{"title":"Pure Pleasure","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"the-wildest","title":"The Wildest!","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Louis Prima","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54292804862287,"sku":"2404","price":33.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/The_Wildest_Louis_Prima.png?v=1739460434"},{"product_id":"ballads-copy-1","title":"Charles Tolliver And His All Stars","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the time of this recording, Charles was part of a whole new generation of hardboppers who were coming up in a world of new ideas. Here he is surrounded in quartet and quintet formats with a truly stellar cast of the leading players on the New York jazz scene that features Gary Bartz on sax, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Joe Chambers on drums. This was Charles Tolliver’s first album as a leader. The setting is unique only because his second album “The Ringer” and all of his subsequent albums on Strata-East featured his quartet Music Inc.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Charles Tolliver And His All Stars","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54501982339407,"sku":"2754","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Charles_Tolliver_And_His_All_Stars.png?v=1740135371"},{"product_id":"charles-tolliver-and-his-all-stars-copy","title":"Bright Moments","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan size=\"3\"\u003eRahsaan Roland Kirk's live club gigs were usually engaging, freewheeling affairs, full of good humor and a fantastically wide range of music. The double album Bright Moments is a near-definitive document of the Kirk live experience, and his greatest album of the '70s. The extroverted Kirk was in his element in front of an audience, always chatting, explaining his concepts, and recounting bits of jazz history. Even if some of his long, jive-talking intros can sound a little dated today, it's clear in the outcome of the music that Kirk fed voraciously off the energy of the room. Most of the tracks are long (seven minutes or more), demonstrating Kirk's wealth of soloing ideas in a variety of styles (and, naturally, on a variety of instruments). \"Pedal Up\" is a jaw-dropping demonstration of Kirk's never-duplicated three-horns-at-once technique, including plenty of unaccompanied passages that simply sound impossible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan size=\"3\"\u003eThere's more quintessential Kirk weirdness on \"Fly Town Nose Blues,\" which heavily features an instrument called the nose flute, and the title track has a healthy dose of Kirk singing through his (traditional) flute. His repertoire is typically eclectic: Ellington's \"Prelude to a Kiss\"; a groovy Bacharach pop tune in \"You'll Never Get to Heaven\"; a lovely version of Fats Waller's \"Jitterbug Waltz\"; and a stomping, exultant New Orleans-style original, \"Dem Red Beans and Rice.\" Perhaps the best, however, is an impassioned rendition of the ballad standard \"If I Loved You,\" where Kirk's viscerally raw, honking tone hints in a roundabout way at the avant-garde without ever losing its melodic foundation. Bright Moments empties all the major items out of Kirk's bag of tricks, providing a neat microcosm of his talents and displaying a consummate and knowledgeable showman. In short, it's nothing less than a tour de force. Steve Huey\/AMG\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rahsaan Roland Kirk","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54502119801167,"sku":"2755","price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Rahsaan_Roland_Kirk_Bright_Moments.png?v=1740136185"},{"product_id":"giant-steps-copy-1","title":"Left Alone Revisited","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePure Pleasure Records has done an excellent job in re-mastering\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eLet Alone Revisited\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto 180-gram vinyl. The overall mix is clean and uncluttered. More importantly, it keeps the historical role of jazz in American culture alive\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRobbie Gearson -Auiophile Audition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Archie Shepp \u0026 Mal Waldron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54502164463951,"sku":"2757","price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Archie_Shepp_Mal_Waldron_Left_Alone_Revisited.png?v=1740136559"},{"product_id":"a-tribute-to-jack-johnson-copy","title":"Black, Brown and Beige","description":"\u003ch3\u003eBlack, Brown and Beige Review by Bruce Eder\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuke Ellington originally wrote the 50-minute Black, Brown and Beige in 1943 for a Carnegie Hall concert, where critics dismissed it as overreaching for a jazz composer. Over the next 15 years, he periodically resurrected it for performances of excerpts or, as in the case of his 1958 Columbia album, transmuting it into what was essentially a new work. Columbia's Black, Brown and Beige was one of the most extraordinary products of Ellington's second stay with the label, growing out of his 1956 Newport triumph, and it was received somewhat more readily than the original 1943 \"Black, Brown and Beige.\" The main problem for those who knew the piece and its history lay in the absence of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.allmusic.com\/artist\/johnny-hodges-mn0000526407\" class=\"name-link\"\u003eJohnny Hodges\u003c\/a\u003e, who was hardly ever with the Ellington band during 1958, and on whose talents \"Come Sunday,\" the centerpiece of the original work and even more the core of the revamped Black, Brown and Beige, was built. Instead,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.allmusic.com\/artist\/mahalia-jackson-mn0000814657\" class=\"name-link\"\u003eMahalia Jackson\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003esings a version of \"Come Sunday\" that is, if anything, equally affecting, backed by the orchestra led by\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.allmusic.com\/artist\/ray-nance-mn0000408531\" class=\"name-link\"\u003eRay Nance\u003c\/a\u003e's violin. The result on the original album was a piece that started off in big band-style blues and led to one of Ellington's most moving, wrenching pieces of work, and music that, had it been better known, might also have done more to raise people's consciousness about Civil Rights than 100 folk songs of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Duke Ellington \u0026 His Orchestra featuring Mahalia Jackson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54502198542671,"sku":"2759","price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Duke_Ellington_His_Orchestra_featuring_Mahalia_Jackson_Black_Brown_and_Beige.png?v=1740136882"},{"product_id":"black-brown-and-beige-copy-1","title":"Plays W.C. Handy","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eThe excellence of Louis’ band is so high and so consistent that every man deserves commendation for his part in making this remarkably fine record. Trummy Young particularly should be singled out for his driving solos and for the way he “boots” Louis in the final ensembles. The way I feel about this record can be summed up in this way. When I die, I want people to say, “That’s the guy that if it hadn’t been for him and Louis Armstrong and W. C. Handy, there wouldn’t have been that great record, Louis Armstrong Plays W. C. Handy.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e(except from the sleeve notes by George Avakian)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Louis Armstrong","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54502250905935,"sku":"2762","price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Pure_Pleasure_Plays_W.C._Handy_Louis_Armstrong.png?v=1740137367"},{"product_id":"sorceror-copy","title":"Straight Life","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003eRecorded between trumpeter \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003eFreddie Hubbard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003e's better-known classics \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003eRed Clay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003eFirst Light\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003eStraight Life\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003e is actually arguably \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003eHubbard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003e's greatest recording. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003eHubbard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003e, joined by an all-star group that includes tenor saxophonist \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003eJoe Henderson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003e, keyboardist \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003eHerbie Hancock\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003e, guitarist \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003eGeorge Benson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003e, bassist \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003eRon Carter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003e, and drummer \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003eJack DeJohnette\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003e, is frequently astounding on \"Straight Life\" (check out that introduction) and \"Mr. Clean,\" constructing classic solos. The very memorable set is rounded off by the trumpeter's duet with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\" size=\"3\"\u003eBenson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e\u003cspan size=\"3\"\u003e on a lyrical version of the ballad \"Here's That Rainy Day.\" This exciting album is essential for all serious jazz collections.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"3\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"3\"\u003eScott Yanow\/AMG\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the great jazz trumpeters of all time, Freddie Hubbard formed his sound out of the Clifford Brown\/Lee Morgan tradition, and by the early '70s was immediately distinctive and the pacesetter in jazz. However, a string of blatantly commercial albums later in the decade damaged his reputation and, just when Hubbard, in the early '90s (with the deaths of Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis), seemed perfectly suited for the role of veteran master, his chops started causing him serious troubles\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"3\"\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Arial\" size=\"3\"\u003eScott Yanow\/AM\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Arial\" size=\"3\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"If you don’t own this LP your jazz collection has a big hole that needs filling\" Dennis Davis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freddie Hubbard","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54502459343183,"sku":"2764","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Pure_Pleasure_Freddie_Hubbard_Straight_Life.png?v=1740139244"},{"product_id":"blues-roots-copy","title":"Picture of Heath","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis was the third session together of the dynamic duo of Chet Baker and Art Pepper, the previous two having been unequivocal success. Once again Baker and Pepper had an instinctual rapport that yielded outstanding interpaly.These thoroughly enjoyable and often high-energy sides are perfect for bop connoisseurs as well as mainstream jazz listeners. This beautiful sounding piece of vinyl was re-mastered from the original mono analogue tapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chet Baker \u0026 Art Pepper","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54502492176719,"sku":"2767","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Chet_Baker_Art_Pepper_Picture_of_Heath.png?v=1740139693"},{"product_id":"oh-yeah-copy","title":"Blues Roots","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Calibri\" size=\"3\"\u003eRe-mastering by: Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Calibri\" size=\"3\"\u003eAlthough this is a blues-oriented set, there is plenty of variety in tempos and grooves. The 1968 Quartet featured the leader\/pianist, baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, bassist Jack Six and drummer Alan Dawson. The repertoire on this LP ranges from \"Limehouse Blues\" (which is not really a blues) to \"Things Ain't What They Used to Be\" and several originals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Calibri\" size=\"3\"\u003eThese songs are average for 1968, but the soloing is remarkable and the musicians here are some of the best. \"Journey\" is a remarkably beautiful piano ballad, while \"Blues Roots\" narrowly rises above in it's epic scope, and over-the-top ending. It's probably my favourite song here. But, \"Broke Blues\" is also exceptional. This one, along with \"Cross Ties\" and \"Blues Roots\", are fairly progressive, drawing as much from post bop as blues and traditional Jazz, pushing toward avante-garde. By G.Skate\/S Yannow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Calibri\" size=\"3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePersonnel:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eDave Brubeck, Piano, Honky Tonk Piano \/ Gerry Mulligan, Baritone Saxophone \/ Jack Six, Bass, Fender Bass \/ Alan Dawson, Drums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Dave Brubeck Trio featuring Gerry Mulligan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54504374534479,"sku":"2769","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/The_Dave_Brubeck_Trio_featuring_Gerry_Mulligan_Blues_Roots.png?v=1740150529"},{"product_id":"blues-roots-copy-1","title":"Journey Into Nigrita","description":"","brand":"Nate Morgan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54504399339855,"sku":"2770","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Nate_Morgan_Journey_Into_Nigrita.png?v=1740150659"},{"product_id":"dark-magus-copy","title":"Handscapes 2","description":"","brand":"The Piano Choir","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54593231487311,"sku":"2967","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/The_Piano_Choir_Handscapes_2_Pure_Pleasure.png?v=1741280708"},{"product_id":"handscapes-2-copy","title":"Step by Step","description":"","brand":"John Gordon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54593261732175,"sku":"2968","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Step_by_Step_John_Gordon_Pure_Pleasure.png?v=1741280818"},{"product_id":"step-by-step-copy","title":"The World of the Children","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginally released in 1977, The World Of The Children LP featured Shamek Farrah on production duties and alto saxophone, with special guest Sonelius Smith (of David Murray Big Band fame) on piano, in addition to Kiyoto Fujiwara and Milton Suggs on Bass, Freddie Wrenn on drums, Tony Waters on percussion and Joe Gardner on trumpet. An amazing session of free and spiritual soul\/jazz that defines the essence of Strata-East - the legendary record label set up by Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell in 1971. Remastered by Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shamek Farrah \u0026 Sonelius Smith","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54593278902607,"sku":"2969","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Shamek_Farrah_Sonelius_Smith_The_World_of_the_Children.png?v=1741280950"},{"product_id":"the-world-of-the-children-copy","title":"Music Inc","description":"","brand":"Music Inc","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54593304625487,"sku":"2970","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Music_Inc.png?v=1741281316"},{"product_id":"music-inc-copy","title":"Capra Black","description":"","brand":"Billy Harper","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54593360363855,"sku":"2971","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Billy_Harper_Capra_Black.png?v=1741281558"},{"product_id":"capra-black-copy","title":"Don't Look Back","description":"\u003cp\u003eVick is among the more mainstream artists who recorded for Strata East, with a leaning towards soul jazz, found on another Strata East title with Shirley Scott, the excellent\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/londonjazzcollector.wordpress.com\/2019\/12\/22\/shirley-scott-one-for-me-revisited-strata-east-1974\/\"\u003eOne For Me. \u003c\/a\u003e(Harold Vick’s  “Keep On Moving on”)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSomewhere between Boogaloo and Cosmic Conciousness is Mainstream and this is reassuringly it. Vick was a funky, bluesy tenor who paired well with heroes of the Hammond –  Brother Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Richard “Groove” Holmes, Johnny Hammond and Big John Patton. He led just one title  for Blue Note, 4138 Steppin’ Out, in 1963, compared to around a dozen soul jazz sessionswith McDuff, for Prestige. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harold Vick","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54593397129551,"sku":"2972","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Harold_Vick_Don_t_Look_Back.png?v=1741281697"},{"product_id":"dont-look-back-copy","title":"Izipho Zam","description":"","brand":"Pharoah Sanders.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54593414791503,"sku":"2973","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Izipho_Zam_Pharoah_Sanders.png?v=1741281797"},{"product_id":"izipho-zam-copy","title":"Impact","description":"","brand":"Charles Tolliver, Music Inc \u0026 Orchestra","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54593427603791,"sku":"2974","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Charles_Tolliver_Music_Inc_Orchestra_Impact.png?v=1741282902"},{"product_id":"impact-copy","title":"Regeneration","description":"","brand":"Stanley Cowell","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54593553629519,"sku":"2975","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Stanley_Cowell_Regeneration.png?v=1741283326"},{"product_id":"regeneration-copy","title":"Live At The Loosdrecht Jazz Festival","description":"","brand":"Charles Tollivers Music Inc","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54599942537551,"sku":"2976","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Live_At_The_Loosdrecht_Jazz_Festival_Charles_Tolliver_s_Music_Inc.png?v=1741353833"},{"product_id":"live-at-the-loosdrecht-jazz-festival-copy","title":"Freedom of Speech","description":"","brand":"Billy Parker's Fourth World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54600006435151,"sku":"2977","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Billy_Parker_s_Fourth_World_Freedom_of_Speech.png?v=1741353949"},{"product_id":"freedom-of-speech-copy","title":"A Spirit Speaks","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eActive during the prime years of New York jazz label Strata-East, The Descendants of Mike and Phoebe was one of the various projects on the label spearheaded by bassist Bill Lee. Together with siblings Cliff Lee on the flugelhorn and A. 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Recorded live in 1970 at the legendary Slugs' in New York City, the albums feature Tolliver’s fiery trumpet alongside an all-star lineup: Strata-East co-founder Stanley Cowell on piano, Cecil McBee on bass, and Jimmy Hopps on drums. These high-energy recordings capture the raw intensity and innovation of the Music Inc quartet, showcasing their technical brilliance and cohesive interplay.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRemastered in stunning detail, this release unites two of the most celebrated live albums in jazz history for the first time on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. The digital release features 3 never-before-released bonus tracks, totaling 41 minutes of unreleased music. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Marcus J. 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The crew on these sides includes Phil Urso (tenor sax), Bobby Timmons (piano), Jimmy Bond (bass), Peter Littman (drums), and of course Baker (trumpet\/vocals). Joining the combo on both the original as well as the alternate take of “To Mickey’s Memory” and “Pawnee Junction” is Bill Loughbrough (chromatic tympani).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eHis unmistakable percussive accents and tuned drum solos give these West Coast bop tracks uniquely Polynesian intonations. The band members take full advantage of their individual roles and abilities as soloists to really stretch out on “Slightly Above Moderate” and the Urso-credited composition “Halema” — named after Baker’s wife. The chemistry of cool that flows between Urso and Baker is perhaps at its finest during the seamless exchange heard on “Worryin’ the Life Out of Me.” Timmons also boasts notable contributions throughout. His playful and scampering style dresses up the bluesy “Lucius Lu” and “Line for Lyons,” among others. The latter is also notable as it contains the sole Baker vocal on this set.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eThis LP reissue of Chet Baker \u0026amp; Crew increases the original eight-song Pacific Jazz collection to include all 14 tracks completed during three sessions in late July 1956 at the Forum Theater in Los Angeles. By Lindsay Planer\/AMG.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chet Baker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55061800321359,"sku":"3393","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Chet_Baker_Crew_Pure_Pleasure.png?v=1746620409"},{"product_id":"shukuru","title":"Shukuru","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003ePhaoah Sanders' \"Shukuru\" is noteworthy as being the album that reunited Sanders with vocalist Leon Thomas, who sang on some of Sanders' most endearing and powerful compositions-- among them the legendary \"The Creator Has a Masterplan\".\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThomas only joins the band on two tracks-- \"Mas in Brooklyn (Highlife)\" and \"Sun Song\". The former gets a full calypso reading complete with steel drum sounds and chanted vocals traded between Sanders and Thomas. It's a lot of fun, but by and large, throwaway. The latter is one of the true gems on the album-- a pretty ballad that serves as both a launching point for Sanders' best balladry and Thomas' vocal, with the latter soaring in his upper register wordlessly between verses intoned in his trademark baritone. It's by and large simply stunning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pharoah Sanders feat. Leon Thomas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55315821986127,"sku":"3665","price":33.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Pharoah_Sanders_feat._Leon_Thomas_Shukuru.png?v=1749745530"},{"product_id":"ed-kelly-friend","title":"Ed Kelly \u0026 Friend","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 1978 Pharoah Sanders went into the studio with pianist, Ed Kelly, who was an important figure in the local San Francisco and Oakland jazz scene. The two of them recorded six tracks which ranged from covers of standards, through soul jazz through to two real gems. The album was originally released as Ed Kelly and Friend due to Pharoah being contracted to Arista Records at the time. 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Over the years, they made many recordings together, but this one is unique. Recorded while on a 1981 tour of Europe, Guy and Wells took a break from their backing musicians and amps to cut this spontaneous, all acoustic set. The results stand in stark contrast to the steamy Chicago blues the duo is best known for. Instead, these recordings are relaxed and personal, with an intimate, back-porch feel. Guy switches between six and twelve string guitars and lays down rootsy acoustic rhythms for Wells’ tasteful harmonica lines. The two share vocal duties on the performances as they pay homage to the rural, country blues roots these modern bluesmen share.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Buddy Guy \u0026 Junior Well","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57422378795343,"sku":"4917","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Buddy-Guy-Junior-Wells.jpg?v=1775643401"},{"product_id":"hi-de-di-de-ho","title":"Hi De Di De Ho","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom 1932 to the late 1940’s the period covered by this set, Cab had an orchestra that was about as swinging a band of solid senders as you’d find on the big-band circuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCab projects, in his singing on records, something of the vital magic of his stage presence, a boundless exuberance and enthusiasm. His orchestral backing during the Thirties and Forties included many well-known names in jazz. At various times, \u003cstrong\u003eMilt Hinton, Danny Barker\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eCozy Cole\u003c\/strong\u003e were in his rhythm section.The reeds included the late, great \u003cstrong\u003eChu Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e as well as \u003cstrong\u003eBen Webster\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003eDizzy Gillespie\u003c\/strong\u003e was in the band, some members of which, at odd moments, served as a laboratory for the style to be called Bop. “This whole new chord structure idea was interesting to me,” \u003cstrong\u003eMilt Hinton\u003c\/strong\u003e recalled, “and I would walk the new chords behind his playing.” Cab wasn’t the least enthusiastic. \u003cstrong\u003eDanny Barker\u003c\/strong\u003e quoted him as saying, “I don’t want you playing that Chinese music in my band.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main attraction, however, was always Cab—showman, singer, entertainer. Most audiences didn’t even know that some of his sidemen were candidates for the jazz hall of fame. And that was as it should be. The musicians’ first function was to provide musical backing and a musical setting for the man who was being called “King of the Hipsters,” and this they did, wonderfully well. It was as Barry Ulanov noted in Metronome ( January, 1943) a band extraordinary in every respect, hailed for its “clean musicianship, its jazz kicks, its brilliant showmanship.”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cab Calloway","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57474793734479,"sku":"5013","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/CS714559-01A-BIG.jpg?v=1776338485"},{"product_id":"such-sweet-thunder","title":"Such Sweet Thunder","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis music counts among Ellington's most well-realized \"concept projects,\" all inspired by Shakespeare's work and filled with memorable melodies and ample opportunities for solos by Cat Anderson, Johnny Hodges, Paul Gonsalves, and Quentin Jackson. The Ellington-Strayhorn compositions treat their soloists like actors doing scenes and, in effect, playing parts, even quoting lines after a fashion - Clark Terry \"plays\" Puck in \"Up and Down, Up and Down (I Will Lead Them Up and Down),\" and Johnny Hodges turns in one of the most sensuous performances of his career for \"Half the Fun,\" from Antony and Cleopatra. 1957 release. 180 gram MONO recording.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Duke Ellington","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57474886598991,"sku":"5014","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiOTUwNDM2MS4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6NDMyfSwid2VicCI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0Ijoid2VicCJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXA.webp?v=1776339103"},{"product_id":"the-great-paris-concert","title":"The Great Paris Concert","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eThis set came about, in part, as a result of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eEllington\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e's signing to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eFrank Sinatra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e's Reprise label in November 1962, with the ending of his exclusive contract to Columbia. Six numbers from the three Paris dates were initially edited and released by Reprise as part of the ten-song Duke Ellington's Greatest Hits, but the bulk of the performances from those shows didn't surface until many years later as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eThe Great Paris Concert\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e on two LPs. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eThis album “\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eThe Great Paris Concert\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e” is raw and largely unedited, and depicts the full \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eEllington\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e band in extraordinary form, oozing excitement -- from the saxophone showcase on the opener, \"Rockin' in Rhythm,\" the various sections of the band take flight at different points throughout this set, which includes such contemporary numbers as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eEllington\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e's theme music for an all but forgotten television series, The Asphalt Jungle, and excerpts from Such Sweet Thunder. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eJohnny Hodges\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e is showcased in several solos, most notably on \"Suite Thursday,\" a work whose original studio incarnation he missed appearing on; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eCootie Williams\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e (\"Tutti for Cootie\"), \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003ePaul Gonsalves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e (\"Cop Out\"), \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eRay Nance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e(\"Bula\"), and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eCat Anderson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e (\"Jam with Sam\") get their own moments in the spotlight. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\"\u003eBy Bruce Eder\/AMG\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Duke Ellington","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57474898264399,"sku":"5015","price":48.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/264095311.jpg?v=1776338668"},{"product_id":"the-wonderful-world-of-jazz","title":"The Wonderful World Of Jazz","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is nothing hurried about this disc. That said, the music is focused and will stretch \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eyour mind. Lewis employed masterful melodic improvisers here: Paul Gonsalves, Eric \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDolphy, Jim Hall among others. Listen to \"Body and Soul\" as it builds powerfully and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethe soloists explore every possible melodic theme, where the quiet power of these \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emaster musicians is almost too much to take. Listen to \"I Remember Clifford\" where \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethe players are essentially the MJQ with Jim Hall replacing Milt Jackson. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis set \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eswings, but oh-so-elegantly. Just like Mr. Lewis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eS.C.Berry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhether you're an old-time jazz afficionado or new to the genre, this album is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eessential. In my opinion, Lewis' lovely solo on \"Body \u0026amp; Soul\" makes his version \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003evirtually definitive - 15 minutes of bliss. The rest of the album, particularly \"Afternoon \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ein Paris\", is at the same level. \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Wonderful\" is the perfect title for this record. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eE Barrios\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John Lewis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57474945352015,"sku":"5016","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/CS631134-01A-BIG.jpg?v=1776339294"},{"product_id":"satch-plays-fats","title":"Satch Plays Fats","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan size=\"3\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\" face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eBased upon the artistic and commercial success of “Louis Armstrong Plays W.C. Handy”, George Avakian gathered the All Stars into the studio again for a second session to record tunes by Fats Waller. This is also a stunning album: the All Stars, at the top of their form, play great material by a single composer. All Stars vocalist Velma Middleton, (who was often underrated) is especially captivating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\"\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eLouis Armstrong and \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.allmusic.com\/cg\/amg.dll?p=amg\u0026amp;sql=11:hifyxqy5ldde\"\u003eFats Waller\u003c\/a\u003e only worked together twice, briefly in 1925 in \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.allmusic.com\/cg\/amg.dll?p=amg\u0026amp;sql=11:knfrxqqhld0e\"\u003eErskine Tate\u003c\/a\u003e's band and four years later in the New York revue Connie's Hot Chocolates. But \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.allmusic.com\/cg\/amg.dll?p=amg\u0026amp;sql=11:hifyxqy5ldde\"\u003eWaller\u003c\/a\u003e made an indelible enough impression for Satchmo to record the tribute album Satch Plays Fats: The Music of Fats Waller in 1955 when such ideas were new. If you love Louis Armstrong, buy it. If you love Fats Waller, buy it. If you just love jazz with a swing beat, then this collection is for you. Satchmo gives us an incomparable interpretation of Waller's music that would have made the corpulent keyboard king himself very proud indeed. It is soooo SWEET! You won't be disappointed. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\"\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eArmstrong infuses these pieces with a style very true to Fats' own, including the humour and wit that Satchmo weaves into the lyrics. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\"\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eThe sound is smooth, and the rhythm is HOT! Recording quality is very good, and the selection is impeccable -- some of Waller's greatest hits. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan size=\"2\"\u003e\u003cspan face=\"Times New Roman\"\u003eBVSC fanatic\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Louis Armstrong","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57474950431055,"sku":"5017","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/221269647.jpg?v=1776339412"},{"product_id":"town-hall-concert-plus","title":"Town Hall Concert Plus","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis album is made of six numbers from the famous Town Hall concert of 1947, plus offerings from four others, which if not perhaps quite so famous are nevertheless all more than worthy of your attention. Armstrong's playing in these days was something to marvel at, and his presence a vitalising effect upon any musicians who teamed up with him. Teagarden never played or sung better than he did here (St. James Infirmary to note), but nor for that matter did Bigard. Vic Dickenson, Johnny Hodges, or any of the other musicians who haunt these tracks. The standard throughout is very high, but no one, however well they play, can approach the brilliance of Louis as he soars into his first chorus on Misbehavin' with the control and majesty of a seagull on the wing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTeagarden plays well enough on this track, but sandwiched between Louis' solo and a fantastic lead-in to his final chorus, he sounds almost dull by comparison. Save It, Pretty Mama is another tour de force, with Louis playing a solo that is supreme for tightness, and relaxation. The two tracks with Duke are full of interest. Hodges blows beautifully. Duke plays some pleasant piano on Journey, and Pops comes on with a blues vocal which is quite inimitable. Snafu, a boppish kind of tune, doesn't suit Louis quite so well, but as usual he can dig his way out of any situation with his horn. Little Girl and Mahogany Hall feature a much more basic beat and Louis plays in a style much nearer New Orleans than was usual in these days. Ory takes a splendid chorus on the second named tune, and the work of both drummers is exceptional.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBut everything is good and Armstrong's work so consistently brilliant and vastly entertaining, that it is a set you must not miss on any account. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBy Sinclair Traill\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Louis Armstrong","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57474961080655,"sku":"5018","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/602817484.jpg?v=1776339489"},{"product_id":"the-cosmic-scene","title":"The Cosmic Scene","description":"","brand":"Stan Getz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57474966552911,"sku":"5019","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/CS744997-01A-BIG_1c304360-4a57-4a24-b3d8-6f2e077815ae.jpg?v=1776339698"},{"product_id":"criss-cross","title":"Criss-Cross","description":"","brand":"Thelonious Monk","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57474988966223,"sku":"5020","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/files\/Pure_Pleasure_pp8838_Audiophile_Vinyl_LP__57831.jpg?v=1776339838"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0887\/6785\/6975\/collections\/8bcc8b_6118381287224c81aa3c2263e2139a04_mv2_d_2048_2048_s_2.jpg?v=1748951239","url":"https:\/\/secondlinerecords.com\/collections\/pure-pleasure.oembed?page=4","provider":"Second Line Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}