Affinity captures a studio session from September 1962 in Chicago, featuring Peterson on piano alongside his long-time trio partners Ray Brown (bass) and Ed Thigpen (drums). The album offers a refined selection of standards delivered with the assured interplay that defined the Peterson/Brown/Thigpen trio. Peterson's first recorded take on the Bill Evans classic "Waltz For Debby" is a lyrical, nuanced performance - and "Gravy Waltz," (co-written by Ray Brown,) showcases the trio's rhythmic drive and subtle groove. As a whole, Affinity is a tasteful, well-crafted example of Peterson's work in the early 1960s - a strong trio recording that reflects his continued commitment to swing, subtlety, and ensemble balance, making it a valuable piece for any serious jazz collection. Verve's Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes and remastered 180-gram vinyl in deluxe gatefold packaging.
Stan Getz and the Oscar Peterson Trio, released in 1958 on Verve Records, documents a rare meeting between two contrasting but complementary jazz greats: the cool-toned tenor saxophonist Stan Getz and the hard-driving Oscar Peterson Trio. Produced by Norman Granz and recorded in Hollywood in October 1957, the session finds Getz joining a veteran rhythm section already regarded as one of the most cohesive in jazz: Peterson on piano, Herb Ellis on guitar, and Ray Brown on bass. While Getz was often heard in more subdued or orchestrated contexts during this period, this session highlights his command of bebop language and small-group swing. Peterson's trio, known for it's drive and responsiveness, adapts fluidly to Getz's tone and phrasing, yielding a session marked by relaxed interplay, rhythmic clarity, and understated virtuosity. The Verve Vault series is always mastered from analog tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.
Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing. Brass/Trio, released in 1958 on Verve Records, is an unusual two-sided statement from saxophonist Sonny Rollins - pairing a full brass ensemble session on one side with a stripped-down saxophone trio on the other. The first half features Rollins with a brass ensemble arranged and conducted by Ernie Wilkins, recorded in New York in July 1958. The lineup includes trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, trombonists J.J. Johnson and Jimmy Cleveland, and tuba player Don Butterfield, supported by a rhythm section of pianist Dick Katz, guitarist Rene Thomas, bassist Henry Grimes, and drummer Roy Haynes. The second half was recorded days later in Los Angeles with bassist Henry Grimes and drummer Specs Wright - a pared-down trio setting that emphasizes Rollins' rhythmic command and melodic elasticity. The Verve Vault Series is always mastered from analog tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.
Released on Verve in 1965, The Shadow of Your Smile captures Astrud Gilberto in the early ascent of her solo career, placing her understated, conversational vocal style at the center of lush yet subtle arrangements by Don Sebesky and Klaus Ogerman that emphasize clarity, warmth, and emotional transparency across bossa nova, jazz, and mid-60s pop material. Produced by Creed Taylor, the album frames her soft, unforced delivery with gentle orchestral color, whether on the newly minted standard of the title track, Brazilian selections, or contemporary ballads, allowing the nuances of her timbre and phrasing to carry the music. As a whole, it marks a key moment in Gilberto's evolution from guest vocalist to fully realized solo artist and affirms her as a defining voice of the bossa nova era. Verve Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes and remastered 180-gram vinyl in deluxe gatefold packaging.
Cannonball's Sharpshooters, originally released in 1958, documents alto saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley leading a quintet featuring cornetist Nat Adderley, pianist Junior Mance, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Jimmy Cobb. Recorded on March 4 and 6, 1958, at Bell Sound in New York City, the session captures the group just days before Adderley's recording session for Somethin' Else with Miles Davis, placing the album at a pivotal moment in his late-1950s trajectory. The ensemble presents a compact hard-bop program reflecting Adderley's blues-inflected phrasing alongside the harmonic language of modern bebop. The repertoire balances standards, bop vehicles, and originals, including Tadd Dameron's "Our Delight" and Thelonious Monk's "Straight, No Chaser." Adderley's trademark exuberance while leading an all-star lineup of 1950s jazz defines the character of this session. The Verve Vault series is always mastered from analog tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.
'S Make It, recorded in 1964 and released the following year on Limelight, captures drummer Art Blakey leading a transitional edition of his Jazz Messengers. At the time, Blakey was navigating the departure of several key members and searching for a new configuration, resulting in a distinctive short-lived lineup within the band's long history. The sextet featured Lee Morgan (trumpet,) Curtis Fuller (trombone,) John Gilmore (tenor saxophone,) John Hicks (piano,) and Victor Sproles (bass.) Together, they delivered a hard-driving program that reflects both Blakey's established hard-bop intensity and the shifting personnel landscape of the mid-1960s Messengers. Blakey's drumming anchors the session throughout with the galvanic rhythmic command that defined his leadership across decades. The Verve Vault Series is always mastered from analog tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.
Vinyl LP pressing. When Oscar Peterson arrived for a two-week engagement at Baker's Keyboard Lounge in Detroit in early August 1960, the pianist's year-old trio, featuring bassist Ray Brown and drummer Ed Thigpen, was ascending to new artistic peaks. Intended at the time as a live album for Verve but never released, the music on 'At Baker's Keyboard Lounge' features remarkable, previously unissued performances, all taped on a single Friday night. No matter the tempo, rhythm, or complexity of the arrangement, the three players breathe as one on these recordings, phrasing as if controlled by a single heartbeat. These new-to-the-world recordings, made in Peterson's prime at the longest continuously operating jazz club in the US, remind you that there will never be anyone else like Oscar Peterson.
Features the original 19-track Broadway Cast Recording plus 9 bonus tracks, including the brand-new hit, "Popular Song" by MIKA (feat. Ariana Grande) Packaging to feature new artwork, complementing the new artwork being unveiled for the show's 10th anniversary Includes deluxe packaging and bonus booklet, with new, updated essays by Stephen Schwartz, the show's composer, and Gregory Maguire, the author of the novel on which the musical is based.
Double vinyl LP pressing. 2018 release. For her tenth album and first album on a major label in nearly fifty years, legendary soul singer Bettye LaVette takes on the songs of Bob Dylan with the grit and experience that makes her one of the greatest soul singers alive. Things Have Changed is a masterpiece of interpretation of one of the greatest songwriters alive, by one of the greatest soul singers alive. Produced by Steve Jordan, the album spans Dylan's catalogue and features guest appearances by Keith Richards and Trombone Shorty. Bettye LaVette made her first record at sixteen, but achieved only intermittent fame until 2005. Her eclectic musical style combines elements of soul, blues, rock and roll, funk, gospel, and country music.
2015 album from the acclaimed vocalist/pianist. WALLFLOWER is a collection of songs from the late 60's to present day that inspired Krall in her early years. Produced by 16-time Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster, the album finds Krall breaking new ground with her interpretations of some of the greatest pop songs of all time. On WALLFLOWER, Diana Krall showcases her considerable gifts as a vocalist in a bold and beautiful way. Krall sings a set of songs that include familiar popular classics like the Mamas and the Papas' "California Dreaming" and the Eagles' "Desperado," favorite vintage songs by Krall's musical heroes Bob Dylan (he inspired the album's title track "Wallflower") and Elton John ("Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word"). The album also features more recent gems like Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over" and a wonderful new composition from Paul McCartney ("If I Take You Home Tonight").
Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing in gatefold jacket. After appearing together at an all-star concert the night before, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong went into an L.A. studio to record this gem of an album. Despite having little to no time for rehearsals, the sublime artistic mastery of Ella and Louis and the instant chemistry they achieved resulted in one of the few truly indispensable recordings in all of jazz. Verve's Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes.
Double 180gm vinyl LP pressing housed in gatefold jacket. The duo that critics have called "a match made in heaven" are in peak form on the sequel to their 1956 debut. Ella's voice - warm and sweet as honey - and Louis' gravelly croon formed a sound built for commercial success. Ella & Louis Again is a key element of what could be considered the most iconic jazz duo of all time. Verve Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes.
Simply put, Samara Joy is next. At just 22 years old, her Verve debut 'Linger Awhile' shows that with a voice, tone, and phrasing that harkens back to the most legendary jazz vocalists, Samara belongs in the company of iconic labelmates from Ella Fitzgerald to Sarah Vaughan to Billie Holiday. Samara is remarkably savvy on TikTok and Instagram, fostering a community of devoted followers through fully organic means. She is poised to be a household name, synonymous with timeless jazz music.
Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing in gatefold jacket. From Bill Evans' first-ever performance at a concert hall in New York City comes. At Town Hall, Volume One. Featuring the sensitive accompaniment of Chuck Israels on bass and Arnold Wise on drums. Included is a 13-minute solo suite dedicated to the memory of Bill's father who had only recently passed at the time of the recording. Verve Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes.
Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing. Guitarist Mel Brown's 1967 Impulse! Debut is possibly the funkiest and most unique album ever released on the label. His clean blues picking style - honed while playing in John Lee Hooker's and T-Bone Walker's bands - marinates funkily with the swinging soul-jazz organ of Gerald Wiggins. The title track and the simmering lament of "I'm Goin' to Jackson" standout. Verve By Request Series features transfers from the analog tapes.
Great Women Of Song: Nina Simone - Throughout her career, Nina's music has inspired audiences of all ages, races, and nationalities. In recent years, social media savvy youth have taken a particular interest in the works of Miss Simone. From the evergreen, feel good track aptly named "Feeling Good" to the mysteriously romantic remake of "I Put A Spell On You" and so many more, Nina's music is being used in everything from major brand commercials to the everyday user on social networks to convey a feeling and a mood. - Created with the newest generation of Nina Simone fans in mind, Great Women of Song, features the best of the best. Miss Simone's most loved and notable hits assembled in one package. The album is the gift that will keep on giving. 2023 collection.
Double vinyl LP pressing. Love In Exile asks you to step inside it's sense of time, to stretch out alongside these delightful & unhurriedly unfolding songs. Profound impact is achieved with minimal instrumentation: Iyer on pianos & electronics, Ismaily on bass & Moog synth & Aftab's exquisite Urdu vocals. Subtle musical interrelationships build into moments of deeply felt drama. Shimmering keyboard melodies & stirring vocals, earthy basslines, & hypnotic drones: together they create an album of stunning gravitas & beauty.
Vinyl LP pressing. A Love Supreme is an album by jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. He recorded it in one session on December 9, 1964, at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, leading a quartet featuring pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Jimmy Garrison, and drummer Elvin Jones. A Love Supreme was one of Coltrane's bestselling albums and one of his most critically acclaimed. It is widely considered his masterpiece, as well as one of the greatest albums ever recorded.
Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing in deluxe gatefold jacket. Wild Is The Wind, Nina Simone's sixth album for Philips, has all the variety her work for the label was known for-from the minimal title track to the traditional folk song "Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair" to the banned-on-radio "Four Women". In 2020, the album was ranked 212 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Verve's Acoustic Sounds Series features transfers from analog tapes.
The unforgettable sound of Sarah Vaughan is captured in this collection of essential recordings. From the swinging hits, "Lullaby Of Birdland" and "It's Crazy", to her best-loved recordings, including "Misty" and "Broken-Hearted Melody", this album highlights Vaughan's impeccable phrasing, emotional depth and remarkable range. Whether backed by a trio or a full orchestra, singing hits of the day or jazz standards, every track serves to remind us why Sarah Vaughan is still known as 'The Divine One'.
