Analogue Productions (Pablo)

180-gram vinyl Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket Benny Carter meets Oscar Peterson — two older giants from the Verve jazz scene of the 50s, recording here in loose quintet format three decades later! The album's got a format that's similar to some of the easy-flowing Verve dates from years back — no surprise, given that Norman Granz produced the set — and there's plenty of room for Carter's amazing tone on the alto to stretch out over mellow rhythms from Joe Pass on guitar, Dave Young on bass, and Martin Drew on drums. Titles include "Sweet Lorraine," "Just Friends," "Whispering," "Some Kind Of Blues," and "Baubles Bangles & Beads." Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape, and pressed at Quality Record Pressings for optimal sound quality, this Analogue Productions 180-gram reissue is an exceptional audiophile disc. Housed in a gatefold Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket.

180-gram vinyl Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket Virtually to the end, Count Basie was at the piano in front of the band that was his natural environment for more than half a century, inspiring music that defined the verb "to swing." In this collection recorded a little more than a year before he died, Basie divided the performances between the big band and a small group. In his last couple of decades, Basie went into the Pablo studios frequently with combos ranging in size from two (the pianist and Zoot Sims) to the octet heard here. In this case, the small group came out of the big band and featured the bright young trumpeter Bob Summers along with veteran trombonist Booty Wood and saxophonists Eric Dixon and Chris Woods. In large group or small, Basie and guitarist Freddie Green were at the heart of the rhythm, lifting the proceedings to a rarified plane of swing never to be duplicated after they were gone. Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape. Pressed at Quality Record Pressings for superior sound quality, and housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on single pocket jacket.

180-gram vinyl Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket The essence of Kansas City wafts from the tracks of this album. How could it not, with Count Basie and Joe Turner in charge? The essence, of course, is the blues, and every man in the band is a master of that most basic and most demanding of forms. Their résumés cover every jazz environ from the 12th Street clubs where Southwest swing matured to the Harlem hothouses that germinated bebop. The common language of the blues, and Basie's catalytic keyboard, bind them tightly together in support of Big Joe Turner, a shouter, a smooth talker, a testifier to the power, tenderness, despair, and joy of the blues and of life, which are the same. Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape. Pressed at Quality Record Pressings for superior sound quality, and housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on single pocket jacket.

180-gram vinyl Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket The three Ellington Suites in this release were recorded at different times along Ellington's legendary and prolific arc: "The Queen's Suite" in February and April 1959 (written for and dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II, but not widely released until 1970); "The Goutelas Suite" in April 1971; and "The Uwis Suite" in October 1972. "Ellington would record his orchestra at his own expense, and then stockpile the recordings," says Nick Phillips, Vice President, Catalog and Jazz A&R at Concord and producer of the Original Jazz Classics Remasters series. "These were recordings that were later sold to Norman Granz, who had the good sense in the '70s to collect these then-unreleased suites on one album." Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape. Pressed at Quality Record Pressings for superior sound quality, and housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on single pocket jacket.

180-gram vinyl Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket Step into the world of jazz like never before with Ella Fitzgerald — Fine And Mellow, a timeless masterpiece that captures the unparalleled artistry of Ella Fitzgerald, recorded live in a magic-filled moment. Released during the golden era of jazz in the early 1960s, this album is an audiophile's dream, showcasing not just the vocal brilliance of Ella, but the sonic chemistry of a legendary ensemble of jazz titans. The story behind Fine And Mellow begins with Ella Fitzgerald, often heralded as the "First Lady of Song," collaborating with a distinguished group of musicians who were at the pinnacle of jazz innovation. Recorded at the famed Los Angeles Philharmonic Auditorium in 1962, this live session presents a rare and authentic glimpse into the improvisational magic of the era. The album is a veritable "who's who" of jazz greats, chosen with a careful and deliberate focus on complementing Ella's vocal style. Ella's smooth yet powerful voice effortlessly rides the waves of a setlist filled with timeless classics, most notably the title track, Fine And Mellow. The album features Ella at the height of her vocal prowess, with each note floating in the air with an almost tactile quality. Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape. Pressed at Quality Record Pressings for superior sound quality, and housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on single pocket jacket.

180-gram vinyl Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket Even with less than essential bonus material, Ella and Oscar — recorded May 19, 1975 — is a welcome reissue that warrants repeated listening. Bassist Ray Brown, closely associated to both artists, appears on four tracks, but this is a decidedly duo effort that focuses on two close friends who happened to be among jazz's most historic figures. To call this collection of Great American Songbook standards intimate would be an understatement. Ella and Oscar is a low-key album of small, quiet pleasures. Even during the second half where Brown's bass provides additional rhythmic variety, the focus is squarely on voice and piano. Most of the album's tracks are under five minutes in length. Only on the closing number, "April In Paris," do they really stretch out significantly. Peterson delivers a relaxed but swinging solo. Fitzgerald follows suit with remarkably expressive scatting. Earlier on "When Your Lover Has Gone," she and Peterson trades four bars solos in captivating exchange of melodic ideas. Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape, and pressed at Quality Record Pressings for optimal sound quality, this Analogue Productions 180-gram reissue is a must-have for jazz fans. Housed in a single pocket Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket.

180-gram vinyl Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings considers Crazy and Mixed Up to be possibly Sarah Vaughan's best album for the Pablo label. Vaughan was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards for her performance. This release is an essential addition to any serious jazz collection, captivating audiophiles and music lovers alike. This album blends her impeccable phrasing with inventive, boundary-pushing jazz arrangements, making it a must-have for those who appreciate vocal jazz that transcends the genre. Vaughan's impeccable sense of timing and emotional depth, paired with the intricate instrumental backing, elevate these tracks into an extraordinary listening experience. Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape. Pressed at Quality Record Pressings for superior sound quality, and housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on single pocket jacket.

180-gram vinyl Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog tape Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket Sarah Vaughan and her working trio team with the "no Count" Basie band for this 1981 collection — their first studio meeting in 20 years! They create a magical album that evokes the days when singer and orchestra shared the stage at the original Birdland. The program looks back even further in the Divine One's career, with the inclusion of her early hit "If You Could See Me Now," while also featuring one of her last signature songs in the title track. The entire program, arranged with flair by Sammy Nestico and Allyn Ferguson, is a tour de force that finds Vaughan letting all stops out in a setting that matches her sublime vocals. Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape. Pressed at Quality Record Pressings for superior sound quality, and housed in a handsome Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket.

180-gram vinyl Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape Pressed at Quality Record Pressings Housed in a Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket Unlike many musicians who became stars in the Duke Ellington orchestra, Clark Terry became an even more commanding presence in the jazz world following his near-decade with the Duke. His Ellington memories are notable for a quintet that features Jos Pass's eloquent guitar in place of a second horn, and a program including as many uncommon tune choices as familiar warhorses. Among the highlights are "Echoes of Harlem," with Terry growling in the manner of the trumpeter first featured on the piece, Cootie Williams; "Sophisticated Lady," which receives an unlikely Latin-hustle setting; and "Everything But You," with Terry alternating between trumpet and flugelhorn in a patented conversation with himself. Mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog master tape, and pressed at Quality Record Pressings for optimal sound quality, this Analogue Productions 180-gram reissue is an exceptional audiophile disc. Housed in a gatefold Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket.