Courtney Pine – Journey To The Urge Within - Vinyl LP

2023

Analogue October Records proudly launches its own Audiophile Jazz reissue label with a fully licensed and authorized release of Courtney Pine’s 1986 Debut, Journey To The Urge Within.

Produced by Michael Cuscuna & released in 1986 on Island Records in the UK,  it became the ground zero for the current British Jazz Explosion wave.

The album is widely regarded as a landmark recording in the history of British jazz. Pine, a talented saxophonist and composer, had already established himself as a leading figure in the London jazz scene through his work with bands like the Jazz Warriors.

The album marked Courtney Pine’s first solo outing as a bandleader, and it showcased his unique style  of jazz. Featuring a mix of original compositions and covers, including Pine’s take Horace Silver’s “Peace”, Wayne Shorter’s “Dolores” and The Real Thing’s “Children Of The Ghetto”. A rare instance where a cover version supersedes the original, making it it’s own. A haunting tribute to the struggles of black youth in inner-city London. The track features Pine’s saxophone soaring over a driving rhythm section, with lyrics delivered by ex-Supremes singer, Susaye Greene.

The album was a critical and commercial success upon its release, earning Courtney Pine widespread acclaim and helping to establish him as one of the most innovative and exciting young musicians on the British jazz scene. The album remains a classic of the genre and a testament to Pine’s creative vision and virtuosity as a performer and composer.

A refreshing reboot of British Jazz that gave rise to and inspiration to so many of today’s contemporary British Jazz artists. Presenting a new roadmap for the British Jazz scene, its DNA flows through the British Jazz scene to this day.

Mastered at Gearbox Records from Universal Music’s Archival Hi Rez Files,* pressed at Optimal on heavyweight audiophile Vinyl & packaged in a deluxe jacket with a Poly-Lined inner sleeve.  Includes a four page insert, with art, technical specs and an all new two-page essay from the Editor of Jazzwise Magazine, Mike Flynn, about the album, its creator and how it inspired a new British Jazz Explosion that’s still being felt today.

* Mastered by Caspar Sutton- Jones at Gearbox Records, London. File transfered to RTM-468 tape on a Studer C-37. Mastered using all-valve Decca equalisation and Telefunken limiters. Lacquer discs cut on a Haeco Scully lathe with Westrex RA1700 series amps, Westrex 3DIIA cutting head. Monitored on Audio Note equipment

Analogue October Records employs thorough QC testing in association with DS-AUDIO and EMMLabs, evaluating test pressings and randomly selected final release pressings to ensure that nothing but the very best reaches your turntable.