ELVIN JONES - Genesis (Blue Note X Third Man Records 313 Series) - LP - Opaque Pink Vinyl

LP - Indie Exclusive Opaque Pink Vinyl. Newly remastered from the original tapes at Third Man’s Detroit mastering and pressing facility, where sound and mastering engineer Warren Defever and the Third Man team worked to ensure the closest possible approximation of the magic found on the original masters.

Elvin Jones, one of the true great drummers in jazz, recorded this album in 1971 after having led his own band for several years following his immortal work with the John Coltrane Quartet. This unique recording has a spacious feel with plenty of room for the players to work out the melodic compositions created by the members of the group. At times the recording creates an almost cinematic space, yet always propelling forward into unexpected territory. No pandering to contemporary tastes at this date or following the trends of the time, this is simply a great example of mature musicians given the freedom to create their own vision and place in time. Saxophonists Frank Foster and Dave Liebman instruments intertwine in a spellbinding way with opportunities to showcase Jones’ incredible virtuosity as a drummer. An album that reveals itself to the listener slowly with new delights every time it’s removed from the jacket.  

313 Series:
Third Man Records and Blue Note Records are proud to announce the 313 Series Partnership, showcasing five Detroit-themed albums from the Blue Note catalog specially chosen for re-release by Blue Note Records President – and Detroiter – Don Was. The 313 Series Partnership will include such classic Blue Note titles as Thad Jones Detroit-New York Junction (1956), Donald Byrd Electric Byrd (1970), Elvin Jones Genesis (1971), a first-ever vinyl reissue of Kenny Cox and The Contemporary Jazz Quintet Multidirection (1969) and a first-ever vinyl release of Grant Green Live at Club Mozambique (1971). All five 180g vinyl releases in the Third Man-Blue Note 313 Series are newly remastered from the original tapes at Third Man’s Detroit mastering and pressing facility, where sound and mastering engineer Warren Defever and the Third Man team worked to ensure the closest possible approximation of the magic found on the original masters. Exclusive limited-edition color variants will be available via Third Man, Blue Note, and indie record stores, with 313 copies available per variant.

Thad Jones Detroit-New York Junction and Donald Byrd Electric Byrd will be available on July 21, followed by Elvin Jones Genesis and Kenny Cox and The Contemporary Jazz Quintet Multidirection on September 22. Finally, Grant Green Live At Club Mozambique will be released on November 3. Pre-orders are available now for all five titles.

“There’s no better way for us to celebrate the abundance of Detroit talent on the Blue Note roster than this 313 collaboration with our hometown brothers and sisters at Third Man Records,” says Blue Note Records President Don Was. “Spin your turntables, close your eyes, and listen as the sweet analog sounds of Detroit Jazz roll thru your mind like the cool, clear waters of the River Rouge.”

Detroit and New York City have long held a mutual respect, both known for a similar outlook on authenticity. Third Man Records and Blue Note Records share this esteem as well a commitment to integrity regarding the musical legacies of their home cities. The five albums in the Third Man-Blue Note 313 Series Partnership highlight the best of the Motor City – innovative sounds, incredible playing and that inexplicable something you know is real. From the beautiful compositions by Kenny Cox and the Contemporary Jazz Quintet to the psychedelic funk of Donald Byrd, it is impossible to pigeonhole the Detroit sound but the current running through these recordings affirms just why the musical legacy from the 313 area code remains beloved around the world.

Tracklist:

A1. P.P. Phoenix [4:56]
A2. For All The Other Times [10:00]
A3. Slumber [5:16]

B1. Three Card Molly [8:25]
B2. Cecilia Is Love [10:10]

Elvin Jones - drums
Gene Perla - bass
Frank Foster - tenor saxophone, alto flute
Dave Liebman - tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone

Recorded at Van Gelder Studio - Englewood Cliffs, NJ 1971 by Rudy Van Gelder