Written by In the annals of musical history, the tale of Blue Note Records stands as an enduring testament to the confluence of passion, innovation, and artistic genius. Eighty-five years ago, in January 1939, Alfred Lion, a German-Jewish immigrant and fervent jazz aficionado, orchestrated his maiden recording session in the vibrant heart of New York City. Little did he know that this moment would birth what is now recognized as the most iconic and longest-running jazz label in the world.
From its inception, Blue Note embarked on a remarkable journey, tracing the evolution of jazz across its myriad forms—from the exuberance of Hot Jazz and the rhythmic fervor of Boogie Woogie and Swing to the complexities of Bebop, the dynamism of Hard Bop, and the innovative realms of Post-Bop, Soul Jazz, Avant-Garde, and Fusion. After a brief hiatus, the label was reinvigorated under the stewardship of Bruce Lundvall in 1984, retaining its vanguard position as the foremost chronicler of the ever-evolving jazz scene. In 2012, current President Don Was assumed the helm, steering Blue Note into the 21st century with an unwavering commitment to Lion’s original vision.
As 2024 unfolds, the 85th anniversary of Blue Note Records will see a series of activities that will be without doubt a celebration befitting its storied legacy. The Blue Note Quintet, an ensemble featuring pianist and musical director Gerald Clayton, alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, drummer Kendrick Scott, and bassist Matt Brewer, will head out on a 35-date North American tour. Commencing on January 18, this musical journey will traverse the entire United States, including notable stops in Detroit, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. A testament to the label’s commitment to nurturing young talent, this tour promises to showcase the next generation of jazz luminaries.
Capturing Moments: The Francis Wolff Collection
Integral to the Blue Note experience is the Francis Wolff Collection—an anthology of fine art photography collector’s items that pay homage to co-founder and photographer Francis Wolff. This collection, a labor of love and dedication by Michael Cuscuna of Mosaic Images, features iconic photographs capturing legendary moments in jazz history. The series, initiated with a unique collection featuring Wolff’s images of saxophonist John Coltrane during the 1957 recording session for “Blue Train,” is set to unveil additional releases in 2024. With more than 20,000 black & white and color images taken between 1940-1970, the collection promises to be a treasure trove for jazz enthusiasts, providing a visual journey through the evolution of the genre.
Alfred Lion, seated, and Francis Wolff. (Courtesy Mosaic Images LLC)
In the spirit of visual artistry, Blue Note has expanded its offerings to include canvas wall art featuring classic album covers designed by Reid Miles. With designs including works such as “Indestructible” by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers and “Idle Moments” by Hank Mobley, these archival-quality prints offer a dynamic scale that breathes new life into the timeless visuals that have become synonymous with Blue Note’s distinct identity.
Preserving the Sonic Heritage: Audiophile Vinyl Reissues
True to its commitment to preserving the sonic heritage of jazz, Blue Note continues to captivate audiophiles with the Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series. Produced by the “Tone Poet” Joe Harley, this acclaimed series presents definitive all-analog, 180g audiophile vinyl reissues. Mastered from the original tapes by Kevin Gray of Cohearent Audio, each release is a meticulously crafted homage to acknowledged treasures, underrated classics, and modern-era standouts from the Blue Note catalog. As a special treat for 2024, a Tone Poet Vinyl Edition of Sonny Rollins’ 1957 live trio album, “A Night at the Village Vanguard,” is eagerly anticipated.
The Classic Vinyl Reissue Series, curated by Don Was and Cem Kurosman, delves into the extensive Blue Note catalog, offering 180g all-analog vinyl reissues in standard packaging. Mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes and manufactured at Optimal, this series pays homage to the most iconic Blue Note masterpieces by jazz legends such as Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Jimmy Smith, Donald Byrd, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, and more.
Blue Note Review: A Chronicle of Jazz’s Timeless Essence
The return of the Blue Note Review vinyl boxset subscription series is a landmark event in 2024. Volume Three, a long-awaited celebration of the legacy of trumpeter Lee Morgan, encapsulates the continuum of Blue Note’s storied past and auspicious future. Curated by Don Was, the series offers an exclusive collection of new recordings and timeless treasures from the Blue Note vaults. Accompanied by unique physical items and writings, the boxset captures the enduringly hip Blue Note aesthetic. Notably, Volume Two – Spirit & Time is still available at bluenotereview.com.
Exploring Blue Note’s Narrative: Vinyl Me, Please Anthology Series
The Vinyl Me, Please’s Anthology series takes listeners on an immersive journey into the history of Blue Note Records. The first-ever release in this acclaimed series, a six-album 7-LP boxset, celebrated the label’s legacy and swiftly sold out upon its 2019 release. Due to popular demand, a second pressing is slated for 2024, allowing fans to delve into the sonic tapestry of Blue Note’s illustrious history.
A Bounty of Celebrations: Blue Note Store and Playlists
The 85th Anniversary Sale on the Blue Note Store is a boon for ardent fans, offering special deals and exclusive merchandise. The newly introduced Clubhouse Rewards program extends unique offers to the most loyal customers. From new releases to vinyl reissues and exclusive items, the Blue Note Store is the ultimate online destination for all things Blue Note, including apparel, accessories, drinkware, and home decor.
To complement the auditory experience, Blue Note Playlists curated on Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube invite listeners to explore the various eras, styles, and artists that have defined The Finest in Jazz Since 1939. From classic hits to contemporary jazz, hard bop to the ’70s, and jazz for every mood, these playlists are a gateway into the rich tapestry of Blue Note’s catalog.
Crafting the Blue Note Legacy
The saga of Blue Note Records serves as a testament to the synergy of diverse talents and forces converging to create one of the greatest jazz labels in history. German immigrants Alfred Lion and Francis Wolff, seeking refuge from Nazism, fused their love for jazz with a deep commitment to preserving its essence. The inclusion of New Jersey optometrist-turned-recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder, classical music aficionado and commercial designer Reid Miles, and an assembly of the most extraordinary musicians the world has known, completes the mosaic of talent.
The elements each contributor brought to the table—boundless passion, impeccable A&R instincts, elegant and insightful photography, sterling sound quality, strikingly original cover artwork, and consistently transcendent music—were all vital to the label’s early success. Together, they wove the vivid Blue Note aesthetic—a rich tapestry that symbolizes the pinnacle of jazz expression.
Blue Note’s legendary catalog serves as a chronicle of jazz history, spanning the entire spectrum of the genre. From luminaries like Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Horace Silver, and Art Blakey to the icons of their time—Dexter Gordon, Grant Green, Lou Donaldson, Donald Byrd, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, Andrew Hill, Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor, and many more—the label has been the home to the pillars of jazz history.
After a brief dormancy from 1981-1984, during which producer/historian Michael Cuscuna preserved the label’s legacy with a series of reissues, Blue Note returned under the leadership of Bruce Lundvall. Lundvall’s 30-year tenure marked an era where Blue Note continued to be a haven for the most creative voices in jazz. From commercial successes with artists like Bobby McFerrin, Dianne Reeves, Cassandra Wilson, Us3, Norah Jones, Medeski Martin & Wood, Willie Nelson, and Wynton Marsalis, to a renewed dedication to Lion’s original vision, Blue Note stood tall as the undisputed leader in the world of jazz.
In 2011 Don Was joined Blue Note as Chief Creative Officer, assuming the presidency in 2012. Under Was’s stewardship, Blue Note has renewed its commitment to Lion’s original vision—recognizing any authentic style of playing that represents a genuine way of musical feeling. Lion’s words remain a guiding light for the label, inspiring a diverse array of artists—from eclectic singers like Norah Jones and Meshell Ndegeocello to instrumental jazz virtuosos such as Charles Lloyd, Ronnie Foster, Bill Frisell, Joshua Redman, Immanuel Wilkins, Joel Ross, Melissa Aldana, Julian Lage, and DOMi & JD BECK.
As one of the flagship labels of the Capitol Music Group and Universal Music Group, Blue Note Records remains an unparalleled force, shaping the narrative of jazz and preserving its timeless essence. Eighty-five years on, the label continues to thrive, resolute in its mission to explore the ever-expanding landscape of jazz and provide a platform for the expression of genuine musical feeling. In the grand tapestry of music history, Blue Note stands not only as a witness to the evolution of jazz but as an active participant, shaping and redefining the genre with each passing note.
Last modified: February 1, 2024
