Craft Recordings is set to release six new reissues from the iconic Original Jazz Classics (OJC) series, known for its audiophile-grade editions of beloved jazz albums. This latest batch includes newly remastered versions of Bill Evans’ Interplay and Moon Beams, Lee Morgan’s Here’s Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter’s Introducing Wayne Shorter, Benny Golson’s Gone With Golson, and Ken McIntyre & Eric Dolphy’s Looking Ahead.
Spanning the late 1950s through early 1960s, these albums showcase pivotal moments from some of jazz’s most influential artists. Notably, the Lee Morgan and Wayne Shorter titles are the first from Vee Jay Records to be included in the OJC series. All six albums will be released between May 30 and July 25.
Staying true to OJC’s commitment to exceptional quality, these reissues feature lacquers cut from the original stereo tapes (AAA) by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. The albums are pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI and come with tip-on jackets that faithfully reproduce the original artwork. In addition to the vinyl editions, all titles will also be available digitally in 192/24 hi-res audio, released simultaneously with their physical counterparts.
6 Iconic Original Jazz Classic Reissues
Bill Evans – Interplay (Available May 30, 2025)
Regarded as a pianist’s pianist, Bill Evans left an indelible mark on jazz, influencing countless musicians who followed. Interplay showcases his gift for creating warm, effervescent harmonies, with the album’s title reflecting Evans’ renowned ability to foster a unique musical dialogue between his bandmates. In this quintet, featuring trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and guitarist Jim Hall, Evans takes a fresh approach to a mix of standards, elevating the concept of interplay to new heights.
His interpretation of “When You Wish Upon a Star” is both wistful and inventive, capturing the spirit of improvisation at its finest. The quintet also shines on Evans’ sole original composition, the cleverly swinging “Interplay,” where the group’s cohesion is on full display.
Bill Evans Trio – Moon Beams (Available May 30, 2025)
Following the tragic death of his close friend and bassist Scott LaFaro in 1961, Bill Evans poured his grief into Moon Beams, a deeply emotional collection of ballads. This album, released after nearly a year of mourning, marks a poignant new chapter in Evans’ career. With Chuck Israels replacing LaFaro on bass and Paul Motian returning to the drums, the trio created a hauntingly beautiful work that resonates with emotion and grace. Moon Beams has since been hailed as a “classic” and “a slice of pure genius.”
Tracks like the haunting “In Love in Vain” and the introspective “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” are Evans’ heartfelt tributes to LaFaro, showcasing his profound ability to express sorrow and reflection through music. Throughout the album, Evans’ evocative piano leads the way, delivering a masterful performance that feels both intimate and expansive. Interestingly, the cover features Nico, who would later make her mark as a singer with the Velvet Underground, adding an extra layer of artistry to this already iconic release.
Lee Morgan – Here’s Lee Morgan (Available June 27, 2025)
On Here’s Lee Morgan, the legendary jazz trumpeter showcases the skill and confidence he honed as a teenager in Dizzy Gillespie’s big band and later with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Blakey himself joins the quintet as the drummer, contributing to the album’s explosive energy. With original compositions like the lively “Terrible ‘T’” and the laid-back, infectious “Mogie,” Here’s Lee Morgan captures the early spark of a career that would eventually make Morgan one of jazz’s brightest stars—tragically cut short by his murder in 1972 at a New York City jazz club.
Even decades after his untimely death, Morgan remains a towering figure in jazz. Here’s Lee Morgan delivers hard bop at its finest, with the 21-year-old trumpeter stepping out of Clifford Brown’s shadow to create his own distinctive voice. This album stands as a testament to his incredible talent and lasting legacy.
Wayne Shorter – Introducing Wayne Shorter (Available June 27, 2025)
Wayne Shorter’s debut album, Introducing Wayne Shorter, presents the promising improviser at the start of his legendary career. Backed by the stellar rhythm section of bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Jimmy Cobb—both key members of Miles Davis’ quintet—this album showcases Shorter’s emerging talent as a bandleader. At the time, Shorter had just joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, and it wouldn’t be long before he became a cornerstone of Miles Davis’ Second Great Quintet.
Tracks like the expansive “Down in the Depths” capture the raw energy of a live session, while Shorter’s captivating rendition of “Mack the Knife” adds an exciting, breathless twist to the classic. This album is a brilliant glimpse into the early genius of a musician who would go on to win a dozen GRAMMYs and leave an indelible mark on jazz history.
Benny Golson – Gone With Golson (Available July 25, 2025)
By 1959, Benny Golson, a seasoned alum of Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie’s bands, was already a formidable force on the saxophone. Gone With Golson, his fifth album, captures him at the peak of his power. This release marks a significant moment in Golson’s career, as shortly after its debut, he would go on to form the iconic Jazztet with trumpet great Art Farmer.
The standout track, “Blues After Dark,” is a smooth, after-hours composition that exudes laid-back swing. Meanwhile, “Jam for Bobbie” injects a lively blend of jazz and blues, showcasing Golson’s knack for blending genres. This album remains a testament to Golson’s mastery of the saxophone and his significant role in the development of jazz.
Ken McIntyre & Eric Dolphy – Looking Ahead (Available July 25, 2025)
After earning his degree from the Boston Conservatory, Ken McIntyre released Looking Ahead, his debut album as a bandleader, showcasing his skills on both saxophone and flute. In contrast, Eric Dolphy, already established as a key member of Chico Hamilton’s quintet and about to join Charlie Mingus’ Jazz Workshop, brings his signature multi-instrumental talents to the session, playing sax, flute, and bass clarinet. This album represents a fascinating intersection between McIntyre, an up-and-coming avant-garde jazz talent, and Dolphy, a virtuoso whose influence would span generations, from John Coltrane to Frank Zappa.
The album presents a thrilling exploration of sound, with tracks like “Lautir” offering a lively, dissonant adventure into uncharted territory. The following track, “Curtsy,” takes the chaos of the previous piece and crafts a surprising, melodic counterpoint with its winding reed work. The duo then delivers a fresh take on the Gershwin classic “They All Laughed,” infusing it with their own unique energy. Looking Ahead captures an exciting moment in jazz history, marking the beginning of McIntyre’s journey and highlighting Dolphy’s incredible improvisational mastery.
About Craft Recordings:
Craft Recordings houses one of the most extensive and influential collections of master recordings and compositions in the world. Its catalog spans across a wide array of musical genres and features landmark albums from legendary artists such as Celia Cruz, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Isaac Hayes, John Coltrane, Joan Baez, Miles Davis, Little Richard, and R.E.M., as well as contemporary acts like Evanescence, Nine Inch Nails, and Taking Back Sunday.
The label is also home to iconic imprints like Fania, Fantasy, Stax, Riverside, and Prestige, along with celebrated labels including Fearless, HITCO, and Vee-Jay. Craft Recordings continues to preserve and share the timeless sounds of music history, offering both classic treasures and contemporary gems.
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