Classic Albums By Andrew Hill, Jazz Crusaders Join Blue Note’s Tone Poet Series

Landmark albums by Andrew Hill and the Jazz Crusaders are all set for reissue as part of Blue Note Records’ on-going Tone Poet Series.

Andrew Hill’s 1968 album Grass Roots stands as one of the most immediately accessible albums in the pianist’s beguiling Blue Note discography. Featuring Lee Morgan, Booker Ervin, Ron Carter & Freddie Waits, this set of 5 Hill originals is imbued with a deep sense of feeling, groove, and lyricism. Set for release on January 3, 2025, this stereo Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI, and packaged in a deluxe gatefold tip-on jacket.

Also set for reissue on 3 January, Freedom Sound, the 1961 debut by The Jazz Crusaders, began a prolific & successful decade-long association with Pacific Jazz. The Houston, Texas founded band featuring Stix Hooper, Joe Sample, Wayne Henderson, Wilton Felder & Jimmy Bond blended jazz aspirations with R&B roots to create an enticing sound. As with the Andrew Hill release, this Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI, and packaged in a deluxe tip-on jacket.

First launched in 2019, the Tone Poet series is produced by Joe Harley and features 180g audiophile vinyl reissues mastered by Kevin Gray of Cohearent Audio. Tone Poet vinyl is manufactured at RTI in Camarillo, California, and packaged in deluxe gatefold tip-on jackets. The series’ titles are handpicked by Harley and cover enduring favourites of the Blue Note catalogue along with underrated classics, modern era standouts, and albums from other labels under the Blue Note umbrella including Pacific Jazz, United Artists, and Solid State. Explore the Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series in more detail at the Blue Note Store.

Pre-order Grass Roots and Freedom Sound.