Great Record Labels: Blue Note

[Ojai Sam]

Recently I decided to fill the gaps in my collection of the Blue Note CD reissue series that began in 1988. The concept was elegant in its simplicity: start with the original LP's, transfer the two-track analog masters direct to digital, include any alternate takes, add the same cover art and voila! A listening experience that fully delivered on the promise of the CD revolution. A nice touch was the use of the original four digit catalog numbers as a part of EMI's 7 place numbering system. Thus, BLP 1501 became CDP 7 81501 2.

We have the legendary Michael Cuscuna to thank for this project. His obsession with all things Blue Note led him to unearth countless buried treasures from the vault. Eventually he co-founded Mosaic Records to provide a suitable home for these masterpieces.



Michael Cuscuna (1948-2024)

As time passes, I will delve further into the history of Blue Note. But this teaser will suffice to get the project off the ground.

 

[Ojai Sam]

Bud Powell - The Amazing Bud Powell (BLP 1503, rec. 1949 & 1951, LP release 1955, CD release 1989)


LP cover


CD cover

See what I mean about the cover art? The booklet for this CD even includes Leonard Feather's original liner notes. Cuscuna's attention to detail was unrivaled in the reissue business.

Blue Note began releasing 12" LP's in 1955 in its 1500 series, which ran through 1599 in 1958. At that point, they bumped into their existing 1600 series of 45 rpm singles, so they moved on to 4001. Many of the early 1500's contained material that had appeared previously on 78's or 10" LP's.

After two Miles Davis albums, the label turned to Bud Powell. The two sessions included on this album featured Powell with the cream of the New York boppers: Fats Navarro, Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, Curly Russell and others. To call these recordings seminal is to understate their importance. Bud's intricate yet melodic piano style moved jazz in a very different direction from the angularity of his labelmate, Thelonious Monk.


Bud Powell (1949)