Name: Evolution - Classic Vinyl Series
Brand: Grachan Moncur III

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

4535335

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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

Stereo. All Analog master. 180 Gram Vinyl.

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Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-06-02

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Universal

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0602445353354

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Total Cap

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

Artist

Grachan Moncur III

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.

Grachan Moncur III is an American jazz trombonist, known for his unique style and innovative approach to the instrument. Born on June 3, 1937 in New York City, NY, he was the son of a renowned jazz musician. With a career spanning several decades, Moncur made significant contributions to the world of jazz.
Moncur's music is characterized by his soulful playing and ability to push boundaries. He has collaborated with some of the most influential artists in the genre, including *Andrew Hill*, *Sam Rivers*, *Archie Shepp*, and *Eric Dolphy*. His compositions are often experimental and avant-garde, incorporating elements from free jazz and improvisation.
Throughout his career, Moncur released several critically acclaimed albums that showcased his talent as both a performer and composer. His work has influenced countless musicians and continues to be celebrated today. On June 3, 2022, Grachan Moncur III passed away in Newark, NJ at the age of 85. His legacy as a pioneering figure in jazz will forever be remembered.

Grachan Moncur III’s remarkable 1963 debut Evolution is a marvel of the Blue Note catalogue that moves between avant-garde and post-bop yet exists in a realm of its own due to the trombonist’s singular compositions which are performed by an exceptional ensemble featuring Lee Morgan, Jackie McLean, Bobby Hutcherson, Bob Cranshaw, and Tony Williams.

Grachan Moncur III got his first major exposure on Jackie McLean's groundbreaking 1963 masterpiece, One Step Beyond. Toward the end of the year, most of the same musicians reconvened for Moncur's debut as a leader, Evolution; McLean, vibist Bobby Hutcherson, and drummer Tony Williams are all back, with Bob Cranshaw on bass and an extra voice in trumpeter Lee Morgan, moonlighting from his usual groovy hard bop style. While Moncur takes a little more solo space here, the main emphasis is on his talent as a composer. The four originals are all extended, multi-sectioned works (the shortest is around eight minutes), all quite ambitious, and all terrifically moody; much of the album sounds sinister and foreboding, and even the brighter material has a twisted, surreal fun-house undercurrent.

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analogue, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Evolution - Classic Vinyl Series

Music GB