Craft Recordings is back at it with another wave of Original Jazz Classics (OJC) 180-gram vinyl reissues, giving jazz collectors yet another excuse to empty their wallets—and their shelves. Set for release this August and September, the latest batch includes AAA-cut, analog-heavy hitters like Kenny Burrell, Kenny Drew Trio, Sonny’s Dream by Sonny Criss, and Wheelin’ and Dealin’, featuring a murderer’s row of legends: Coltrane, Frank Wess, Paul Quinichette, and more.
Sourced from the original tapes by Kevin Gray (with Ryan K. Smith stepping in on the Drew cut), pressed at RTI, and wrapped in tip-on jackets, these aren’t your average reissues—they’re tailor-made for jazz nerds who can hear the difference between “vintage warmth” and streaming fatigue.
Kenny Burrell
Detroit native and future UCLA jazz professor Kenny Burrell was already deep into his groove when this 1957 session—his second self-titled album—dropped on Prestige. His playing here is confident and fluid, surrounded by a top-shelf lineup: Cecil Payne on baritone sax, Tommy Flanagan (a frequent partner-in-crime) on piano, Doug Watkins on bass, and a young Elvin Jones laying the rhythmic groundwork on drums. It’s a compact, 36-minute set that wastes no time. “Don’t Cry Baby” oozes smooth sophistication, while “Drum Boogie” delivers the kind of sly swing that sneaks up on you. Tight, tasteful, and essential.
Where to buy: $38.98 at Amazon (Available August 22, 2025)
Wheelin’ and Dealin’
This 1958 session feels more like a late-night club jam than a polished studio album—and that’s exactly the charm. Frank Wess, best known for his work with Count Basie and as an early jazz flautist, pairs with a rising John Coltrane and the ever-smooth Paul Quinichette for a four-track blowout that thrives on tension, contrast, and spontaneity. Mal Waldron brings cerebral counterpoint on piano, while Doug Watkins and Art Taylor hold the groove together. There’s no studio sheen here—just the raw joy of hearing three tenor titans spar in real time.
Where to buy: $38.98 at Amazon (Available August 22, 2025)
Kenny Drew Trio
Pianist Kenny Drew may have never gotten the spotlight he deserved, but this 1956 trio session makes a strong case for changing that. Backed by a dream rhythm section—Paul Chambers on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums, both of whom would later work with Coltrane—Drew leads with elegance, swing, and restraint. The set opens up beautifully on a breathless take of “Caravan,” and hits a high point with the smoky, mid-tempo swagger of “Blues for Nica,” Drew’s tribute to jazz patron Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter. Clocking in under an hour, this is one of those albums that shifts gears with ease—from fire to finesse—and never overstays its welcome.
Where to buy: $38.98 at Amazon (Available September 26, 2025)
Sonny’s Dream (Birth of the New Cool)
Calling your record Birth of the New Cool takes guts, but Sonny Criss had the chops to back it up. This 1968 release is not just a career high for the L.A.-based saxophonist—it’s a powerful artistic statement in the post-Coltrane jazz landscape. Criss switches between soprano and alto sax, navigating Horace Tapscott’s forward-thinking compositions with soul, urgency, and technical brilliance. The album swings hard but isn’t afraid to lean into avant-garde territory, all wrapped in lush, big-band orchestration. From the contemplative title track to the fiery momentum of “Black Apostles,” Sonny’s Dream is bold, emotional, and completely locked in—an underrated gem finally getting its due.
Where to buy: $38.98 at Amazon (Available September 26, 2025)
Craft Recordings oversees one of the most expansive and historically rich catalogs in the music industry, covering everything from foundational jazz and soul to alternative rock and Latin icons. The label’s repertoire spans legendary artists like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Isaac Hayes, Celia Cruz, Little Richard, Joan Baez, and Creedence Clearwater Revival, while also representing contemporary acts such as Evanescence, Nine Inch Nails, Alison Krauss, and Violent Femmes.
Craft serves as the steward for some of the most respected imprints in music history—including Prestige, Riverside, Stax, Rounder, Fantasy, Vanguard, Fania, Varèse Sarabande, and more—curating reissues and archival releases with a sharp eye for detail and authenticity. The label prides itself on audiophile-quality pressings, thoughtfully designed packaging, and a deep commitment to musical preservation.
Craft is also home to the Billie Holiday and Tammy Wynette estates, managing their legacies and ensuring their cultural impact continues to resonate with new generations. Whether it’s a 1960s jazz session or a 2000s post-hardcore release, Craft’s mission is clear: keep the music alive—and sounding better than ever.
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Anton
July 13, 2025 at 9:17 pm
Craft Recordings have become one of the most reliable, reissue labels in the industry.
Greatly appreciate that you and Mark have been reviewing these titles, so that we can make an informed decision before buying them.
Ian White
July 13, 2025 at 9:45 pm
Not only that but they are run by a very solid team.
Between Mark and I, at least 6 reviews coming over the next few weeks. Both jazz and blues recordings.
Mark is a far superior music reviewer. I suspect my enthusiasm for them probably clouds my judgement somewhat — but I feel zero guilt buying from them on a rather regular basis.
IW