”Natural Essence” by Tyrone Washington on Blue Note BLP 4274

September 3, 2026

A rare mono audition copy of this smoker.

Tenorman Tyrone Washington plays some fiery stuff on this excellent album which was recorded in 1967 and released 1968. The lineup is superb with Woody Shaw, Janes Spaulding, Kenny Barron, Reggie Workman and Joe Chambers joining the leader in creating a memorable post-bop outing.

I haven’t listened much to Tyrone Washington before acquiring this title. He plays on Stanley Cowell’s ”Brilliant Circles” on Polydor which I have, but other than that I can’t remember if I have another album with him present. Anyway, fantastic player and I will explore his stuff further.

He was an outstanding composer, which is apparent here as he wrote all the tunes. The whole album is lovely, but some favorites are ”Positive Path”, a high octane smoker, ”Ethos”, a beautiful bossa nova with some bite and some great flute playing by Spaulding, and also the more mellow number “Yearning For Love”.

I must mention Joe Chambers. He is one of my favorite drummers for sure. With his beautiful ride work that is always crystal clear and defined and his killer overall approach to his kit. Beautiful musician.

This particular copy is a rare mono audition version which sounds absolutely amazing. Such punch and detail, good lord. When it comes to Van Gelder I find mono is the way to go. All the way to the very end of the formats life cycle, which this LP represents. It’s probably one of my best sounding records.

Get acquainted with this one if you’re unfamiliar.

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”Juju” by Wayne Shorter on Blue Note BLP 4182

August 15, 2026

I’ve been after the classic Hancocks, Hendersons and Shorters on Blue Note for a long time and have managed to secure some of them. Just completed my top three Hancock must haves and have some of my favorite Hendersons. My top three Shorters have been extra difficult to source and I have had one of them, ”Speak No Evil”, for quite a while. Now the other two have been sourced in one fell swoop. One will have to wait to be posted for a while, but the one on display is in my hands. ”Juju” is a fantastic album, the six compositions are outstanding, all penned by Shorter. The themes are so memorable and Shorters soloing is splendid. It’s deep post-bop we’re talking about here, performed by a band worth it’s weight in gold. Shorter, McCoy Tyner, Reggie Workman and Elvin Jones delivers a raw display of quartet magic, keeping an intense fire burning mixed with lyrical ideas which work like balm for the soul. The album as a whole feels extremely cohesive.

Favorite cuts from this all-the-way-through stellar album has to be ”Mahjong”, ”Juju” and ”Yes or No”.

Now I’ll wait for the last Shorter piece that I sorely need.

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”Blue Train” by John Coltrane on Blue Note BLP 1577

August 14, 2026

This is actually my first vinyl copy of Blue Train believe it or not. I never really went after it like it was something more special than for example a Lee Morgan, Thad Jones or Sonny Clark on Blue Note. It’s a great album, an iconic album and Trane’s only one as a leader on Blue Note, the music is great, but I think there are lot of hard bop dates that are just as good. As for my thoughts on where it stands in Trane’s catalogue, well for me, his best stuff came after Blue Note and Prestige, especially on Impulse. Giant Steps and a few others on Atlantic are superb as well. But as an early session as a leader, recorded during his hard bop days, this is as good as it gets.

Anyway, very happy to file this original W63 both sides copy at last. Feels good to have a decent playing copy of this album on the shelf.

Regarding the music, what is there to say? Classic stuff played by hard bop royalty. We have Trane, Morgan, Fuller, Drew, Chambers and Philly Joe Jones making history together. Favourite tunes are the title track and ”Moment’s Notice”.

It’s been a good year so far in tracking down some original Blue Notes.

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”A New Conception” by Sam Rivers on Blue Note BLP 4249

August 6, 2026

Stellar title with Rivers playing and deconstructing standards in a beautiful way, with avant touches sprinkled in throughout. Rivers remarkable ability to thread the line between the past and the future is simply stunning. These older tunes gets a new lease on life and becomes something more modern and highly engaging.

Every tune has it’s own lovely thing going on but if I have to choose some favorites it will be the lyrical ”I’ll Never Smile Again” that features both Rivers’ round and deep tenor as well as his high soaring soprano, ”Detour Ahead”, a relaxing mood setter, also featured on Bill Evans’ ”Waltz For Debby”, and I love the playful flute playing on ”Secret Love” which is a bright and hopeful conclusion to this album.

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”Maiden Voyage” by Herbie Hancock on Blue Note BLP 4195

August 1, 2026

Here’s another Blue Note title that has been so hard to find for me. Been looking for ages for a mono original with ear to complete my Herbie top 3 must haves. The other two being Inventions & Dimensions and Empyrean Isles. All three are very hard to find, so I consider myself a very happy boy now that all three are on the shelf.

The album itself is a bonafide classic of course and it represents the very best from the Blue Note catalogue. Hancocks brilliant composing skills are on full display here. Modal/post-bop at it’s finest. The musicianship is outstanding, and you’d expect nothing less from captain Hancock and his crew, consisting of Hubbard, Coleman, Carter and Williams. I have to mention Williams, as he once again plays blindingly good. So creative, refined and fiery. A big part of why the albums with Hancock, Miles’ second great quintet, Sam Rivers, Grachan Moncur, Andrew Hill etc. are so fantastic is because of him.

Favorite picks are perhaps the lush title track and the up-tempo smoker ”The Eye Of The Hurricane”. A sophisticated album full of moments to savor.

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”Action” by Jackie McLean on Blue Note BLP 4218

July 31, 2026

This is one of my favorite Jackie Mac albums on Blue Note and it contains some brilliant post-bop with McLean and Co in top form. The music is full of energy, fire and technical prowess as this hard to beat quintet smokes throughout. We have Tolliver, Hutcherson, McBee and Higgins backing Jackie.

This one went under the radar for me for a long time, don’t know why really and it is a damn pity, but better late than never to appreciate this highlight in McLean’s career. The music is highly engaging throughout and it feels like Jackie has never sounded better. Favorite tune is perhaps the Tolliver penned ”Plight” with it’s slower paced swaying and flowing beat.

A fantastic recording by Van Gelder, so crisp and well balanced. Love these later BN’s in mono, they are punchy as hell.

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”Byrd in Hand” by Donald Byrd on Blue Note BLP 4019

July 30, 2026

Been after this Byrd on Blue Note for a very long time. It’s one of those elusive titles that I’ve never found a clean enough copy of. So, very happy to finally have landed this lovely example.

One of Byrd’s best imho. The great combination of Byrd and Adams is well known and here we also get the addition of Rouse which elevates it even further. The rhythm section of Walter Davis Jr., Sam Jones and Art Taylor is a huge plus as well.

Favorite tunes are; the opening standard ”Witchcraft”, ”Here Am I” a medium tempo beautifully melancholy effort penned by Byrd and ”Clarion Calls” the minor-key original by Davis Jr., with it’s brilliant theme and wonderful solos.

Love the cover art on this one as well, with the orange tint and Byrd hanging out outside of Van Gelder’s Englewood Cliffs studio.

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”Live at the Lighthouse” by Lee Morgan on Blue Note BST 89906

June 26, 2026

I’ve always loved Lee Morgan. My favorite albums with him as the leader are from the 50’s. His sideman work during the 60’s is stellar as well. But this live album recorded in 1970 at The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach in Los Angeles is something else. His style is mature and has developed from the previous two decades. We’re talking fiery and progressive modal/post-bop here, which he and the band executes to perfection.

Morgan plays both the trumpet and flugelhorn. The fantastic cats that backs him consists of Bennie Maupin on tenor, flute and bass clarinet, Harold Mabern on piano, Jymie Merritt on bass and Mickey Roker on drums.

We’re treated to four tunes in this original 2 LP set, one tune per side. So it’s long format stuff, which I love. Favorite tunes are perhaps ”Absolutions” by Merritt and ”Neophilia” by Maupin.

The sound has a dry character and the treble is potent in the cymbals for example, but the low end and Merritt’s bass is very present. Overall a very ”live” sounding recording, which the whole point is of course. You wanna feel like you’re sitting there at a table in the club and experiencing the energy from the band and I think you get that.

This album ranks quite high on my list of favorite Morgan albums. It’s a resounding statement in time which exemplifies the leaders virtuosic and evergreen talent.

I visited the venue in Hermosa Beach in 2022. Below are some images from that visit.

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”Stick-Up” by Bobby Hutcherson on Blue Note BST 84244

June 11, 2026

Found this 1st US original pressing with the shrink on (but opened) and also the Japan direct import OBI and insert present. Pretty cool.

It opens breezy and up-beat with a take on Ornette’s ”Una Muy Bonita”. A wonderful opener. Then we enter post-bop land a la Hutcherson, starting with ”8/4 Beat”, which is a superb example of how great late 60’s post-bop can be. Ballad time next with the beautiful ”Summer Nights”. Love the interplay between Tyner and Hutcherson.

The second side kicks off with a typical up-tempo post-bop smoker called ”Black Circle”. Henderson’s opening solo is fire, dazzling me with his edgy playing and lovely tone on the tenor. ”Verse” comes next, and it’s is a slower burning number with a swaying drum beat. I love when Henderson enters proceedings and delivers a wonderful solo. The last tune ”Blues Mind Matter” picks up the pace and again affirms my love for post-bop during this period. A short one compared to the others but oh so sweet.

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Blue Notes

June 1, 2026

A few from the 4000 series.

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”Ghetto Music” by Eddie Gale on Blue Note BST 84294

November 7, 2025

Fantastic spiritual excursion by another Sun Ra sideman, Brooklyn-born trumpeter Eddie Gale. His debut as a leader. Seems this title is quite scarce and in demand. Been looking for it for a while and was very happy to have found a copy online recently.

The first tune ”The Rain” features some lovely lead vocals by Eddie’s sister Joann Gale. The theme is a beautiful one. But the highlight is Gale’s trumpet. His playing is searching and wailing. Superb notes are chosen, displaying a wonderful tone and virtuoso technique. This continues in even more extravagant fashion on the whirlwind second tune ”Fulton Street”. High energy stuff played with intent. Gale’s solo is outstanding. A fiery statement. The whole group is on fire. Russell Lyle’s tenor is fantastic. Got to mention the drums as well. There are two drummers (two bassists as well). Actually, the drums might be the highlight overall on this tune. The thunderous intensity is impressive, and they are very well recorded, as you would expect from Van Gelder.

It gets calmer on the third tune ”A Understanding”, which is spiritual jazz in a nutshell. Expansive and deep, sombre and reflective in nature.

The second side opens with a marching rhythm and chanting vocals. The trumpet solo that follows is sublime in it’s oriental and virtuosic brilliance. Gale’s approach is flamboyant and expressive. Love the tenor solo as well on this. It follows the oriental flavors that Gale led with. It’s called ”A Walk With Thee” and is perhaps my favorite tune on the album.

The album concludes with ”The Coming of Gwilu”, a 13 minute exploration in spiritual moods that sums up the whole approach of this album in a beautiful way. A defined bass line, lively percussion/drums and chanting vocals leads the way into musical nirvana.

I would go as far as to say this is probably in my top 5 list of favorite Blue Notes, and that’s saying a lot.

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”Extensions” by McCoy Tyner on Blue Note BN-LA006-F

May 22, 2025

Like I mentioned a couple of posts back, McCoy Tyner was very active in the 70’s for the Milestone label. Before that though he released several titles as a leader on Blue Note. This title is one of them. Recorded in 1970 and released in 1973. It was recorded by Rudy Van Gelder and produced by Duke Pearson.

This is one of the best Tyner albums I’ve heard. It features an unbelievable line-up. Tyner is joined by Alice Coltrane on harp, Wayne Shorter on tenor/soprano, Gary Bartz on alto, Ron Carter on double bass and Elvin Jones drums. The music, consisting of four Tyner originals, is an amazing mix of modal/post bop/spiritual. Beautifully crafted, intricate and engaging stuff. And with this kind of line-up, one couldn’t expect less.

I will continue my explorations into Tyner’s work as a leader in the 70’s with great excitement.

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”Puttin’ It Together” by The New Elvin Jones Trio on Blue Note BST 84282

April 5, 2025

Lo and behold, I’m posting an original Blue Note again. It’s been a while. This is a lovely title featuring a favorite format of mine, the pianoless sax trio (some flute is also present). Elvin, Jimmy Garrison and Joe Farrell performs a raw and organic set of tunes which appeals to me with it’s stripped down feel and natural sound. This album was Elvin’s first on Blue Note as a leader. Recorded and released in 1968 which makes it my latest Blue Note thus far in terms of the release date. Never owned a Liberty Blue Note before. Hopefully there will be some more landing on my shelves in the years to come. Will keep my eyes peeled for the second album by this great trio as well, also on Blue Note.

Elvin is a favorite drummer of mine and you immediately hear it’s him. The earthy and natural sound of his kit is truly a signature sound. Garrison is a cat I’ve loved for a long time. His solos are always great, his choice of notes are always special, and the sound he extracts from his double bass is big, warm and round. In this setting the bass gets quite pronounced, which is always a plus. Joe Farrell is brilliant on tenor, soprano, flute and piccolo. On the tenor he’s Coltrane-esque to me, but his own man nonetheless. Will have to explore his catalogue in depth.

Highly recommended.

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"Empyrean Isles" by Herbie Hancock on Blue Note BLP 4175

July 19, 2024

That beautiful Englewood Cliffs sound just blasts out of the speakers. Tony Williams’ cymbal mastery is clear, bright and crisp and Hubbards’ cornet just cuts through everything. Seems this title was cut very hot! The volume is impressive.

This is one of those Hancock titles on Blue Note I’ve been after for a long time. I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been looking for titles by three of the top post bop artists, namely Hancock, Shorter and Henderson, on Blue Note, but found it very difficult to find original mono pressings of them. I’ve managed to find a few, like In ’n Out, Inner Urge, Mode for Joe, Speak No Evil and Inventions & Dimensions. The Shorters and Hancocks have been the toughest to find. Empyrean Isles is the latest addition in my pursuit of these titles. Extremely happy to have found it at last. In top shape as well, and for a reasonable price. When it comes to Hancock titles on the want list, Maiden Voyage is at the very top.

The personell on this masterpiece are all masters on their respective intrument. They are: Herbie on piano, Freddie Hubbard on cornet (which is quite cool, instead of trumpet), Ron Carter on double bass and Tony Williams on drums. Love this group.

My favorite tune on the album is ”Oliloqui Valley” but all of the tunes, all written by the leader, are fantastic.

It’s been a long search, but I can finally pull Empyrean off the shelf and enjoy this classic.

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"A Swingin' Affair" by Dexter Gordon on Blue Note BLP 4133

June 20, 2024

My favorite Long Tall Dexter albums to date are ”One Flight Up”, ”Go” and this one. It sounds so good. The cymbals are very bright and the overall detail is superb. The volume is off the charts on this one as well, so I had to turn it down a bit, and that’s a good thing. Cut very hot I can imagine. This kind of sound on a jazz record just makes the whole experience so much sweeter, and you get really engaged when listening. Compared to when an album is poorly recorded or in not so great shape, the difference is staggering.

Great personell on this one with Dexter joined by Sonny Clark, Butch Warren and Billy Higgins.

I love that Billie Holidays ”Don’t Explain” is featured here cause it’s one of my favorite jazz ballads and Dexter was such a master of playing the ballad. His interpretation is so beautiful, sad, bittersweet and it’s probably my favorite tune on the album. Another one I enjoy a lot is the infectious Butch Warren penned ”The Backbone”.

All in all a lovely album which you should check out if you haven’t already.

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"Bossa Nova Soul Samba" by Ike Quebec on Blue Note BLP 4114

May 24, 2024

It’s hot and exotic, mellow and moody, sensual and calming, rhythmic and joyful. When I listen to this album I close my eyes and dream away. I’m walking the streets of Havana sipping on a rum and coke and puffing on a cigar. Or maybe I’m in Brazil where the bossa nova and samba was born.

It’s not your average hard bop Blue Note date. It’s very focused on the music of Brazil. This is my first Ike Quebec title. His tone and phrasing is so smooth, warm and breathy. It fits perfectly with this kind of music. It warms the soul. I’ve come to really love this kind of approach to the tenor. It’s such a beautiful instrument, especially when it’s played in this way.

I’ve strayed a bit from my new approach to collecting when buying this title. It’s a sought after Blue Note, so the price is gonna be higher. But I figured that since this was a title I love and one I’ve been after for quite a while I felt it was worth it. The vinyl plays like new, amazing. Very happy to have been able to acquire this one.

Favorite picks from this lovely session are ”Loie”, ”Me ’n You”, ”Shu Shu” and ”Favela”, with the latter taking top spot.

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"The Cat Walk" by Donald Byrd on Blue Note 4075

December 24, 2023

Byrd and Pepper Adams was a superb combo. This is a great album which I come back to often. It sounds amazing. The cover art has to be one of the most iconic, bad ass and at the same time beautiful in the Blue Note catalogue.

Posting on this Christmas Eve when here in Sweden we have our main celebration. I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I hope you’ll have a lovely time with friends and family.

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"Out to Lunch" by Eric Dolphy on Blue Note BLP 4163

November 25, 2023

A true classic and a milestone in modern jazz.

Otherworldly. Plain and simple. That’s what this music is. And the sound of this original pressing is otherworldly as well. It sounds so good. Just like you would imagine a pristine old Blue Note to sound if you haven’t experienced listening to one before. This is exactly why I collect these vintage records. The experience is unbeatable.

This is for many Eric Dolphy’s Magnum opus. I agree with that. It’s so full of virtuosity from all the players, and the compositions (all Dolphy originals) are otherworldly. Now I’ve written that word three times and that’s maybe enough. But that word is perfect to describe this music. Historically this album has not come to me easily in terms of enjoying it 100%. I’ve tried it on through the years and been intrigued by both the music and the recording quality, but haven’t pulled the trigger on copies in the past. But for the last several years I’ve been leaning towards post bop and the avant-garde so this was the right time to secure it. It’s an easy listen for me now as my taste has evolved and my mind and ears have grown a lot since I first heard it. I now enjoy it to the full and I’m mesmerized by the intricate compositions and all the little details that these cats deliver.

A superb constellation of musicians grace this session, with Dolphy on alto, flute and bass clarinet, Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, Richard Davis on double bass and the brilliant Tony Williams on drums. Couldn’t ask for a better group performing this music.

I guess everyone is familiar with this milestone album, but what’s your thoughts on it? Please share.

Have a great Saturday, cheers!

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"Into Somethin'" by Larry Young on Blue Note 4187

November 12, 2023

Just like “Unity” this is one of the best Blue Notes in the later Blue Note catalogue for me. The organ provides a special kind of vibe to a jazz setting. But it all depends who plays it and Larry Young plays with such an interesting approach and his style really resonates with me. It feels modern.

The line-up on this session is a great one, with the brilliant Sam Rivers on tenor sax, Grant Green on guitar and Elvin Jones on drums. Sam Rivers stands out for me, with his raw, free-thinking style. I have one album with him as a leader which is one of my favorite albums. I really need to try and get some more of his stuff into the collection. This group really gels together beautifully and the results is a lovely album with lots of melodies getting stuck if your mind long after the needle has left the grooves.

A couple of favorite picks are “Plaza de Toros”, on which Sam Rivers plays an outstanding solo which reminds me a lot of Joe Henderson, and “Paris Eyes” which is a laid back piece with a rememberable theme. All tunes are superb though.

The cover art is one of my favorites by Reid Miles, love the typography, the image and the colour. Really adds to the overall appeal of this album.

Have added quite a few albums to the collection of late, so stay tuned for more great titles. Cheers!

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"Let Freedom Ring" by Jackie McLean on Blue Note BLP 4106

August 20, 2023

Classic McLean album, on which he starts to explore some new sounds.

There are so many great Jackie McLean albums. I have managed to acquire a few so far. I enjoy both his early hard bop period as well as his later stuff where he stretches out more into post bop and incorporated at bit more of a freer approach. “Let Freedom Ring” started the period of this more innovative style of composing and playing. There are many great albums from this period and I have plenty more to try and find. I’m looking at “One Step Beyond” for example, which is another one rooted in hard bop but blending in post bop and the avant-garde.

McLean plays with his usual hi-energy approach. He uses high register “screams” as well, which is quite unique and special. For example, there’s a spot on the Bud Powell-penned ballad “I’ll Keep Loving You”, where he uses this technique (it’s used all the way through the album though), and it pierces through everything, in a good way. It’s harsh and beautiful at the same time.

I’m quite excited to dive deeper into his later stuff, I’ve listened to some of it of course, but far from everything. I’m taking things slowly as per usual.

“Let Freedom Ring” is one of those classic Blue Note albums and I’m very happy to have been able to find an original. Overall, I’ve been trying to focus on other labels and to try and get some real gems, cheaper ones, into the collection. But some great titles that I’d like to add, like this one, are on Blue Note, and then you’ll pay the price for that, literally. I will continue my explorations into other labels, cause there are so many great titles to discover that you don’t have to break the bank for. Lets me get more stuff into the collection faster as well. I have a couple of titles on the way from Japan that are superb and not that expensive. Looking forward to receiving those.

Have a great week, cheers!

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