The iconic jazz label Candid Records, established in 1960 featuring a back catalogue of some of the most acclaimed jazz and blues artists of all time, today announces its official relaunch with the release of legendary recordings by Charles Mingus, Max Roach, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Abbey Lincoln, and Otis Spann.
Originally recorded in 1960-61, these reissues, produced by the label’s head of A&R Nat Hentoff, have been remastered by award-winning audio engineer Bernie Grundman (Michael Jackson, Dr. Dre, Quincy Jones, Mary K. Blidge, Prince, among many others). The selection chosen for the initial relaunch is emblematic of an era when jazz and blues were exploding beyond their traditional confines, experimenting with new musical forms and boldly confronting issues of civil rights in American society which are still relevant today.
All five albums will be available on streaming services and on CD on April 15th, and available on vinyl on June 24th. They are currently available to pre-order and pre-save here.
Now part of Exceleration Music, Candid Records will continue to re-release additional titles from their vaults as well as new music from contemporary artists. Exceleration Partner and music producer John Burk comments: “Candid Records is synonymous with some of the greatest artists and recordings in jazz. In relaunching the label, we are thrilled to be able to introduce the breadth and depth of the catalogue, and the legendary artists and recordings within, to new generations. We also intend to honour and build upon the legacy with new recordings from the greatest artists in jazz today, as well as those who represent the future of the genre.”
Mark Wexler, Head of Candid Records, states: “With a wealth of recordings to consider to relaunch the label, these first five titles represent a cross-section of a very specific important time in the history of Candid Records. They pay homage to these brilliant artists, their legendary producer Nat Hentoff and a time in our world which signified great social discourse and change.”
“I am very excited about the relaunch of Candid Records and the reissue of these particular recordings by these iconic artists,” states Terri Lyne Carrington, GRAMMY® winning musician and A&R consultant for Candid Records. “Their political message reflects many sentiments of today’s social climate, which strongly connects the legacy of the label’s catalogue with the current artists we are working with and signing. Abbey Lincoln’s Straight Ahead is one of my favourite records and I can’t wait to hear it presented with a new level of audio quality.”
Available On CD and Streaming Services April 15th, 2022
Available on Vinyl June 24th, 2022