Charles Tolliver, Music Inc - Live at Slugs', Volume I & II - 2 x 180g Vinyl LPs

2025 release - Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearant Audio

Charles Tolliver, Stanley Cowell, Cecil McBee, Jimmy Hopps

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 & 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.

Strata East recordings are quite difficult to acquire, which is unfortunate considering their high quality. Charles Tolliver was one of the great trumpeters to emerge during the late '60s yet has always been vastly underrated. on this quartet set with pianist Stanley Cowell, bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Jimmy Hopps, Tolliver has a real chance to stretch out. The 17-minute "Orientale" is particularly memorable. The music straddles the boundary between advanced hard bop and the avant-garde and rewards repeated listenings.
Scott Yanow