By: Michael Fremer

February 7th, 2025

Category:

News

Mack Avenue Music Group & Strata-East Announce AAA Strata-East Reissue Series

I'm onboard as "Audiophile Liaison"

Mack Avenue Music Group announced last month its partnership with Strata-East Records, the influential jazz label known for artistic freedom and high production standards founded in 1970 by Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell. The series will be released over time on AAA vinyl cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, pressed on 180g RTI vinyl and deluxe laminated gatefold packaged— paper on cardboard— by Dorado.

Strata-East: The Legacy Begins—a digital-only anthology available February 21, 2025 will be followed on April 12, 2025 by a vinyl reissue of Pharoah Sanders’ Izipho Zam (My Gifts) as a Record Store Day exclusive produced and packaged as described above. It includes new liner notes by Harmony Holiday and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike.

On April 25, 2025, Strata-East will release vinyl and CD reissues of Charlie Rouse’s Two Is One, Charles Tolliver’s Music Inc.’s Live at Slugs’, Vol. I & II, and Stanley Cowell’s Musa: Ancestral Streams, also pressed at RTI on 180-gram vinyl and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio with audio transferred directly from the original analog tapes. Pharoah Sanders’ Izipho Zam (My Gifts) will also be released on CD at this time and all 4 albums will be available digitally for the first time ever.

Last week I traveled to Los Angeles to visit RTI as the RSD Pharoah Sanders records stacked, fresh off the press and watched records pressed earlier in the week get packaged and perf-sealed. RTI's plating expert Dorin Saurbier conducted a plating master class on camera that will soon appear as part of the label's publicity blitz that will also include a mastering conversation I had some time ago with Kevin Gray. Next up will be interviews wilth label co-founder Charles Tolliver and Chris Muth who did the series' digital transfers (the RSD blurb mistakenly says the Sanders record was cut from high resolution files but that is incorrect. Gray cut lacquers from tape).

Kevin Gray, Mack Avenue President Denny Stilwell, Ched Tolliver, holding the first four releases

Other than the RSD exclusive Sanders LP, the others are available for pre-order:

Charlie Rouse Two Is One

Stanley Cowell MUSA Ancestral Streams

Charles Tolliver Music Inc.Live at Slugs' Vol. 1& II

(Now back to the press release): Strata-East: The Legacy Begins celebrates the revolutionary spirit of one of the most influential artist-owned independent jazz labels in history. This anthology brings together iconic tracks that embody Strata-East’s commitment to artistry and creative freedom. Featuring the explosive brilliance of Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell, the soulful expressions of The Heath Brothers, Charlie Rouse, Shamek Farrah, Pharoah Sanders, and more, the collection showcases cult classics from the label’s deep catalog while honoring the extraordinary artists who shaped its legacy.

This release not only marks the launch of the partnership between Strata-East and Mack Avenue Music Group but also delivers the label’s highest-quality audio anthology and is available digitally for the first time. A reflection of Strata-East’s dedication to spiritual jazz and social consciousness, this compilation invites listeners to rediscover classics or experience them anew. Strata-East: The Legacy Begins celebrates the timelessness of this music while marking the start of an exciting new chapter.

"Strata-East Records is very proud to be partnering with Mack Avenue Music Group, whose passion, values, total commitment, and deep love for the music, mirror ours," Tolliver said. "This is an exciting time and together with Mack Avenue we can’t wait to bring you, our fans around the world, new essential high-quality masters of the Strata-East catalog. We’ve gone back to the origins so that you can totally immerse yourself in this great music, the emotions, artistic and creative freedom that exemplifies Strata-East. There is a lot more to come and to be announced, so stay tuned!”

Will Wakefield, Senior Director of A&R for Mack Avenue Music Group, said: "We are excited to partner with Charles, Ched, and the Strata-East team to bring this beloved music to the world with the highest quality audio and care taken to preserve its purest form. We can't wait for everyone to hear what we have coming."

Specializing in avant-garde and post-bop jazz, Strata-East’s notable albums include Tolliver's Music Inc, Cowell’s Musa: Ancestral Streams, Charlie Rouse’s Two is One and Billy Harper's Capra Black. Strata-East addressed social and political themes resonant with the Black Arts Movement. Its pioneering approach to artist rights has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, cementing its place in jazz history.

Strata-East's roster featured timelessly influential musicians who intertwined music with spoken word in response to their cultural moment. This includes Sanders, known for his spiritual and avant-garde explorations that inspired a shift in mainstream jazz offerings.

Despite its short period of recorded music output, Strata-East's commitment to artistic freedom and high production standards earned it a revered place in jazz history. Its pioneering approach to artist rights and control has inspired generations of musicians and independent labels, contributing to a vibrant and diverse musical landscape.

More information on individual albums:

SES1973325 | Pharoah Sanders | Izipho Zam (My Gifts)

Pharoah Sanders' Izipho Zam (My Gifts) is a groundbreaking jazz masterpiece. Recorded in 1969, two years after John Coltrane's passing, and released in 1973 on Strata-East, the album features a 13-member ensemble, including Sonny Sharrock, Lonnie Liston Smith, Cecil McBee, and Leon Thomas. Blending Eastern influences with expansive jazz, Sanders’ genius is highlighted with "Prince of Peace,” showcasing Thomas' unique vocals, and the 28-minute title track, offering an exploration of dissonance and harmony with West African percussion and meditative chants. For the first time ever, this seminal work from a legendary saxophonist will be available on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Harmony Holiday and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike.

SES197225 | Charles Tolliver | Live at Slugs’, Volume I & II

For the first time ever, Charles Tolliver’s Live at Slugs’, Volumes I & II will be released together in one set, presenting the full power of these historic performances in a unified collection. Recorded live in 1970 at the legendary Slugs' in New York City, the albums feature Tolliver’s fiery trumpet alongside an all-star lineup: Strata-East co-founder Stanley Cowell on piano, Cecil McBee on bass, and Jimmy Hopps on drums. These high-energy recordings capture the raw intensity and innovation of the Music Inc. quartet, showcasing their technical brilliance and cohesive interplay. Remastered in stunning detail, this release unites two of the most celebrated live albums in jazz history for the first time on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. The digital release features 3 never-before-released bonus tracks, totaling 41 minutes of unreleased music. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Marcus J. Moore and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike.

SES1974325 | Stanley Cowell | Musa: Ancestral Streams

Featuring stunning solo piano work by Strata-East co-founder Stanley Cowell, Musa: Ancestral Streams is a landmark album in jazz, celebrated for its intimacy and innovation. Recorded in 1974, it stands as one of the most significant solo piano albums of its time, blending jazz with classical, African, and Eastern influences. Cowell’s pioneering use of both electric and acoustic piano expands the expressive range of the instrument, creating a deeply personal and spiritual experience. Musa: Ancestral Streams is a cornerstone of the Strata-East discography, reflecting the label’s commitment to artistic freedom and genre-defining works. It not only highlights Cowell’s extraordinary vision as a musician but also exemplifies Strata-East’s role in championing boundary-pushing, artist-produced records. For the first time ever, this pioneering solo work from the famed pianist will be available on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. The digital release features an alternate take on the classic “Travelin’ Man” as well as 3 additional never-before-released bonus tracks. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Nate Chinen and

never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike.

SES1974625 | Charlie Rouse | Two Is One

Charlie Rouse’s groundbreaking album Two Is One is a funk-infused exploration of jazz that embodies the innovative spirit of Strata-East Records. Originally recorded in 1974 and transferred from the original analog tapes, Two Is One fuses sophisticated soul jazz with post-bop and spiritual influences while highlighting stellar collaborations with guitarists George Davis and Paul Metzke, Cal Scott on electrified cello, and the incomparable Stanley Clarke on electric bass. For the first time ever, this classic from a saxophone legend will be available on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Syd Schwartz and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Comments

2025-02-08 01:09:09 AM

Josquin des Prez wrote:

This is exciting news. I already preordered "Musa" and "Slugs" from the Mack Avenue web site.

Are there tapes for "Glass Bead Games"? I would love to see a AAA reissue of this gem in the catalog. I have a lot of the Pure Pleasure reissues, but there have been some doubts about sources for these (tape, digital files, needle-drops, etc.). No one seems to know for sure about them and PP doesn't say much.
- 2025-02-08 09:55:48 AM
  
  Come on wrote:
  
  The only good PP ones are the very few Steve Hoffman mastered ones (he once told they are AAA from original tapes) and they sound decent. I identified and bought them some time ago. The rest of PP is to forget about sound wise imo.
  - 2025-02-08 05:10:59 PM
    
    Michael Fremer wrote:
    
    Of course those were cut by Kevin Gray with Steve's EQ assistance....
    - 2025-02-08 05:18:47 PM
      
      Come on wrote:
      
      Yes sure, as always with this interesting combination of one who could do both parts and one who can do one of them.
- 2025-02-14 03:58:28 AM
  
  Mark Ward wrote:
  
  I just watched MF's video about these with the Jazz Bums - great conversation - and then checked out the albums on YT. Great stuff - didn't know this label at all. Will definitely be picking up Musa and Two is one, debating Live at Slugs. Pharaoh Sanders is a bit much for me... re. PP when a label is not upfront it usually means they've got something to hide. I am sure these new versions will sound terrific.
2025-02-08 11:55:29 AM

MrRom92 wrote:

Don’t take this the wrong way - but if the marketing for that RSD record very specifically says “transferred from the original analog tapes at 96k-192k/24bit resolution” and the only thing that hints otherwise is Mikey on his blog basically stating “oh, that’s just a mistake” - why should we believe it?

It seems too deliberately worded to take at anything other than face value, particularly in a post-MOFIgate world where buyers are on edge and poised to doubt that many things are AAA, especially when many other labels continue to use vague weasel wording to imply their records are something they actually aren’t.

Right out of the gate, the label has eroded trust in their product. They need to publicly issue a mea culpa and explain exactly how this mistake happened. Not Mikey on a review site saying, “oh don’t pay attention to that, trust me bro”
- 2025-02-08 03:28:40 PM
  
  bwb wrote:
  
  I agree. Their statement " audio transferred directly from the original analog tapes," implies AAA but in no way confirms it. "Transferred directly" to what. Perhaps a digital file? It is the same word play that Acoustic Sounds has used with the Marley LPs saying ""Mastered from the original master tapes"
  
  Unless and until these labels quit playing word games and clearly state how these records are created, I'm not buying any of them. The idea that we should just trust them given the recent history of the industry is laughable.
  - 2025-02-08 05:15:26 PM
    
    Michael Fremer wrote:
    
    how much clearer can it be that transferred directly from the original analog tapes????? Would it be better for you if it said "DIRECTLY TO THE LATHE FROM THE TAPES?" Let me know.
    - 2025-02-08 06:06:18 PM
      
      bwb wrote:
      
      it is as clear as mud... transferred to what?
      
      "audio transferred directly from" can mean almost anything. It could be transferred directly from the tape into a digital file. That's how MoFi does it. Why should I think others do it any differently unless they describe their process? Isn't it obvious when so many of us keep asking how this process works that it is not in any way clear?
      
      Perhaps you are so deeply involved in this industry that you can't understand how those of us who are not are tired of getting half-assed explanations that are at the very least incomplete, and at the very worst intentionally misleading... like MoFi did?
      
      I am not accusing you of any dishonesty. I merely saying that the phraseology used to describe the creation of these discs and tapes is not as clear as you believe it to be.
    - 2025-02-08 06:58:55 PM
      
      bwb wrote:
      
      I don't know if I made my point, but if I haven't I never will, so you can rest assured I'm done with this topic... (insert cheers and applause)
- 2025-02-08 05:14:07 PM
  
  Michael Fremer wrote:
  
  That was a mistake on their part and happened before my involvement. They are not really experienced in this and took the word of someone who wasn't paying attention. These were all cut from TAPE. I watched Kevin do one... if you can't trust me, well why are you here? I do not lie and double checked to be sure all were cut from tape. Everyone involved assured me it was AAA. One of the reasons I was brought in is to make sure this kind of faux pas doesn't happen again.
  - 2025-02-09 01:15:36 AM
    
    MrRom92 wrote:
    
    Like I said, please don’t take it the wrong way. We do trust you, Mikey, or at least I do. I’m just saying, this is a pretty bad faux pax to make when audiophiles are particularly sensitive over this sort of thing, and as much as we understand you are trustworthy and do have connections/insider information, it still would be MUCH more significant to have this appropriately clarified directly by the label responsible.
2025-02-09 12:46:21 PM

piero croce wrote:

Cilifford Jordan "Glass Bead Games "Pure Pleasure is to die for and honestly I don't know how you can have a better result. The printing done at RTI is a guarantee of having dished copies, with all due respect to the VTA, whose adjustment greatly affects the sound performance. But maybe are AAA... And they keep making fun...
- 2025-02-11 05:43:29 PM
  
  bwb wrote:
  
  https://thevinylpress.com/clifford-jordan-glass-bead-games-shoot-out/
  
  here is an interesting review of the original vs. the Pure Pleasure reissue. He sort of dumps on the reissue compared to his original, so If this reissue is to die for makes me wonder how great the original is, or any of the other reissues. I see several on Discogs including a Japanese version... as always, with various reissues and originals it is hard to get a clear picture on which one to go for
  - 2025-02-15 09:40:10 PM
    
    Ken Golden wrote:
    
    I wrote that article for The Vinyl Press. It was very clear and immediate that the Pure Pleasure reissue was inferior. That is typical about all of the Pure Pleasure Strata East reissues. That label never makes clear about their source material. Personally I have many OG Strata East releases but still looking forward to hearing what Kevin Gray is able to unlock from those master tapes.
2025-02-11 06:24:01 AM

Musigny wrote:

Stanley’s Musa is a stunning beauty of an album. I’ve been in love with it for many years. Glad to see it being reissued so new generations can discover it. Another solo piano jazz album that’s on the same high level (besides all the Keith Jarrett’s ones) is Wolfgang Dauner - Solo Piano 1983. Highly recommended, it’s a masterpiece. Also: Lyle Mays’ solo piano album is a stunner too.
2025-02-11 06:24:04 AM

Musigny wrote:

Stanley’s Musa is a stunning beauty of an album. I’ve been in love with it for many years. Glad to see it being reissued so new generations can discover it. Another solo piano jazz album that’s on the same high level (besides all the Keith Jarrett’s ones) is Wolfgang Dauner - Solo Piano 1983. Highly recommended, it’s a masterpiece. Also: Lyle Mays’ solo piano album is a stunner too.
2025-02-11 06:44:46 PM

Michael Weintraub wrote:

This is great news, and I'm especially excited about the Pharoah Sanders and the Stanley Cowell (check out the wonderful Illusion Suite on ECM if you ever see it). Brings to mind a number of other small jazz labels from around this time that could use the grand reissue treatment. For example, I wonder who owns the rights to the Muse Records catalog these days? Like Strata East, they continued to produce albums of demanding music without capitulating to the vagaries of the popular tastes of the era. I'm sure there are many new vinyl collectors who would find this music fascinating, and welcome contrast with a lot of the rather bland jazz that was being released by some of the major labels at the time.
2025-02-14 02:03:52 PM

TJH wrote:

Such good news! It’s refreshing to read reviews on new labels resp. new projects from lesser known reissue or original labels. Reviews on Acoustic Sounds, Analogue Productions, Impex, … reissues were interesting for a while simply because there were hardly any other noticeable ones but by now they have become quite fatiguing. Please continue to review more of the newer resp. heads up stuff. Many thanks!