Charles Lloyd and The Marvels Deliver Tone Poem  First New Release in "Tone Poet" Series

(Press release): Charles Lloyd & The Marvels have released “Ramblin’,” a rollicking version of Ornette Coleman’s tune which is the first single from the legendary saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master Charles Lloyd’s forthcoming album Tone Poem out March 12 on Blue Note Records. The vinyl edition of the album will be the first new release to be featured as part of the acclaimed Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Series with the vinyl supervised by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray, pressed at Record Technology, Inc. (RTI), and packaged in a deluxe Stoughton Printing gatefold tip-on jacket. Fittingly, it was Lloyd who first dubbed Harley the “Tone Poet.” Tone Poem is available for pre-order now on vinyl, CD, and digital download.

Lloyd debuted his collective The Marvels—featuring Bill Frisell on guitar, Greg Leisz on pedal steel guitar, Reuben Rogers on bass, and Eric Harland on drums—on the 2016 album I Long To See You with special guests Norah Jones and Willie Nelson, and reconvened the band for 2018’s Vanished Gardens which featured Lucinda Williams on half the album. On Tone Poem, his sixth Blue Note album since returning to the label in 2015, Lloyd presents The Marvels without guest vocalists for the first time on this dynamic nine-song set featuring new Lloyd originals alongside pieces by Ornette Coleman, Thelonious Monk, Leonard Cohen, Gabor Szabo, and Bola de Nieve.

The Marvels’ unique sound weaves several threads of American music—Jazz, Blues, Americana, Country, and Rock—into a thrilling and uplifting musical hybrid apropos of a visionary who sees no lines of demarcation in his music: “That wouldn’t be right for the tradition I serve,” Lloyd says. “You must have your elixir, and the elixir is in sound and tone. When you’re at the feet of the Universe, she will always bless and take care of us. It’s not politicians we need but sages. Many have their hand out for something, but I try to let my heart be filled so I want for nothing. I live in awe, drunk with the music.”

On “Ramblin’,” and throughout the entire album, the listener will find spirit-making sounds, all powered by the solar panel of Lloyd’s saxophone and released in melodic energy: “Some of the notes and cries you hear now on my instrument, I didn’t have as a young man. They articulate something. Then, I have these ensembles serving a higher goal. Sensitives are abundant on the planet; they just aren’t given credit for it. To be drunk while also being non-toxic and non-harmful to the world is a contribution worth making, a song worth singing.”

COMMENTS
isaacrivera's picture

But is also the first digital recording? Given there's no AAA marketing hype on the announcement, I assume it is...

Aleksander86's picture

are from digital sources too?

isaacrivera's picture

Don't know, but if it is, you would not be able to tell from the release's page:

https://store.bluenote.com/collections/tone-poets/products/joe-henderson...

"Blue Note Records’ Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series is produced by Joe Harley and features all-analog, mastered-from-the-original-master-tape 180g audiophile vinyl reissues in deluxe gatefold packaging. Mastering is by Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio) and vinyl is manufactured at Record Technology Incorporated (RTI)."

Aleksander86's picture
isaacrivera's picture

Then they should note it on the release page and not put some blanket AAA statement that does not apply, which goes back to my original comment. If Tone Poet is breaking it's own rules we should know before forking out $35. This is not a reissue, is it AAA?

Grant M's picture

There are 3 tiles from digital sources so far in the TP series: two Joe Henderson volumes, and the recent John Scofield & Pat Metheny "i can see your house from here" recorded in the 90s. all have a different version of the hype sticker on the jacket that omits the "analog tape" source.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Es8M72MXcAse_vo?format=jpg&name=large

isaacrivera's picture

Other than to identify the provenance of what you already purchased?

Grant M's picture

Feel free to return it.

I find this obsession curious, because if anyone at all thought this was actually important, the other resellers would put it in their descriptions on their own store web listings. Even a site like Acoustic Sounds, the champions of AAA have the Joe Henderson title listed as analog, incorrectly. It's a scary world out there, buyer beware.

https://store.acousticsounds.com/d/152610/Joe_Henderson-State_Of_The_Ten...

isaacrivera's picture

What I find curious is your need to judge other's criteria for collecting. It is all subjective and all equally valid (or invalid). It needs no justification other that that is what someone wants to collect. It does not impose on your own selection criteria, which obviously feels natural to you, but it is just as arbitrary and unique to you own subjective experience, which is yours alone, not matter how much it overlaps, or doesn't, to the criteria of others. And, it does not take many active neurons to come up with very plausible scenario as to why retailers post information that simply regurgitates what Blue Note states, which is generic for the series, as we have been discussing. Yet, as a regular reader of this blog, you would know it is of great importance to many. If you find yourself having strong opinions on what others find important even as it does not affect you in any way, then you are simply opinionated. Because it is mostly inaccurate information and because retailers can't dedicate resources to do the research you have outlined before to make up for what Blue Note is not doing, we go about trying to find out in other ways.

Grant M's picture

the "great importance" of sources is important here, but MY point, not judgement, is merely to state that it doesn't appear to matter to the labels, since they are not transparent about them. Collect whatever you like!! I could care less, i stated that i find the AAA obsession curious. I expect not a single person reading this to care what i happen to think.

Glotz's picture

While I do value a completely analog chain for certain qualities in music and reproduction (depending on tape, performance and tech), I am not so rigid about source.

I think audiophiles are a bit over-expectant about the demands they make.

If the information sharing was done with a bit more reverence to the labels that are doing a great service to music lovers/collectors/audiophiles, I would be less alienated by some posters.

With reference to the Joe Henderson release, while it's great knowledge to have, I do not think anyone should harangue the label if it's a digital source in this one case. The indignance comes off over-dramatic and spoiled.

It might still be the best sounding release extant, and if not perhaps there are good reasons... I trust Joe (both of em...er all three).

It also might be the labels don't want to release more information because it's proprietary information and they don't need more bad word of mouth online from misinterpretation. It's common in other industries. Perhaps again audiophiles are presumptuous about the information they expect.

I do try to keep an open mind to everyone's opinions- like yours. It's valid.

Glotz's picture

If reviewers tell me to check it out because the performance and the audio is great... I check it out!

Analogue+Fan's picture

Isn't it all-analog .?

isaacrivera's picture

But the release preorder page is suspiciously missing the Tone Poet AAA statement the other ones have.

https://store.bluenote.com/collections/tone-poets/products/charles-lloyd...

Michael Fremer's picture
Because it was a digital recording. Harley and Gray worked very hard to make it sound really good. And it does..
Michael Fremer's picture
Are digital recordings of great music but do yourself a favor: buy one of them on vinyl and then compare to either the CD or stream it on your favorite streaming source. Then you'll know why a digital recording on vinyl can be far better than a digital recording served digitally....
Glotz's picture

I believe and know this 100%.

Michael rules.

Andy1974's picture

I don't know if this will be AAA. I cannot think of any reason why it wouldn't be. However, if it is it won't be the first Tone Poet that isn'y AAA. Both State of the Tenor records were digitally recorded. There could be others in the series as well.

isaacrivera's picture

I do not have a problem with them releasing digital recordings. I do take issue with them posting on the release page that the series are AAA reissues from master tape when they are not. Transparency makes for happy and returning customers.

Andy1974's picture

I think they have been pretty transparent. They were pretty clear about the State of the Tenor, all the rest are probably AAA. I don't really see a problem. This series of records is the one I would complain about less than any other I can think off. If the Charles Lloyd sounds shit, then start complaining.

isaacrivera's picture

If you go to the State Of The Tenor release page, where most customers are going to look for this information, is simply states the series is cut AAA from master tape. No mention of digital, I quote:

Blue Note Records’ Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series is produced by Joe Harley and features all-analog, mastered-from-the-original-master-tape 180g audiophile vinyl reissues in deluxe gatefold packaging. Mastering is by Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio) and vinyl is manufactured at Record Technology Incorporated (RTI).

What we "think" is irrelevant, they do not mention the source on the page and, instead, they suggest the whole series is AAA. I am not suggesting this is on purpose, it is a generic copy paste statement on every on of series' page, but it is careless and not transparent. Likewise on this press release, no source material mention... again, not transparent.

By the way, this is constructive criticism. I love the series. There is absolutely much to love about the series. I have 18 of them and they each is a jewel and an amazing deal at this price point--because they do not have to pay licensing fees. But these days there are tons of choices when it comes to high-quality AAA reissues out there. I can't buy them all and appreciate reliable information to be able to make informed choices to grow my collection.

Grant M's picture

They removed the tag "mastered from original analog tape" from it. Because it's not from analog tape.

Look folks - Neither the Tone Poet series nor the 80th Anniversary series are claimed to be a 100% analog only collection of reissues. The series "FEATURES" titles that are analog reissues. Kind of like a movie that features Tom Hanks doesn't mean he's the only actor in the movie, playing all roles.

isaacrivera's picture

It is not about whether they release digital titles on the series, as explained several times. It is about being clear about which are and which aren't. If it was not a powerful marketing tool, they would not be including it in the first place. But it is and they are. Just identify them. They hype sticker is not good enough as most of us are not buying in-person from physical stores these days.

Plus, you are interpreting "features" conveniently. Yet, your interpretation would mean, as it is in the same sentence and without any disambiguating punctuation, if you bought one of these titles and it arrived to you in cheap, non-gatefold cover packaging, you'd not object? I think you'd expect if one was not packaged as the rest of the series you'd think it was reasonable they clarify that on the product page. That is all.

Again, I love the series and have 18 of them. It would be even better and easier to choose if they were more clear about the details of each title.

Grant M's picture

Quite a few of the titles are single pocket jackets. There is no claim they all are. You seem to be obsessing on wording like a lawyer, it's a general marketing description. I hate to inform you that not all the titles are even on the Blue Note record label, I hope your head doesn't explode.

isaacrivera's picture

Again you keep misrepresenting my commentary. I think it is valuable for the author of the blog, named Analog Planet after all, that I point out that as a reader, it would be valuable for me if he identified which titles are and which are not AAA. By proxy this is good information to Blue Note as well. Happy customers mean less returns. I am not obsessing. As a regular consumer of the series, I am giving them feedback. What I collect is my prerogative. I have 18 titles, they are all great, by pure chance all in gatefold covers. Only good things to say about them. If they identified them properly, it would be easier to buy more of them, rather than wait and risk some sell out. That is all.

Grant M's picture

Michael has simply posted the press release from the label. I'm sure if he actually writes a piece about this record, or does a review, he'll confirm the source. If you have questions for feedback to give Blue Note, try sending it to them directly, I don't think they read the comments here.

isaacrivera's picture

Via my commentary here, formulated as a question, someone has found out and answered unambiguously. So, I think this has been a great forum for this and very productive to do so. I am grateful to the person who knew who and where to ask and shared the info. Regardless of the pathological need of some to negatively interpret and police the commentary of others. If my experience serves as a general indicator, asking Blue Note anything is as good as throwing coins in a well. We all have reasons for what we do and one persons questions--nor their collecting criteria--are not a threat to you. Perhaps before getting judgmental about intentions you can't possibly know, you should be more careful with the timing of your meds. If you generally dislike the opinions of others, staying away from comment sections may be prolong your life.

Grant M's picture

You said you wanted Blue Note to have the feedback that they should clarify their sources. I suggested you need to communicate that to Blue Note, since I don't think they read comments here.

Secondly, you're asking about sources. Good question, since you don't feel that Blue Note has provided enough info, i would suggest you follow the Tone Poet discussion at the Steve Hoffman forum, where it's been discussed in detail for about 2 years. there is a lot of information, and Joe Harley is in regular communication with members there, and shares info before it's released. Also follow Joe Harley on Instagram, he posts videos directly from Kevin Gray's studio, showing the tapes as they're being mastered, which often is before the titles have been announced, in effect letting the cat out of the bag. There are about 6 or 8 titles shown that are not officially announced.

Finally, don't use the Blue Note web store, or rely on Universal's corporate customer service for info, as you've discovered, they're beyond clueless. That's a different issue than if you feel the need to give them ideas or feedback, there isn't much point in telling the comments section.

I assure you my med's are working just fine.

isaacrivera's picture

I appreciate your time and effort writing a detailed and thoughtful response full of practical advice. Thanks.

Grant M's picture

If you read up on the Hoffman forum, you'll be months ahead of the curve. There is lots of notice when new titles are coming up, and any questions about the source, jacket type, or anything else will be well sorted out before the title hits the market.

Pretty much everyone there is pre-ordering months ahead with either a local seller they have experience with and knows about the series, (can you find a dealer you like?) or Amazon that seems to be doing a pretty good job of getting the pre-order listings up at discounted prices, and getting restocked when more are available.

Mike at www.theingroove.com in Phoenix posts on his YouTube channel every thursday with the records he received that week, and often includes the Tone Poet, BN80 and Blue Note Classic series deliveries, (last week he got about 10 titles restocked) and also updates the Verve Series titles too. He's constantly begging people not to pay massively inflated prices for titles are coming back to stock.

Glotz's picture

Using words like 'suspicious' regarding the Joe Henderson release tend to call out the company as if they are hiding something, as well as other comments.

The meds comments / attacks need to stop. Gaslighting is immature and wrong.

Michael Fremer's picture
It is not a reissue
Roy Martin's picture

...end up on the Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl REISSUE series?

Grant M's picture

Or just getting outraged for some reason?

This record became a Tone Poet because Charles Lloyd literally is the person who gave Joe Harley the nickname "tone poet". That album is titled "Tone Poem". Any you're confused why it's in the series? Ok boomer. go back to sleep.

Roy Martin's picture

Your response was a wonderful combination of speculative misinformation, condescension, deliberate misreading, and personal insult. Perhaps you might consider a change in tone for your next submission.

Grant M's picture

what "speculative misinformation" did i write? Joe Harley has told the story, it came from him. You think it's a coincidence the record is called "tone poem"? Joe put it in, that's his job as supervisor of the series. You think he can't because two years ago they called it a "reissue" series? how did it get in the series? Joe and Don Was put it there.

xtcfan80's picture

yes... it’s a conspiracy from the dark web!!!!

isaacrivera's picture

By definition, a conspiracy requires multiple party coordination. If you build a series based on its releases being AAA reissues and you suddenly add a new recording to the mix, not disclosing the recording media I would call it an omission. It will make your existing customers wonder, as you attracted them with a particular marketing message, and quality to match, in the first place.

Tom L's picture

you people are ALL out to get me.

To buy records, that is.

Analogue+Fan's picture

This is Alarming.

ArcAudio's picture

A new album is released and all the talk is AAA or not. I do get it if BN advertises the records. as AAA but is digitally recorded. Probably some marketing, web site person who is using the blanket Tone Poet release format who knows nothing about audiophile whatsoever. With that, Michael thanks for the review of THE MUSIC. I will see if it's available on Qobuz and stream and I may buy the album if its my cup of tea

ArcAudio's picture

Has a very Daniel Lanois production sound. Heavy, tight low end. Great stereo images (some instruments hard panned. Halfway thru.....I really like it

isaacrivera's picture

If it is digital and available at a decent quality in Qobuz, I can reserve my collection budget for AAA which there are less and less of recorded and the old tapes have limited lifetime. Again, I have 18 TPs, love them. It is not a case of "OMG a digital recording being released!", but more of a "could you please give full information on releases so we can make choices before they are sold out?"

Grant M's picture

Joe Harley confirmed (via SHF) this is a digital recording, no need to speculate any further, make your own decision if you want to buy it or not

Grant M's picture

Tone Poet's are not limited editions, they don't sell out, gone forever, they're repressed and come back to stock, have been confirmed to be staying in print for the foreseeable time.

isaacrivera's picture

You should point this to Blue Note. They have 6 TP reissues marked as "Sold Out". I missed out on a couple of these. They have been labeled so for months. Not "Out Of Stock"; not "Awaiting Repress": "Sold Out".

Grant M's picture

You know, there are other places to buy it.

Are you trolling or genuinely think that they are limited editions? The Tone Poet titles are not limited editions, you at least now know this, since i informed you.

If you're still confused that webstores put "sold out" on something they don't have in stock and ready to ship, i'm sorry. Maybe the internet is too complex a place for you.

isaacrivera's picture

The Blue Note online store says "Sold Out" and it does not allow you to place an order. I take this to mean what it says: "Sold Out". The Chet Baker Sings is sold out everywhere and if there are any sealed copies left anywhere, they are prohibitive. I have not read anywhere they are limited editions and have not claimed they are. But most records that have not been reprinted in decades were not limited editions either. Are you trolling or do you seriously think only editions marked as limited go out of print? I had Chet Baker Sings in back order for months. A chat with one of their customer reps confirmed there are no plans to reprint it and he suggested I cancel my order as it would not be fulfilled. But maybe you know better.

Grant M's picture

Look, i'm telling you the word directly from Joe Harley, ALL tone poets are being repressed and stock is flowing from RTI by the thousands to retailers on a weekly basis. Demand is high, so not all titles are sitting on shelves at every seller. Develop a relationship with seller that specializes in these, and you'll get informed.

isaacrivera's picture

Your information is accurate, but when is the tricky part. I'd much prefer having my music budget delivered now and I spend the time listening rather than who knows when and spend the time waiting. If and when they are reprinted, given enough information, I will buy them then. In the meantime there are plenty of other good choices now. If I do not know enough, I buy something else while the information becomes available.

Grant M's picture

The bottleneck is pressing at RTI, and also some delays printing at Stoughton. the covid pandemic shut them down for months in 2020, and they are way behind schedule, thus the shortages and delays in the repressing. That's why the whole 2021 schedule for both the Tone Poet series has been delayed, and titles that were supposed to be released in November and December are only now shipping.

This is completely separate to the issue of labels deleting titles from their catalog, never to be repressed. The problem with stock is backlogs, not that Tone Poets that were released less than a year ago are going "out of print".

So this makes it near impossible for the back to stock ETA's to be accurate. Some sellers have guessed, and put dates and been wrong, others, like the Blue Note website just leave it at sold out. Don't take that as proof it's not coming back to stock.

Michael Fremer's picture
Invest in one of these digitally recorded LPs and compare to the streaming version. My prediction is that you'll continue buying the DDA vinyl—do that especially with the two Joe Henderson titles. The differences are ENORMOUS and in favor of the vinyl versions.....
isaacrivera's picture

Including many recent Blue Notes, most recently Bill Frisell's Valentine, which is incredible. But I tend to be disappointed by digital recordings of the 80s and 90s. I will consider these Hendersons, thanks.

X