Speakers Corner HHV Records 86 Items

Release: 2004 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

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LP | 1968 | UK | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Yusef Lateef

The Blue Yusef Lateef

Release: 1968 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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"The Blue Yusef Lateef" - Yusef Lateef (ts, fl, perc, voc); Sonny Red (as); Blue Mitchell (tp); Kenny Burrell (g); Hugh Lawson (p); Buddy Lucas (hca); Cecil McBee, Bob Cranshaw (b); Roy Brooks (dr); strings and vocal group

Yusuf Lateef was a leading representative of world music, long before world music was known as such in the jazz, pop and rock community. He integrated all kinds of oriental instruments in his jazz music, such as the koto, bamboo flute and tambura and also – as in this case – in his blues compositions. His saxophone playing is also flawless too and full of wonderful textures, hard and impulsive at one moment, cool and exotic at the next.
On this album Lateef explores, in a painterly way, the border areas of the blues, in all their various guises and addresses both eastern and western cultures. "Juba Juba" begins with a drumbeat on a slave ship, the tempo builds up slowly and agonizingly, and is only penetrated by Lateef’s plaintive flute and background voices singing »freedom, freedom, freedom«. After such a gloomy beginning the classical blues number "Like It Is" comes over like a breath of fresh air, with its superb string quartet as the foundation. The R&B contributions on the other tracks testify to Lateef’s skilled excursions into the realm of the blues, while the truly adventurous tracks such as "Back Home" and the mystic, Chinese odyssey "Moon Cup" weave a magical net of sheer pleasure. "The Blue Yusef Lateef" is in every possible way absolutely breathtaking. It is a milestone as a jazz album. As a blues album it is quite unique. But as a musical work of art it is a glorious and genial masterpiece.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com.
All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: April 1968 in RCA Studios, New York City by Ray Hall
Production: Joel Dorn

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Andy Bey

Experience And Judgement

The Shape Of Jazz To Come

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Andy Bey was one of the most sought-after vocalists in the era of jazz fusion. Between 1968 and 1973 he was first choice as a studio singer for Max Roach, Duke Pearson, Horace Silver, Gary Bartz and Stanley Clarke, to mention but a few. His warm and engaging baritone voice easily crossed the bridge from conventional blues and gospel to a pugnacious, politicising style of soul – Andy Bey was 'spiritual' in every sense of the word. "Experience And Judgment", his debut album under his own name, was recorded in New York in 1973 and quickly became a cult album. Bey delivers twelve songs in single length, which are full of relaxed, funky grooves, soulful and electrifying, and quite lacking in gimmickry – in many of them a blues number is lurking in the background as a basic idea. His most important colleagues are Wilbur Bascomb, who lets his electric slap bass really thump out, and Bill Fischer who joins in on an electric piano, synthesizer and various other keyboards and really sets off a little fusion firework display. The most powerful numbers come from Andy Bey himself, such as "Experience", "Judgment", "Celestial Blues", "Tune Up" and "Being Uptight" – often powering forwards with a vengeance. Bill Fischer – at that time Artistic Director at Atlantic Records – added a few soul ballads to balance out the LP. This album inspired numerous jazz singers, including Gregory Porter. Jamie Cullum says: »What I love about Andy Bey is that he creates an atmosphere. As soon as he opens his mouth, you’re transported to another place.«

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: July and September 1973 at Regent Sound Studios, New York, by Bob Liftin Production: William S. Fischer

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Ornette Coleman

LP | 1959 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

LP | 1968 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1959 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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It was John Lewis, pianist of the Modern Jazz Quartet, who brought Ornette Coleman to the renowned Atlantic label, having heard him play in Los Angeles. »Ornette Coleman is doing the only really new thing in jazz …« he reportedly said. The present initial Atlantic album was released just in time to coincide with the New York debut of the Coleman Quartet in November 1959. Lewis was sure that Coleman would open up new paths for jazz, and his opinion is reflected in the title of the album – "The Shape Of Jazz To Come". After the rather worn-out hard bop routine of the past years, this music was like a breath of fresh air. The fast numbers ("Eventuality", "Chronology") remind one of wildly hyped-up bebop. Other numbers ("Congeniality", "Focus On Sanity") juggle with catchy, almost folk like short motifs. This album contains two of Coleman’s most beautiful compositions: "Peace" and "Lonely Woman", which was later given lyrics and often heard in its vocal version. The Mulligan-Baker Quartet provided the model for the pianoless quartet – and when the band swings along once in a while with a moderato tempo, it is truly reminiscent of cool jazz. Be that as it may, the two wind instrumentalists just love the frenetic 'cry' and the intentionally 'imprecise' interplay. Clearly defined stanzas or traditional harmonic forms were not for them. The jazz musicologist Peter N. Wilson wrote: »A record, which is not unjustifiably so entitled« about this LP which was given 5 stars by the magazine Rolling Stone.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: May 1959 at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, CA, by Bones Howe Production: Nesuhi Ertegun

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Dr. John

Gris Gris

LP | 1976 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1968 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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His grandmother is purported to have transported objects using her spiritual powers and it is said that she sometimes floated through the room. Her grandson Malcolm Rebenneck was fully aware of his unique features when he appeared under the name of Dr. John, a voodoo healer in the 19th century, and was the first person to transcend from pitch-black spheres to psychedelic music as its high priest, so to speak.
In the seven magical musical numbers of "Gris-gris", the root doctor conjures up a potent mixture of creole melodies, primeval heathen sounds, a pinch of mardi-gras and New Orleans jazz and even undreamt-of sounds. "Gumbo Ya Ya", a dragging procession with archaic sing-song, shows that suggestive Afro sounds are what rule in this album. And to play with them, to soften them here and there, or to enhance them with dance-like expression and voices from afar ("Danse Fambeaux") is all part of the programme in this collection of artistic treasures. In between raspy sounds there are flattering, intimate tones such as the springy, gentle and forward-looking "Croker Courtbullion".
The equation Witchcraft = Masterwork certainly applies to this unrivalled album, which is listed at No. 143 in the 500 Greatest Albums of all Time by the magazine Rolling Stone.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com.
All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: 1967 at Gold Star Studios, Los Angeles
Production: Harold Battiste

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Alice Coltrane

Eternity

LP | 1972 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1976 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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When the brilliant saxophonist John Coltrane died in 1967, the core values of jazz music had long drawn him into the spiritual world ("A Love Supreme", "Ascension", "Meditations" etc.). His widow and final pianist followed in his footsteps. Alice Coltrane (1937–2007) sought after »cosmic sounds, higher dimensions, astral levels« – she had an important influence on the spiritualised, esoteric music scene of the 1970s. Her first album was only released after John Coltrane’s death, but "Eternity" was already her tenth. (In the same year she founded a Hindu Vedantic Center in California.) The album draws its power from highly contrasted sound worlds. The size of the ensemble ranges from an unaccompanied harp solo ("Wisdom Eye") to a large orchestra with a big band of up to 25 plus a 12-man string section. Alice Coltrane’s main instrument is the electric Wurlitzer organ, whose rasping sound conjures up John Coltrane’s saxophone (especially in the opening number "Spiritual Eternal"). Mostly she improvises modally, sinuously, or with meditative ecstasy – whether in the style of Latin rock ("Los Caballos") or quite without a firm tempo ("Morning Worship" with a tamboura accompaniment). Support comes from such renowned musicians as Charlie Haden (bass), Jerome Richardson (saxophone and flute), Hubert Laws (flute) and Ernie Watts (cor anglais). In the number "Om Supreme" Coltrane switches to a gently swinging Fender Rhodes electric piano, which is joined by a six-voice vocal group. A surprising finale to the album is an orchestral adaptation of an excerpt from Stravinsky’s "Le Sacre du printemps". Here the moments of dissonance and free jazz are far from meditative contemplation.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: August and October 1975 at The Burbank Studios, Burbank, CA, and Westlake Audio, Los Angeles, CA, by Baker Bigsby Production: Ed Michael

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Allen Toussaint

Life, Love And Faith

LP | 2012 | EU | Original (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1972 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Allen Toussaint had it all around him – the voices and spirits of black music, rhythm ’n’ blues, funk and soul. He was born in New Orleans and grew up there, the birthplace of jazz. As from 1960, he worked as a record producer and an A&R man at Minit Records, an independent label, which was closely associated with the transformation of the New Orleans Sound. His compositions for fellow musicians landed them in the charts, he frequently participated by performing with them on the piano, and so became a connoisseur and master of all possible sounds. "Life, Love And Faith" marks his launch into his solo career, and quite rightly so. In the songs, Toussaint amalgamates all he had mastered with a rocking R&B, funky rhythms and expressive soul to create his highly personal sound. Although it is a soul album through and through, one has the feeling that one is listening to an album from Reprise’s stable of singers/songwriters – including such artists as Randy Newman, Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat and Joni Mitchell – rather than what usually came out of New Orleans in the early Seventies. And also because "Life, Love And Faith" captures an eccentric genius who pursues his own idiosyncratic vision. It is a structured, multi-layered album, which does not show Toussaint in his purest form, but it is his only album that shows just how widely ranged and profound his many talents were.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: 1972 at Jazz City Studios, New Orleans, by Cosimo Matassa and Skip Godwin Production: Allen Toussaint

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Ann Peebles

Straight From The Heart

Release: 2012 / EU – Original

Genre: Pop

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The Mahavishnu Orchestra

The Inner Mounting Flame

Release: 2008 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1956 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Charles Mingus

Pithecanthropus Erectus

Release: 1956 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1970 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Antonio Carlos Jobim

Stone Flower

LP | 1975 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1970 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Around the year 1970, almost everything appeared to have been said about the style of music over the past two decades, which was a mix of samba and cool jazz. Adventurous musicians such as Luis Bonfa, Baden Powell, Charly Byrd, João and Astrud Gilberto, and the saxophonist Stan Getz lent fire and sentiment to the “new trend”. First and foremost among them was Carlos Antonio Jobim, whose catchy tunes such as the ticking, shuffling song "Desafinado" and the genial "One Note Samba" were heard all over the globe.
That the man from Ipanema still had a lot to say is proved by the present album, which presents Jobim’s creativity at the height of his maturity. Right from the very first number, where Urbie Green on the trombone 'sings' "Tereza My Love" so purely in the top register, it is clear that the late bossa with its typical rhythm is structurally far more refined than the early hot dance numbers. The melodies are woven through, as it were, with shining gold and silver threads of rhythm, and clusters of sound are light and airy. However, here and there, the musicians let their hair down, such as in the Latin classic "Brazil".
With that magician of sound Deodato as arranger and conductor, and Rudy van Gelder as recording engineer, this LP is certainly a Bossa masterpiece. There’s no more to be said!

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Herbie Hancock

Man-Child

Release: 1975 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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A Blow For Me, A Toot For You

Fred Wesley

LP | 1977 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

LP | 1975 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1977 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Thanks to their first-class training in funk and soul while playing in James Brown’s Band, Fred Wesley and Maceo Parker were the obvious choice when it came to participating in George Clinton’s P-Funk empire – the Godfather of Soul had had an enormous influence on Clinton anyway. In 1977, Clinton and Bootsy Collins produced "A Blow For Me, A Toot For You", the début album by Fred Wesley & the Horny Horns – an ensemble with Wesley on the trombone, Parker on the tenor and alto saxophone, as well as Rick Gardner and Richard 'Kush' Griffith on the trumpet. The majority of the numbers are by Clinton and Collins, so it is not really surprising that much of the LP is pure P-Funk. The album begins rather gloomily with a remake of Parliament’s "Up For The Down Stroke", and the influence of Parliament is also unmistakable in the other numbers. With regard to the instrumental numbers, "Four Play" fuses funk and jazz, while Wesley’s atmospheric "Peace Fugue" reflects the CTI sound of the 1970s. Actually "Peace Fugue" is the work which least sounds like Clinton on this LP. "A Blow For Me, A Toot For You" scarcely ranks behind Parliament’s "Mothership Connection" or Funkadelic’s "One Nation Under A Groove" and is certainly more than just a recommendable LP, which every funk lover should get to know.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: 1977 at United Sound Systems, Detroit, by Jim Vitti and Hollywood Sound Recorders, Los Angeles, by Jim Callon Production: George Clinton and Bootsy Collins

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Michael Franks

The Art Of Tea

Don't Turn Me From Your Door

Release: 1975 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Rock & Indie

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Michael Franks is a master of words. Not only did he study American Literature, he is also a song writer and a composer of film music, which he demonstrates in his début album with a major label, where music and language are on a par. Originally a jazz musician, Franks reached out to pop and rock fans with "The Art Of Tea". Sensually inspiring and playful numbers such as "Popsicle Toes" and "Eggplant" are full of crafty wordplay and almost Henry Mancini-like, airy jazz-pop. With a similar approach as Steely Dan, Franks’ singing and songwriting creates the basis for a sound that is founded on the support of top-notch musicians, many of whom are among the finest studio jazz musicians on the scene. The allstars line-up blazes with names such as Dave Sanborn and Michael Brecker on the saxophone. Guitar guru 'Mr. 335' Larry Carlton on the semi-acoustic guitar, Joe Sample at the keyboard, along with Wilton Felder on the bass contribute their Crusaders touch to the recording. Responsible for this impressively meticulous recording is, a.o. chief recording engineer Bruce Botnick, who also expertly taped the Doors and Beach Boys. The present production occupies the highest status in Franks’ discography, and has seldom been surpassed.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: May and June 1975 at Capitol Recording Studios, Los Angeles, by Al Schmitt, Bruce Botnick and Lee Hershberg Production: Tommy LiPuma

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John Lee Hooker

LP | 2020 | EU | Original (Speakers Corner)

Release: 2020 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 2019 | EU | Original (Speakers Corner)

Mahavishnu Orchestra

Birds Of Fire

Release: 2019 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 2012 | EU | Original (Speakers Corner)

Al Green

Call Me

Release: 2012 / EU – Original

Genre: Pop

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LP | 2011 | EU | Original (Speakers Corner)

Johnny Winter

Release: 2011 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

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Bloomfield, Kooper, Stills

Super Session

Release: 2008 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

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The Pious Bird Of Good Omen

Fleetwood Mac

Release: 2007 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

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LP | 1957 | EU | Original (Speakers Corner)

Elvis Presley

Elvis' Christmas Album

Release: 1957 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie, Pop

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The Doobie Brothers

The Captain And Me

Release: 2007 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

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The Alan Parsons Project

Eye In The Sky

Release: 2007 / EU – Original

Genre: Pop

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LP | 2006 | EU | Original (Speakers Corner)

Patti Smith

Horses

Release: 2006 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

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LP | 2005 | EU | Original (Speakers Corner)

Elvis Presley

Elvis Is Back

Release: 2005 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

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LP | 1971 | UK | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Dr. John

Sun, Moon & Herbs

LP | 1972 | UK | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1971 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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"The Sun, Moon & Herbs" - Dr. John (voc, p, org, vib, perc); Tommy Ferrone, Eric Clapton (g); Bobby Keys (sax); Ed Hoerner, Jim Price (tp); Ken Terroade (fl); Walter Davis (p); Ronnie Barron (org); Jesse Boyce (b); John Boudreaux (dr); The Memphis Horns & backing vocals; a.o.
"The Sun, Moon & Herbs" was originally conceived as a triple album, but it was fragmented, stripped down and put together again to form the present single-disc LP. And although Dr. John never liked this version much, it is proof of the theory 'less is more'. None of the seven tracks are suitable for broadcasting on the radio and the spells that Dr. John and his companions weave are dark and swampy. "Black John The Conqueror" has its origins in ancient Cajun folklore, which the good Dr. modernised and gave a beat. The swampy "Craney Crow" is the younger sibling of his earlier "Walk On Guilded Splinters" and has a similar effect on the listener. "Pots On Fiyo (Filé Gumbo)" combines Latin-American rhythms with a wealth of Cajun chants and spells. The vocals are almost unfathomable and serve rather more as an additional musical instrument in the mix. "Zu Zu Zu Mamou" is so tightly knitted that one can almost cut through the music with a knife; the mood here takes on a quite different meaning. "The Sun, Moon & Herbs" is best heard on a hot sultry night where thunder rolls in the distance like jungle drums. Dr. John certainly had something specific in mind, but it is up to the listener to find out just what it was.

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Carly Simon

No Secrets

2LP | 1976 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1972 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Pop

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Carly Simon’s unquestionably best album, "No Secrets", was also her commercial breakthrough. It topped the Billboard charts for over five weeks, thus quickly gaining gold status, as did the single release of "You’re So Vain". This song determined the album’s flippant tone, with its sexually unashamed autobiography (»You had me several years ago/When I was still quite naïve«) and its observations on the lifestyle of the jet set. But Simon’s sincerity also meant that her lyricism was double-edged. Now that she thinks she has found true love, she expresses her joy over her relationship to James Taylor with "The Right Thing To Do", another top ten hit. On the other hand she was just as willing to recognize her own mistakes and regretted pointing her finger at other people. It was not just Simon’s frankness that made the album a success, but also Richard Perry’s simple, elegant pop-rock production, which lent Simon’s music a vitality it never known before. Perry was mindful in particular of Simon’s vocals, making them more perceptive and stirring than in her other productions. And of course her fellow musicians, such as Paul and Linda McCartney, Mick Jagger, Klaus Voormann, Lowell George, Bobby Keys, Jim Keltner as well as her ex-husband James Taylor all contributed to the success of the album, which was awarded official platinum status by the Recording Industry Association of America.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head.
Recording: September - October 1972 at Trident Studios, London, by Robin Geoffrey Cable

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Charles Mingus

Mingus At Antibes

57,99 €*

LP | 1982 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1976 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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You can be sure that jazz fans in the year 1960 were unfamiliar with Charles Mingus’s LPs "Blues And Roots" or "Mingus Ah-Um" when they poured into the Pinède Gould Arena at the Antibes Jazz Festival held in Juan-les-Pins, France on 13 July. At any rate, as can be seen in a short video clip, all the seats were occupied. In addition, a really good trumpeter was there, whose name would later resound throughout Europe: Ted Curson. What is more, the legendary Bud Powell, who lived in France, was invited as a special guest for one number that required a pianist.
The Jazz Workshop – which was how Mingus called his working ensemble – presented repertoire that was familiar to all the musicians: "Better Git It In Your Soul", "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting" and Dolphy’s wonderful solo on the bass clarinet in "What Love?". Besides this there was "Cry For Freedom" as "Prayer For Passive Resistance" was also named, and "Folk Forms", also known as "Ummh". As a mark of respect towards the guest musician, it was decided to perform the evergreen "I’ll Remember April", with Powell’s improvisation being applauded enthusiastically by the audience.
Charles Mingus was to play in numerous concerts in the 60s and 70s; he recorded more than two-dozen official LPs, accused several concert organizers and tour managers of extortionate robbery, and trampled on illegal recording tapes. But the present live recording was made by the ORTF and released officially later by Atlantic Records. It is now re-released after many years and is a rare document in the annals of music history.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com.
All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: July 1960 live at the Antibes Jazz Festival, Juan-les-Pins, France, by Dannie Richmond
Production: Neshui Ertegun

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Toto

LP | 1966 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1982 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Rock & Indie

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Anyone who gives the dull name “Four” to their rock album must either be very sure of success or already have resigned. The group Toto may well have experienced such extremes as there was an enormous cleft between their amazing financial success and the crushing negative opinions voiced by the critics. Billboard criticised the superficial lyrics as being void of any sort of emotional weight while the Los Angeles Times aimed their fire at the musicians themselves, slamming them as dubious artists with a commercialised mentality.
To this Toto struck back with their fourth album, which was an unparalleled success and brought them six Grammy awards. For a whole ten months "Africa" reigned at Number 1 on the charts and together with the super-hit "Rosanna" the two smash hits were a constant presence, backed up by a collection of impressive rock classics. A trip to the record shop is all that is needed to prove that this is unlikely to change in the near future. The bright red cover with its depiction of a sword will catch your eye, as though saying: It’s got to be the Fourth!

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com.
All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

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Paul Desmond

Easy Living

John Barry & His Orchestra

Release: 1966 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Why should you buy this LP? 1. Because of its super sound? Of course! 2. Because Paul Desmond and Jim Hall are playing? Naturally! 3. For "Easy Living"? Surely one of the best numbers in one of the most multifaceted versions! 4. Because you missed out on the first release in 1966? Well, don’t make the same mistake in 2018!
Not everyone wants to purchase all Victor recordings by Paul Desmond and Jim Hall with umpteen alternate takes in a voluminous CD Box, to listen to it all, and to find it just wonderful to show off on the record shelf. The eight numbers on "Easy Living" constitute the height of Desmond’s career anyway after he had at last managed to take his leave from Dave Brubeck’s group. And the change from purely chordal playing and single notes from Jim Hall is more airy and more inspiring than the meaty piano clusters of his former boss. And don’t forget either that half of the Modern Jazz Quartet, namely the bassist Percy Heath and the drummer Connie Kay, deliver an exquisite skeletal structure over which the musicians can improvise brilliantly.
LPs are, and remain, unbeatable, both as regards sound and feel. And happily they are also a safe investment – maybe not all, but "Easy Living" with Paul Desmond and Jim Hall most definitely!

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com.
All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: June 1963, July and September 1964, June 1965 at RCA Studio, New York City
Production: George Avakian

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Great Movie Sounds Of John Barry

LP | 1966 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1966 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Soundtracks

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LP | 1964 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Miles Davis

Miles In Berlin

LP | 1972 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1964 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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It's 1964 and the first Berlin Jazz Festival is about to reach its absolute peak: the final concert on the night of Friday, 25th September by Miles Davis. And the European subsidiary of Columbia Records, CBS, couldn’t wait to release this legendary event on LP.
The new quintet, for the first time with Wayne Shorter on the tenor sax (and not yet as composer), thrilled and roused the audience in the Philharmonie from the first minute to the very end. The classics "Miles(tones)", "So What" and "Walkin’" were performed at an astonishingly fast pace, the ballads were tender and dreamy. Such a magical atmosphere was rarely evoked at later concerts, which was probably due to the excellent acoustics of the large concert hall. The audience were also seated behind the stage, so Miles couldn't turn his back provokingly on people; sometimes he just squatted on the stage. However, this didn’t prevent him from performing his solos lyrically and tenderly, most of them finely nuanced, soft and gentle, yet audible right into the furthest corner. The rhythmic structure created by the young drummer Anthony Williams provided the necessary excitement.
Miles at the top of his form, an enthusiastic audience, impressive acoustics and, to top it all, excellent recording technology and a fantastic pressing on virgin vinyl - what more does a jazz fan want? Now’s the time to dig out your credit card!

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

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Herbie Hancock

Crossings

LP | 1967 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1972 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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In the 1970s, Herbie Hancock’s "Crossings" was to be found on every IKEA record shelf in the student pads of jazz-fusion fans. The cover, with its psychedelic touch, also contributed significantly to its popularity – although it was unclear where the crossing was going to take us …
Nevertheless, the excellent trumpeter Eddie Henderson – often underestimated as an improviser and composer, and Benny Maupin – who like Hancock had grown up under Miles Davis’s wing, present a wide range of sound-generating instruments – as was all the rage in those days. Synthesizer and Mellotron (a polyphonic tape replay keyboard and as such practically the prototype of the sampler) were permanent members of the group – and even produce here melodic arches of sound! Whether Bennie Maupin’s "Quasar" launches the group and us into extraterrestrial territory (as stated in one review) is a moot point.
This LP is a contemporary historical document, though it certainly doesn’t sound antiquated. That’s why younger listeners too will find pleasure in this experiment from the previous millennium.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: February 1972 at Pacific Recording Studios, San Mateo, CA., by Patrick Gleason
Production: David Rubinson

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Freddie Hubbard

Backlash

LP | 1971 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1967 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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After his great success as a new discovery through playing on tour and in the studio with Art Blakey’s creative and inspirational group, the Jazz Messengers, Freddie Hubbard made a dozen LPs over 16 years for Blue Note and Impulse under his own direction.
It was no wonder then that a big record company made him a lucrative offer in autumn 1966. All in all, Atlantic Records released six LPs and the very first, entitled "Backlash", is still until today the best of the bunch.
Three numbers by Freddie Hubbard, one by Bob Cunningham, and two by friends, provide the basis for a successful transition between hard bop and soul beat. Hubbard made high demands on his fellow musicians James Spaulding, Albert Dailey and especially the bass player Bob Cunningham and the drummer Ray Appleton because they had to cope with the ever-changing beat. Right from the very first note, it is obvious that Freddie Hubbard had Fats Navarro and Clifford Brown in his heart and fingers. All the titles are excellent. Of special note, however, is "Little Sunflower". The sound colouring of the flute harmonizes particularly well with Hubbard’s brass, and Ray Barretto’s contribution is more than mere decoration. You’re certainly on the right track with this LP, no matter whether it’s the beginning of a Freddie Hubbard collection or a further contribution to a large jazz collection.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: 1967 by Tom Dowd, Phil Jehle and Adrian Barber
Production: Arif Mardin

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Bill Evans

The Bill Evans Album

Release: 1971 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The global corporation Columbia recorded and released only two LPs with pianist Bill Evans. A meagre result when one considers the numerous concerts that the new trio undertook between 1969 and 1974. Together with Eddie Gomez, a phenomenon on the bass, and drummer Marty Mortell, the three established a firm – and ever better – trio. Evans became interested in the possibilities offered by the Fender Rhodes piano and used it for the first time in "The Bill Evans Album".
The LP is remarkable in that only Evans’s own compositions were recorded – three previously recorded pieces and four brand-new works. Of particular note is the melancholy "Two Lonely People", Evans’s musical interpretation of a poem by Carol Hall. "Sugar Plum" and "T.T.T." were to remain in his repertoire right up until his very last recordings. Unusual but very commendable because it begins with an ad hoc introductory improvisation is the electric piano version of Evans’s most well-known composition – "Waltz For Debby".
The excellent technical facilities at the Columbia Studio were used to the full by Bill Evans, even though they were only recording a small ensemble. And that is why the seven numbers sound far better than most of the trio’s live recordings. And as Bill Evans once said, it was with this trio that he could fulfil his musical ambitions.

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Santana

Borboletta

37,99 €*

Rhapsody In Blue, An American In Paris

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Rock & Indie

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After some hot live performances and subversive jaunts made in the aftershock of Woodstock, Santana and his band entered the calm atmosphere of the recording studio to make their sixth album. Taking a look at the blue butterfly on the LP cover, it wasn’t surprising that purist Santana fans scented that the music in this particular garden would be more gentle and cultivated than the previous hard-rock sound. But one thing after another: in attune with semi natural sounds, the 'Canto De Los Flores' swings along to dabbed figures on the Rhodes piano and waves of multi-cultural drumming.
The drama continues with "Life Is Anew" – a powerfully arranged ballad, followed by a highly emotional rock number ("Give And Take"). This takes us to where Santana feels most at home – "Promise Of A Fisherman" with its velvety, wonderfully expansive guitar sound. By now, at the latest, the listener joins the sensitive outdoorsman on his chase after the butterfly named "Boborletta" with a wealth of gorgeous sounds. Don’t hesitate to capture this rare specimen for your collection!

Recording: 1974 by Glen Kolotkin
Production: Carlos Santana, Michael Shrieve & Tom Coster

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George Gershwin

LP | 1959 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

37,99 €*

2LP | 1963 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1959 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Classical Music

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This fast and furious orchestral work with piano, which begins with what must surely be the most famous clarinet glissando of modern times, was composed with the intention of presenting as many facets as possible of music from the New World in the short space of around 15 minutes. In his "Rhapsody In Blue" Gershwin wanted to »paint a musical kaleidoscope of America – our enormous melting pot, our typical national traits, our blues, our seething city life«. With this in mind, Leonard Bernstein made a number of recordings of the work and among the many excellent recordings that he made as a conductor or as a soloist, this present version with the Columbia Orchestra, from 1959, is especially of note. Bernstein takes on a double function as conductor and soloist and manoeuvres his way safely and surely through the highly diversified score to create a well-rounded picture filled with hefty orchestral dynamics and finely chiselled solo playing. In Gershwin’s freely composed work the soloist and orchestra do not resort to bombastic shock effects or egomaniac keyboard acrobatics, and so this the work can be described as rhapsodic in the very best sense of the word.
Most fittingly, on the B side there is another freely composed work – the autobiographical sketch entitled An American In Paris. The superb New York musicians paint the impressions of a visitor to the hectic French capital city – that too is the sound of America.

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The Dave Brubeck Quartet

At Carnegie Hall

61,99 €*

Release: 1963 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1971 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Bill Withers

Just as i am

Strauss/ George Szell/ Cleveland Orchestra

Release: 1971 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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180 gram high quality pressing vinyl!

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Symphonia Domestica

LP | US (Speakers Corner)

41,99 €*

2LP | 2023 | UK | Original (Speakers Corner)

Release: US

Genre: Organic Grooves

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180g

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Tchaikovsky

Swan Lake

76,99 €*

Release: 2023 / UK – Original

Genre: Classical Music

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Charlie Mingus

Oh Yeah

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Commenting on this album in 1962, Billboard magazine wrote: »He seems to be everywhere, everywhere that is but on his usual instrument«. Charles Mingus, one of the most impressive musicians in the history of jazz, doesn’t play a single note on the bass for a change, but leads the band from his (blues-)piano – the instrument that he always used for composing. He hits the keys, he sings the blues, he shouts and he encourages – apparently Mingus really found the need to express himself loudly in this album. (Doug Watkins stood in for him on the contrabass.) "Oh Yeah" is definitely Mingus’s most powerful and passionate album. He calls on two hot, intensive saxophonists – Roland Kirk and Booker Ervin – as well as Jimmy Knepper on the trombone. Kirk is the main soloist, but all three wind-players deliver expressive improvisations, carrying out a non-stop dialogue with one another, and pushing one other to achieve maximum energy. The music is wild and ecstatic, but it’s not free jazz, remaining – as it does – grounded in blues and gospel. "Hog Callin’ Blues" is an enthralling shuffle with a wealth of riffs, "Devil Woman" a clever slow blues with inventive wind figures. "Ecclusiastics", with its constant change of rhythm and expression alternating between gospel and blues has the most complex form. Blues has always been a part of a black church service, said Mingus. "Eat That Chicken" (a homage to Fats Waller and his favourite food) even plays around with an old-time, Dixie feeling. Humour is never far away. Even in the atomic bomb song (this too, a sort of churchy blues) one hears the words: »Don’t let ’em drop it! Stop it! Be-bop it!«

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: November 1961 at Atlantic Studios, New York City, by Tom Dowd and Phil Iehle Production: Nesuhi Ertegun

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Billy Cobham

Total Eclipse

Delaney & Bonnie & Friends With Eric Clapton

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Ever since his time with John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra (1971–1973), the drummer Billy Cobham is one of electric fusion jazz’s greatest heroes. "Total Eclipse" was the third album he made as a leader within just a few months, and here again he composed all the numbers himself. In the opening 'suite' entitled "Solarization" (eleven minutes long) he already shows his broad and certainly refined stylistic spectrum. Cobham’s music leaps from high-energy jazz-rock with wild guitar and thundering volleys on the drums to highly original improvisations on the piano and winds. Smooth electric Latin grooves and gripping funky numbers are not missing either. Cobham’s handpicked band is bursting with virtuosos. A look at the names of the three-man wind section proves the point: Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Glenn Ferris are highlights in themselves. And the then 30-year-old band leader himself was the non plus ultra when it came to jazz-rock drumming technique – his amazingly rapid drum volleys are just as sensational today as they were then. With this album this exceptional drummer will thrill all fans of first-class fusion sound similar to Weather Report or Return To Forever.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: 1974 Atlantic Recording Studios and at Electric Lady Studios, New York, N.Y. by Ken Scott Production: Billy Cobham & Ken Scott

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On Tour

LP | 2020 | EU | Original (Speakers Corner)

Release: 2020 / EU – Original

Genre: Pop

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Les McCann & Eddie Harris

Swiss Movement

LP | 2018 | EU | Original (Speakers Corner)

Release: 2018 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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OST Breakfast At Tiffany's

Henry Mancini

LP | 2011 | EU | Original (Speakers Corner)

Release: 2011 / EU – Original

Genre: Soundtracks

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Santana

Caravanserai

Release: 2008 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

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Johnny Cash At San Quentin

Release: 2008 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

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Child Is Father To The Man

Blood, Sweat And Tears

Release: 2007 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

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LP | 2003 | EU | Original (Speakers Corner)

Elvis Presley

From Elvis In Memphis

Release: 2003 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

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LP | 1972 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Buddy Guy & Junior Wells

Play The Blues

The Butterfield Blues Band

Release: 1972 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The blues is perhaps one of the most private things from which a human being can suffer. However, to play the blues, and thus to express a man’s innermost feelings and state of mind, is probably the most important task of black music. With Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, we have two disciples from the world of the blues who express their highly personal blues with profound instrumental proficiency. The enormously talented, self-taught guitarist Buddy Guy was ranked 23rd in Rolling Stones magazine’s list “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time”, and several times he was awarded one of the coveted Grammy awards. Junior Wells entered Muddy Waters’ 'academy' at the tender age of 18 and played the blues harp with enormous passion and virtuosity. In this recording, the musicians condense their rock playing over a bone-dry bass line to create a mantra-like funky style ("A Man Of Many Words"), passing on with fleet-footed steps to a slender chirping sound on the mandolin with a 12-bar blues construction and creating an earthy groove ("T-Bone Shuffle"). Then the duo works perseveringly on an unrelenting chord ("A Poor Man’s Plea"), only to return to two numbers that pulsate forcefully with a snappy and jagged offbeat ("This Old Fool"). The handpicked band, among them being co-producer Eric Clapton who is eternalized on the rhythm and bottleneck guitar, and the voodoo rocker Dr. John who occasionally contributes his magic on the keyboard, make this album a truly collectible sound experience.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: October 1970 at Criteria Studios, Miami (fl), by Ron Albert and April 1972 at Intermedia Studios, Boston (ma), by Richard Oulleppe Production: Ahmet Ertegun, Eric Clapton, Michael Cuscuna, Tom Dowd

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East-West

LP | 1966 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

LP | 1980 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1966 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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In 1965, just one year after Paul Butterfield had formed his blues band – named after himself - and launched one of the very best groups among the white Chicago blues community, the band produced this dynamic and visionary album. The group presents a wide range of contrasting numbers, both eastern and western, which reflect the LP’s title – something totally new and innovative. In the first few titles, traditional standard numbers come over rather enigmatically while supporting original and rhythmic compactness, but this soon gives over to a tactically well-formed instrumentation and lengthy solo interludes. The all-embracing motto 'blues' is taken up by the band in Nat Adderley’s "Work Song" at the very latest, with mind-expanding ways of playing and varying sounds. Catapulted by Mike Bloomfield’s artistry on the guitar into the world of rock, all the musicians celebrate these well-known jazz standards and each man contributes his personal skill into forging a perfectly balanced team effort. The title number "East-West" ultimately demolishes the world of the blues. In the tonal mixture of confidently prepared rock ingredients and borrowings from Indian music (raga rock), we have an amalgamation of rock, blues, jazz and oriental melodies which result in an emotional, unheard-of sound that is well worth the hearing.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: July 1966 at Chess Studios, Chicago (il), by Jac Holzman Production: Barry Friedman, Mark Abramson, Paul Rothchild

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Warren Zevon

Stand In The Fire

LP | 1978 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1980 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Rock & Indie

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Warren Zevon had toured for quite some time as a songwriter in the rock scene, released a few singles and landed a flop with his debut LP in 1969 before the tide finally turned. Roughly ten years later, his live album – put together from a five-day residency at the Roxy Theater in West Hollywood – entered the annals of vinyl history as one of the best live albums of all time and was awarded four stars by the magazine Rolling Stone. Ambiguously entitled by the comprehensively educated Zevon, who had been confronted with the tough side of show business, "Stand In The Fire" delivers genial simple pure and straightforward rock right from the start, which hit the public with a vengeance. Full of vim and elation, the band pours out the significant, biting verses with fire ("Jeannie Needs A Shooter") and fuels the emotional inferno with high-speed bursts of rock ("Excitable Boy"). Zevon proves his skills as a singer and songwriter in the ballad-like yet powerful "Mohammed’s Radio". In a direct comparison to this number we have the forthright, no-nonsense hit "Werewolves Of London" with its close harmonies. Just how Zevon manages to succeed in getting his delicate voice and lyrics over to the public is shown in the powerful mix of heavy and honky-tonk ("I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead") and finally in the thunderous final number – "Bo Didley’s A Gunslinger" – with its percussive and metrically complicated antiphony.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com.
All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: August 1980 live at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, CA., by Billy Youdelman and Greg Ladanyi
Production: Greg Ladanyi & Warren Zevon

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The Doobie Brothers

Minute By Minute

LP | 1978 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Rock & Indie

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How the Doobie Brothers came to form a “family” is not only a fateful event but also a good story. While getting high on a marihuana joint (or doobie) that was passed from one to the other in a practice room, one of the group apparently uttered the following momentous words: »We are all Doobie brothers«. Later, when in possession of all his faculties, the co-founder of the group, Tom Johnston, was thinking along the lines of a Motown sound, with a bass line resembling that of Seals and Crofts, and vocals in the style of Stevie Wonder. That "Minute By Minute", the first album to appear in the post-Johnston era, so perfectly reflects the mature style of the group is mostly thanks to the two experienced former Steely Dan musicians Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and singer Michael McDonald.
Subtle, gently electrified groove epitomizes the main focus of this album. Its laid back, colourful and glittering sounds are rounded out with powerful rhythms and warm sounds ("What A Fool Believes"). Solo vocals are layered over rolling chords on the piano, a snappy bass and a multi-voiced background to create an appealing harmony ("Here To Love You"). Perfectly tempered and accomplished solos from the lead guitar and saxophone are welcome extras that never drown out the impressive leader of the group. So much brotherliness on a record certainly deserved to be recognized with three Platinum Records and a Grammy Award.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com.
All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: 1978 at Warner Bros.-Studios, North Hollywood, by Donn Landee and Loyd Clifft
Production: Ted Templeman

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Ry Cooder

Jazz

The Charles Lloyd Quartet

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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When someone such as Ry Cooder, who delved deeply into traditional sources, just names his LP "Jazz", it is unlikely that one will hear avant-garde music. Actually, in the numbers gathered together here the investigative guitar man dedicated himself more or less to almost forgotten music. Historically informed, yet not adhering to the original instrumental ensemble, this ostensibly antiquated music enjoys a brilliant renaissance. Just like in an album of charming black and white photographs, the old-fashioned style shines out brightly, such as in "Big Band Bill", which (hardly by accident) is modelled on the jaunty swing of Django Reinhard, but does not imitate him. Cooder’s slightly acidic-sounding guitar mixes homogeneously with the delightfully rustic sound of the tuba and a bluegrass mandolin ("Face To Face…"). The typical Caribbean rattle of the marimba enters into a pleasant dialogue with the warped sound of the slide guitar. Folksy bliss in three-four time ("Happy Meeting In Glory") stands confidently on a par with the merry, self-willed saxophone ("In A Mist") and with the poetic, dreamy and meditative guitar ("Flashes"). And just listen to how the classic number "Davenport Blues" – with its emphasis on the woodwinds – grooves along with the vibraphone and tingly inner parts. This sound is both filled with the spirit of Bix Beiderbecke and, based loosely on Mingus, will sooth the Jelly Roll Morton-soul of its fans.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com.
All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: 1977 at Amigo Studios, North Hollywood, by Lee Herschberg & Douglas Decker
Production: Ry Cooder & Joseph Byrd

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The Flowering

LP | 1971 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

31,34 €* 32,99 € -5%

Release: 1971 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1967 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Elvin Jones

Midnight Walk

Release: 1967 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Simon & Garfunkel, Dave Grusin

OST The Graduate: The Original Sound Track Recording Limited 180g Audiophile Edition

LP | 1968 | US | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1968 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1956 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Mit Jackson

Ballads & Blues

The Max Roach Trio Feat. The Legendary Hasaan

Release: 1956 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Whenever Milt Jackson could free himself from the 'bondage' of the Modern Jazz Quartet and its assertive leader John Lewis, he dedicated himself to his two great passions: ballads and the blues. That was precisely the case when he entered the famous Rudy van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, New Jersey, USA in 1956. He was free to choose his sidemen, and money was no object, which is why various formations gathered in the studio for the three recording sessions. With Lucky Thompson on the tenor sax (unfortunately for only three numbers), Barry Galbraith, Barney Kessel or Skeeter Best on the guitar, Oscar Pettiford or Percy Heath on the bass, together with Kenny Clarke or Lawrence Marable on the drums, he set off on a journey through the history of jazz. John Lewis stayed unobtrusively in the background and offered 'Bags' (as Milt was known) plenty of opportunities to glory in soloistic freedom.
The themes were soon found: the musical composers Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern, as well as a work from The Duke Ellington Songbook, formed a basis upon which all the musicians could perform with confidence. Three compositions by Milt Jackson himself proved that he too was full of imagination.
If you don’t possess this LP – or maybe none by Milt Jackson – here is an opportunity to remedy this shortcoming. The present author would award this recording 5 out of 5 possible stars!

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com.
All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

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The Max Roach Trio

LP | 1965 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

LP | 1962 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1965 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Hardly any other musician has released so little as Hasaan Ibn Ali, born William Henry Langford Jr., in 1931, who died in 1980. Just seven titles in all are his complete output, all of which he composed himself, all of them on the present Atlantic LP, and all recorded in December 1964. The saxophonist Odean Pope, who often practised with him, talks of a second recording session in 1965 for Atlantic, but the recordings were never released because Hasaan was sent to jail shortly afterwards; rumour has it that the tapes were destroyed in a fire – and it might well be that recordings with John Coltrane still exist somewhere or other.
Until then, one should enjoy the Max Roach Trio with Art Davis on the bass to the full. We have here a recording that will astound and fascinate your ears with its originality. A first impression conjures up reminiscences of Cecil Taylor and Herbie Nichols, while Hasaan himself talks of the pianist Elmo Hope as the man who brought him closer to the 'mystery of music'. When asked how the recording session with maestro Max Roach went, Hasaan said: »They scared me to death.«
According to Odean Pope, Hasaan was not an easy person to get on with, and he was convinced of his talent to the point of arrogance. But despite this – or perhaps because of this – one listens spellbound to the 40 minutes on this LP, a legacy and never-fulfilled promise of an extremely talented man. We are indebted to Max Roach, who persuaded the bosses of Atlantic Records to make these recordings. For many, many years they had vanished from the record market, but fortunately they are now available as an audiophile re-release to be listened to and admired.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com.
All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

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Herbie Mann

At The Village Gate

Lee Konitz With Warne Marsh

Release: 1962 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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"Comin’ Home Baby" – that’s how the LP begins and that’s what catapulted it right into the charts. Not to one of the top places, but from this time on Herbie Mann was one of the superstars in Atlantic’s collection of jazz musicians. He was known as 'our man with the flute', and the critics in the early Sixties were full of praise for him. He became even more famous, and probably richer, through soundtracks and later on sometimes rather commercialised productions. Well, good for him. 'The Man' serves up jazz pure on this recording, made live at the legendary Village Gate club, which is no wonder considering the rhythm group that includes Ahmad Abdul-Malik and Rudy Collins. The composer of "Comin’ Home Baby", Ben Tucker, also makes an appearance as a guest soloist before the two Gershwin numbers from "Porgy And Bess" offer a wealth of rhythm pure. On the cover text of the LP, Willis Conover, who hosted the Newport Jazz Festival as a sideline (older jazz fans will know his baritone voice from AFN broadcasts), describes in detail the ethnic background of the musicians who come from all over the world – from Romania to Puerto Rico. The three numbers are by no means commonplace. Perhaps a tasty flute cocktail would be a good description. This true rarity from Atlantic’s treasure trove in the early Sixties has long been marked down on the wish list of many fans and at long last it’s available again.

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LP | 1955 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

LP | 1977 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1955 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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What a great rhythm group! A dream comes true: Oscar Pettiford and Kenny Clarke – and then Billy Bauer on the guitar and alternately Ronnie Ball (UK) or Sal Mosca (USA) on the piano. No wonder that things really take off when these masters of improvisation from the Lennie Tristano school get going.
In June 1955, in the Atlantic studio, standards provided the starting base for the long and wonderfully sophisticated improvisations by Lee Konitz and Wayne Marsh, who were at that time pupils of the great Chicago maestro. Although the numbers are declared as own compositions, such as "Background Music" and "Ronnie’s Line", they are actually none other than adaptations of "All Of Me" or "That Old Feeling" – but at the very highest level. Lee Konitz always called this 'The Twelfth Step'. The repertoire is enriched by seldom-heard compositions by the great Oscar Pettiford. 'Time-keeping' – a neologism of prime importance for jazz musicians – is the most important element in "Donna Lee" and "There Will Never Be Another You" – and there is no better drummer for this music than Kenny 'Klook' Clarke, who lived in those days in the USA before moving to Paris in 1956 where there was no racial discrimination.
Of course, you can buy these recordings on various digital discs. But that can’t be compared to a superb black disc and a cover with lines notes by the famous Barry Ulanov.

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Little Feat

Time Loves A Hero

LP | 1975 | US | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1977 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Rock & Indie

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There are many dreamed-of and a number of dreamy records which reflect the American idea of freedom from a musical point of view. One of these was presented by frontman Lowell George and his superb group Little Feat in what the musical experts praised as a »symbiosis of anarchistic primitive folklore and rock finesse« (rororo Rocklexikon). The high standard which the musicians maintain over the two sides of the LP is established with "Hi Roller", a funky, energetic opening number. The multi-part title number "Times Loves A Hero" follows on with a more subdued tempo but with great dive and sophisticated percussion, which proves itself to be the most important element and governs the whole album.
Little Feat conjures with traditional forms, gets you on the dance floor with "Old Folks Boogie" and serves up a tasty mixture of honky-tonk and blues, which is refined with powerful guitar solos.
Just like a picture puzzle, rhythmic figures and figurettes dart hither and thither out of the background of this handcrafted and stalwart filigree rock ("Red Streamliner", "Keepin‘ Up With The Joneses"). But simplicity and softness is also possible: The message in "Missin‘ You" needs nothing more than chords on the acoustic guitar and men’s voices with a southern sound.

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Vangelis

Heaven And Hell

LP | 1978 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1975 / US – Reissue

Genre: Electronic & Dance

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Technical innovations in musical instruments and the development of tonal language have been continual subjects for deliberation from the 19th century onwards at the latest. Additional brain power is necessary to conciliate the two elements with the endless possibilities of electronic sound. In the end, the two factions cannot resolve on a conclusive opinion and the question remains as to whether art always results from skill.
Evángelos Odysséas Papathanassíou, or Vangelis for short, always worked with the newest synthesizer equipment and pushed his cascades of sound to the very edge, right up to the point of electronic overkill. In contrast to many other electronics experimentalists of his time, Vangelis likes to »create important melodies and to develop them further, without going under in the technical equipment« (Stereo Review). Distant human voices, siren-like lost calls lead into oriental dance. A song – far removed from its era – somewhere between Gregorian music and antiphony – a will-o‘-the-wisp, shimmering sound. Polyphonic playing on the Bösendorfer reminds one that every form of musical expression from over the sands of time is welcome. Each listener must discover for himself what sounds heavenly or hellish. But let it be said: musically speaking, the one cannot be imagined without the other.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com.
All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: September 1975 at Nemo Studios, London, by Alan Lucas
Production: Vangelis

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Al Di Meola

Casino

Freddie Hubbard & Stanley Turrentien

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Master of the strings, Al Di Meola, who turn his back on over-ambitious manual dexterity as in "Elegant Gypsy" to concentrate more on musical substance, demonstrates his intensive work with the material in the follow-up album "Casino". For example in "Egyptian Danza", an amalgamation of melodies which circle around one another and evoke with light electronics the contrasting worlds of the Orient, Occident and New World. A far sharper sound is conjured up in "Chasin‘ The Voodoo", which escalates to an extremely tightly-knit continuous fire, infused with the maestro‘s familiar guitar sound. Di Meola - with himself alone - combines the idea of multiple rhythms and parts: In the "Fantasia Suite For Two Guitars", four miniatures with percussive zapateado and whirling flamenco, he accompanies himself thanks to multi-tracking. All great stuff, but the best comes last: in the lengthy title number "Casino" all powers come together to create a magnificent performance with varying tempos, layered patterns, deceptive metrical changes and, of course, guitar playing of the highest order.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under www.pure-analogue.com.
All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: May - September 1977 at Electric Lady Studios, New York, by Dave Palmer
Production: Al Di Meola

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In Concert

2LP | 1976 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

61,99 €*

Release: 1976 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1968 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Lalo Schifrin

OST Bullitt

LP | 1956 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1968 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Soundtracks

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A high-speed car chase between a Dodge Charger and a Ford Mustang, with super-cop Bullitt at the wheel, who forces the hitman off the road and into a petrol station, which explodes and incinerates him. Prior to that, harsh clashes of metal, hubcaps flying all over the place, and the chief character Steve McQueen, who grimly changes gears and hurtles through the streets of San Francisco, wheels screaming and rubber burning. That was how Hollywood staged one of the longest and most dramatic car chases, long before the days of the Anti-Blocking-System and Anti-Slide-Control.
Very up-to-date and just as exciting as the screenplay is the music Lalo Schifrin wrote for the film, which embeds the characters, places and events in a musical context. For example, "Bullitt": the metrically angular main theme portrays a mysterious, cool character who sums up a situation with keen alertness and then makes his attack with the speed of lightning.
Initially the music travels through easy-going Latin terrain. But gradually the rhythmic texture changes and takes a rougher path, with clicks, knocks and hammering. Legendary flute lines create a compensatory placidness with airy clouds floating above the sharp mix. A really special track is "Shifting Gears": here you can listen to Schifrin tuning the car, how he manipulates a jammed springy bossa to take on the sound of clean, smooth-running rock.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

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The Modern Jazz Quartet

Fontessa

32,39 €* 35,99 € -10%

LP | 1957 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1956 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The famous critic and jazz expert Ralph J. Gleason quite rightly mentioned two highly distinctive men in his liner notes – John Donne and Pablo Picasso. Almost four hundred years and a great deal of seawater separate the two exceptional artists from England and Spain. Nevertheless the four black US-Americans who make up the Modern Jazz Quartet bridge the gap between time and continents effortlessly.
And what’s more, blues is also to be heard – and bebop! And evergreens from the Broadway shows of the Thirties too!
In contrast to some of the other rather more dawdling and laid-back MJQ LPs, "Fontessa" offers diversified and intense music. Nothing is routine, perhaps because the drummer Connie Kay had replaced Kenny Clark just one year previously. But maybe too because Milt Jackson’s blues influence inspired John Lewis perceptibly to forget all about discipline. All seven numbers are true gems. But if you want a special hint, just listen to "Bluesology". Well, perhaps the present author is too much of a Milt Jackson fan. Be that as it may, the music magazine "Rolling Stone" gave this LP a five-star rating!

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

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Charles Mingus

The Clown

Release: 1957 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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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

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Ry Cooder

Paradise & Lunch

LP | 1967 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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A good 20 years have passed since a band with ancient musicians from Cuba – the Buena Vista Social Club – took the world by storm. Behind the project, in the wings yet right in the midst of this unheard-of music, was Ry Cooder, who regarded this encounter as the greatest musical event of his entire life. The bottleneck guitar hero had always been very interested in the music from the other Americas ever since the solo albums he made in his early years, in which he told the story of the American folk and blues in a multitude of styles. The LP "Paradise And Lunch" is no exception and begins with gospel-like grooves that smell of native soil. The faint smell of a wooden church from pioneering days wafts out of the processional antiphonal song "Jesus On The Mainline" and a healthy 12-bar blues paints a picture of what silent witnesses could tell if they could ("If Walls Could Talk"). Cooder and his sidemen felt themselves perfectly at home when adventuring further afield and this is testified to in the laid-back calypso rhythm of "It’s All Over Now" and the clip-clop of "Mexican Divorce".
This wonderful album is highly recommended for each and every number, but if you want a tip for a very special track, then just listen to the ragtime piano rolls in Bo Diddley’s "Ditty Wah Ditty".

Recording: 1974 at the Warner Brothers Studios in North Hollywood and Burbank (USA), by Lee Herschberg
Production: Lenny Waronker & Russ Titelman

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Charles Lloyd

Forest Flower

2LP | 1975 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

Release: 1967 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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It was a clever move by George Avakian, producer at Atlantic Records, to record live the Charles Lloyd Quartet during their appearance in Monterey, and to release the LP under the title "Forest Flower". Although the hippy flower-power movement tended towards a rather different musical genre at the end of the Sixties, they were blown away by this music. The four artists attracted masses of people and ensured that every seat was taken and all standing room filled at jazz festivals such as Newport, Molde (Norway), Antibes (France) and the Fillmore East and West. The super group also appeared in Monterey, 120 Km south of San Francisco, the centre of the hippy movement, on 18 September 1966.
On the LP we have the almost 18-minute-long title piece and the standard work "East Of The Sun", which were recorded at the festival. The disc is complemented by a Keith Jarrett composition and one by Cecil McBee, both of which were recorded in the studio ten days before the festival.
Of particular note is the rich interplay, the energy that is palpable throughout, the perfect harmony in each and every change of mood, and the intensity. Even 50 years later, it is quite clear that Charles Lloyd managed to break down the barriers between pop and jazz.
Charles Lloyd is committed to this objective to this very day! All four musicians are still active, although they no longer appear together as a group. Such a special treat for the ears is offered by this newly mastered disc only.

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Herbie Hancock

Flood

57,99 €*

Belafonte At Carnegie Hall

Release: 1975 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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In the summer of 1975, the Herbie Hancock Sextet made a hugely successful tour of Japan, which made people aware of a 'new' Hancock. The last LP that the keyboard virtuoso had recorded, "Thrust", was already one year old, and the film music for the Charles Bronson classic "Death Wish" was received negatively by his fans. At his concerts in Tokyo, Herbie Hancock reached back to his hits: "Maiden Voyage", "Chameleon", and the famous, soulful "Watermelon Man" made the fans at his concert hall and open-air appearances go wild with enthusiasm. Forty years later I have the courage to confess that I couldn’t have cared less about this music at the time; in Europe there was enough that was new and exciting to see and listen to. However, this re-release in its original format has given me the opportunity to check out whether this music has withstood the test of time. And I must say: it has passed the test! Just listen to Herbie at his best!
Dr. Michael Frohne

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Harry Belafonte

2LP | 1959 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)

61,99 €*

Release: 1959 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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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

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Blue Öyster Cult

Secret Treaties

Paul Desmond & Gerry Mulligan

Release: 1974 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Rock & Indie

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Back in the days of hard rock and surrounded by fierce competitors with such great names as the Doors, Black Sabbath and the Rolling Stones, a band had to attract attention with far more than histrionic pathos, biker boogie, an adept lead guitarist and a sharp-tongued singer. The band Blue Öyster Cult, founded on Long Island in 1971, possessed all this and much more, relating short scenarios in their lyrics, which conjured up people’s imagination. Rolling Stone magazine enthused that it was »like listenin’ to Hitchcock and Kubrick swap stories about their wet dreams«, and that the group »mix aesthetics and ass-kicking rock to such good advantage«.
In their third studio album "Secret Treaties", BÖC reached the pinnacle of their musical evolution with such memorable songs as "Career Of Evil", "Subhuman" and "Astronomy". The lyrics have literary value but are certainly not intended for sensitive souls – the phrases are direct and intentionally drily articulated. The music is as blatant and extroverted as the lyrics: the guitar sound is steely and straightforward, occasionally padded out with a see-sawing Hammond groove, and topped again and again by wonderfully rough string solos that speak the language of hard, merciless and full-bodied rock.

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Two Of A Mind

LP | 1962 | EU | Reissue (Speakers Corner)