Blue Note Records

Granted, a single-disc overview of Blue Note's finest recordings can't help but offer listeners more than a myopic view of the label's true scope, but for jazz neophytes, this nine-track collection will undoubtedly serve as a tantalizing taste of the company's riches. The song selection, though lacking few surprises, is consistently wonderful – how could a disc featuring John Coltrane's "Blue Train," Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage," Horace Silver's "Song for My Father" and Lee Morgan's "The Sidewinder" be anything but? – and purists' complaints aside, for new fans it's a solid introduction to the Blue Note magic.

Compiled from both Warner and Universal Music’s extensive catalogues this 3CD collection of Classic Blue Note repertoire features the most iconic performances from the biggest names in the genre. Including the likes of musical legends Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Sidney Bechet, Thelonious Monk and many more…

The soaring spirit of Blue Note Records – served up here with a really special twist to fit the mode of the Free Soul series! The package is overflowing with goodness – four hours' worth of listening, with a special focus on two periods of the label – that great late 60s/early 70s stretch when they were trying out so many new ideas and rhythms, including elements borrowed from soul, Latin, fusion, and Brazilian modes – and the more recent stretch that has seen Blue Note re-emerge as one of the most forward-thinking labels in jazz!

Jack DeJohnette - Extra Special Edition (1994) {Blue Note Records CDP 7243 8 30494 2 4}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 401 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 164 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 13 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1994 Blue Note Records | CDP 7243 8 30494 2 4
Jazz / Post Bop / Drums

The addition of Bobby McFerrin to drummer Jack DeJohnette's group should have been a definite plus; the singer can do so much with his voice, from substituting for a string bass to using his falsetto like a horn. This program of mostly originals, however, not only lacks more than one or two strong melodies, but also fails to have real development, particularly on the selections that include McFerrin. Performances often start in what could just as well be the middle and end inconclusively, with many of the pieces being little more than funky riffs for the rhythm section. Despite a few strong moments (mostly from pianist Michael Cain), only "Seventh D" and "Summertime" (both instrumentals) are worth hearing a second time.

Lou Rawls with Les McCann Ltd. - Stormy Monday (1962) {Blue Note Records CDP 7 91441 2 rel 1990}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 258 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 106 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (jpg) -> 51 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1962, 1990 Blue Note Records | CDP 7 91441 2
Jazz / Vocal Jazz / R&B / Soul Jazz

Lou Rawls has had a long and commercially successful career mostly singing soul, R&B, and pop music. Originally a gospel singer, Rawls' first album as a leader features him performing soulful standards backed by the Les McCann Trio. Few of the songs have been under-recorded through the years, but they sound fresh and lively when sung by Rawls; highlights include "Stormy Monday," "In the Evening," and "I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water." Pianist McCann gets a generous amount of solo space, and the reissue has three bonus tracks. This is still Rawls' definitive recording in the jazz idiom, cut before he went on to more lucrative areas.

Javon Jackson - For One Who Knows (1995) {Blue Note Records CDP 7243 8 30244 2 1}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 292 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 117 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 12 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1995 Blue Note Records | CDP 7243 8 30244 2 1
Jazz / Hard Bop / Saxophone

This CD only has one fault, but it is a major one. It seems that no matter what he plays (whether it be an obscure song by Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, or Antonio Carlos Jobim, or one of his two originals), Javon Jackson sounds too close to comfort to Joe Henderson; in fact there are times when the tenor-saxophonist sounds identical.