxophone, Luis Miranda on congas, Bayardo Velarde on timbales, Manuel Duran on piano and Carlos Duran on bass. Though the album title suggests a Latin focus, the tracks venture beyond traditional Latin music, incorporating elements of the emerging exotica genre. Latin Kick offers a global musical journey, including songs about Paris and Vermont. Despite the absence of traditional Latin brass and fervent rhythms, the album captivates with its downtempo ambiance, dreamy landscapes, and smooth tenor sax infusions. Tjader's signature vibraphone often takes a backseat, allowing the ensemble to create a cohesive, melodious, and enchanting atmosphere. The reissue of Latin Kick reaffirms the series' commitment to preserving jazz history, offering a pristine listening experience that celebrates the timeless artistry of Cal Tjader and his exceptional band.

Review: The search for The Quest is finally over. This rare album, a true first pressing with the Abbey ring and deep grooves, is now on the shelf and sounding fantastic. It ranks among the top jazz albums, alongside Basra and Far Cry. The Quest is a stunning showcase of soul, musicianship, and composition, with all tunes penned by Mal Waldron, who is a master of sparse, dark, delicate beauty on the piano. Featuring Eric Dolphy on alto and clarinet, Booker Ervin on tenor, Ron Carter on cello, Joe Benjamin on double bass, and Charlie Persip on drums, the ensemble is top-notch. Standout tracks include the mellow and reflective 'Warm Canto' and the energetic 'Status Seeking,' Every tune is unique, making it an album worth revisiting. This reissue rightly restores leadership to Waldron, and with the support of Benjamin and Persip, the complex music, bridging hard bop and avant-garde, is beautifully interpreted. Highly recommended.