KENNY COX AND THE CONTEMPORARY JAZZ QUINTET - Multidirection (Blue Note X Third Man Records 313 Series) - LP - Coke Clear Vinyl

LP - Indies Exclusive Limited Edition Coke Clear 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.

Detroit has a long tradition of being the farm team for the Big Apple jazz big leagues, but just as important is the acknowledgement of local stars who left their mark on the city by staying and releasing amazing music in Detroit. Kenny Cox and the Contemporary Jazz Quintet is one such group that could have, and definitely should have, had a wider audience in their day, but their recorded legacy continues to grow in estimation. A comprehensive group with no weak links the band featured Kenny Cox on piano, Leon Henderson on tenor saxophone, Charles Moore on trumpet, Ron Brooks on bass, and Danny Spencer on drums.

The compositions and playing on Multidirection show the incredible talent and innovation that was brewing in Detroit before, during and after Motown locked its doors in the Motor City. Moore and Cox composed all the material on this record, which Cox described as “more of an orchestral-type effort than just a combo per se,” in the original liner notes by Nat Hentoff. Often the best albums shine brightest as a whole with new dimensions to discover during each listen. This exciting first-ever vinyl reissue is certain to provide the listening experience with the best possible platform.

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. Spellbound [5:18]
A2. Snuck In [6:03]
A3. Sojourn [6:40]

B1. Multidirection [9:54]
B2. What Other One [5:00]
B3. Gravity Point [5:10]