“Blue’s Mood” is an album by Blue Mitchell, recorded on August 24 and 25, 1960, at Plaza Sound Studios, New York, and originally released on Riverside Records (RLP 12-336). The Jazz Workshop Vinyl reissue as a 180-gram audiophile LP (JW-112) revives this record with remastering that highlights the trumpet’s brilliance. The lineup features Blue Mitchell (trumpet), Julian Priester (trombone), Pepper Adams (baritone saxophone), Wynton Kelly (piano), Sam Jones (bass), and Roy Brooks (drums). The album includes Mitchell’s originals like I’ll Close My Eyes and standards such as When I Fall in Love. The music is hard bop with soul-jazz hues, with Mitchell’s trumpet warm and lyrical, and the ensemble crafting a swinging atmosphere. The Jazz Workshop reissue, limited to 500 copies, is prized for its clean, detailed sound, capturing New York’s energy. “Blue’s Mood” is a soulful record, underscoring Mitchell’s 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, including Blue’s Mood. Mitchell left a legacy as one of his era’s most soulful trumpeters, with recordings beloved by jazz listeners.
TRACKLIST
Side One:
1. I’ll Close My Eyes (Kaye-Reid) 5:53
2. Avars (Boyd) 4:03
3. Scrapple From The Apple (Parker) 3:57
4. Kinda Vague (Mitchell-Kelly) 6:24
Side Two:
1. Sir John (Mitchell) 6:02
2. When I Fall In Love (Heyman-Young) 5:39
3. Sweet Pumpkin (Bright) 4:16
4. I Wish I Knew (Warren-Gordon) 4:26
Personnel:
Blue Mitchell (trumpet), Wynton Kelly (piano), Sam Jones (bass), Roy Brooks (drums).
Recorded at Plaza Sound Studios, New York, August 24 & 25, 1960
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