March 24, 2016
Demonstrating the enduring vitality of Blue Note Records, the legendary 77 year old jazz label today announces new initiatives in the realm of streaming music with the launch of a curator profile on Apple Music, as well as the continuation of the Blue Note Records Vinyl Reissue Series.
In addition to iTunes.com/BlueNote, the dedicated iTunes destination for The Finest In Jazz, Blue Note is now an official curator on the Apple Music streaming service becoming the first jazz label to be given the honor. The legendary label has already begun curating playlists that explore the many eras and styles of Blue Note including The Hits, The Ballads, Vital Organs, Jazz Now!, Jazz Meets Hip-Hop, and Blue Note’s Jazz Vocalists. Follow the Blue Note Records Apple Music profile.
Blue Note has also announced the continuation of our popular vinyl reissue series with five new 12” titles due to be released on May 6. Launched in 2014 in celebration of the label’s 75th anniversary, the series has seen the release of more than 100 essential Blue Note albums over the past two years, including classics from all eras of Blue Note history.
In March 2014 The New York Times ran an online feature about the vinyl series that invited their readers to comment with their favorite Blue Note albums and which artists or albums they felt should be included. Blue Note President Don Was looked to those comments as he began to think about the continuation of the series and decided to draw the first five titles from reader’s suggestions, selecting Big John Patton Let ‘Em Roll, Blue Mitchell The Thing To Do, Ike Quebec Blue And Sentimental, Sam Rivers Fuchsia Swing Song, and Sheila Jordan Portrait of Sheila.
Find out more about the full vinyl series at bluenote.com/vinylreissues.html.
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Ike Quebec – Blue And Sentimental
Tenor saxophonist Ike Quebec also worked as an A&R man for Blue Note, urging label founder Alfred Lion to sign Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell in the late 1940s. Quebec’s 1961 album Blue And Sentimental epitomizes his bluesy soulful style with a top notch quartet of guitarist Grant Green, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Philly Joe Jones.
Sheila Jordan – Portrait of Sheila
The 1962 album Portrait of Sheila was both the debut recording from singer Sheila Jordan and one of the few vocal albums that Alfred Lion recorded during Blue Note’s classic era. Jordan wraps her voice around a set of standards backed by guitarist Barry Galbraith, bassist Steve Swallow, and drummer Denzil Best. A vocalese version of Bobby Timmons’ “Dat Dere” delivered as a voice-bass duet is a highlight of the session.
Blue Mitchell – The Thing To Do
Recorded 1964, The Thing To Do was trumpeter Blue Mitchell’s second album for Blue Note and featured memorable tracks including the irrepressible opener “Fungii Mama” and the beautiful ballad “Mona’s Mood.” In addition to tenor saxophonist Junior Cook and bassist Gene Taylor, the album marked the first Blue Note appearances by pianist Chick Corea and drummer Al Foster.
Sam Rivers – Fuchsia Swing Song
Recorded in 1964, Fuchsia Swing Song was the debut album from the adventurous saxophonist Sam Rivers. Featuring a quartet of like-minded explorers with Jaki Byard on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Tony Williams on drums, the album presented six Rivers originals including the timeless ballad “Beatrice.”
Big John Patton – Let ‘Em Roll
Recorded in 1965, Let ‘Em Roll was Big John Patton’s fifth Blue Note album and featured the soul jazz organist in a quartet setting with vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, guitarist Grant Green, and drummer Otis Finch. The unique instrumentation and Patton’s compelling originals including the title track and the Latin-tinged “Latona” make this a standout album.
