GA Russell Posted January 15 Report Posted January 15 Mack Avenue Music Group Announces Partnership with Strata-East Records Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Digital-Only Anthology Available February 21, 2025 The digital-only anthology Strata-East: The Legacy Begins, available February 21, 2025, celebrates the revolutionary spirit of one of the most influential artist-owned independent jazz labels in history. This anthology, a partnership between Mack Avenue Music Group and Strata-East, brings together iconic tracks that embody Strata-East’s commitment to artistry and creative freedom. Featuring the explosive brilliance of Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell, the soulful expressions of The Heath Brothers, Charlie Rouse, Shamek Farrah, Pharoah Sanders, and more, the collection showcases cult classics from the label’s deep catalog while honoring the extraordinary artists who shaped its legacy. This release not only marks the launch of the partnership between Strata-East and Mack Avenue Music Group but also delivers the label’s highest-quality audio anthology, transferred directly from the original master tapes and available digitally for the first time. A reflection of Strata-East’s dedication to spiritual jazz and social consciousness, this compilation invites listeners to rediscover classics or experience them anew. Strata-East: The Legacy Begins celebrates the timelessness of this music while marking the start of an exciting new chapter. "We are excited to partner with Charles, Ched, and the Strata-East team to bring this beloved music to the world with the highest quality audio and care taken to preserve its purest form. We can't wait for everyone to hear what we have coming," said Will Wakefield, Senior Director of A&R for Mack Avenue Music Group. Specializing in avant-garde and post-bop jazz, Strata-East’s notable albums include Tolliver's Music Inc, Cowell’s Musa: Ancestral Streams, Charlie Rouse’s Two is One and Billy Harper's Capra Black. Strata-East addressed social and political themes resonant with the Black Arts Movement. Its pioneering approach to artist rights has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, cementing its place in jazz history. Strata-East's roster featured timelessly influential musicians who intertwined music with spoken word in response to their cultural moment. This includes Sanders, known for his spiritual and avant-garde explorations that inspired a shift in mainstream jazz offerings. Despite its short period of recorded music output, Strata-East's commitment to artistic freedom and high production standards earned it a revered place in jazz history. Its pioneering approach to artist rights and control has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, contributing to a vibrant and diverse musical landscape. More information to come in the following weeks. Strata-East co-founder Charles Tolliver performing at LPR for Winter Jazzfest 2025. | Photo by Lev Radin Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Mack Avenue Music Group/Strata-East · Release Date: February 21, 2025 For more information on Strata-East, please visit: www.serecs.com # # # Quote
felser Posted January 15 Report Posted January 15 I hope individual albums are made avavailable, not just an anthology of selected tracks. That would be a lost opportunity. Tolliver is 82 years old, so this may be the last best opportunity for some of this iconic label to be presented. Quote
colinmce Posted January 15 Report Posted January 15 This seems very promising. So far SE reissues have been mostly vinyl-only or from P-Vine, and absurdly expensive either way. Mack Ave does CDs, and very affordable ones to boot. Quote
T.D. Posted January 15 Report Posted January 15 Very promising, but the above anthology is digital-only so IMO CDs are far from certain. Quote
colinmce Posted January 15 Report Posted January 15 I get the sense from the release that the sampler is just a teaser and not indicative of future releases being digital-only. Quote
T.D. Posted January 15 Report Posted January 15 1 hour ago, colinmce said: I get the sense from the release that the sampler is just a teaser and not indicative of future releases being digital-only. I (and maybe some other dinosaurs) hope so! Mack Avenue does seem to release CDs. IIRC they took over the MaxJazz label (who released a whole lot of "At Yoshi's" live albums and a number of Jessica Williams CDs back in the day). Quote
david weiss Posted January 15 Report Posted January 15 From what I'm told, they will begin to release individual albums on vinyl starting on Record Store Day. The goal is to release the entire catalog (or whatever is still owned by Strata East) digitally at some point. I'm sure we will find out more in the coming months. Quote
felser Posted January 15 Report Posted January 15 29 minutes ago, david weiss said: From what I'm told, they will begin to release individual albums on vinyl starting on Record Store Day. The goal is to release the entire catalog (or whatever is still owned by Strata East) digitally at some point. I'm sure we will find out more in the coming months. Good to hear, even if it is digital. Much better yet if CD's become available. Quote
JSngry Posted January 16 Report Posted January 16 A CD is available as soon as you download the files. Quote
Chuck Nessa Posted January 16 Report Posted January 16 (edited) Most of my favorites on the label were owned by Clifford Jordan and packaged in a Mosaic box. Edited January 16 by Chuck Nessa Quote
felser Posted January 16 Report Posted January 16 I do burn downloads to CD-R when I buy them, and print off artwork for CD case to store it in. I'm hoping for 'Reasons in Tonality',, 'Alkebu-Lan', 'Don't Look Back', 'Sense of Values' and 'The Waterbearers' (in roughly that order) on CD or at least download. I have been able to pick up the others I most want on CD over the past 35 years. Quote
T.D. Posted January 16 Report Posted January 16 Those (like me 🤪) who cling to the dying CD are gonna have to get used to the DL->CDR thing. Beyond the CJ Mosaic I've been filling in some gaps with Japanese reissues. Almost certainly in (to some extent) on this new series, though of course subject to exactly what gets released. Quote
GA Russell Posted January 16 Author Report Posted January 16 I received today this email, which is referred to as a "corrected" version. Mack Avenue Music Group Announces Partnership with Strata-East Records Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Digital-Only Anthology Available February 21, 2025 The digital-only anthology Strata-East: The Legacy Begins, available February 21, 2025, celebrates the revolutionary spirit of one of the most influential artist-owned independent jazz labels in history. This anthology, a partnership between Mack Avenue Music Group and Strata-East, brings together iconic tracks that embody Strata-East’s commitment to artistry and creative freedom. Featuring the explosive brilliance of Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell, the soulful expressions of The Heath Brothers, Charlie Rouse, Shamek Farrah, Pharoah Sanders, and more, the collection showcases cult classics from the label’s deep catalog while honoring the extraordinary artists who shaped its legacy. This release not only marks the launch of the partnership between Strata-East and Mack Avenue Music Group but also delivers the label’s highest-quality audio anthology and is available digitally for the first time. A reflection of Strata-East’s dedication to spiritual jazz and social consciousness, this compilation invites listeners to rediscover classics or experience them anew. Strata-East: The Legacy Begins celebrates the timelessness of this music while marking the start of an exciting new chapter. "Strata-East Records is very proud to be partnering with Mack Avenue Music Group, whose passion, values, total commitment, and deep love for the music, mirror ours," Tolliver said. "This is an exciting time and together with Mack Avenue we can’t wait to bring you, our fans around the world, new essential high-quality masters of the Strata-East catalog. We’ve gone back to the origins so that you can totally immerse yourself in this great music, the emotions, artistic and creative freedom that exemplifies Strata-East. There is a lot more to come and to be announced, so stay tuned!” Will Wakefield, Senior Director of A&R for Mack Avenue Music Group, said: "We are excited to partner with Charles, Ched, and the Strata-East team to bring this beloved music to the world with the highest quality audio and care taken to preserve its purest form. We can't wait for everyone to hear what we have coming." Specializing in avant-garde and post-bop jazz, Strata-East’s notable albums include Tolliver's Music Inc, Cowell’s Musa: Ancestral Streams, Charlie Rouse’s Two is One and Billy Harper's Capra Black. Strata-East addressed social and political themes resonant with the Black Arts Movement. Its pioneering approach to artist rights has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, cementing its place in jazz history. Strata-East's roster featured timelessly influential musicians who intertwined music with spoken word in response to their cultural moment. This includes Sanders, known for his spiritual and avant-garde explorations that inspired a shift in mainstream jazz offerings. Despite its short period of recorded music output, Strata-East's commitment to artistic freedom and high production standards earned it a revered place in jazz history. Its pioneering approach to artist rights and control has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, contributing to a vibrant and diverse musical landscape. More information to come in the following weeks. Strata-East co-founder Charles Tolliver performing at LPR for Winter Jazzfest 2025. | Photo by Lev Radin Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Mack Avenue Music Group/Strata-East · Release Date: February 21, 2025 For more information on Strata-East, please visit: www.serecs.com # # # Quote
mhatta Posted January 16 Report Posted January 16 13 minutes ago, felser said: I do burn downloads to CD-R when I buy them, and print off artwork for CD case to store it in. I'm hoping for 'Reasons in Tonality',, 'Alkebu-Lan', 'Don't Look Back', 'Sense of Values' and 'The Waterbearers' (in roughly that order) on CD or at least download. I have been able to pick up the others I most want on CD over the past 35 years. Sense of Values! Keno Duke is criminally underrated. I have very little information about him, but what kind of life did he lead? Quote
Pim Posted January 16 Report Posted January 16 Hoping for that vinyl reissue of Alkebu Lan now. Pure Pleasure did quite a lot of great reissues in recent years. Hoping they won’t duplicate them and start with what PP left on the vaults. I hope they do cd reissues also for the non vinyl buyers. anyway the title of this digital release implies an extensive reissue program. Quote
bertrand Posted January 16 Report Posted January 16 I hope there are CDs. Reasons in Tonality is great! Quote
BFrank Posted January 21 Report Posted January 21 On 1/15/2025 at 8:15 PM, Chuck Nessa said: Most of my favorites on the label were owned by Clifford Jordan and packaged in a Mosaic box. I have that box, too. Great stuff. Plus most of the Tolliver albums. Here's another one of Tolliver at the NYC Winter JazzFest w/Camille Thurman, Aaron Johnson, Darrell Green, Christian McBride Quote
felser Posted yesterday at 04:20 AM Report Posted yesterday at 04:20 AM OK, just received a lot more information on the Strata-East reboot via Nate Chinen's 'The Gig' Substack: Pharoah's 'Izipho Zam' part of RSD. Vinyl/CD reissues of Tolliver's 'Live at Slug's albums with bonus cuts (presumably already on the Mosaic Select?), Rouse's 'Two Is One' and Cowell's 'Musa: Ancestral Streams' with four bonus cuts on April 25. And THIRTY Strata-East albums receive digital reissue on that date. Surprisingly, Mack Avenue is the company behind all this activity. I'm in for all of the CD reissues, which sound like serious upgrades on the versions I already own, and likely for several of the digital downloads (look forward to seeing what the titles are). I tend to be very price-conscious on the vast majority of my music purchases, but not on these - bring them on. Never expected to see this reissue series in my lifetime. Quote
Pim Posted 18 hours ago Report Posted 18 hours ago Still hoping for Alkebu-Lan here.... Pure Pleasure did quite a lot of good reissues of the Strata East catalogue. But for some reason: they skipped the Mtume. Quote
GA Russell Posted 4 hours ago Author Report Posted 4 hours ago Mack Avenue Music Group & Strata-East Announce Strata-East Reissues Pharoah Sanders - Izipho Zam (My Gifts) Record Store Day Exclusive 180-gram Vinyl Release Available April 12, 2025 Charlie Rouse - Two Is One, Charles Tolliver’s Music Inc - Live at Slugs’, Vol. I & II, Stanley Cowell - Musa: Ancestral Streams Available April 25, 2025 All Albums Available on CD and Digitally (for the first time) on April 25, 2025 The Strata-East Vinyl Reissues are Pressed on 180-gram Vinyl at Record Technology Inc. (RTI), Mastered by Kevin Gray with Audio Transferred Direct from the Original Analog Tapes + New Liner Notes & Never-Before-Seen Photos Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Digital-Only Anthology Available February 21, 2025 Last month, Mack Avenue Music Group announced its partnership with Strata-East Records, the influential jazz label known for artistic freedom and high production standards founded in 1970 by Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell. Following the digital-only anthology Strata-East: The Legacy Begins, available February 21, 2025, Strata-East will reissue Pharoah Sanders’ Izipho Zam (My Gifts) as a Record Store Day exclusive vinyl release on April 12, 2025. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) on 180-gram vinyl and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio with audio transferred directly from the original analog tapes, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Harmony Holiday and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike. On April 25, 2025, Strata-East will release vinyl and CD reissues of Charlie Rouse’s Two Is One, Charles Tolliver’s Music Inc.’s Live at Slugs’, Vol. I & II, and Stanley Cowell’s Musa: Ancestral Streams, also pressed at RTI on 180-gram vinyl and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio with audio transferred directly from the original analog tapes. Pharoah Sanders’ Izipho Zam (My Gifts) will also be released on CD at this time and all 4 albums will be available digitally for the first time ever. Also April 25, 2025, Mack Avenue Music Group will digitally release, for the first time, 32 albums from the Strata-East catalog. Strata-East: The Legacy Begins celebrates the revolutionary spirit of one of the most influential artist-owned independent jazz labels in history. This anthology brings together iconic tracks that embody Strata-East’s commitment to artistry and creative freedom. Featuring the explosive brilliance of Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell, the soulful expressions of The Heath Brothers, Charlie Rouse, Shamek Farrah, Pharoah Sanders, and more, the collection showcases cult classics from the label’s deep catalog while honoring the extraordinary artists who shaped its legacy. This release not only marks the launch of the partnership between Strata-East and Mack Avenue Music Group but also delivers the label’s highest-quality audio anthology and is available digitally for the first time. A reflection of Strata-East’s dedication to spiritual jazz and social consciousness, this compilation invites listeners to rediscover classics or experience them anew. Strata-East: The Legacy Begins celebrates the timelessness of this music while marking the start of an exciting new chapter. "Strata-East Records is very proud to be partnering with Mack Avenue Music Group, whose passion, values, total commitment, and deep love for the music, mirror ours," Tolliver said. "This is an exciting time and together with Mack Avenue we can’t wait to bring you, our fans around the world, new essential high-quality masters of the Strata-East catalog. We’ve gone back to the origins so that you can totally immerse yourself in this great music, the emotions, artistic and creative freedom that exemplifies Strata-East. There is a lot more to come and to be announced, so stay tuned!” Will Wakefield, Senior Director of A&R for Mack Avenue Music Group, said: "We are excited to partner with Charles, Ched, and the Strata-East team to bring this beloved music to the world with the highest quality audio and care taken to preserve its purest form. We can't wait for everyone to hear what we have coming." Specializing in avant-garde and post-bop jazz, Strata-East’s notable albums include Tolliver's Music Inc, Cowell’s Musa: Ancestral Streams, Charlie Rouse’s Two is One and Billy Harper's Capra Black. Strata-East addressed social and political themes resonant with the Black Arts Movement. Its pioneering approach to artist rights has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, cementing its place in jazz history. Strata-East's roster featured timelessly influential musicians who intertwined music with spoken word in response to their cultural moment. This includes Sanders, known for his spiritual and avant-garde explorations that inspired a shift in mainstream jazz offerings. Despite its short period of recorded music output, Strata-East's commitment to artistic freedom and high production standards earned it a revered place in jazz history. Its pioneering approach to artist rights and control has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, contributing to a vibrant and diverse musical landscape. More information on individual albums: SES1973325 | Pharoah Sanders | Izipho Zam (My Gifts) Pharoah Sanders' Izipho Zam (My Gifts) is a groundbreaking jazz masterpiece. Recorded in 1969, two years after John Coltrane's passing, and released in 1973 on Strata-East, the album features a 13-member ensemble, including Sonny Sharrock, Lonnie Liston Smith, Cecil McBee, and Leon Thomas. Blending Eastern influences with expansive jazz, Sanders’ genius is highlighted with "Prince of Peace,” showcasing Thomas' unique vocals, and the 28-minute title track, offering an exploration of dissonance and harmony with West African percussion and meditative chants. For the first time ever, this seminal work from a legendary saxophonist will be available on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Harmony Holiday and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike. SES197225 | Charles Tolliver | Live at Slugs’, Volume I & II For the first time ever, Charles Tolliver’s Live at Slugs’, Volumes I & II will be released together in one set, presenting the full power of these historic performances in a unified collection. Recorded live in 1970 at the legendary Slugs' in New York City, the albums feature Tolliver’s fiery trumpet alongside an all-star lineup: Strata-East co-founder Stanley Cowell on piano, Cecil McBee on bass, and Jimmy Hopps on drums. These high-energy recordings capture the raw intensity and innovation of the Music Inc. quartet, showcasing their technical brilliance and cohesive interplay. Remastered in stunning detail, this release unites two of the most celebrated live albums in jazz history for the first time on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. The digital release features 3 never-before-released bonus tracks, totaling 41 minutes of unreleased music. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Marcus J. Moore and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike. SES1974325 | Stanley Cowell | Musa: Ancestral Streams Featuring stunning solo piano work by Strata-East co-founder Stanley Cowell, Musa: Ancestral Streams is a landmark album in jazz, celebrated for its intimacy and innovation. Recorded in 1974, it stands as one of the most significant solo piano albums of its time, blending jazz with classical, African, and Eastern influences. Cowell’s pioneering use of both electric and acoustic piano expands the expressive range of the instrument, creating a deeply personal and spiritual experience. Musa: Ancestral Streams is a cornerstone of the Strata-East discography, reflecting the label’s commitment to artistic freedom and genre-defining works. It not only highlights Cowell’s extraordinary vision as a musician but also exemplifies Strata-East’s role in championing boundary-pushing, artist-produced records. For the first time ever, this pioneering solo work from the famed pianist will be available on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. The digital release features an alternate take on the classic “Travelin’ Man” as well as 3 additional never-before-released bonus tracks. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Nate Chinen and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike. SES1974625 | Charlie Rouse | Two Is One Charlie Rouse’s groundbreaking album Two Is One is a funk-infused exploration of jazz that embodies the innovative spirit of Strata-East Records. Originally recorded in 1974 and transferred from the original analog tapes, Two Is One fuses sophisticated soul jazz with post-bop and spiritual influences while highlighting stellar collaborations with guitarists George Davis and Paul Metzke, Cal Scott on electrified cello, and the incomparable Stanley Clarke on electric bass. For the first time ever, this classic from a saxophone legend will be available on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Syd Schwartz and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike. Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Read the full press release here. Track List: Billy Harper – “Sir Galahad” Clifford Jordan – “John Coltrane” Stanley Cowell – “Equipoise” Charles Tolliver & Music Inc – “Felicite” (live) Shamek Farrah – “Watch What Happens Now” Charles Tolliver & Stanley Cowell – “On the Nile” Charlie Rouse – “Hopscotch” Pharoah Sanders – “Prince of Peace” The Heath Brothers ft. Stanley Cowell – “Smilin’ Billy Suite: Part II” Cecil Payne – “Martin Luther King, Jr. I Know Love” Charles Tolliver & Music Inc – - “Drought” (Live) Charles Brackeen – “Rhythm X” Charles Tolliver & Music Inc – “Spanning” (Live) Charles Tolliver & Music Inc – “Truth” (Live) Cecil McBee – “Voice of the 7th Angel” Harold Vick – “Don’t Look Back” Charles Tolliver – “Lil’s Paradise” The Piano Choir – “Effi” John Hicks – “My One and Only Love” John Gordon – “Step by Step” Charles Tolliver – “Ruthie’s Heart” (Live) .Charles Tolliver – “For Love of What” (Live) Stanley Cowell ft. Billy Harper & Reggie Workman & Billy Hart – “Sweet Song” The Descendants of Mike and Phoebe & Bill Lee – “Two Songs for a Boy Named Mark: a) Little Bitty Baby, b) Soliloquy to a Man-Child” The Brass Company & Bill Lee – “Alias Buster Henry” Charles Tolliver & Music Inc – “Earl’s World” Stanley Cowell – “Lullabye” The Piano Choir – “Barbara Ann” Billy Parker – “Get With It” Shamek Farrah & Sonelius Smith – “The World of the Children” Charles Tolliver & Music Inc Orchestra – “Impact” The New York Bass Violin Choir & Bill Lee – “John Coltrane” John Hicks – “Hell’s Bells" Strata-East: The Legacy Begins Mack Avenue Music Group/Strata-East · Release Date: February 21, 2025 Pharoah Sanders - Izipho Zam (My Gifts) Record Store Day Exclusive Vinyl Release + CD Compilation Mack Avenue Music Group/Strata-East Release Date: April 12, 2025 Vinyl and CD Reissues: Charlie Rouse - Two Is One, Charles Tolliver’s Music Inc. - Live at Slugs’, Vol. I & II, Stanley Cowell - Musa: Ancestral Streams Mack Avenue Music Group/Strata-East Release Date: April 25, 2025 For more information on Strata-East, please visit: www.serecs.com # # # # # # Quote
JSngry Posted 4 hours ago Report Posted 4 hours ago As far as Mack Avenue being the fit for this project, they're actually Detroit-based and were, up until very recently, African-American owned. Pretty sure that the company has an awareness beyond what most of their product might suggest. They're good business people, so that should bode well for the project. I hope. Quote
rostasi Posted 2 hours ago Report Posted 2 hours ago (edited) My main focus when it comes to these re-releases is the sound quality. I definitely don't need the vinyl ... and because I've been completely in love with the music for a very long time, I've let things like the pressing quality of the vinyl slip in order to enjoy as much of the energy as I could, but now I'm ready for a good clean-up of a CD or digital and that'll be fine for me. I put up with 2 or 3 copies of a distorted Alkebu-Lan or an unfortunate "wide-screen" recording of the Piano Choir in my teenage years, but I'm expecting more now that we have the tech to do it. (Of course, the Piano Choir probably can't be brought closer in a huddle even with some A.I. help, but we'll see how that's handled). Edited 2 hours ago by rostasi Quote
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