Concord Drops Round Two of Keepnews Collection Remasters

The Concord Music Group has just released the second edition of its reissue series, Keepnews Collections, featuring five classic jazz albums originally produced by Orrin Keepnews (pictured). Released June 5, the collection was remastered in 24-bit sound and includes the original liner notes as well as new commentary from the legendary producer Keepnews, who recently turned 84. All five discs were originally released on Keepnews’ labels Riverside Records and Milestone Records. Here’s the rundown:

Everybody Digs Bill Evans, Bill Evans, 1958

The second of Evans’ twelve recordings for Riverside, it features Sam Jones on bass, Philly Joe Jones on drums, three piano solo tracks from Evans, and a previously unreleased bonus song from the session, “Some Other Time.”

Chet, Chet Baker, 1958-1959

This all-instrumental disc features support from Bill Evans, Pepper Adams on bari sax, Paul Chambers on bass and Connie Kay on drums. It also includes an original Baker tune as a bonus track, “Early Morning Mood.”

Really Big, Jimmy Heath Orchestra, 1960

The tenor sax player recorded this album, his second for Riverside, with a 10-piece ensemble including his two brothers. The record features two covers and the never-before released first take of “Nails.”

Caravan, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, 1962

This album was the first of Blakey’s three Riverside recordings after leaving Blue Note Records, and features musicians such as tenor saxophonist Wayne Shorter and trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, as well two bonus alt takes.

Butterfly Dreams, Flora Purim, 1973

After playing with Chick Corea and drummer/percussionist Airto Moreira, vocalist Purim joined Milestone to record her debut album as a headliner. She’s supported here by Moreira, George Duke on keyboard, Joe Henderson on tenor sax and flute, David Amaro on guitar and Stanley Clarke on electric bass.

Originally Published June 13, 2007