Blue Note Re:imagined returns in 2022 with a new 16-track compilation featuring fresh takes on music from the illustrious Blue Note Records vaults recorded by a heavyweight line-up of the UK jazz, soul, and R&B scene’s most hotly-tipped rising stars. Arriving off the back of the widespread international success of the first volume, which topped jazz charts around the globe, Blue Note Re:imagined II once again infuses the spirit of the new UK jazz generation into the legendary label’s iconic catalog, balancing the genre’s tradition with its future and reflecting the melting pot of talent and diversity within the current scene.
Today, Blue Note released the second track from the album — it’s London tuba player Theon Cross’ reimagining of Thelonious Monk’s “Epistrophy,” which first appeared on Monk’s 1948 Blue Note album Genius Of Modern Music, Vol. 1. Cross is known as a core member of Sons of Kemet, and he’s collaborated with artists like Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Jon Batiste, Emeli Sandé, Kano, Lafawndah, and Makaya McCraven. The pre-order launches today for the 7” vinyl release out July 8 of Theon Cross’ “Epistrophy” paired with Ego Ella May’s reimagining of visionary drummer Chico Hamilton’s “The Morning Side Of Love," which was the first single released off the album.
Listen to Theon Cross’ Reimagining of Thelonious Monk’s “Epistrophy”
“For more than eight decades the artists of Blue Note Records have continually pushed the envelope of contemporary music,” said Blue Note President Don Was. “Blue Note Re:imagined II once again honors that legacy by letting the UK’s most creative young artists reinvent the treasures of the Blue Note catalog through their own lens.”
Additional tracks on the album will include funk-pop duo Franc Moody’s version of Donald Byrd’s “Cristo Redentor,” fast-emerging vocalist Cherise’s take on Norah Jones’ “Sunrise,” Maya Delilah covering Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon,” which was recorded by Cassandra Wilson on her 1995 Blue Note album New Moon Daughter, Birmingham-born pianist Reuben James’ reimagining of Wayne Shorter’s ballad “Infant Eyes,” and 9-piece afro-jazz outfit Nubiyan Twist’s fresh spin on Donald Byrd’s “Through The Noise (Chant 2)."
Blue Note is celebrated almost as much for its visionary album art as for its legendary recordings. Designer for the Blue Note Re:imagined campaign Jay Vaz said “The Blue Note Re:imagined identity explores an abstract graphic notation score, aiming to represent the exciting energy and diverse range of artists that the new wave of jazz offers. The LP cover pays homage to a selection of legendary Reid Miles covers [in particular, Jackie McLean - It’s Time] that I felt perfectly executed the energy of this compilation.”
Blue Note Re:imagined II – Tracklisting
1. Yazz Ahmed “It” – From Chick Corea Is (1969)
2. Conor Albert “You Make Me Feel So Good”- From Bobbi Humphrey Fancy Dancer (1975)
3. Parthenope “Don’t Know Why” - From Norah Jones Come Away With Me (2002)
4. Swindle “Miss Kane” – From Donald Byrd Street Lady (1973)
5. Nubiyan Twist “Through The Noise (Chant No.2)” – From Donald Byrd A New Perspective (1963)
6. Ego Ella May “The Morning Side Of Love” - From Chico Hamilton Pereginations (1975)
7. Oscar Jerome & Oscar #Worldpeace “(Why You So) Green With Envy” – From Grant Green Green Street (1961)
8. Daniel Casimir ft. Ria Moran “Lost” – From Wayne Shorter The Soothsayer (1965)
9. Theon Cross “Epistrophy” – From Thelonious Monk Genius Of Modern Music, Vol. 1 (1948)
10. Maya Delilah “Harvest Moon” – From Cassandra Wilson New Moon Daughter (1995)
11. Kay Young “Feel Like Making Love” - From Marlena Shaw Who Is This Bitch, Anyway? (1974)
12. Venna & Marco Bernardis “Where Are We Going” – From Donald Byrd Black Byrd (1972)
13. Reuben James “Infant Eyes” - From Wayne Shorter Speak No Evil (1964)
14. Binker Golding “Fort Worth” - From Joe Lovano From The Soul (1991)
15. Cherise “Sunrise” - From Norah Jones Feels Like Home (2004)
16. Franc Moody “Cristo Redentor”– From Donald Byrd A New Perspective (1963)
Additional singles will be released across the coming weeks. The full Blue Note Re:imagined II album will be released on September 30, 2022.
