Gene Russell
New Direction (Clear With Blac

The first album released from the most sought-after label, bar none, among jazz collectors! Black Jazz was started by keyboardist / producer Gene Russell for Dick Schory’s Ovation Records. Active from only 1971 to 1975, and reputed to be the first jazz label started by an African-American since Sunshine Records in 1921, Black Jazz sought to expand minds as well as hearts, releasing spiritual, socially conscious music that explored such burgeoning genres of the era as funk, soul jazz, and free jazz. Real Gone Music kicks off its Black Jazz reissue campaign with the very first record the label released, which was entitled, fittingly, New Directions by label founder Russell. Oft-bootlegged, with original copies commanding princely sums, New Directions set the tone for the entire label with its modal and soul jazz explorations. Real Gone’s reissue includes new liner notes by Pat Thomas, the author of Listen Whitey! The Sounds of Black Power 1965-1975. Transparent clear with black swirl vinyl