[bethlehemrecords]

Happy International Women's Day from Bethlehem Records Jazz Vocalists

In honor of Women's History Month, we pay tribute to the female jazz vocalists of Bethlehem Records with rare releases from Jerri Winters, Audrey Morris, Marilyn Moore, Betty Blake, Sallie Blair, The Pat Moran Quartet, Frances Faye, Carmen McRae, Chris Connor, and Helen Carr. All tracks have been remastered as high res 24-bit audio files for 100% clarity.

Click the following titles below to preview each track in high fidelity sound as part of the Mastered for iTunes program. 

Audrey Morris - The Voice of Audrey Morris

Marilyn Moore - Moody Marilyn Moore

Helen Carr - Why Do I Love You

Sallie Blair - Squeeze Me

The Pat Moran Quartet - While at Birdland

Frances Faye - I'm Wild Again

Jerri Winters - Somebody Loves Me

Betty Blake - Betty Blake

Carmen McRae - Carmen McRae

Chris Connor - Sings Lullabys at Birdland

Click here for previously released titles. Sign up for the Bethlehem Records newsletter here to stay updated on exclusive sales and releases. 

[bethlehemrecords]

Audrey Morris - The Voice of Audrey Morris Newly Remastered and Out Now

#Chicago #jazz #pianist & #vocalist Audrey Morris got her start w/ this album, available now on @iTunesMusic: http://t.co/RsiFK9Ur4k

— Bethlehem Records (@BethlehemJazz)

March 5, 2014

[bethlehemrecords]

Happy Birthday, Dexter Gordon! Free 24 hour Download

Happy Birthday, Dexter Gordon! The lengthy, swinging tenor & rhythm formula that Dexter Gordon perfected coined him a major force in the emergence of modern tenor saxophone styles.

Today, we celebrate what would've been his 91st Birthday with a free download of the song, "Daddy Plays The Horn," a happy, twelve bar blues, medium tempo track that was considered so good it became the title track for his 1955 release on Bethlehem Records.

"Daddy Plays The Horn" has been remastered from the original analog tape recordings and is available on 180-Gram vinyl here, CD here and exclusively selected as part of the “Mastered for iTunes" program as a digital download here. We also have a limited run of Dexter Gordon t-shirts available here.

Enjoy your free download here before the promotion ends on February 28th, 2014 at 12:00AM.

[bethlehemrecords]

Bethlehem Records' Charlie Shavers Song on ABC's "Killer Women"

Charlie Shavers melodious '50s jazz classic, "Molly Malone" from the iconic Bethlehem Records catalog will be featured in the new ABC television drama Killer Women tonight, February 4th at 10PM|9PM c.

[bethlehemrecords]

Charles Mingus, Mel Torme, Art Blakey & More Bethlehem Records Reissues

As part of the Bethlehem Records relaunch, we are pleased to announce that we have just added 12 titles available in high fidelity sound as part of the Mastered for iTunes program. All tracks have been remastered as high res 24-bit audio files for 100% clarity.

The following titles will be available on Amazon and other digital service providers on January 28th, 2014. 

Newly added reissues include:

BCP 6026: Charles Mingus - "A Modern Symposium of Music and Poetry"

BCP 40: Herbie Mann - "Herbie Mann & Sam Most Quintet"

BCP 81: Herbie Nichols - "Love, Gloom, Cash, Love"

BCP 6019: Charles Mingus - "East Coasting"

BCP 6014: Johnny Hartman - "All Of Me - The Debonair Mr. Hartman"

BCP 6043: Ruby Braff - "The Best of Braff"

BCP 6023: Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers - "Hard Drive" 

BCP 63: Herbie Mann - "Love and the Weather"

BCP 52: Mel Torme "Mel Torme and Marty Paich Dek-Tette"

BCP 6013: Mel Torme - Mel Torme Sings Fred Astaire

BCP 29: Bud Freeman - "Newport News"

Click here for previously released titles. Sign up for the Bethlehem Records newsletter here to stay updated on exclusive sales and releases. 

[bethlehemrecords]

John Coltrane Analog Tapes Available

John Coltrane original analog tape recordings for "The Winner's Circle" are now available for purchase on 2 safety reels through the exclusive direct-to-fan pre-order platform, PledgeMusic. Other available John Coltrane product includes vinyl, mp3 & FLAC downloads, CD, Tote Bags, Posters, T-Shirts and more. Join fellow pledgers and learn more about this special opportunity here.

[bethlehemrecords]

Bethlehem Records & Pledge Music Launch Vault Recordings

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Verse Music Group & PledgeMusic Join Forces to Reissue its Vault of Iconic Recording such as John Coltrane's In The Winners Circle From Bethlehem Records.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

  Verse Music Group  will be re-releasing four iconic albums from its Bethlehem Records catalogue through a PledgeMusic direct-to-fan preorder. The classic albums to be released through the PledgeMusic platform are Stan Levey's Grand Stan, Bobby Scott's Great Scott, Eddie Davis' The Best of Eddie Lockjaw Davis and John Coltrane's In the Winners Circle.

  Pledge Today!  By participating in this exclusive preorder through PledgeMusic, fans will also be able to enjoy PledgeMusic exclusives such as limited edition apparel, vinyl bundles, posters, t-shirts and more including exclusive footage from the vaults of these legendary VMG brands. Starting with Bethlehem Records, Jazz enthusiasts will be able to enjoy tracks restored from the original analog sound recording and digitally remastered to meet the highest level of clarity and quality standards. The experience will allow fans a behind-the-scenes update in the release process. Pledge your support now at:

http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/johncoltrane http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/bobbyscott http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/eddielockjawdavis http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/stanlevey

All projects list here.

  ---

  Verse Music Group Founder and CEO, Curt Frasca looks forward to his company’s partnership with PledgeMusic. "Verse Music Group has always been about acquiring value brands and creatively growing those brands internally as well as partnering with forward thinking companies that deliver results. PledgeMusic’s platform is unique in offering a true “fan to artist experience” which offers Verse insight into what products fans truly want.”

Benji Rogers, CEO and Founder of PledgeMusic commented: "We are delighted to be working with Verse Music Group and look forward to bringing their iconic artists and albums to the PledgeMusic community. Our direct-to-fan approach is delivering clear benefits to music labels of all genres and continues to win new partners in the industry such as Bethlehem Records and Verse Music."

[bethlehemrecords]

Donald Byrd & Pepper Adams

Donald Byrd & Pepper Adams "Motor City Scene" Recorded, 1960

Vinyl    I     CD     I     iTunes     I     Soundcloud     I     Facebook

Hailing from the Detroit Jazz scene, trumpeter Donald Byrd & baritonist Pepper Adams join forces with guitarist Kenny Burrell, pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Louis Hayes (aka "Hey" Lewis) to form all-star sextet heard on Motor City Scene (also released as Stardust). The album opens with Stardust, or "music to get lost in" as described by All About Jazz. Adams takes the lead on Philson followed by Chambers and Hayes up-tempo version of Trio. Libeccio reflects a contrast of talent from the entire sextet, ending on a high note with their hard-swinging rendition of Bitty Ditty.

[bethlehemrecords]

Bobby Troup

 Bobby Troup "The Songs Of Bobby Troup" Recorded, 1955

Vinyl    I     CD     I     iTunes     I     Soundcloud     I     Facebook

Bobby Troup wore many hats as a composer, performer, singer/songwriter, and actor that has made several contributions to both Jazz music and the entertainment industry as a whole. The Songs Of Bobby Troup was a mid-50's studio session that showcases pianist Bobby Troup and his smooth singing style vocals, valve trombonist Bob Enevoldsen, guitarist Howard Roberts, bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Don Heath. The album includes an assortment of rarities that opens with the happy-go-lucky "Cuckoo In The Clock" in addition to beautiful instrumental arrangements of "Laura," and "Jeepers Creepers," concluding on a high note with "I'm With You."

[bethlehemrecords]

Happy Birthday, Zoot Sims!

Tenor saxophonist “Zoot” Sims grew up during both the Swing era and the early years of Bop where he absorbed the basic roots of Jazz. In honor of what would've been his 88th birthday, we are offering a free download medley of his 1960's recording of "Down Home."

His playing contains the heartbeat that represents all of the Jazz periods making “Down Home” an enjoyable and consistently swinging set. Also featured on this album is pianist Dave McKenna, bassist George Tucker and drummer Dannie Richmond.

"Down Home" has been remastered from the original analog tape recordings and is available on 180-Gram vinyl, CD and exclusively selected as part of the "Mastered for iTunes" program. Enjoy your free download here. 

[bethlehemrecords]

Bethlehem Records iTunes Exclusive Sale

Now for a limited time all of the high fidelity Bethlehem Records titles are available at an exclusive price.

Head on over to exclusive Bethlehem Records iTunes store for the full list.

[bethlehemrecords]

Zoot Sims

Zoot Sims "Down Home," Recorded 1960

Vinyl    I     CD     I     iTunes     I     Soundcloud     I     Facebook

Zoot Sims

Tenor saxophonist "Zoot" Sims grew up during both the Swing era and the early years of Bop where he absorbed the basic roots of Jazz. His playing contains the heartbeat that represents all of the Jazz periods making "Down Home" an enjoyable and consistently swinging set. Also featured on this album is pianist Dave McKenna, bassist George Tucker and drummer Dannie Richmond.

[bethlehemrecords]

High Fidelity Sound: Bethlehem Records iTunes Store Exclusive

Twenty Select Bethlehem Records titles are exclusively available in high fidelity sound as part of the Mastered For iTunes program.

Nina Simone, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane & more were remastered from original analog recordings and available in high resolution sound for the first time in decades.

Bethlehem Records’ Titles Available

Twenty select titles are available as Mastered for iTunes albums in the Bethlehem Records iTunes store.

Titles include...

 Art Blakey - "Art Blakey Big Band"

Bobby Scott - "Great Scott"

Booker Ervin - "The Book Cooks"

Charles Mingus - "The Jazz Experiments Of Charles Mingus"

Chris Connor - "Sings Lullabys for Lovers"

Dexter Gordon - "Daddy Plays The Horn"

Mel Torme & Frances Faye - "George Gershwins "Porgy & Bess"

Howard McGhee - "Dusty Blue"

John Coltrane - "In The Winners Circle"

Johnny Hartman - "Songs From The Heart"

Mel Torme - "Songs For Any Taste"

Nina Simone - "Nina Simone And Her Friends"

Nina Simone - "Little Girl Blue"

Oscar Pettiford - "Oscar Pettiford Modern Quintet"

Paula Castle - "Lost Love"

Sam Most - "Sam Most Plays Bird, Bud, Monk And Miles"

Stan Levey - "Grand Stan"

Zoot Sims - "Down Home"

Donald Byrd & Pepper Adams - "Motor City Scene"

Nina Simone "Little Girl Blue", Charles Mingus "The Jazz Experiments Of Charles Mingus", Oscar Pettiford "Oscar Pettiford Modern Quintet", Chris Connor "Sings Lullabys For Lovers", Dexter Gordon "Daddy Plays The Horn" and Booker Ervin "The Book Cooks" are currently available in their original configuration in LP Vinyl & CD formats as part of the August 27th, 2013 relaunch.

[bethlehemrecords]

Bethlehem Records Relaunch!

Verse Music Group & Naxos of America are happy to announce the reissue of iconic 1950’s Jazz catalog, Bethlehem Records. 

Classic Albums will be Restored & Remastered for CD, Digital and 10” & 12” Vinyl Release.

  First Reissue Sets Debuts August, 27, 2013

Bethlehem Records’ Discography

Bethlehem Records’ lengthy discography contains over 250 albums that freshly and ambitiously captured an era of music, including West Coast Cool Jazz and East Coast Bop. Bethlehem Records roster of artists includes Nina Simone, Carmen McRae, Chris Connor, Mel Torme, Dexter Gordon, Charles Mingus, Art Blakey, and Duke Ellington.  For some of these legendary artists, the Bethlehem recordings represent their classic debuts, and still for others, their greatest recorded work to date. Each track has been restored from the original analog sound recording & digitally remastered to meet the highest level of clarity and quality standards. For the first time in decades, each of the titles will be available in their original configuration in LP vinyl, CD and digital formats. 

Titles slated for an August 27th, 2013 release include...

 Oscar Pettiford "Modern Quintet," 

 Chris Connor "Chris Connor Sings Lullaby’s For Lovers,"

 Dexter Gordon "Daddy Plays The Horn,"

 Charles Mingus "The Jazz Experiments of Charles Mingus,"

 Nina Simone "Little Girl Blue,"

 Booker Ervin "The Book Cooks.” 

        Iconic Cover Art

Bethlehem Records progressive cover art truly revolutionized the jazz market. Each release includes fully restored, original artwork and liner notes.

In support of the relaunch, limited edition apparel, vinyl bundles and pre-sales will be available at select retailers and the Bethlehem Records Webstore in an exclusive partnership with leading international merchandise & licensing company, Backstreet Merch. Follow Bethlehem Jazz on Instagram here for the latest Burt Goldblatt inspired T-Shirt designs and join the Jazz Exclusives community here.

[bethlehemrecords]

Oscar Pettiford

Oscar Pettiford "Oscar Pettiford Modern Quintet",  Recorded 1954 

       Vinyl     I     CD     I     Itunes     I     Soundcloud     I     Facebook

(William P. Gottlieb/Library of Congress via flickr.com)

Oscar Pettiford was one of the top bassist of the 1945-1960 period, and the successor to the late Jimmy Blanton. In addition, he was the first major jazz soloist on the cello. After starting piano, Pettiford switched to bass when he was 14 and played in a family band. He played with Charlie Barnet's band in 1942 as one of two bassists and then hit the big time in 1943, participating on Coleman Hawkins' famous "The Man I Love" session; he also recorded with Earl Hines and Ben Webster during this period. Pettiford co-led an early bop group with Dizzy Gillespie in 1944, and in 1945 went with Coleman Hawkins to the west coast, appearing on one song in the film The Crimson Canary with Hawkins and Howard McGhee.

Pettiford was part of Duke Ellington's orchestra during much of 1945-1948, and worked with Woody Herman in 1949. Throughout the 1950s, he mostly worked as a leader.

[bethlehemrecords]

Chris Connor

Chris Connor "Sings Lullaby's For Lovers",  Recorded 1954 

       Vinyl     I     CD     I     Itunes    I     Soundcloud     I     Facebook

(Chris Connor Photograph: Everett Collection / Rex Feature)

Chris Connor epitomized cool jazz singing in the 1950s. Influenced by Anita O'Day, the torchy, smoky singer wasn't one for aggression. She used subtlelty and restraint to her maximum advantage. Connor debuted as a solor artist in 1953, recording three albums for Bethlehem Records. She reached the height of her popularity in the 1950s, when she delivered her celebrated versions of Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" and George Shearing's "Lullaby of Broadway," and recorded such excellent albums as 'The Rich Sound of Chris Connor' and 'Lullabies of Birdland' for Bethlehem.

[bethlehemrecords]

Nina Simone

Nina Simone "Little Girl Blue",  Recorded 1958

       Vinyl     I     CD     I     Itunes     I     Soundcloud     I     Facebook

Nina Simone

Nina Simone was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist. She was born Eunice Kathleen Waymon (February 21, 1933-April 21, 2003.)

Nina originally aspired to become a classical pianist, and was a classically trained pianist who became a famous nightclub singer, thanks to an early hit, 1958's "I Loves You Porgy" which gave her a top 20 hit. Her work covers an eclectic variety of musical styles that include classical music, jazz, the blues, soul, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop music. Her vocal style is characterized by intense passion, a loose vibrato, and a slightly andgrogynous timbre, in part due to her unusually low vocal range which veered between alto and tenor ranges. Nina paid great attention to the musical expression of emotions. Within one album or concert she could fluctuate between exuberant happiness and tragic melancholy.

Nina Simone recorded over 40 live and studio albums, the greatest body of her work being released between 1958 and 1974. Her 1958 debut album, "Little Girl Blue" on Bethlehem Records, is truly the masterpiece which launched her illustrious career.

The songs she is best known for include...