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A multi-instrumentalist who reconfigured jazz many times during his long career, Yusef Lateef came to prominence in the late 1950s, after having toured with Dizzy Gillespie. Jazz Mood dates from 1957, when his Quintet had some of Detroit's finest, including Alice Coltrane's brother Ernest Farrow on bass and future Jazz Messenger Curtis Fuller on trombone. The use of an argol on 'Metaphor' and a rabat and finger cymbals on 'Morning' point to Lateef's Islamic grounding and his belief that music serves a higher purpose; this edition has bonus track 'Passion,' from the equally excellent Before Dawn. Rich, deep, and varied, this is required listening for all serious jazz heads.

Another legendary Lateef session cut in 1960 for the New Jazz imprint. The co-leader - bassist Doug Watkins - died tragically in a car accident in 1962 at the age of 27. However, prior to his early demise, he recorded dozens of wonderful sessions with some of the greatest jazzmen of his time, among them Sonny Rollins, Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and the Horace Silver Quintet. Imagination ! marked his second and final album as a leader, and features Watkins on cello instead of bass. The use of cello - and oboe on some numbers - makes the date stand out a bit from the usual hard bop sessions of the period and straight-ahead jazz fans will want to get this.

Limited Clear Vinyl edition, 300 copies! In 1959, at the time of this recording session, Yusef Lateef was already approaching a new and more open form of Jazz. A sophisticated, spiritual yet urban music form informed by non western languages and cultures. Cry Tender! is a deeply inventive, mostly contemplative album inspired by an original cosmopolitan vision of Jazz and based on masterful playing from a bunch of solid Jazz musicians including among others: Wilbur Harden – flugelhorn, Hugh Lawson – piano, Herman Wright – bass and Oliver Jackson – drums, percussion, all under the direction of master of ceremonies Yusef Lateef on tenor sax, flute and oboe.

The Wynder K. Frog story evolves around Mick Weaver. After he switched from piano to organ he joined a band named The Chapters that would soon be renamed Wynder K. Frog and perform material from James Brown's Flames, Booker T. and The MGs or even songs learned through Georgie Fame's recordings and Graham Bond's repertoire. Wynder K. Frog moved to London and became regulars in the city's R&B scene playing at Swingin' London's clubs like the Tiles or The Marquee. A contract with Island Records was secured and -under the wings of producers like Chris Blackwell, Guy Stevens, Jimmy Miller or Gus Dudgeon- Wynder K Frog, a name that would eventually be used as a pseudonym for Weaver more than a proper band name, did some some amazing Hammond organ-ized recordings and issued in three LPs and a bunch of cool 45s.

At the end of the 1960s, Weaver would quit the "band scene" to become one of the most in demand session musicians and throughout his career he'd be heard backing names such as Eric Burdon, Roger Chapman, Dave Gilmour, Keef Hartley, Alexis Korner, Ralph McTell, Taj Mahal or Otis Rush a.o, but his LPs as Wynder K Frog are classic Hammond sound from the 1960s UK and will appeal to those into Brian Auger, Graham Bond, The Artwoods, Zoot Money, Jimmy McGriff, Booker T. & The MGs and the likes.

SUNSHINE SUPER FROG
Recorded mostly in 1966 and issued in 1967, Wynder K Frog's first LP came out of sessions produced by Chris Blackwell, Jimmy Miller and Syd Dale. Weaver was assuming more and more the identity of Wynder K Frog and was backed by session musicians rather than by his live band. It consisted in organ led instrumental covers of songs from the Island catalogue, some built over rejected backing tracks for other artists of the label like Jimmy Cliff, Jackie Edwards and Owen Gray and some new recordings of hits like Spencer Davis Group's "Somebody Help Me", plus some covers of american R&B hits by the likes of Sam & Dave, Willie Mitchell or Wilson Pickett. The end result gave an idea of the Wynder K Frog sound, resulting in a top mix of dance club go-go sounds, perfect for any allnighter at the Tiles or any Swingin' London venue of the 1960s. First ever vinyl reissue. Limited edition to 500 copies only. Bonus tracks not on the original LP. Remastered sound. Insert with liner notes by Nick Rossi and photos. Beautifully housed in three back-flapped 1960s UK style picture sleeve

First official reissue of this essential and insanely rare Willie Tee double sider. New Orleans gold from the Nola vaults, the A side ‘Please Don’t Go’ is a certified Northern Soul classic with the flip a fantastic smokey, low slung soulful number that’s become a real collector’s favourite. With original copies having traded hands for £1800 in the past, it’s high time this was made available to a new generation of listeners. Red label version original black sleeve.

Puerto Rican composer, bandleader and percussionist Willie Rosario was a giant of Latin music, known as Senor Afinque or Mr. Tight for the strength of his musical arrangements. Born in Coamo in 1930, Rosario had already formed the Coamex band, prior to his emigration to New York in 1947, where he played in various orchestras, forming his own band in Spanish Harlem in 1959 and also presenting a Spanish-language music show on radio station Wado. Signing to Alegre in 1962, he began touring widely, the label issuing this sought-after debut in 1963; mixing covers and original, the hot salsa here features the dulcet tones of lead singer, Frankie Figueroa.

First ever band-sanctioned reissue of this legendary ‘Pebbles’ garage-psych 45 from 1967. William Penn Fyve aka William Penn & His Pals were a regular presence on the early Bay Area scene, opening for the likes of Jefferson Airplane, Paul Revere & the Raiders and Them. Their line–up included lead singer / organist Gregg Rolie, later of Santana / Journey. In 1966 they recorded their lone single, "Swami" / “Blow My Mind”, for the Thunderbird label. The A-side (written by guitar player Mike Shapiro and famous for being included on “Pebbles-The Acid Gallery”) is early acid-punk with fuzzed-out raga guitars and hilarious lyrics about a guru. The flipside is an energetic garage-punk number with swirling Vox organ and a fuzz rave up á la Yardbirds.

Released in 1967 on Reprise Records as a follow-up to 'Part One', 'Vol. 2' (the band's third LP!) takes the band into more ambitious and psychedelic territory than the '66 debut on Fifo Records and the first Reprise full-length, 'Vol. 2' maintains their unique pop sound mixed with ominous fuzz guitar, jumping from graceful folk-rock to wailing guitar freakouts, to multilayered avant-garde compositions at a moment's notice. This legendary LP sees its first ever reissue in mono, with sound taken from the original master tapes.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1965, The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band was considered by many to be Calfornia's answer to the Velvet Underground. The group created psych/rock music that was both fragile and dreamy. 'Part One' (the band's second LP!) was originally released in 1967 on Frank Sinatra's Reprise Records. Though band leader Bob Markley and his companions didn't achieve the fame or notoriety of other bands from the area, they have nonetheless achieved cult status among collectors. For the first time, this legendary records gets reissued in MONO, with sound from the original master tapes.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1965, The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band was considered by many to be Calfornia's answer to the Velvet Underground. The group created psych/rock music that was both fragile and dreamy. 'Part One' (the band's second LP!) was originally released in 1967 on Frank Sinatra's Reprise Records. Though band leader Bob Markley and his companions didn't achieve the fame or notoriety of other bands from the area, they have nonetheless achieved cult status among collectors. For the first time, this legendary records gets reissued in MONO, with sound from the original master tapes.

Released in 1967, California Dreaming was Wes Montgomery's last album for Verve (other than an exciting collaboration with Jimmy Smith). It’s an extraordinary orchestral date featuring arrangements by Don Sebesky that showcases soloists such as pianist Herbie Hancock and percussionist Ray Barretto. The songs (which include "Sunny" and the title tune "California Dreaming") are in this case mostly pop material of the era, from which the great performer extracts magic sounds. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard jazz album chart and No. 4 on the R&B chart, and was one of the last great works by Montgomery, whose later guitar style influenced jazz fusion and smooth jazz. At the peak of his popularity, the guitarist unexpectedly died of a heart attack on June 15, 1968, at the age of 45.

Reissue of the debut album on A&M Records by jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery, released in 1967. It reached #1 on the Billboard Jazz Album chart and #2 on the R&B chart. Considered by far the best of his three albums on A&M (in partnership with Creed Taylor’s CTI Records), A Day in the Life features a plethora of star sidemen, such as Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Ray Barretto, and Grady Tate, among others, as well as superb arrangements by Don Sebesky. The LP was masterfully engineered by Rudy Van Gelder.

140 gram clear purple vinyl reissue!

reissue on 180g vinyl with three bonus tracks

... one of the greatest albums of all time! ... 180 gram vinyl with bonus track 'chelsea girls'

Ultra-rare 1966 solo album by singer/songwriter Trevor Lucas of Fairport Convention, Fotheringay, and Election. This Australian born folk legend recorded his own songs and a handful of covers – mostly solo acoustic, occasionally accompanied by bass, concertina, and fiddle. First ever authorized reissue (by his estate) of this gem.

After Steve Winwood jumped ship from chart toppers The Spencer Davis Group and quit the bright lights in favour of the countryside and jam sessions with Jim Capaldi, Dave Mason and Chris Wood, in wake of these events Traffic were formed, it was Birmingham, April ,1967. Traffic began as a psychedelic rock group and diversified their sound through the use of instruments such as keyboards like the Mellotron and harpsichord, sitar, and various reed instruments, and by incorporating jazz and improvisational techniques in their music. Soon after in December 1967 Traffic would release Mr. Fantasy their debut Album on Island records. Rolling Stone called the album “one of the best from any contemporary group” and has become a staple on almost any best album poll from the 20th and 21st centuries!

Re-Issued individually from the phenomenal 2019 Traffic – The Studio Albums 1967-74 Boxset. Remastered from the original tapes, pressed on 180g heavy weight vinyl and artwork caringly overseen and interpreted, this album is a must for any newcomer or indeed, seasoned Traffic fan.

180 gram gatefold cover vinyl reissue incl. various bonus tracks!

The only one of tenor saxophonist Tina Brooks’ albums as a leader to be released during his too-brief lifetime, 1960’s True Blue is a hard bop masterpiece featuring Brooks’ distinctive compositions performed by an exceptional quintet with Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Duke Jordan on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Art Taylor on drums.



Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition: Stereo, mastered from a digital source by Kevin Gray, manufactured at Optimal (180 g), padded inner sleeves.

Monk's Dream is the first album jazz musician Thelonious Monk released on Columbia Records. Jazz scholars and enthusiasts alike also heralded this combo as the best Monk had been involved with for several years.

180g audiophile vinyl.

Vinyl reissue of the live album by American jazz pianist Thelonious Monk. Featuring tracks recorded in Italy in 1961, during an extensive European tour that also resulted in recordings from Paris. The album was originally released on the Riverside label in 1963 and would be Monk's final recording for the label before signing with Columbia. Includes the tracks 'Straight No Chaser', 'Bemsha Swing' and 'Rhythm-A-Ning.

180g vinyl, remastered, two bonus songs.