Usually, this feature concentrates on recordings that have never been reissued on CD before. This time, we move to a title that was recorded in 1969 but not released until 1996 (when it was issued on both CD and a limited edition LP). It has been out of print since the beginning of the 21st century. The lineup on the record is unusual in that it offers a view of John Patton in two compelling and very original — brave, even — quartet settings. The first five tracks feature the great organist with drummer Leroy Williams, saxophonist Marvin Cabell and a young James Blood Ulmer, who had just arrived in New York from the Detroit funk scene. The second band adds the great George Coleman as a second saxophonist in place of Ulmer. There are tunes by the band’s members, but also covers of those composed by Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, and the Meters! Stephen Thomas Erlewine’s review of the CD when it was first issued can be found here. Below are samples of each track.

The question is: Why does Blue Note continue to reissue the same titles (for the most part) over and over again, instead of either remastering its wonderful Rare Groove series or re-releasing titles that appeared for the first time from the late 1980s through the middle 1990s? The market has changed and the beat-hunter culture is everywhere seeking out great soul jazz and funk. They’re willing to pay auctioneers and second-hand shops big money for this music because they know owning great records is a privilege. Funny thing is, many more of us who don’t have that kind of scratch would gladly pay retail for officially released, handsomely packaged, vinyl and/or CD reissues; these titles would likely also do quite well in the marketplace.

In the meantime, while BN no doubt readies another slate of remastered remasters from its standard catalogue, seek this baby out.

“Memphis”
“Footprints”
“The Mandingo”
“Bloodyun”
“Steno”
“Man from Tangyanika”
“Cissy Strut”
“Dragon Slayer”