Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Kenny Dorham and Jackie McLean's Inta Somethin' is a vibrant snapshot of their performance at San Francisco's Jazz Workshop in late 1961. Jackie Mac's prowess shines brightly as he delivers a compelling rendition of 'Una Mas' a year prior to its Blue Note release. Backed by Leroy Vinnegar, Walter Bishop and Art Taylor, the ensemble crafts a dynamic and exhilarating atmosphere as McLean's virtuosity is on full display, captivating listeners with his electrifying playing style. Inta Somethin' is proof of the skills of these jazz giants and is a great window into their live repertoire and sense of musical innovation.

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

Review: Carmell Jones' 'The Remarkable Carmell Jones' is a masterpiece of hard bop, reissued from the 1961 debut and which showcases the trumpet virtuoso and Kansas City-born musician's leagues-beyond talent on the brasses. Released as part of the Tone Poet Series on Blue Note - which aims to comprehensively reissue select LPs from the Blue Note catalog in perfect detail, to the point of never needing another reissue again - the LP once more recalls Jones' inventive and mark-making solos, backed by a stellar lineup of musicians including Harold Land and Frank Strazerri.

Review: Harking yet another Tone Poet 2024 edition to come, comes this new forthcoming reissue from the esteemed master drummer Elvin Jones: Poly-Currents. After his six years with the seminal John Coltrane Quartet, Jones signed with Blue Note in 1968 and began building his own career as a bandleader. His first two albums for the label were spare trio outings - Puttin' It Together and The Ultimate - both featuring saxophonist Joe Farrell and bassist Jimmy Garrison. For 1969's unfettered post-bop exploration Poly-Currents, Jones expanded his ensemble with additional woodwinds and percussion while still maintaining spacious realms for the musicians to delve into on modal band member originals including 'Agenda,' 'Agappe Love,' 'Mr. Jones,' and 'Whew'. Jones is joined throughout by a cast that includes Farrell on tenor saxophone, English horn and flutes, George Coleman on tenor saxophone, Pepper Adams on baritone saxophone, Fred Tompkins on flute, Wilbur Little on bass and Cuban conguero Candido Camero.

Review: Thad Jones' The Magnificent Thad Jones is a stunning album that beautifully showcases the beauty of hard bop. Released in 1956, it reflects the era's evolving jazz landscape, influenced by modern jazz pioneers like Horace Silver and Miles Davis. The album's tracks, including original compositions like 'Billy-Boo' and 'Thedia,' exude a relaxed yet lively vibe, typical of hard bop. Jones' trumpet work shines throughout, displaying a remarkable blend of relaxation and intensity in his solos. The ensemble's chemistry, especially between Detroit-raised musicians like pianist Barry Harris and Jones, is palpable, supported by the solid foundation laid by Percy Heath and Max Roach. Rudy Van Gelder's recording in Hackensack, New Jersey, harnasses the warmth and depth of Jones' trumpet sound, adding to the album's allure. The Magnificent Thad Jones is a timeless gem that continues to enchant jazz enthusiasts with its impeccable execution and rich musicality.

Review: Underappreciated tenorman Clifford Jordan made a notable entry from Chicago with three exceptional Blue Note sessions in 1957, including the self-titled album reissued here which features a stellar septet with Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, John Jenkins on alto, Ray Bryant on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Art Taylor on drums. This mono Tone Poet Vinyl Edition, produced by Joe Harley, is mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analogue master tapes so sounds superb and is a great way to dive into Jordan's significant contribution to jazz.

Review: Cliff Craft is a standout gem in Blue Note's 1500 series and one of the rarest treasures. This superb album features Clifford Jordan on tenor sax, alongside Art Farmer (trumpet), Sonny Clark (piano), George Tucker (bass), and Louis Hayes (drums). It's a smooth, soulful journey that captivates from the first note. The album opens with Jordan's composition 'Laconia,' setting the tone with a relaxing, immersive sound. Jordan's craftsmanship shines throughout, especially on 'Soul-Lo Blues,' a bluesy, enjoyable tune that highlights his exceptional talent. The title track, Cliff Craft, is a fast-tempo, hard-bop piece that showcases Jordan's rich tenor sound and the superb rhythm section. Side-2 kicks off with 'Confirmation,' a medium-tempo Bird tune that features laid-back solos from Jordan and Farmer. Clark's smooth, flowing solo adds to the track's charm. 'Sophisticated Lady,' a beautiful ballad by Duke Ellington, stands out as a favorite slow tune. The album concludes with the driving energy of Parker and Gillespie's 'Anthropology,' leaving you wanting more. Cliff Craft is one of the finest Blue Note records ever made.

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