Johnathan Blakes 2021 Blue Note debutHomeward Boundwas a celebration of life and legacy that introduced the drummer-composers masterful modern jazz quintet Pentad featuring alto saxophonistImmanuel Wilkins, vibraphonistJoel Ross, keyboardistDavid Virelles, and bassistDezron Douglas. The 8-song set is imbued with warmth and swing as heard on the albums emotional and musical centerpiece, Homeward Bound (for Ana Grace), a tribute to Ana Grace Marquez-Greene, the daughter of saxophonist Jimmy Greene and flutist Nelba Marquez-Greene, who perished in the Sandy Hook tragedy. Other standout Blake originals include Rivers & Parks, a piece that evokes the distinctive musical styles of both Sam Rivers and Aaron Parks, and the uptempo burner LLL dedicated to drummer Larence Lo Leathers. The album also looked to unusual sources of repertoire with a stunning arrangement of the South African traditional Abiyoyo and a rousing cover of Joe Jacksons 1982 hit Steppin Out.

Blue Note Tone Poet Series

The Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series was born out of Blue Note President Don Was admiration for the exceptional audiophile Blue Note LP reissues presented by Music Matters. Was brought Joe Harley, a.k.a. the Tone Poet, on board to curate and supervise a series of reissues from the Blue Note family of labels.

Extreme attention to detail has been paid to getting these right in every conceivable way, from the jacket graphics and printing quality to superior LP mastering by Kevin Gray to superb 180g audiophile LP pressings by Record Technology Inc. Every aspect of these Tone Poet releases is done to the highest possible standard. It means that you will never find a superior version. This is IT.

This stereo Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio), pressed on 180g vinyl at Record Technology Inc. (RTI), and packaged in a deluxe gatefold tip-on jacket.

Tracklist:
A1: In The Beginning Was The Drum
A2: Homeward Bound (For Ana Grace)
A3: Rivers & Parks
A4: Shakin’ The Biscuits
B1: Abiyoyo
B2: On The Break
B3: LLL
B4: Steppin’ Out