Mack Avenue & Strata-East Announce Audiophile Quality Reissues of Three Iconic Jazz Albums on 180-Gram Vinyl

Today, Mack Avenue and Strata-East Records announce the release of three more legendary albums from the Strata-East catalogue. Celebrating the revolutionary spirit of one of the most influential artist-owned independent jazz labels in history, Strata-East titles from Shamek Farrah, Cecil Payne, and Charles Brackeen are returning to physical formats for the first time in decades on 180-gram vinyl with audio cut directly from the original analogue tapes. The titles will be available on November 27, with Cecil Payne’s Zodiac LP releasing as a Record Store Day Black Friday 2026 exclusive, and Shamek Farrah’s First Impressions being shared as a deluxe edition with 3 never-before released tracks.

Beyond the music, all three albums are being released exclusively with independent retail worldwide and in partnership with UK Record Story Day Black Friday 2026 (Farrah, Payne & Brakeen), and US Record Store Day Black Friday 2026 (Payne). With each purchase, Payne and Brackeen’s albums are accompanied by limited edition Dolphy Series collectible postcard sets and Farrah’s is accompanied by a limited edition framable album cover art print.

Re-launching in 2025 in partnership with Mack Avenue, Strata-East released 32 historic titles on digital platforms, and reissued nine albums to CD and 180-gram vinyl for the first time to universal acclaim from The New York Times, The Washington Post, Mojo, DownBeat, Tidal, WRTI, JazzWise and JazzWax. This series of reissues tells the story of one of jazz’s most iconic labels, founded in resistance to major labels’ restrictions to artistic expression in the 50s and 60s. Strata-East’s commitment to freedom and high standards earned it a revered place in jazz history. Finally, the initial analog tapes have been re-mastered and re-released to continue its legacy for generations to come. Mastered by Kevin Gray, the releases were pressed to 180-gram vinyl at RTI with audio cut directly from the original analog tapes. The LPs also include deluxe tip-on gatefold packaging with new liner notes and never-before-seen photos.

Widely regarded as a masterpiece of early spiritual jazz, alto saxophonist Shamek Farrah’s debut album First Impressions is one of the most sought after recordings in the entire genre. Featuring a blend of spiritual jazz with Eastern influences, the project is being released as a deluxe including three never-before heard tracks. Farrah largely disappeared from public view after 1980, but following Mack Avenue and Strata-East’s 2025 digital re-release of the celebrated record, he was profiled by The New York Times, reflecting on its significance over 50 years later.

Cecil Payne’s Zodiac pays tribute to the memory of Wynton Kelly and Kenny Dorham with a bold, progressive take on post-bop. An in-demand baritone saxophonist for the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Roy Eldridge, the album was produced by legendary tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan and features Wilbur Ware (bass) and Albert “Tootie” Heath (drums).

Rhythm X is the debut album from saxophonist Charles Brackeen, featuring a backing band from the Ornette Coleman Quartet, including Don Cherry (trumpet), Charlie Haden (bass), and Ed Blackwell (drums). The album showcases Brackeen’s unique voice, with his four original compositions leading a free-flowing, dynamic session full of intricate interplay and bold expression. Brackeen did not record another album as a leader for 19 years.

Other recent critically acclaimed Strata-East reissues on CD and 180-gram vinyl include Charles Tolliver All Stars: Right Now... And Then, The Heath Brothers’ Marchin’ On! (feat. Stanley Cowell), Cecil McBee’s Mutima, Pharoah Sanders' Izipho Zam (My Gifts), Charles Tolliver & Music Inc's Live at Slugs’, Volume I & II, Stanley Cowell’s Musa: Ancestral Streams, and Charlie Rouse's Two Is One.

Tracklistings:

Charles Brackeen - Rhythm X

1. Rhythm X

2. Hour Glass

3. Charles Concept

4. C.B. Blues

Shamek Farrah - First Impressions

1. Meterologicly Tuned

2. Watch What Happens Now

3. Umoja Suite

4. First Impressions

5. Bantu Blues

6. Two For Three

7. Aisha

Cecil Payne - Zodiac

1. Martin Luther King, Jr. I Know Love

2. Girl, You Got a Home

3. Slide Hampton

4. Follow Me

Flying Fish

About Strata-East Records:

Founded in 1970 by Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell, Strata-East Records has embodied and pioneered artistic freedom in its highest form, supporting the visions of the most influential musicians of its time. Strata-East’s commitment to artist-produced records and high production standards has earned it a revered place in jazz history. This mission continues through a partnership with Mack Avenue Music Group, ensuring the highest quality releases from its historic catalog.