Soul Jazz Records Presents - (PRESALE 05/22/26) BLACK JAZZ RECORDS – The Best Of Black Jazz Records (2xCD) | Mint (M) Mint (M)

Soul Jazz Records Presents – Black Jazz Records – The Best Of Black Jazz Records
Description

Artist: Soul Jazz Records presents
Title: BLACK JAZZ RECORDS – The Best Of Black Jazz Records
Genre: Jazz
Label: Soul Jazz Records
This album brings together some of the finest music ever released on Black Jazz Records which in its short four-year history, between 1971 and 1975, released over 20 superlative albums which all successfully blending spiritual jazz, funk and soul jazz of the highest calibre.
Similar to other independent jazz labels at the time, including Strata-East Records and Tribe Records, Black Jazz focussed on a number of key artists, most of whom first established their career during this period, and all of whom are featured here.
Featuring The Awakening, Doug Carn, Walter Bishop, Chester Thompson, Kellee Patterson and more.
Black Jazz Records was founded in Oakland, California, by pianist Gene Russell and percussionist Dick Schory. The label released twenty albums between 1971 and 1975. Artists who recorded for Black Jazz Records included Cleveland Eaton (bassist for Ramsey Lewis), keyboardists Doug Carn and Chester Thompson, vocalist Kellee Patterson, saxophonist Rudolph Johnson, bassist Henry Franklin, and spiritual fusion group The Awakening. The label was distributed and financed by Ovation Records, based in Chicago. Schory founded Ovation in 1969, shortly after leaving RCA. Schory was a Grammy-nominated percussionist who was also known for his development of the stereo recording techniques including Dynagroove and RCA Victor’s Stereo Action. Schory also pioneered quadrophonic sound, and a number of Black Jazz Records were in quadrophonic and other formats such as ¼” tape and 8-track.
Gene Russell was the creative force behind the label, acting as producer, engineer and A&R and focussed on developing new solo artists. Black Jazz Records released 20 or so superlative albums in a four-year period, all successfully blending spiritual jazz, funk and soul jazz. This album brings together some of the finest music released by the label in its short four-year history, closing its doors finally in 1975.

Discover the essence of jazz with 'Black Jazz Records – The Best Of Black Jazz Records' curated by Soul Jazz Records. This compilation features a selection of iconic tracks that showcase the rich legacy of Black Jazz artists. Experience the soulful melodies and innovative rhythms that defined a genre.
Highlights

    Curated by Soul Jazz Records
    Features iconic Black Jazz artists
    A blend of soulful melodies and innovative rhythms
    Includes tracks from The Awakening, Doug Carn, and more
    Perfect for both new listeners and jazz aficionados

Track Listing

01. The Awakening - Mode For D.D.

02. Doug Carn - Higher Ground

03. Calvin Keys - Aunt Lovey

04. Roland Haynes - Eglise

05. The Awakening - Slinky

06. Walter Bishop Jr. - Coral Keys

07. Rudolph Johnson - Diswa

08. Henry Franklin - Blue Lights

09. Kellee Patterson - Maiden Voyage

10. Chester Thompson - Power House

11. The Awakening - March On

12. Walter Bishop Jr. - Soul Village

13. Rudolph Johnson - The Highest Pleasure
Format Details

    Label: Soul Jazz Records
    Genre: Jazz
    Format: CD

• Media Condition: Mint (M)
• Sleeve Condition: Mint (M)
• Format: CD
• Genre: JAZZ
• Released: 05/22/2026