Back catalogue:

Review: In this newly reissued collection of bass-led duets, the great Charlie Haden collaborates with Don Cherry who plays trumpet and flute, Archie Shepp on tenor, pianist Hampton Hawes, and trumpeter Ornette Coleman across four tracks. Hawes' performance on the Ornette-penned 'Turnaround' stands out as a straight-ahead highlight on this exploratory album, although the other three are also standout works that offer plenty to get stuck into. Released as part of the generally excellent Verve By Request series, this one is pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Third Man in Detroit so sounds magnificent.

Review: Chico Hamilton's The Dealer receives a well-deserved reissue on vinyl for jazz enthusiasts in 2024. Originally released in the midst of the vibrant 60s jazz scene, the album showcases Hamilton's exceptional talent as a drummer and bandleader, with a seamless blend of jazz, funk, and soul, dynamic rhythms and melodic improvisations. Hamilton's distinctive style and innovative approach to composition shine through each track, leaving a lasting impression on the listener. This warranted and welcomed reissue allows both longtime fans and new generations to experience the timeless brilliance of Hamilton's music, reaffirming his status as a jazz great.

Review: Jazz pianist Herbie Hancock sure did love to record music. The New Standard was his fortieth, four oh, album and not by a long way was it his last. It came in 1996 on the Verve label and is the sound of the great American musicians offering up his own jazz renditions of classic and more contemporary rock and r&b tunes. The star-studded sextet also features saxophonist Michael Brecker, guitarist John Scofield, bassist Dave Holland, percussionist Don Alias and drummer Jack DeJohnette with some of the original tunes by the likes of Peter Gabriel, Prince, Kurt Cobain and Stevie Wonder.

Review: Released on the Cadet label in 1968, The Peace-Maker was the first of ten collaborations between the great tenor saxophonist Harold Land and vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson. With a group including pianist Joe Sample, the session results in a lively, lyrical, and high-quality jam. Critically hailed "one of the finest if little-known jazz LPs of its era" by AllMusic, the album is an impressionistic bask in the joys of composition, replete with affecting jaunts such as 'Angel Dance'. This Verve title is pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Third Man in Detroit.

Review: Johnny Hartman's I Just Dropped By to Say Hello, now reissued on 180-gram vinyl via Verve By Request, is a testament to his exceptional vocal artistry. Known for his deep, velvety baritone, Hartman delivers a collection of intimate ballads with impeccable enunciation and emotional depth. Standouts include 'Wee Small Hours of the Morning' and 'Sleepin' Bee', where Hartman's voice is smooth, relaxed and rich, free from the harshness that can plague lesser pressings. Recorded by the legendary Rudy Van Gelder, this album benefits from his masterful engineering, with every nuance of Hartman's voice and the supporting ensemble sounding pristine. The stellar musicianship includes Hank and Elvin Jones on piano and drums, Milt Hinton on bass and guitarists Kenny Burrell and Jim Hall. Illinois Jacquet's tenor sax adds further texture to several tracks. Often overshadowed by Hartman's work with John Coltrane, this album stands on its own as a jazz vocal masterpiece. The warm, natural sound of this reissue makes it an essential addition to any collection, demonstrating the enduring magic of Hartman's voice and Van Gelder's brilliant production.

Review: Bill Henderson may not have been a widely known jazz singer, but his 1963 album proves he deserved more recognition. Backed by the exceptional Oscar Peterson Trioifeaturing Ed Thigpen on drums and Ray Brown on bassiHenderson more than holds his own. His rich, expressive voice brings new depth to classics like 'All or Nothing at All' and 'You Are My Sunshine' which font his unique style and vast emotional range. Rather than being overshadowed by his legendary accompanists, Henderson rises to the occasion which helps make this a standout gem in vocal jazz.

Review: Billie Holiday's late career 1958 LP through Verve Records caught the legendary singer at a relatively intimate stage: substance abuse compounded financial difficulties, which imposed a toll on her already turbulent personal life, and Holiday's once-pure, all-powerful voice was showing signs of wear. A title like All Or Nothing At All would certainly seem to express the captive intensity of an industry that "breaks" artists in more ways than one, and despite the mixed reviews on release, this small combo-backed record is of one artist's broken but still functioning sensitivity. With Harry "Sweets" Edison and saxophonist Ben Webster, Holiday croons over 12 tracks, recorded over five sessions in 1956 and 1957, showcasing a more restrained vocal style that pierces clearly through and despite pharyngeal ills.

Review: Billie Holiday's 1957 recording stands as a timeless gem in jazz history, showing the unparalleled talent of Lady Day alongside a stellar ensemble. With luminaries like Ben Webster on tenor saxophone, Harry "Sweets" Edison on trumpet, and Jimmy Rowles on piano, Holiday is supported by some of the finest musicians of the era. This audiophile-grade reissue from the Verve/Universal Music Enterprises Acoustic Sounds Series ensures that Holiday's brilliance is preserved in its most authentic form. Mastered by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound from the original analog tapes and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings, the album offers a pristine listening experience. The musicianship on display is exceptional, with each member of the ensemble contributing to the rich tapestry of sound. From the sturdy standards to the luminous renditions of Gershwin classics, Holiday's vocals shine brightly, buoyed by the sensitive accompaniment of her bandmates. The gatefold old-style tip-on jacket, crafted by Stoughton Printing Co, adds a touch of elegance to this collector's item. With its mono presentation, this reissue captures the intimate and authentic sound of the original recording, allowing listeners to experience the timeless beauty of Billie Holiday's artistry. This reissue is perfect for jazz aficionados and audiophiles alike, offering a definitive version of one of the best jazz records ever made.

Review: Freddie Hubbard's final release for Impulse was The Body & The Soul, an album he released in 1963 and that features both an all-star septet and a string orchestra. Hubbard originals feature and showcase notable musicians such as Curtis Fuller on trombone, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Eric Dolphy on alto saxophone, Cedar Walton on piano, Reggie Workman on bass and Louis Hayes on drums. This release stands out in Hubbard's fine discography and highlights Wayne Shorter's exceptional arranging skills, all now pressed up to 180-gram vinyl at Third Man in Detroit.