Review: Blue Mitchell's Blue's Moods, originally released in 1960, is a hard bop gem featuring Mitchell's superb trumpet alongside Wynton Kelly on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Roy Brooks on drums. This rhythm section's chemistry is next level, particularly evident on the slow blues track 'Kinda Vague' with Brooks' intricate hi-hat work. The album's opener, 'I'll Close My Eyes,' stands out and has even served as a favorite ringtone. Side-1, in particular, offers a relaxed and smooth blend of tunes that embody the essence of hard bop. As part of the Original Jazz Classics Series, this reissue boasts 180-gram vinyl, AAA lacquers cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, and is pressed at RTI. The OJC series, known for its dedication to preserving and reissuing influential jazz albums, continues its legacy with this release. Mitchell's work on Riverside is often considered superior to his Blue Note recordings, with Blue's Moods, Blue Soul, The Cupbearers, and Out Of The Blue being standout examples. This reissue ensures that new generations of jazz enthusiasts can experience the soulful brilliance of Blue Mitchell in pristine quality.
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