Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Stanley Turrentine's debut as a bandleader arrived in June 1960, just a few months after his notable sideman role on Jimmy Smith's Midnight Special and Back at the Chicken Shack. With these albums cementing his status as a standout player, Blue Note boss Alfred Lion wasted no time bringing Turrentine back into the studio to record his first outing as a leader. The result announced the arrival of his deeply soulful tenor saxophone, immediately marking him as a key figure in the hard bop scene. Turrentine's approach was distinctiveieach note infused with emotion and a deep sense of groove. His compositions, like 'Look Out' and 'Minor Chant', alongside tunes by Parlan and Clifford Brown, revealed his mastery of both melody and rhythm. The session was anchored by a strong rhythm section, featuring pianist Horace Parlan, bassist George Tucker, and drummer Al Harewood, each contributing to the album's powerful sound. A highlight is the ballad 'Journey into Melody', where Turrentine's ability to infuse warmth and depth into a song is on full display. This all-analogue remastering offers a true-to-the-original listening experience, preserving the warmth and clarity of this essential jazz release.

Review: Forces of Nature: Live at Slugs' is a thrilling, never-before-released live recording of jazz giants McCoy Tyner and Joe Henderson, captured at Slugs' Saloon in 1966. Joining them are bassist Henry Grimes and drummer Jack DeJohnette, forming a powerhouse quartet. The performance, unearthed from DeJohnette's personal archives after nearly six decades, showcases the intense musical chemistry between Tyner and Henderson, who were central figures in the 1960s jazz scene. The recording, originally engineered by Orville O'Brien, brings the energy and creativity of this 1966 set to life. With expert mastering by Matthew Lutthans, the sound is crisp and vibrant, transporting listeners back to the legendary Slugs' Saloon. Forces of Nature is a amazing look into an era of jazz brilliance.