Name: The Phantom
Brand: Duke Pearson

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

881136

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Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Remastered from Original Tapes. 180 Gram Vinyl housed in Gatefold Sleeve.

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2020-10-30

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Universal

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

06025088113600

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Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

Duke Pearson

Genre GB

Jazz

Label GB

Blue Note

Blue Note is a record label that has made a significant impact in the jazz genre. Founded in 1939 by Alfred Lion and Max Margulis, Blue Note focused on traditional jazz and swing recordings, producing timeless classics. In the 1950s, it became one of the first labels to feature bop musicians. After being acquired by *Universal Music Group* in 1965, Blue Note expanded its repertoire to include more commercially-oriented music like jazz-fusion. Throughout the years, Blue Note underwent various changes in ownership and reissue programs but continued to release new recordings and previously unreleased material.

In 1982, Blue Note catalog reissues began appearing on *United Artists Records*, which was owned by Michael Cuscuna who oversaw the UA-era reissue program. The label was later relaunched as part of *Capitol-EMI's* subsidiary *Manhattan Records* in 1985. It was during this time that Blue Note released key albums from its history and introduced previously unissued material.

In 1989, Blue Note became the division under which all of Capitol-EMI's jazz activities were organized. However, two years later, *Manhattan Records* was revived for smooth jazz and pop-jazz releases while Blue Note continued to thrive as a prominent label within Capitol-EMI's roster.

American jazz pianist, producer, bandleader, composer, and arranger. Duke Pearson was born on August 17, 1932 in Atlanta, Georgia and passed away on August 4, 1980 in the same city. He gained recognition after moving to New York City in January 1959 and joining trumpeter *Donald Byrd's* newly formed band. Pearson also accompanied *Nancy Wilson* on tour in 1961. Following the passing of *Alfred Lion* in 1963, Pearson took over his position as A&R man for Blue Note Records.

Throughout the 1960s, Duke Pearson was a sought-after session musician and producer for numerous Blue Note albums while also recording his own albums as a bandleader. His notable composition 'Cristo Redentor' for *Donald Byrd* in 1964 has been covered by various artists including *Dizzy Gillespie* and *Grant Green*. 

In the 1970s, Pearson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis which eventually led to his passing at Atlanta Veterans Hospital in 1980.

The simmering groove of the 10-minute opening title track of Duke Pearson’s magnificent 1968 album The Phantom sets the stage for one of the most under-recognized gems of the Blue Note catalog. 

The pianist, composer, arranger, and Blue Note stalwart assembled a superb cast of musicians including vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, flutist Jerry Dodgion, guitarists Sam Brown and Al Gafa, bassist Bob Cranshaw and the magnificent percussion team of Mickey Roker, Victor Pantojo and “Potato” Valdes on drums and congas. 

Other highlights include the crisp bossa beat of Los Ojos Alegres (The Happy Eyes) and the tender Say You’re Mine, which first appeared on Donald Byrd’s album The Cat Walk.

The Phantom

Music GB

Buy Duke Pearson - The Phantom (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.