The Blue Note label is one of the most widely known and respected producers of jazz music in the world. This reference book, by noted discographer Michel Ruppli and Blue Note producer Michael Cuscuna, expands upon the previous edition and includes comprehensive documentation of personnel, recording locations and dates, and master and issue numbers for every recording made or issued by the label from its inception through the present day.

An introduction provides a synopsis of the label's genesis, history, and output. Nine sections detail each stage in the label's history, from the sessions produced by the label's founders, through Blue Note's adoption by the Liberty Label and then by the EMI conglomerate, to its 1985 revival as its own entity, the jazz label of record in the United States.

Out to Lunch stands as Eric Dolphy's magnum opus, an absolute pinnacle of avant-garde jazz in any form or era. Its rhythmic complexity was perhaps unrivaled since Dave Brubeck's Time Out, and its five Dolphy originals -- the jarring Monk tribute "Hat and Beard," the aptly titled "Something Sweet, Something Tender," the weirdly jaunty flute showcase "Gazzelloni," the militaristic title track, the drunken lurch of "Straight Up and Down" -- were a perfect balance of structured frameworks, carefully calibrated timbres, and generous individual freedom.

Recorded in November, 1963 Joe Henderson (ts) Bobby Hutcherson (vib) Duke Pearson (p) Grant Green (g) Bob Cranshaw (b) Al Harewood (d)

Miles Davis trumpet Wayne Shorter ss, Bennie Maupin bcl, Joe Zawinul p Larry Young p, Chick Corea p, John McLaughlin g, Dave Holland b, Harvey Brooks electric bass Lenny White d, Jack DeJohnette d, Don Alias drums, congas Juma Santos shaker, congas Mati Klarwein's painting on the cover Released April 1970 - Recorded August 19-21.8. 1969 Producer Teo Macero, Columbia

Since it's billed as "Directions in Music by Miles Davis," it should come as little surprise that Filles de Kilimanjaro is the beginning of a new phase for Miles, the place that he begins to dive headfirst into jazz-rock fusion. It also happens to be the swan song for his second classic quintet, arguably the finest collective of musicians he ever worked with, and what makes this album so fascinating is that it's possible to hear the breaking point -- though his quintet all followed him into fusion (three of his supporting players were on In a Silent Way)...