“Blue Soul” is an album by Blue Mitchell, recorded in September 1959 at Reeves Sound Studios, New York, and originally released on Riverside Records (RLP 12-309). The Jazz Workshop Vinyl reissue as a 180-gram audiophile LP (JW-078) revives this record with remastering that highlights the trumpet’s brilliance. The lineup features Blue Mitchell (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Jimmy Heath (tenor saxophone), Wynton Kelly (piano), Sam Jones (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums). The album includes Mitchell’s originals like Minor Vamp and standards such as Polka Dots and Moonbeams. The music is hard bop with soul-jazz elements, with Mitchell’s trumpet warm and melodic, and the ensemble crafting a swinging, soulful atmosphere. The Jazz Workshop reissue, limited to 500 copies, is prized for its clean, detailed sound, capturing the session’s energy. “Blue Soul” is a classic, underscoring Mitchell’s leadership mastery.
Blue Mitchell (March 13, 1930 – May 21, 1979) was an American jazz trumpeter, a star of hard bop and soul jazz. Born in Miami, Florida, he began playing trumpet in his youth, inspired by Clifford Brown and Miles Davis. In the 1950s, Mitchell became a prominent figure, collaborating with Horace Silver and Cannonball Adderley. His style featured a clean, warm tone and melodic improvisation, perfectly suiting ensembles. In the 1960s, he led his own groups, recording for Riverside and Blue Note. Mitchell left a legacy as one of his era’s most soulful trumpeters, with recordings beloved by jazz listeners.
TRACKLIST
Side One:
1. Minor Vamp (Benny Golson) 3:39
2. The Head (Blue Mitchell) 4:24
3. The Way You Look Tonight (Fields-Kern) 3:19
4. Park Avenue Petite (Benny Golson) 3:54
5. Top Shelf (Jimmy Heath) 4:02
Side Two:
1. Waverley Street (Jimmy Heath) 4:56
2. Blue Soul (Blue Mitchell) 4:07
3. Polka Dots and Moonbeams (Burke-Van Heusen) 5:46
4. Nica’s Dream (Horace Silver) 6:31
Personnel:
Richard “Blue” Mitchell (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Jimmy Heath (tenor sax), Wynton Kelly (piano), Sam Jones (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums), Benny Golson (arrangements).
Recorded at Reeves Sound Studios in New York, September, 1959
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