Lou Donaldson, The Natural Soul, 1963 on Blue Note

Another album from the excellent Story of Blue Note Records VMP Anthology, this came five years after Blues Walk, and features Grant Green, John Patton, Ben Dixon, and Tommy Turrentine (brother of Stanley).

Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder in his Englewood Cliffs NJ studio and produced by Alfred Lion.

My copy is part of the 2024 reissue of the 2019 Vinyl Me Please Anthology.

Dexter Gordon, Dexter Calling, 1962 on Blue Note

Released in mono in 1961 and in stereo in 1962, this was Gordon’s second album on Blue Note, following quickly after Doin’ Allright and five years after Daddy Plays the Horn.

Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder at his studio in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Gordon is joined by Paul Chambers, Philly Joe Jones, and Kenny Drew. Liner notes by Leonard Feather, produced by Alfred Lion.

My copy is from the VMP Anthology The Story of Blue Note Records, which was first issued in 2019 and then reissued in 2024 – my copy is from that second edition.

Harold Vick, Steppin’ Out!, 1963 on Blue Note

Debut album from Harold Vick (as a leader), recorded Rudy Van Gelder’s studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, with a wonderful supporting cast: Blue Mitchell, Grant Green, John Patton, and Ben Dixon.

Vick would also go on to play with folks like King Curtis and Aretha Franklin, and passed in 1987. Great album of early 60s Blue Note jazz.

My copy—via Academy Records in NYC—is the Blue Note Tone Poet reissue from 2022.

Stan Getz & Bill Evans, Previously Unreleased Recordings, 1974 on Verve

Sometimes just referred to as Stan Getz & Bill Evans, this was recorded in 1964 but not released until 1974. Ron Carter (A side) and Richard Davis (B side) on bass, with Elvin Jones on drums. Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio in Englewood Cliffs NJ and produced by Creed Taylor.

There’s a whole series of “Previously Unreleased Recordings” advertised on the rear jacket. Beautiful sounding LP well packaged.

My copy—via Worcester Record Riot—is of the 2024 UMG/UMe reissue, overseen by Chad Kassem from Acoustic Sounds.

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