Blue Note Classic Vinyl Reissue Series All-Analog 180g Vinyl LP Mastered by Kevin Gray Directly from the Original Master Tapes and Manufactured at Optimal in Germany

Blue Note Records has announced the continuation of the Classic Vinyl Reissue Series which presents 180g vinyl LP reissues in standard packaging mastered by Kevin Gray and manufactured at Optimal. The pressings are all-analog whenever an analog source is available, with Gray mastering directly from the original master tapes. While the first 16 titles of the series focused on the best-known Blue Note classics from the 1950s and 60s, the new run of titles curated by Don Was and Cem Kurosman broadens its scope to span the many eras and styles of the legendary label's eight-decade history presented by themes: Bebop, Hard Bop, Soul Jazz, Post-Bop, Avant-Garde, The 70s, The Rebirth, and Hidden Gems.

Between September 1963 and March 1964, the singular New York City-born saxophonist George Braith recorded three Blue Note sessions that introduced an utterly unique creative viewpoint. Perhaps best-known for his predilection for performing multiple instruments at the same time, à la Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Braith eventually invented a double horn he named the Braithophone. On Extension, the last of his Blue Note albums and arguably his finest, Braith can be heard on tenor, soprano, and alto saxophone, joined by Grant Green on guitar, Billy Gardner on organ, and Clarence Johnston on drums. The album was rooted in soul jazz, but Braith’s adventurous spirit led the music into unexpected realms on distinctive originals like “Nut City,” “Out Here,” and “Extension.”

The album offered more reflective moments as well, such as on the expressive ballad “Ethlyn’s Love,” dedicated to his mother, and the laid-back “Sweetville.” Braith’s personality shines through on the closer, a madcap romp through Cole Porter’s “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye.”

Musicians:
George Braith, saxophone
Billy Gardner, organ
Grant Green, guitar
Clarence Johnston, drums

Features:
• Blue Note Classic Vinyl Reissue Series
• All analog 180g vinyl LP
• Mastered by Kevin Gray directly from the original master tapes
• Manufactured at Optimal in Germany
• Standard packaging