BeatCaffeine’s Favorite Reissues, Lost Recordings & Retrospectives of 2024
As with new music releases in 2024, there where many incredible reissues and previously unreleased recordings that came out throughout the year. I continue to be amazed by some of the recordings that continue to be unearthed each and every year. As I’ve mentioned before, I feel like the quality of the actual reissue releases themselves also continues to improve in time.
Similar to past years, the task of narrowing down the list of favorite reissues, unreleased albums from the past, and new retrospectives might be the most challenging of all the year-end lists, and there are plenty of worthy selections that are not included on here. For this list, I focused mostly on full-length reissues, however there were many great 7inch and 12inch reissues that also came out.
As always, a strong shoutout to all the labels and people behind these reissued releases. You can truly tell that this is a labor of love, and record collectors/DJs continue to be indebted to those that are putting in the work behind-the scenes to make these titles available.
Here are BeatCaffeine’s Favorite Reissues, Lost Recordings & Retrospectives of 2024
20. Austin Peralta — ‘Endless Planets’ (Deluxe Version)
(Originally released: 2011 / Brainfeeder)
(Reissue: 2024 / Brainfeeder)
After 13 years since its initial CD/Digital-only release in 2011, Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label released for the first time on vinyl, the late great Austin Peralta’s cosmic jazz classic Endless Planets. This timeless recording, which is released here as a special deluxe version, features acoustic jazz improvisation and virtuosity at the highest level, while infusing elements of electronics and sonic atmospheric textures that flow brilliantly from start to finish. This expanded deluxe version features four previously unreleased live tracks recorded at the legendary BBC Maida Vale Studios in London in July 2011.
19. Charles Tolliver Music Inc — ‘Live at the Captain’s Cabin’
(Reel to Real)
Released this year as a part of Record Store Day’s Black Friday, the Canadian label Reel to Real, who has been putting out some quality previously unissued live recordings over the last few years, put out an impressive never-before-released session from trumpet legend Charles Tolliver and his Music Inc group. Recorded live in March 1973 at Captain’s Cabin, located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Mostly featuring original music, including Tolliver staples “Compassion” and “Impact”, this recording captures similar energy to those classic Strata-East albums that group put out around the same time.
18. Ariel — ‘s/t’
(Originally released: 1980 / Pick Up Records)
(Reissued: 2024 / Jazz Room Records)
The first of three(!!!) releases on this list from Paul Murphy’s Jazz Room Records, with the first reissue revisiting the obscure self-titled full-length debut from Danish jazz fusion group Ariel. Originally the eight-track recording came out on Danish producer Peter Littauer’s short-lived label, Pick Up Records, and musically includes everything from funky Latin and samba influenced rhythms to electric cosmic grooves and Rhodes driven workouts. The record also notably includes the massive jazz dance gem, “The Girl With Three Faces”.
17. Byard Lancaster — ‘The Complete Palm Recordings 1973-74’ (Box Set)
(Souffle Continu Records)
The Paris-based Souffle Continu Records issued a massive box set of avant saxophonist and flautist Byard Lancaster’s four legendary albums released on Jef Gilson’s Palm Records in the 1970s, including Us, Mother Africa, Exactement and Funny Funky Rib Crib, along with the first ever standalone edition of the 15-minute-long modal jazz cut “Love Always”. The well-crafted collection also comes with a 20 page booklet with rare photos and in-depth article about Lancaster’s Parisian years by Pierre Crépon.
16. Juan Pablo Torres — ‘Algo Nuevo’
(Originally released: 1978 / Areito)
(Reissue: 2024 / Mr Bongo)
Over the last year, UK-based label and record shop Mr Bongo has been releasing a number of rare Cuban recordings in an ongoing series, titled Mr Bongo Cuban Classics Series. One of the many standouts in this new series is trombonist and composer Juan Pablo Torres’ 1978 album Algo Nuevo, which fuses together jazz-funk and traditional Afro-Cuban genres with tripped-out synth grooves that are primed for the dancefloor.
I highly recommend checking out the full series, which includes another title from Juan Pablo Torres, along with reissues featuring Irakere, Los Reyes 73, Grupo Los Yoyi, Raúl Gómez and more!
15. Spirits Rejoice — ‘Spirits Rejoice!’
(Originally released: 1978 / Jo’Burg)
(Reissue: 2024 / Frederiksberg Records)
New York’s Frederiksberg Records reissued the highly obscure 1978 self-titled album from the pioneering South African-based jazz-fusion group, Spirits Rejoice. Released as a follow-up to the group’s slightly more known 1977 debut, African Spaces, this incredible 8-track recording spans a wide array of sounds and sub-genres, from jazz-fusion and funk, to township grooves, Latin rhythms, folk, and soul. Notably, standout tracks “Woza Uzo Kudanisa Nathi” and “Papa’s Funk” are prime selections for the jazz dancefloor
14. Donald Byrd — ‘Kofi’
(Originally released: 1995 / Blue Note Records)
(Reissued: 2024 / Blue Note Records Tone Poet Series)
Over the last few years, one of the ways Blue Note Records has really re-invented itself under the direction of President Don Was, has been their well-crafted Tone Poet Series, which mostly consist of reissues that are remastered and repackaged. One of the many standouts that came out in the series this year is Donald Byrd’s incredible album Kofi, which was originally released in 1995 and has been skyrocketing in price over the last several years. Even though this recording came out in the mid-90s, the actual source material draws from two sessions in 1969 and 1970, which captures Donald Byrd right before he begins to explore a more jazz-fusion/funk sound with subtle hints of the beginnings of this evolution.
13. Ronnie April’s Positive Energy – ‘Volume 1‘
(Originally released: 1983 / Jude Records)
(Reissued: 2024 / Jazz Room Records)
Paul Murphy’s Jazz Room Records reissued the holy grail LP, titled Positive Energy, Volume 1, from New York-born saxophonist, clarinetist and flautist Ronnie April. Originally released in 1983 on his own Jude Records imprint, the nine-track album saw very little success, which unfortunately resulted in the disappearance of all but a few copies. Fast-forward a number of years later, the track “Snowflake” became a staple among the jazz dance scene. Keeping with a similar vibe, the majority of the rest of the recording stays with a more uptempo groove that has a slight Brit-Funk feel, and features other standout cuts like “Dancer’s Theme”, “Sure, Sure, Sure”, and “Diamonds For Ida” to name a few.
12. Quintessence — ‘s/t’
(Originally released: 1981 / Guitorn Records)
(Reissued: 2024 / Mad About Records)
Portugal-based Mad About Records released an official reissue of the extremely obscure 1981 jazz-funk album from a Connecticut-based quintet called Quintessence. Led by keyboardist Ron Ancrum with saxophonist and flautist George Sovak, trombonist David Gaedeke, bassist Steve Muse, drummer Winston Johnson and a variety of guest musicians, this brilliant 7-track recording is jazz-funk at it’s best, with some solid Fender Rhodes-based grooves, soulful horns, and a rhythm section that is deep in the pocket. The record was fully licensed by Ron Ancrum and remastered using the original tapes.
11. Frank Noviello — ‘Surprise!’
(Originally released: 1983 / Silk Tree Records)
(Reissued: 2024 / Jazz Room Records)
Continuing with the onslaught of impressive releases in 2024, Jazz Room Records reissued the now obscure 1983 album Surprise! by vocalist Frank Noviello, which includes a jazz dance rendition of Gary Bartz’ 1973 spiritual jazz classic “I’ve Known Rivers”. Originally self-released with little fanfare, this album features a nice selection of jazz standards and inventive originals. Fans of Mark Murphy should definitely check out this record.
10. Enzo Randisi — ‘Swing Ensemble’
(Original: 1981 / Ransemble)
(Reissued: 2024 / Eating Standing)
Italian-based label Eating Standing follows up their first reissue from Enzo Randisi, with another superb recording from the Palermo (Sicily-Italy) based vibes player, titled Swing Ensemble from 1981. This rare 9-track album has an overall uplifting feel, blending swinging hard-bop grooves with some scat-like vocals and chants from Loredana and Cinza Spata (think Kitty Winter), and includes some incredible jazz dance renditions of classics like Chick Corea’s “Spain” and Roy Haynes “Quiet Fire” (titled here as “Quiet Fair”), along with the cosmic jazz-fusion cut “In A Keith Mood” and more.
9. Noel Kelehan Quintet — ‘Ozone’
(Original Release: 1979 / Cargo Records)
(Reissue: 2024 / Outernational Sounds)
Harv Nagi’s Outernational Sounds reissued the highly-obscure 1979 album Ozone by the legendary Irish jazz ensemble Noel Kelehan Quintet. Originally released on the independent Cargo imprint and pressed on blue vinyl, this six-track recording features a brilliant mix of modal and spiritual jazz selections. Standout cuts include the moody “Spon Song”, the subtle Latin-flavored “Spacer’s Delight”, and the mid-tempo groover “Triers Not Fliers”.
8. Roland Haynes Jr. & Phenix — ‘Mind Games’
(Athens of the North)
Edinburgh’s Athens of the North put out an incredible collection of early 80s unreleased material from Roland Haynes Jr. and his group Phenix. Prior to this release, the band had only put out a the very rare and limited 45rpm single of “Mind Games” in 1983. Luckily Haynes’ had the foresight to document his work at key moments, laying down carefully worked out studio sessions and live recordings. The music blends together jazz-funk and soulful boogie grooves, similar to crossover acts like James Mason and Don Blackman. It’s also recommended that you checkout the groups Live at the Quarter Moon release, which Athens of the North also put out this year.
7. Roberta Flack — ‘Lost Takes’
(Arc Records)
Under the guidance and direction from London-based DJ, radio broadcaster, and music producer Gilles Peterson, his reissue-focused label Arc Records unearth a collection of tracks recorded by Roberta Flack in the sessions leading up to the recording of her seminal 1969 debut album First Take. This incredible 12 track 2xLP release, titled Lost Takes, captures the legendary vocalist at her absolute best, brilliantly bringing together elements of heartfelt soul and jazz into these sessions. The recording includes different versions of classics from First Takes, as well as a remarkable cover version of Mongo Santamaria’s “Afro Blue” and the Motown anthem “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. Recorded over 50 years ago, this is the first time these recordings have ever been officially released on vinyl.
6. Frédéric Rabold — ‘Time Machine‘
(Tramp Records)
Germany’s Tramp Records put together an expansive 2xLP retrospective release celebrating 80-year old German composer, bandleader and trumpeter Frédéric Rabold, spanning five decades worth of recorded music. This superb limited-edition 17-track release showcases Rabold’s highly eclectic approach, infusing everything from avant-garde and fusion to Latin and jazz dance. Some of the record’s stand out tracks include the massive dancefloor gems “Spring Feelings” and “Solstice Celebrations”, the hard-hitting jazz-fusion cuts “Beatschön” and “Berlin”, the groove-oriented “Relaxing Walk”, the epic “The Last Of The Past”.
5. Copa Salvo — ‘Paul Murphy Presents Copa Salvo‘
(Jazz Room Records)
Paul Murphy and his Jazz Room Records label highlighted the Japanese jazz ensemble Copa Salvo with a superb retrospective featuring arguably some of the group’s best material taken from their three albums. This brilliant 9-track recording spans choice selections from Copa Salvo’s 2002-2006 material, which included full-length releases Copa Salvo (2002), Loveletter From Far East (2006), and Mango-Ology (2006). Upon their initial releases, these albums were issued in small quantities, with Loveletter From Far East being the only one pressed on vinyl. The group’s unique percussion layered sound spans everywhere from Latin jazz dance to Afro-Cuban and Boogaloo grooves, to J-Jazz, funk, 70’s action soundtrack vibes and just about everything in-between.
4. Sun Ra — ‘Inside The Light World: Sun Ra Meets The OVC’
(Strut Records)
Double vinyl LP pressed on black vinyl, this release of “lost” sessions from 1986, features Sun Ra and his encountering of the Outer Space Visual Communicator (OVC). These remarkable recordings were, until now, confined to two tracks exclusively available on VHS videos. Fully remastered and executed by Joe Lizzi and Peter Beckmann, directly from the original reel-to-reel tapes, this album includes previously unheard versions of Ra classics “Calling Planet Earth”, “Sunset On The Nile” and “Theme From The Stargazers”. This is one is so good, it immediately shoots to the top group of all Sun Ra releases.
3. Dorothy Ashby — ‘Afro-Harping’ Deluxe Edition
(Originally released: 1968 / Cadet)
(Reissued: 2024 / Verve Records)
Verve Records put together an extremely well-crafted reissue of the 1968 spiritual soulful jazz classic Afro-Harping by pioneer jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby. Originally released on Cadet Records, this new deluxe reissue includes a total of 18 tracks remastered from the original 1/4 inch tapes, and features 8 previously unreleased takes from the original recording sessions, including alternative takes on standout tracks like “Soul Vibrations”, “Afro-Harping”, “Little Sunflower” and “Theme From Valley Of The Dolls”. The extremely well-crafted reissue also includes an 8-page booklet with insights on this album, Dorothy Ashby as an artist, and highlights some of her other notable recordings. Even if you have an original copy, this version is also very much worth picking up.
2. Roy Hargrove’s Crisol — ‘Grande-Terre’
(Verve Records)
Out of what felt like nowhere, Verve Records put out a previously unreleased recording from the late great trumpeter Roy Hargrove and his Latin-focused Crisol project featuring an all-star group of Cuban, American and Guadeloupian musicians, titled Grande-Terre. This session came together in early 1998, following the group’s GRAMMY win for Best Latin Jazz Performance for their debut album Habana. This brilliant posthumous full-length includes 10 superb tracks, including some massive Latin jazz burners, like “Priorities”, “Rhumba Roy”, “Lake Danse”, “B and B” and an incredible version of Cedar Walton’s “Afreaka”, which originally appeared on Lee Morgan’s 1969 Blue Note classic, The Sixth Sense.
1. Webster Lewis — ‘Live at Club 7’ Box Set
(Originally released: 1972 / Sonet)
(Reissue: Jazzagression)
Norwegian-based label Jazzaggression celebrates its 20th anniversary with a massive 4xLP box set release featuring the complete 1972 Live at Club7 recordings from the legendary Webster Lewis and his group that he coined “The Post-Pop, Space Rock, Be-Bop, Gospel Tabernacle Chorus and Orchestra, BABY!”. These sessions came about while the quintet performed over six nights at Oslo’s Club 7, which came on the heels of their appearance with the late great composer George Russell, who was commissioning a new work for the Kongsberg Jazz Festival in Norway. Limited to just 500 copies, the soulful spiritual jazz release includes the recordings included on the original rare album, and previously unreleased tracks from the same session. The well-crafted box set also includes 8-page booklet with rare photos, updated liner notes, and stickers.
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