Jazz | Fusion Vinyl 296 Items

More than any other album in the canon of Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, 1958’s Moanin’ — featuring the great drummer with trumpeter Lee Morgan, tenor saxophonist Benny Golson, pianist Bobby Timmons, and bassist Jymie Merritt —was the perfect crystallization of the band’s bluesy, soulful sound, and it still stands today as perhaps the most quintessential hard bop recording of all-time.

Originally self-titled, the album was later renamed Moanin’ due to the popularity of Timmons’ unforgettable opening track. The album also introduced several indelible Golson compositions that would become standards of the jazz songbook including “Along Came Betty” and “Blues March.”

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Vinyl LP repressing of this collaborative album between to of Jazz's greatest starts. The evening before Louis Armstrong recorded this album, both he and Miss Fitzgerald were appearing in an all-star concert also featuring Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson that was recorded for an album entitled Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1956). The following day the two singers, along with the Oscar Peterson Trio, were in a Los Angeles studio to record this gem of an album. With no time for rehearsals the songs were all set in Louis' key to make it easier, but this in no way inhibits Ella's performance. Another challenge for Pops was the fact that the material was not his normal repertoire, meaning he had to learn things on the fly in the studio. Again there's no hint of any issues, which all goes to highlight Armstrong's innate musical ability.

The rare Mono version of Gil Evans’ classic album on Prestige Records, featuring lacquers cut from the original tapes (aaa) by Kevin Gray, pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI and housed in a tip-on jacket

After the smash success of “Ella and Louis” in 1956, an album sequel was quickly set up by Verve Records. And what a sequel it was: “Ella and Louis Again”, released following year, was a double LP this time, and just as wonderful as its predecessor. In contrast to the previous collaboration, this album features seven solo vocal tracks by either Armstrong or Fitzgerald amongst its dozen duet tracks. The fantastic Oscar Peterson Trio returns as the duo's backing, this time along with drummer Louie Bellson.

VERVE ACOUSTIC SOUNDS SERIES: Stereo, mastered fully analogue from the original tapes by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound, QPR pressing (180 g), firm tip-on gatefold (Stoughton Printing), padded inner sleeve

Originally issued as JAZZ:WEST Jwlp-8

180g vinyl

Conrad Yeatis Clark, otherwise known as Sonny Clark, was in many ways the quintessential hard bop pianist. Possessed of an enviable lyrical flow and a wealth of inventive melodic ideas that unfurled with clarity and without fuss, Clark had a deeply rooted feeling for the blues.

After moving from his hometown of Pittsburgh to New York, Clark emerged as a ubiquitous presence on Blue Note starting in 1957. It was on his fifth Blue Note date as a leader that Clark arrived at his masterwork, Cool Struttin’, recorded in January 1958 with a top-shelf quintet featuring Art Farmer on trumpet, Jackie McLean on alto saxophone, Paul Chambers on bass, and ‘Philly’ Joe Jones on drums. The album has only grown in stature as a timeless hard bop classic since Clark’s premature death at age 31 in 1963.

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Kenny Burrell's "A Night At The Vanguard" features an extraordinary guitar trio at the height of their powers in one of jazz's most sacred spaces, making Burrell one of the most influential voices on his instrument. At times relaxed, at times poignant, but at others energetic and swinging, Kenny Burrell's live performance of "A Night At The Vanguard" can be counted among his finest achievements, full of spontaneity and freshness, supported by the brilliant musicians Richard Davis on bass and Roy Haynes on drums.



Verve BY Request Series: remastered, audiophile-quality 180-gram vinyl from Third Man Pressing/Detroit, Single Sleeve.

The incomparable trumpeter Clifford Brown recorded two leader sessions for Blue Note in 1953—a co-led quintet date with Lou Donaldson and his own sextet date—that were compiled on the 12" LP Memorial Album (blp 1526) shortly after his tragic death in 1956. Brownie’s star burns bright from the blistering ‘Cherokee’ to the stunning ballad ‘Easy Living’.



This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is mono, all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

The amazing bebop piano genius Bud Powell made his most enduring recordings as a leader for Blue Note. Powell’s 1949 and 1951 quintet and trio sessions were compiled on the 12” LP The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol. 1 (blp 1503) in 1955 featuring the pianist with the likes of Sonny Rollins, Fats Navarro, Roy Haynes and Max Roach on bebop classics including ‘Un Poco Loco’ and ‘Bouncing with Bud’.



This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is mono, all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Pianist Junior Mance, a veteran of albums and dates with Dinah Washington and Cannonball Adderley, was offered his own recording date by Norman Granz during a session with Dizzy Gillespie. The result is this 1959 debut album, a bluesy and swinging date with Gillespie’s drummer Lex Humphries and bassist Ray Brown. Highlights include the original “Jubilation” and Cole Porter’s “Love For Sale”.



Verve BY Request Series: remastered, audiophile-quality 180-gram vinyl from Third Man Pressing/Detroit, gatefold sleeve.

This 1957 date, produced by Norman Granz, finds the two tenors matching wits with accompaniment from Oscar Peterson, Herb Ellis, Ray Brown, and Alvin Stoller. From Hawkins' screaming solo on the opener "Blues for Yolanda" to the beautiful give-and-take on the ballads "It Never Entered My Mind" and "Prisoner of Love", this classic set is warm, lyrical and essential.



Verve Acoustic Sounds Series: mastered fully analogue from the original tapes by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound, QPR pressing (180 g), firm tip-on gatefold (Stoughton Printing), padded inner sleeve.

Often taken as inspiration by the likes of Miles Davis and Gil Evans, Ahmad Jamal is definitely one of the greatest artists in jazz history. Recorded in 1955 and originally released on the short-lived Parrot label, "Chamber Music of the New Jazz" is a stunning example of the creative, elegant, and precious music played by Ahmad Jamal's early trio. The fruit of the magical interplay between Jamal’s sophisticated pianism, Ray Crawford’s highly rhythmic guitar playing, and Israel Cosby’s fine double bass. Three musicians whose individual roles are fully expressed through the collective approach to a new form of "chamber" Jazz. Highly Recommended!!!

Charlie Parker represents the maximum authority to be claimed one of the most popular and influencial bebop jazz's godfathers. This records is an academic vademecum of what must be done to track the path in the jazz history. Parker runned this music adventure together with the beloved friends: Miles Davis (Trumpet), Tommy Potter (Bass), Max Roach (Drums), Duke Jordan (Piano), J. J. Johnson (Trombone). In sinthesys: the record you want to listen to when back home.

Recorded IN NEW York City December 27, 1956 AND January 11, 1957

Martin Denny “Hypnotique” originally released in 1959. A fan favorite from the father of the “exotica” movement. Stunning Original Cover Artwork . 9/10 All Music Guide Review.

Originally issued in Mono on Verve MGV 8290.

Originally recorded for Herb Kimmel's Jazz West label in August 1956. These were titled The Return of Art Pepper, since they were recorded shortly after he completed a jail sentence in 1956. As a result, Pepper's chops are a little rusty, but you can hear that he still has a passion for playing, and he does improve over the course of these tracks. For serious Pepper fans, it's worth a listen." Scott Yanow -All Music Guide

Some miracles get broken up into small
bits, leaving fate, circumstance and the
right people at the right time to reconstruct
them. That John Coltrane played with
Thelonious Monk in 1957 remains one
of those astounding miracles. The album
contains three unforgettable tracks
featuring Monk and Coltrane grooving
away beautifully. “Ruby, My Dear” contains
a mellow, lush feel suitable for sitting back,
“Trinkle, Tinkle,” a definitely interesting
Monk-ish title, showcases Coltrane’s
insane chops and “Nutty,” one of Monk’s
most beguilingly catchy tunes. Thelonious
Monk and John Coltrane melded together
inexplicably and created some of the most
amazing tracks ever laid down in the name
of jazz. The album contains 2 Bonus tracks.

This is a limited edition reissue. It is remastered, mono, and on 180g vinyl.

Who hasn't got an ancient, worn-out copy of "The Clown" on his shelf, with a tatty cover and torn inner sleeve? Or maybe one of the rare re-releases made of cheap, thin vinyl with dreadful graphic art? And if you haven't heard this gem for a long time, despite the flood of Mingus LPs, CDs and downloads on the market, then you really should seize this opportunity to do so. "The Clown" was, and still is, an absolute must-have for every jazz collector. The small ensemble, only five musicians, came into the New York Atlantic Records studio in March 1957 to record music exclusively composed by the double bassist. Over the next 15 years, three of them were to be heard in numerous concerts with other ensembles. But the original recordings on this LP were the most deeply concentrated, the most versatile, and quite simply the best of all. The more so because the label attached great importance to optimal studio conditions and allowed the instrumentalists plenty of time to make the recordings.
In the present new release, "The Clown" can be enjoyed to the full from the very first note of "Haitian Fight Song" up until the words »William Morris Sends Regrets« in the title work.

Recording: Februay and March 1957 in New York City by Tom Dowd and Larry Hiller in mono
Production: Nesuhi Ertegün

The best-selling album in jazz history receives the prestigious Mobile Fidelity treatment: mastered from the original master tapes.
Deluxe 180g 45RPM 2LP box set is definitive version: your choice seat to hear the dream team of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and more make history
.

To perform in Carnegie Hall must surely be the greatest ambition of every artist, regardless of his or her style of music. But it also presents an enormous challenge, because on such an evening 'good' isn’t good enough. The artist is not merely expected to perform to his or her usual high standard – the evening must be exceptional. Harry Belafonte, the charismatic and highly experienced performer, certainly managed to fulfil such expectations, as is testified to by the present double album, which has retained its place as a best-seller at the top of the charts over many years.
This performance contains three acts, as it were: Afro-American moods, Caribbean songs and excursions into music of the world. Belafonte is in top form and celebrates an exciting, sparkling festival of song, including spontaneous comic interludes, which arise from direct interaction with his enthralled and enthusiastic audience. He is brilliantly supported by Bob Corman and his 47-man orchestra, an ensemble which is reduced to a small combo when the maestro raises his husky voice. It goes without saying that all the favourites are there such as "Jamaica Farewell", "Day-O" and "Mama Look A Boo Boo", making this Carnegie Hall event one of the most mesmerizing live performances of all time, which captures the essence of the performer in his prime (All Music Guide). With this double album you too can sit in the audience and enjoy this great event.

Recording: April 1959 live at Carnegie Hall, New York, by Bob Simpson
Production: Bob Bollard

This album continued the reinforcement of Coltrane’s importance as a stylist. As in "Coltrane" and "John Coltrane And The Red Garland Trio", his first two albums as a leader for Prestige, the material in "Soultrane" is away from the ordinary. The Red Garland–Paul Chambers–Arthur Taylor rhythm section is a perfect accompanying unit for 'Trane' who, by this time, was acknowledged to be — along with Sonny Rollins — one of the two most influential tenor saxophonists in jazz.
"Soultrane" opens with an exploration at length of "Good Bait", a Tadd Dameron-Count Basie collaboration, first recorded by Dizzy Gillespie in the 1940s. The way Coltrane plays the turns in the melody gives it a slight minuet flavor, complimented by solos by Garland and Chambers in the same, solid groove. "I Want To Talk About You" is a ballad written and originally recorded by Billy Eckstine in the mid-1940s. It’s entirely new to jazz interpretation.
Side Two opens with a Joe Stein-Leo Robin tune, "You Say You Care", never heard before this in a jazz context. Trane makes the most of chord changes in a swinging, medium-up setting. "Theme For Ernie" is a smoldering ballad dedicated by Philadelphian Freddie Lacey to Ernie Henry, the ex-Gillespie alto saxophonist who died suddenly in December 1957. Red begins the final track "Russian Lullaby" with an out-of-tempo introduction before Coltrane comes ripping in. Taking this and Coltrane’s prior interpretation of "Soft Lights And Sweet Music", it seems as though the boys like to play their Irving Berlin at high velocity.
Because of the astounding Coltrane solo works that both precede and follow Soultrane — most notably "Lush Life" and "Blue Train" — All Music Guide says this album has »perhaps not been given the exclusive attention it so deserves«.

Cookin’ is the first of four albums derived from the Miles Davis Quintet’s fabled extended recording session on Octobre 26, 1956; the concept being that the band would document its vast live-performance catalog in a studio environment, rather than preparing all new tracks for its upcoming long-player. The bounty of material in the band’s live sets– as well as the overwhelming conviction in the quintet’s studio sides– would produce the lion’s share of the Cookin’, Relaxin’, Workin’ and Steamin’ albums. As these recordings demonstrate, there is an undeniable telepathic cohesion that allows this band– consisting of Miles Davis (trumpet), John Coltrane (tenor saxophone), Red Garland (piano), Paul Chambers (bass) and Philly Joe Jones (drums)– to work so efficiently both on the stage and the studio. This same unifying force is also undoubtedly responsible for the extrasensory dimensions scattered throughout these recordings. The immediate yet somewhat understated ability of each musician to react with ingenuity and precision is expressed in the consistency and singularity of each solo as it is maintained from one musician to the next without the slightest deviation. « Blues by Five » reveals the exceptional symmetry between Davis and Coltrane that allows them to complete each others’ thoughts musically. Cookin’ features the pairing of « Tune Up / When the Lights Are Low » which is, without a doubt, a highlight no only of this mammoth session, but also the entire tenure of Miles Davis mid-‘50’s quintet. All the éléments converge upon this fundamentally swinging medley. Davis’s pure-toned soloes and the conversational banter that occurs with Coltrane, and later Garland during « When the Lights Are Low », resound as some of these musicians’ finest moments.

This 1957 release, the third in a series of albums expanding on Bird’s 10” Clef releases from the early 1950’s, Now’s The Time boasts some of Parker’s purest recordings and strongest playing, featuring two different quartets. His lyrical and fluid improvisations on cuts like “The Song Is You” and “Laird Baird” are on full display, prime examples of his unmatched genius.



Verve BY Request Series: remastered, audiophile-quality 180-gram vinyl from Third Man Pressing/Detroit, gatefold sleeve.

Hank Mobley with Donald Byrd and Lee Morgan, also known as Hank Mobley Sextet, is an album by American jazz saxophonist Hank Mobley recorded on November 25, 1956 and released on Blue Note the following year. The sextet features trumpeters Donald Byrd and Lee Morgan, backed by rhythm section Horace Silver, Paul Chambers, and Charli Persip.

Limited Clear Vinyl edition, 300 copies! Born in Detroit in 1932 Dorothy Ashby can be easily recognized as the woman who gave the harp a Jazz voice. In her hands, the harp, an originally classical instrument which seemed to just scare people, became a highly versatile swinging voice able to drive a whole jazz rhythm section. Recorded in 1958 by master Rudy Van Gelder and originally released on the Prestige label, Hip Harp is a perfect example of Ashby’s artistry. At the head of a fine quartet featuring the great Frank Wess on flute, Herman Wright on Bass and master Art Taylor on drums, Ashby creates a unique combination of deeply Jazz elements expressed through a totally new sound.

When Billy Eckstine’s band dissolved in the mid-1940s, adventurous drummer Art Blakey spent two years in Africa, where he briefly converted to Islam; back in New York, he gigged with Miles and Monk, before fronting his own Jazz Messengers. 1957’s Orgy In Rhythm drew on the sounds of North Africa and the Middle East, Blakey’s unfettered drumming accompanied by Latin percussionists such as Potato Valdez and Evilio Quintero, with Herbie Mann on flute. The musical arrangement is stunning, at times melodic or primordially rhythmic, but never short of pure brilliance. Overall, an excellent and astounding release!