Four New Strata-East Titles Cut From Tape Announced
one for RSD "Black Friday" the others Dec. 12th
October 2, 2025: Today, Mack Avenue Music Group and Strata-East Records announced the physical release of four legendary albums from the Strata-East catalog. Celebrating the revolutionary spirit of one of the most influential artist-owned independent jazz labels in history, Strata-East titles from Charles Tolliver & Stanley Cowell, The Heath Brothers, Cecil McBee, and The Descendants of Mike and Phoebe will be released on CD and 180-gram vinyl, with audio cut directly from the original master tapes. The vinyl release for The Descendants of Mike and Phoebe is out on November 28 as a Record Store Day Black Friday 2025 exclusive, while the other three albums will be released on December 12. |
In partnership with Mack Avenue Music Group, earlier this year Strata-East released 32 historic titles on digital platforms for the first time to widespread acclaim from New York Times, Downbeat and Tidal. This series of reissues tells the story of one of Jazz’s most iconic labels, founded in resistance to major labels restrictions to artistic expression in the 50s and 60s. Strata-East’s commitment to freedom and high standards earned it a revered place in jazz history. Finally the initial analog tapes have been re-mastered and re-released to continue its legacy for generations to come. Mastered by Kevin Grey, the releases were pressed to 180-gram vinyl at RTI with audio cut directly from the original analog tapes. The LPs also include deluxe tip-on gatefold packaging with new liner notes and never-before-seen photos.
Starting with Strata-East’s debut release, Music Inc by Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell (reissuing on CD/LP December 12) set the standard for creative expression and musical mastery that the label’s co-founders Tolliver and Cowell exemplified throughout their careers. Recorded on November 11, 1970, Music Inc is a masterclass in executing a singular creative vision for large ensembles, embodying the freedom and finesse that Strata-East has been synonymous with since the 1970s.
Initially released in 1976, Marchin' On! by The Heath Brothers (reissuing on CD/LP December 12) combines the lyrical brilliance of Jimmy Heath on saxophone, the grounding presence of Percy Heath on bass, and the dynamic rhythm of Albert "Tootie" Heath on drums—alongside pianist and label co-founder Stanley Cowell—to bridge the hard bop roots of the 1950s with the spiritual and socially conscious music of the 1970s.
Cecil McBee’s debut album, Mutima (reissuing on CD/LP December 12), blends the deeply introspective qualities of spiritual jazz with adventurous post-bop and avant-garde influences. Released in 1974, the album highlights McBee’s virtuosic skill on the bass alongside his remarkable gift for crafting compositions that resonate with emotional and intellectual depth. Backed by a stellar ensemble featuring luminaries such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Onaje Allan Gumbs, and Dom Salvador, Mutima – translated as “unseen forces” – unfolds as a vivid musical journey. A cornerstone of 1970s jazz, Mutima solidifies Cecil McBee’s reputation as a trailblazer, channeling the spirit of innovation and collective artistry into a timeless recording.
One of many projects on Strata-East spearheaded by bassist, composer, and arranger Bill Lee (legendary director Spike Lee’s father), The Descendants of Mike and Phoebe’s only album, A Spirit Speaks (reissuing on LP for Record Store Day Black Friday), enlists Bill Lee’s brother and sisters—Clif Lee, A. Grace Lee Mims, and Consuela Lee Moorehead—to form a group named in tribute to their enslaved ancestors. Combining elements of jazz, gospel, soul, and blues, among other influences, A Spirit Speaks has become one of the most sought-after albums from the catalog.
Other recent critically acclaimed Strata-East reissues on CD and Vinyl include Pharoah Sanders' Izipho Zam (My Gifts), Charles Tolliver & Music Inc's Live at Slugs’, Volume I & II, Stanley Cowell’s Musa: Ancestral Streams, and Charlie Rouse's Two Is One.
Tracklistings: Charles Tolliver & Stanley Crowell - Music Inc Ruthie’s Heart Brilliant Circles Abscretions Household of Saud On the Nile Departure Dave’s Chant - Bonus Track
The Heath Brothers - Marchin’ On! Feat. Stanley Cowell Warm Valley Tafadhali The Watergate Blues Maimoun Smilin’ Billy Suite: Part I Smilin’ Billy Suite: Part II Smilin’ Billy Suite: Part III Smilin’ Billy Suite: Part IV
Cecil McBee - Mutima From Within Voice of the 7th Angel Life Waves Mutima A Feeling Tulsa Black
The Descendants of Mike And Phoebe - A Spirit Speaks Coltrane Chick Chick Well Done, Weldon A Spirit Speaks Attica Take My Hand, Precious Lord Boll Weevil Don’t Be a Stranger Too Little, Too Late |
