Label: Real Gone Music
Reissued 2021, Originally released 1971
The first album released by the most sought-after label, bar none, among jazz collectors! And since keyboardist Gene Russell was at the artistic helm of Black Jazz, it was only natural that the label’s debut record featured Russell himself, with the fitting title New Direction. Oft-bootlegged, with original copies commanding princely sums, New Direction, while a fairly straight-ahead piano trio outing, sets the tone for the entire label with its modal and soul jazz flourishes, and features such sidemen as double bassist Henry “The Skipper” Franklin and drummer Steve Clover. Real Gone's reissue includes the distinctive original Black Jazz album art along with new liner notes by Pat Thomas, the author of Listen Whitey! The Sounds of Black Power 1965-1975. Remastered by Mike Milchner at Sonic Vision...a lost jazz classic sounding better than ever!
Track listing:
- Black Orchid
- Hitting the Jug
- Willow Weep for Me
- Listen Here
- On Green Dolphin Street
- Silver's Serenade
- My Cherie Amour
- Making Bread