Brian Blade Brian Blade Fellowship 180g 2LP

Blue Note 80 Vinyl Reissue Series!
In honor of Blue Note Records' 80th Anniversary, the legendary Jazz label is launching the Blue Note 80 Vinyl Reissue Series. Distinct from the Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series, this 2nd series curated by Don Was and Cem Kurosman features mid-priced 180g vinyl releases in standard packaging with albums spanning the many eras of the label's history presented by themes: Blue Note Debuts, Blue Grooves, Great Reid Miles Covers, Blue Note Live, and Blue Note Drummer Leaders.

Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band is one of the most distinctive and long-running bands in Jazz in the 21st Century. The Fellowship first formed in 1997, helmed by drummer Brian Blade and defined by the tight bond among the musicians: pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Chris Thomas, alto saxophonist Myron Walden, and tenor saxophonist Melvin Butler. Released in 1998, their Blue Note debut, produced by Daniel Lanois and featuring contributions by guitarist Jeff Parker, introduced the band's unique sound which blends elements of jazz, folk and gospel with an uplifting hymnal quality. First time on vinyl.

Brian Blade Fellowship is an impressive debut as a leader for Brian Blade, one of the best young jazz drummers of the '90s. Producer Daniel Lanois doesn't follow jazz conventions, letting Blade run wild and blend genres, as on 'Folklore,' where the adventurous, searching jazz meets pygmy chants. All across the album, there is the sigh of a steel guitar, which adds an unusual, exotic texture to a debut that is uniquely daring and richly rewarding.