Thad Jones – Detroit-New York Junction: Third Man 313 Series (180g Vinyl LP)

All-Analog Remaster from the Original Master Tapes. Lacquers Cut in the Studio on the Neumann VMS-70 Cutting Lathe. 180g Vinyl.

It would be difficult to overstate the importance of the Jones brothers Thad, Hank and Elvin on the world of jazz. Between the three of them, their performances can be heard on thousands of recordings, including legendary sessions recorded with some of the greatest artists. Post-War Detroit was taking notes on the new sounds of jazz coming into favor and the group of former Detroiters on this album include some of its most virtuosic students. Thad Jones, (although he was technically from nearby Pontiac, MI) on trumpet, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Tommy Flanagan on piano and Billy Mitchell on saxophone. Jones’ first for Blue Note from 1956 stands as a fantastic sounding announcement that the Detroiters had landed in New York and were about to take off. Also featuring greats Shadow Wilson on drums and Oscar Pettiford on bass; Detroit—New York Junction, a long sought-after rarity and a testament to the importance of Detroit on the evolution of jazz music through Blue Note Records.

313 Series

Detroit has long held a shared respect with New York; a similar outlook on authenticity. Tough to describe, but you know it when you see it. Third Man Records and Blue Note Records share this respect and also a commitment to integrity regarding the musical legacies they support that extends to the collaboration happening on the 313 Series partnership. The five unique albums from the Blue Note catalog chosen for limited edition re-release by Blue Note Records President and Detroiter Don Was represent the best of the Motor City; innovative sounds, incredible playing and that inexplicable something you know is real.

For an undertaking like this you have to walk the extra mile. The original tapes were sent to Third Man’s Detroit mastering and pressing facility where their extensive all analog re-mastering process ensured that the albums delivered live up to the tradition they are part of. The Third Man Records team’s commitment to audio purity means no corners can be cut; sound and mastering engineer Warren Defever’s goal being to provide the closest possible approximation of the magic found on the original master’s tape brought to your living room. From the lacquers cut in the studio on the Neumann VMS-70 Cutting Lathe to the 180 gram vinyl pressed across the hall, every step of the process is tested in the facilities against exacting standards. That’s the Detroit way and the reason why the musical legacy from the 313 area code remains beloved around the world.

Thad Jones – Trumpet

Oscar Pettiford – Bass

Kenny Burrell – Guitar

Shadow Wilson – Drums

Tommy Flanagan – Piano

Billy Mitchell – Tenor Saxophone

Recorded at Audio Video Studios – New York, NY 1956 by Alfred Lion and Rudy Van Gelder