Blue Note Japan LP Releases: 1977-1983 (King)

Table of Contents
TOP PAGE
1966-1968: Toshiba Musical Industries era (1):
Toshiba started to release Blue Note LPs in 1966. However, they were not Japan pressings; U.S. pressings were imported and sold with OBIs (or stickers) along with inserts written in Japanese.
1968-1977: Toshiba Musical Industries era (2) – Toshiba EMI era (1):
It was in 1968 when Toshiba finally started to release own Japan pressings.
1977-1983: King era:
In 1977 distribution rights moved from Toshiba to King. King Records released a number of great pressings.
1983-1988: Toshiba EMI era (2):
Toshiba regained the distrubution rights in 1983, and started releasing comprehensive numbers of Blue Note LPs.
1989-now: Toshiba EMI (3) / EMI Music Japan / Universal Music Japan era
We must thank to Toshiba – they continued to release Japanese LP pressings again and again, even CDs eliminated lovable LPs.

In 1977, distribution rights moved from Toshiba to King. King Records released a number of great pressings until 1983.

1977, “Immortal Masterpiece Selection” Series, Limited Edition, by King Records

This series was released to celebrate that King acquired the contract to distribute Blue Note materials in Japan. As much as 20 famous titles are selected and released in limited numbers only, prior to the 1978 “Blue Note Masterpiece Selection 150” series.

See also: Immortal Masterpiece Selection (on Discogs)

Generally, this GXF-3000 series sounds better than GXK-8000 series. This is because GXF-3000 series was a limited edition – not so many platters were pressed.

GXF3006A-2
Mfd by King Record Co., Ltd., Japan
GXF-3001 Somethin’ Else Cannonball Adderley 81595
GXF-3002 Moanin’ Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers 84003
GXF-3003 (M) A Night At Birdland, Vol.1 Art Blakey Quintet 1521
GXF-3004 Cool Struttin’ Sonny Clark 81588
GXF-3005 Sonny Clark Trio Sonny Clark 81579
GXF-3006 (M) Clifford Brown Memorial Album Clifford Brown 1526
GXF-3007 (M) A Night At The Village Vanguard Sonny Rollins 1581
GXF-3008 The Real McCoy McCoy Tyner 84264
GXF-3009 Out To Lunch! Eric Dolphy 84163
GXF-3010 Blue Train John Coltrane 81577
GXF-3011 (M) Miles Davis, Vol.1 Miles Davis 1501
GXF-3012 (M) Miles Davis, Vol.2 Miles Davis 1502
GXF-3013 The Scene Changes – The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol.5 Bud Powell 84009
GXF-3014 (M) Genius Of Modern Music, Vol.1 Thelonious Monk 1510
GXF-3015 The Sidewinder Lee Morgan 84157
GXF-3016 Bass On Top Paul Chambers 81569
GXF-3017 Song For My Father Horace Silver 84185
GXF-3018 At The “Golden Circle” Stockholm, Vol.1 Ornette Coleman 84224
GXF-3019 Super Nova Wayne Shorter 84332
GXF-3020 Maiden Voyage Herbie Hancock 84195

1977-1980, “Blue Note Masterpice Selection 150” Series, by King Records

This is a follow-up to the 1977 limited edition GXF series. This time, as much as 150 titles were chosen from 1500 series, 4000 series, and even BN-LA series. You may notice that all their titles represents which albums/artists were very popular and highly acclaimed in Japan at that time.

This series is not a limited edition.

See also: Blue Note Masterpiece Selection 150 (on Discogs)

Generally this series plays nice sound, but since it’s not a limited edition, many platters were pressed and later pressings may sound a bit inferior (if the copy is later pressing). Especially, some titles which sold very well were pressed so many times, so the copy with later pressings may sound dull.

In order to identify whether it’s early/later pressing, we may have to look closely at “matrix number” stamped on the dead wax – postfix number after a hyphen represents the stamper generation. For example, SILBT 84003-1 (earliest pressing) may sound better than SILBT 84003-15 (later pressing).

Of course, please note that this is just a general rule – there are several exceptions. The very last pressing with the earliest stamper generally sound dull than the very first pressing with the next stamper.The real judgement might be possible by actually listening with our own ears.

These GXK titles kept being pressed and released until 1983. Some of the last pressings (circa 1982-1983) have extra “yellow OBI”s attached. The yellow OBI mentions about “10:1 special bonus disc giveaway” of unreleased materials (I haven’t confirmed any of these titles yet).

GXK8043-1
GXK-8043: cover and OBI
extra yellow OBI may indicate this copy is later pressing,
while the yellow OBI itself is very hard to find…
GXK-8001 Speak Like A Child Herbie Hancock 84279
GXK-8002 Empirian Isles Herbie Hancock 84175
GXK-8003 Night Dreamer Wayne Shorter 84173
GXK-8004 The All Seeing Eye Wayne Shorter 84219
GXK-8005 Hub Cap Freddie Hubbard 84073
GXK-8006 Breaking Point Freddie Hubbard 84172
GXK-8007 Spring Tony Williams 84216
GXK-8008 Expansions McCoy Tyner 84338
GXK-8009 Happenings Bobby Hucherson 84231
GXK-8010 Inner Urge Joe Henderson 84189
GXK-8011 (M) Introducing Kenny Burrell Kenny Burrell 1523
GXK-8012 (M) Dial “S” For Sonny Sonny Clark 1570
GXK-8013 (M) ‘Round About Midnight At The Cafe Bohemia Kenny Dorham 1524
GXK-8014 Page One Joe Henderson 84140
GXK-8015 (M) Introducing Johnny Griffin Johnny Griffin 1533
GXK-8016 (M) Sonny Rollins Sonny Rollins 1542
GXK-8017 (M) Lee Morgan Indeed! Lee Morgan 1538
GXK-8018 (M) Whims Of Chambers Paul Chambers 1534
GXK-8019 Puttin’ Together Elvin Jones 84282
GXK-8020 Fuchsia Swing Song Sam Revers 84184
GXK-8021 Takin’ Off Herbie Hancock 84109
GXK-8022 Open Sesame Freddie Hubbard 84040
GXK-8023 Brack Fire Andrew Hill 84151
GXK-8024 Dialogue Bobby Hutcherson 84198
GXK-8025 (M) A New Sound, A New Star Jimmy Smith 1512
GXK-8026 Life Time Tony Williams 84180
GXK-8027 (M) Horace Silver Trio Horace Silver 1520
GXK-8028 New Soil Jackie McLean 84013
GXK-8029 (M) Quartet, Quintet, Sextet Lou Donaldson 1537
GXK-8030 Off To The Races Donald Byrd 84007
GXK-8031 (M) Detroit – New York Junction Thad Jones 1513
GXK-8032 (M) The Eminent J. J. Johnson, Vol.1 J. J. Johnson 1505
GXK-8033 (M) The Eminent J. J. Johnson, Vol.2 J. J. Johnson 1506
GXK-8034 (M) Milt Jackson Milt Jackson 1509
GXK-8035 (M) Sonny Rollins, Vol.2 Sonny Rollins 1558
GXK-8036 Blowin’ The Blues Away Horace Silver 84017
GXK-8037 Fuego Donald Byrd 84026
GXK-8038 Let Freedom Ring Jackie McLean 84106
GXK-8039 (M) Curtis Fuller, Vol.3 Curtis Fuller 1583
GXK-8040 (M) Horace Silver & The Jazz Messengers Horace Silver 1518
GXK-8041 A Night In Tunisia Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers 84049
GXK-8042 Somethin’ Else Cannonball Adderley 81595
GXK-8043 Cool Struttin’ Sonny Clark 81588
GXK-8044 Moanin’ Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers 84003
GXK-8045 The Sidewinder Lee Morgan 84157
GXK-8046 Out To Lunch! Eric Dolphy 84163
GXK-8047 Song For My Father Horace Silver 84185
GXK-8048 Super Nova Wayne Shorter 84332
GXK-8049 The Real McCoy McCoy Tyner 84264
GXK-8050 Maiden Voyage Herbie Hancock 84195
GXK-8051 Sonny Clark Trio Sonny Clark 81579
GXK-8052 Our Man In Paris Dexter Gordon 84146
GXK-8053 Bass On Top Paul Chambers 81569
GXK-8054 (M) Clifford Brown Memorial Album Clifford Brown 1526
GXK-8055 Blue Train John Coltrane 81577
GXK-8056 (M) Miles Davis, Vol.1 Miles Davis 1501
GXK-8057 (M) Miles Davis, Vol.2 Miles Davis 1502
GXK-8058 (M) Genius Of Modern Music, Vol.1 Thelonious Monk 1510
GXK-8059 (M) Genius Of Modern Music, Vol.2 Thelonious Monk 1511
GXK-8060 (M) The Fabulous Fats Navarro, Vol.1 Fats Navarro 1531
GXK-8061 (M) The Fabulous Fats Navarro, Vol.2 Fats Navarro 1532
GXK-8062 (M) 6 Pieces Of Silver Horace Silver 1539
GXK-8063 The Stylings Of Silver Horace Silver 81562
GXK-8064 Further Explorations Horace Silver 81589
GXK-8065 Finger Poppin’ Horace Silver 84008
GXK-8066 Horace scope Horace Silver 84042
GXK-8067 Doin’ The Thing Horace Silver 84076
GXK-8068 Tender Moments McCoy Tyner 84275
GXK-8069 Time For Tyner McCoy Tyner 84307
GXK-8070 Extensions McCoy Tyner BN-LA 006-F
GXK-8071 (M) The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol.1 Bud Powell 1503
GXK-8072 (M) The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol.2 Bud Powell 1504
GXK-8073 Bud! – The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol.3 Bud Powell 81571
GXK-8074 Time Waits – The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol.4 Bud Powell 81598
GXK-8075 The Scene Changes – The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol.5 Bud Powell 84009
GXK-8076 Juju Wayne Shorter 84182
GXK-8077 Speak No Evil Wayne Shorter 84194
GXK-8078 Adam’s Apple Wayne Shorter 84232
GXK-8079 Skizzofrenia Wayne Shorter 84297
GXK-8080 Oddysey Of Iska Wayne Shorter 84363
GXK-8081 Swing, Swang, Swingin’ Jackie McLean 84024
GXK-8082 Jackie’s Bag Jackie McLean 84051
GXK-8083 One Step Beyond Jackie McLean 84137
GXK-8084 Destination… Out! Jackie McLean 84165
GXK-8085 It’s Time Jackie McLean 84179
GXK-8086 Right Now! Jackie McLean 84215
GXK-8087 Action Jackie McLean 84218
GXK-8088 New And Old Gospel Jackie McLean & Ornette Coleman 84262
GXK-8089 Newk’s Time Sonny Rollins 84001
GXK-8090 Gettin’ Around Dexter Gordon 84204
GXK-8091 (M) A Blowing Session Johnny Griffin 1559
GXK-8092 (M) The Congrigation Johnny Griffin 1580
GXK-8093 (M) J.R. Monterose J.R. Monterose 1536
GXK-8094 (M) Wailin’ With Lou Lou Donaldson 1545
GXK-8095 Peckin’ Time Hank Mobley 81574
GXK-8096 Soul Station Hank Mobley 84031
GXK-8097 Roll Call Hank Mobley 84058
GXK-8098 Workout Hank Mobley 84080
GXK-8099 (M) A Night At Birdland, Vol.1 Art Blakey Quintet 1521
GXK-8100 (M) A Night At Birdland, Vol.2 Art Blakey Quintet 1522
GXK-8101 (M) A Night At The Village Vanguard Sonny Rollins 1581
GXK-8102 (M) The Jazz Messengers At Cafe Bohemia, Vol.1 The Jazz Messengers 1507
GXK-8103 (M) The Jazz Messengers At Cafe Bohemia, Vol.2 The Jazz Messengers 1508
GXK-8104 At The Half Note Cafe, Vol.1 Donald Byrd 84060
GXK-8105 At The Half Note Cafe, Vol.2 Donald Byrd 84061
GXK-8106 At The Five Spot Cafe Kenny Burrell 84021
GXK-8107 At The “Golden Circle” Stockholm, Vol.1 Ornette Coleman 84224
GXK-8108 At The “Golden Circle” Stockholm, Vol.2 Ornette Coleman 84225
GXK-8109 (M) The Magnificent Thad Jones Thad Jones 1527
GXK-8110 (M) The Magnificent Thad Jones, Vol.3 Thad Jones 1546
GXK-8111 Here Comes Louis Smith Louis Smith 1584
GXK-8112 (M) Blowing In From Chicago Cliff Jordan & John Gilmore 1549
GXK-8113 (M) Cliff Craft Cliff Jordan 1582
GXK-8114 Green Street Grant Green 84071
GXK-8115 (M) Kenny Burrell, Vol.2 Kenny Burrell 1543
GXK-8116 Midnight Blue Kenny Burrell 84123
GXK-8117 Feelin’ The Spirit Grant Green 84132
GXK-8118 (M) Sonny’s Crib Sonny Clark 1576
GXK-8119 Flight To Jordan Duke Jordan 84046
GXK-8120 Undercurrent Kenny Drew 84059
GXK-8121 (M) Herbie Nichols Trio Herbie Nichols 1519
GXK-8122 Good Deal Three Sounds 84020
GXK-8123 Movin’ And Groovin’ Horace Harlan 84028
GXK-8124 Byrd In Hand Donald Byrd 84019
GXK-8125 Byrd In Flight Donald Byrd 84048
GXK-8126 Goin’ Up Freddie Hubbard 84056
GXK-8127 Royal Flush Donald Byrd 84101
GXK-8128 Una Mas Kenny Dorham 84127
GXK-8129 Basra Pete LaRoca 84205
GXK-8130 Mosaic Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers 84090
GXK-8131 (M) Candy Lee Morgan 1590
GXK-8132 The Cooker Lee Morgan 81578
GXK-8133 Lee Way Lee Morgan 84034
GXK-8134 (M) Lee Morgan, Vol.2 Lee Morgan 1541
GXK-8135 (M) Lee Morgan, Vol.3 Lee Morgan 1557
GXK-8136 My Point Of View Herbie Hancock 84126
GXK-8137 Inventions & Dimensions Herbie Hancock 84147
GXK-8138 The Prisoner Herbie Hancock 84321
GXK-8139 Point Of Departure Andrew Hill 84167
GXK-8140 Total Eclipse Bobby Hutcherson 84291
GXK-8141 Fancy Free Donald Byrd 84319
GXK-8142 (M) The Champ Jimmy Smith 1514
GXK-8143 (M) Paul Chambers Quintet Paul Chambers 1564
GXK-8144 The Music From The Connection Freddie Redd 84027
GXK-8145 Crazy Baby! Jimmy Smith 84030
GXK-8146 Tender Feelin’ Duke Pearson 84035
GXK-8147 Unit Structures Cecil Taylor 84237
GXK-8148 Conquistador Cecil Taylor 84260
GXK-8149 The Empty Foxhole Ornette Coleman 84246
GXK-8150 Symphony For Improvisers Don Cherry 84247

1978, “Unissued Masters” Series, Limited Edition, by King Records

This series is interesting: instead of simply reissuing “Unreleased Material Series” (most in double LP format) seen on the BN-LA series, King re-compiled the materials and fitted with nice jacket covers.

See also: Unissued Masters Series (on Discogs)

GXF-3021 Live At The Renaissance Club Art Blakey 473J2
GXF-3022 Hipnosis Jackie McLean Quintet 483H2
GXF-3023 All-Star Sextet Lee Morgan 582J2
GXF-3024 Lee Morgan Sextet Lee Morgan 582J2
GXF-3025 Jubilee Shouts Stanley Turrentine 883J2
GXF-3026 Circulus, Vol.1 Chick Corea 882J2
GXF-3027 Circulus, Vol.2 Chick Corea 882J2

1979-1980, “World First Appearance” Series, Limited Edition, by King Records

Most materials in this series were still unissued at that time. So these are the original worldwide 1st release.

See also: World First Appearance Series (on Discogs)

In the early 1980s, they were re-issued with different release numbers.

GXF3053A-2
this Japanese letters indicate it’s pressed for promotional purpose
(“見本品”, read as “Mihon-Hin” – literally translated as “factory sample”)
GXF-3051 Blues In The Night Sonny Clark 2nd issue: GXK-8156
GXF-3052 K. B. Blues Kenny Burrell 2nd issue: GXK-8154
GXF-3053 Matador Grant Green 2nd issue: GXK-8159
GXF-3054 The Soothsayer Wayne Shorter 2nd issue: GXK-8152
GXF-3055 Clubhouse Dexter Gordon LT-989
GXF-3056 My Conception Sonny Clark 2nd issue: GXK-8158
GXF-3057 Freedom Kenny Burrell 2nd issue: GXK-8170
GXF-3058 Gooden’s Corner Grant Green 2nd issue: GXK-8168
GXF-3059 The Collector Wayne Shorter 2nd issue: GXK-8153
GXF-3060 Pisces Art Blakey 2nd issue: GXK-8151
GXF-3061 Oblique Bobby Hutcherson
GXF-3062 Tippin’ The Scales Jackie McLean 2nd issue: GXK-8160
GXF-3063 Minor Revelation Bennie Green 2nd issue: GXK-8165
GXF-3064 Two Bones Curtis Fuller 2nd issue: GXK-8166
GXF-3065 Oleo Grant Green 2nd issue: GXK-8169
GXF-3066 Poppin’ Hank Mobley 2nd issue: GXK-8163
GXF-3067 Street Singer Jackie McLean & Tina Brooks 2nd issue: GXK-8161
GXF-3068 Sweet Slumber Lou Donaldson 2nd issue: GXK-8164
GXF-3069 The Art Of The Trio Sonny Clark 2nd issue: GXK-8157
LNJ-70079
BNJ-61017
GXF-3070 Swingin’ Kenny Burrell 2nd issue: GXK-8155
GXF-3071 Remembering Grant Green 2nd issue: GXK-8167
GXF-3072 Minor Move Tina Brooks 2nd issue: GXK-8162
GXF-3073 Inner Glow Bobby Hutcherson

1979, “Jazz Piano Trio Masterpiece Collection” Series, by King Records

This series contains not only Blue Note, but other labels like Pacific Jazz.

See also: Jazz Piano Trio Masterpiece Collection (on Discogs)

GXF-3151 (M) Wynton Kelly Trio
/ Kenny Drew Trio
Wynton Kelly
/ Kenny Drew
5025
5023
GXF-3152 Introducing The Three Sounds The Three Sounds 81600
GXF-3153 Moods The Three Sounds 84044
GXF-3154 Us Three Horace Perlan 84037
GXF-3155 Alexander The Great Monty Alexander Pacific Jazz ST-86
GXF-3156 Spunky Monty Alexander Pacific Jazz ST-20094
GXF-3157 (M) Rus Freeman Trio
/ Richard Twardzik Trio
Rus Freeman
/ Richard Twardzik
Pacific Jazz PJ-1212
GXF-3158 First Time Out Clare Fischer Pacific Jazz ST-52

1979, “Jazz Guitar Album” Series, by King Records

This series contains not only Blue Note, but other labels like Pacific Jazz.

See also: Jazz Guitar Album Series (on Discogs)

GXF-3171 (M) Tal Farlow Quartet / Sal Salvador Quintet Tal Farlow / Sal Salvador 5042
5035
GXF-3172 Blue Lights, Vol.1 Kenny Burrell 1596
GXF-3173 Sunday Mornin’ Grant Green 84099
GXF-3174 The Montgomery Brothers The Montgomery Brothers Pacific Jazz PJ-17
GXF-3175 Catch Me Joe Pass Pacific Jazz PJ-73
GXF-3176 (M) Quintet Of The Hot Club Of France Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelly Disques Decca 168.003 M
GXF-3177 Blue Lights, Vol.2 Kenny Burrell 1597
GXF-3178 Idle Moments Grant Green 84154
GXF-3179 The Stones Jazz Joe Pass World Pacific 1854
GXF-3180 Saltations F.S. Al Viola PBR International PBR-7

1980, “Jazz Vocal Favorite Collection”, by King Records

Eight titles were released in the series, chosen from Blue Note, Vanguard, Pacific Jazz, Solid State and Muse labels etc.

See also: Jazz Vocal Favorite Collection (on Discogs)

GXH-3503 Portrait Of Sheila Sheila Jordan 89002
GXH-3504 If This Ain’t The Blues Jimmy Rushing Vanguard VRS-8513
GXH-3505 Hoagy Sings Carmichael Hoagy Carmichael Pacific Jazz PJ-1223
GXH-3506 Something Old, New And Blue Joe Williams Solid State SS-18015
GXH-3507 The Live-Liest Eddie Jefferson Muse MR-5127
GXH-3508 Everything Must Change Morgana King Muse MR-5190
GXH-3509 A Gasser! Annie Ross Pacific Jazz ST-1285
GXH-3510 Mr. Jazz King Pleasure United Artists UAJS-15012

1980-1981, “Unissued Masters Series Part 1”, by King Records

Re-compiled and renumbered issue of 1979 “World First Appearance” series.

See also: Unissued Masters Series, Part 1 (on Discogs)

GXK-8151 Pisces Art Blakey reissue of GXF-3060
GXK-8152 The Soothsayer Wayne Shorter reissue of GXF-3054
GXK-8153 The Collector Wayne Shorter reissue of GXF-3059
GXK-8154 K. B. Blues Kenny Burrell reissue of GXF-3052
GXK-8155 Swingin’ Kenny Burrell reissue of GXF-3070
GXK-8156 Blues In The Night Sonny Clark reissue of GXF-3051
GXK-8157 The Art Of The Trio Sonny Clark reissue of GXF-3069
GXK-8158 My Conception Sonny Clark reissue of GXF-3056
GXK-8159 Matador Grant Green reissue of GXF-3053
GXK-8160 Tippin’ The Scales Jackie McLean reissue of GXF-3062
GXK-8161 Street Singer Jackie McLean & Tina Brooks reissue of GXF-3067
GXK-8162 Minor Move Tina Brooks reissue of GXF-3072
GXK-8163 Poppin’ Hank Mobley reissue of GXF-3066
GXK-8164 Sweet Slumber Lou Donaldson reissue of GXF-3068
GXK-8165 Minor Revelation Bennie Green reissue of GXF-3063
GXK-8166 Two Bones Curtis Fuller reissue of GXF-3064
GXK-8167 Remembering Grant Green reissue of GXF-3072
GXK-8168 Gooden’s Corner Grant Green reissue of GXF-3058
GXK-8169 Oleo Grant Green reissue of GXF-3065
GXK-8170 Freedom Kenny Burrell reissue of GXF-3057

1980-1981, “Unissued Masters Series Part 2”, by King Records

This part 2 includes unreleased materials which were already issued in the LT series. However, instead of reusing jacket designs seen on the LT series, King records fitted newly-designed cover artworks.

See also: Unissued Masters Series, Part 2 (on Discogs)

GXK-8171 Sonic Boom Lee Morgan ressue of LT-987
GXK-8172 Consequence Jackie McLean ressue of LT-994
GXK-8173 Midnight Sun Lou Donaldson ressue of LT-1028
GXK-8174 Take Aim Harold Land ressue of LT-1057
GXK-8175 Landslide Dexter Gordon ressue of LT-1051
GXK-8176 Mr. Natural Stanley Turrentine ressue of LT-1075
GXK-8177 A Slice Of The Top Hank Mobley ressue of LT-995
GXK-8178 Spiral Bobby Hutcherson ressue of LT-996
GXK-8179 Confirmation Jimmy Smith ressue of LT-992
GXK-8180 Nigeria Grant Green ressue of LT-1032
GXK-8181 Tom Cat Lee Morgan ressue of LT-1058
GXK-8182 Step Lightly Blue Mitchell ressue of 84142 (unissued)
LT-1082
GXK-8183 Chant Donald Byrd ressue of LT-991
GXK-8184 Dance With Death Andrew Hill ressue of LT-1030
GXK-8185 Patterns Bobby Hutcherson ressue of LT-1044
GXK-8186 Cool Blues Jimmy Smith ressue of LT-1054
GXK-8187 Solid Grant Green ressue of LT-990
GXK-8188 Thinking Of home Hank Mobley ressue of LT-1045
GXK-8189 New Time Shuffle Stanley Turrentine ressue of LT-993
GXK-8190 WIth A Song In My Heart Ike Quebec ressue of LT-1052

1981, “Blue Note Collectors’ Items” Series, by King Records

A followup to 1978 “Masterpiece Selection 150” series. This series has 30 titles in all (thanks Larry Cohn-san for letting me know).

See also: Blue Note Collectors’ Item Series (on Discogs)

GXK-8201 Dippin’ Hank Mobley 84209
GXK-8202 True Blue Tina Brooks 84041
GXK-8203 Ready For Freddie Freddie Hubbard 84085
GXK-8204 Little Johnny C Johnny Coles 84144
GXK-8205 Unity Larry Young 84221
GXK-8206 Bossa Nova Bacchanal Charlie Rouse 84119
GXK-8207 (M) City Lights Lee Morgan 1575
GXK-8208 (M) Lou Takes Off Lou Donaldson 1591
GXK-8209 The Latin Bit Grant Green 84111
GXK-8210 The Sermon Jimmy Smith 84011
GXK-8211 Demon’s Dance Jackie McLean 84345
GXK-8212 Profile Duke Pearson 84022
GXK-8213 (M) Jutta Hipp With Zoot Sims Jutta Hipp with Zoot Sims 1530
GXK-8214 (M) John Jenkins With Kenny Burrell John Jenkins 1573
GXK-8215 The Tokyo Blues Horace Silver 84110
GXK-8216 Leapin’ And Lopin’ Sonny Clark 84091
GXK-8217 Walkin’ And Talkin’ Bennie Green 84010
GXK-8218 Alligator Boogaloo Lou Donaldson 84263
GXK-8219 Bluesnik Jackie McLean 84067
GXK-8220 Jimmy Smith Plays Fats Waller Jimmy Smith 84100
GXK-8221 Grant’s First Stand Grant Green 84064
GXK-8222 One Flight Up Dexter Gordon 84176
GXK-8223 (M) Smithville Louis Smith 1594
GXK-8224 Down With It Blue Mitchell 84214
GXK-8225 (M) Hank Mobley Hank Mobley 1568
GXK-8226 Blue Hour Stanley Turrentine With The Three Sounds 84057
GXK-8227 House Party Jimmy Smith 84002
GXK-8228 It Might As Well Be Spring Ike Quebec 84105
GXK-8229 LD+3 Lou Donaldson 84012
GXK-8230 I Want To Hold Your Hand Grant Green 84202

1982, “Blue Note Special”, Limited Edition, by King Records

This series are chronological compilations of Blue Note materials. Totally five LPs were released under this series.

See also: Blue Note Special Series (on Discogs)

K18P-9124 Round About Midnight – Blue Note Special 1947-1956 Various Artists
K18P-9125 Yesterdays – Blue Note Special 1956-1957 Various Artists
K18P-9126 Autumn Leaves – Blue Note Special 1957-1958 Various Artists
K18P-9127 A Night In Tunisia – Blue Note Special 1958-1962 Various Artists
K18P-9128 Blue Bossa – Blue Note Special 1963-1965 Various Artists

1983, “Blue Note Masterpieces” Series, Limited Edition, by King Records

Just before the distribution right moved from King to Toshiba EMI, King Records rushed final bunch of Blue Note releases. Some people say (and some don’t) this series provides better sound quality compared with other Japan pressings.

Jan. 10, 1983, “Blue Note Masterpieces Vol.1”, Limited Edition, by King Records

This is the Volume 1 (15 titles) of the Masterpiece Series.

See also: Blue Note Masterpieces Vol.1 (on Discogs)

K18P-9201 At The Jazz Corner Of The World, Vol.1 Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers 84015
K18P-9202 At The Jazz Corner Of The World, Vol.2 Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers 84016
K18P-9203 A Fickle Sonance Jackie McLean 84089
K18P-9204 Blues Walk Lou Donaldson 1593
K18P-9205 Sweet Honey Bee Duke Pearson 84252
K18P-9206 Up And Down Horace Parlan 84082
K18P-9207 Shades Of Redd Freddie Redd 4045
K18P-9208 A.T.’s Delight Art Taylor 4047
K18P-9209 The Opener Curtis Fuller 1567
K18P-9210 Soul Stirrin’ Bennie Green 1599
K18P-9211 Hank Mobley With Donald Byrd And Lee Morgan Hank Mobley 1540
K18P-9212 Talkin’ About! Grant Green 84183
K18P-9213 Midnight Special Jimmy Smith 84078
K18P-9214 Coalition Elvin Jones 84361
K18P-9215 Moto Grosso Feio Wayne Shorter BN-LA 014-G
DY-5801-01
(BONUS)
Am I Blue Grant Green 84139
DY-5801-02
(BONUS)
Let Me Tell You ‘Bout It Leo Parker 84087

Mar. 5, 1983, “Blue Note Masterpieces Vol.2”, Limited Edition, by King Records

This is the Volume 2 (15 titles) of the Masterpiece Series.

See also: Blue Note Masterpiece Vol.2 (on Discogs)

K18P-9226 Meet You At The Jazz Corner Of The World, Vol.1 Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers 84054
K18P-9227 Meet You At The Jazz Corner Of The World, Vol.2 Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers 84055
K18P-9228 Jutta Hipp At The Hickory House, Vol.1 Jutta Hipp 1515
K18P-9229 Jutta Hipp At The Hickory House, Vol.2 Jutta Hipp 1516
K18P-9230 Davis Cup Walter Davis Jr. 84018
K18P-9231 The Cape Verdean Blues The Horace Silver Quintet 84220
K18P-9232 Hub Tones Freddie Hubbard 84115
K18P-9233 Trompeta Toccata Kenny Dorham 84181
K18P-9234 The Gigolo Lee Morgan 84212
K18P-9235 Into Somethin’ Larry Young 84187
K18P-9236 Sunny Side Up Lou Donaldson 84036
K18P-9237 Blue And Sentimental Ike Quebec 84098
K18P-9238 The Turnaround Hank Mobley 84186
K18P-9239 Up At Minton’s, Vol.1 Stanley Turrentine 84069
K18P-9240 Up At Minton’s, Vol.2 Stanley Turrentine 84070
DY-5801-01
(BONUS)
Am I Blue Grant Green 84139
DY-5801-02
(BONUS)
Let Me Tell You ‘Bout It Leo Parker 84087

Apr. 5, 1983, “Blue Note Masterpieces Vol.3”, Limited Edition, by King Records

This is the Volume 3 (10 titles) of the Masterpiece Series.

See also: Blue Note Masterpiece Vol.3 (on Discogs)

K18P-9241 Capuchin Swing Jackie McLean 84038
K18P-9242 Swing And Soul Lou Donaldson 1566
K18P-9243 Out Of The Blue Sonny Redd 84032
K18P-9244 The Cat Walk Donald Byrd 84075
K18P-9245 Blues In Trinity Dizzy Reece 4006
K18P-9246 Search For A New Land Lee Morgan 84169
K18P-9247 Doin’ Alright Dexter Gordon 84077
K18P-9248 Look Out! Stanley Turrentine 4039
K18P-9249 Bone & Bari Curtis Fuller 1572
K18P-9250 Judgment! Andrew Hill 84159
DY-5801-01
(BONUS)
Am I Blue Grant Green 84139
DY-5801-02
(BONUS)
Let Me Tell You ‘Bout It Leo Parker 84087

Jun. 25, 1983, “Blue Note Masterpieces Vol.4”, Limited Edition, by King Records

This is the Volume 4 (and the last volume, 10 titles) of the Masterpiece Series. This last volume features unreleased materials, and packaged with nice covers which show consistency with original jackets.

See also: Blue Note Masterpiece Vol.4 (on Discogs)

K18P-9271 Elmo Hope Trio / Elmo Hope Quintet Elmo Hope 5029
5044
K18P-9272 Herbie Nichols Trio Herbie Nichols 5068
5069
K18P-9273 Julius Watkins Sextet Julius Watkins 5053
5064
K18P-9274 Howard McGhee All Stars / Howard McGhee Sextet Howard McGhee 5012
5024
K18P-9275 Gil Mellé Quintet / Gil Mellé Sextet Gil Mellé 5020
5033
K18P-9276 George Wallington And His Band / Hank Mobley Quartet George Wallington / Hank Mobley 5045
5066
K18P-9277 A Night At The Village Vanguard, Vol.2 Sonny Rollins BN-LA 475-H2
K18P-9278 A Night At The Village Vanguard, Vol.3 Sonny Rollins BN-LA 475-H2
K18P-9279 Cool Struttin’, Vol.2 Sonny Clark
K18P-9280 The Singles Jimmy Smith
DY-5806-1
(BONUS)
New Faces – New Sounds From Germany Jutta Hipp 5056

May 21, 1983, “Blue Note Masterpiece Special Replica 15” Series, Limited Edition, by King Records

Although "Blue Note Masterpiece" is printed on the flipside of an included small paper insert, This real series name was "Special Replica 15" Series. In fact, there were other titles which was indicated as "Blue Note Masterpiece" (such as K18P series and K23P series).

See also: Blue Note Masterpiece Special Replica 15 Series (on Discogs)

This series is really collectable. Covers and labels were carefully reproduced like original U.S. issues; platters were made of heavy-weight thick vinyl; no Japanese imprints except on a small paper insert. Some collectors say (and some don’t) this series sounds really the best among any Japan reissues.

BST-84195 Maiden Voyage Herbie Hancock
BST-81595 Somethin’ Else Cannonball Adderley
BST-81588 Cool Struttin’ Sonny Clark
BST-81577 Blue Train John Coltrane
BST-84009 The Scene Changes – The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol.5 Bud Powell
BLP-1581 A Night At The Village Vanguard Sonny Rollins
BST-84003 Moanin’ Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
BST-81579 Sonny Clark Trio Sonny Clark
BST-81569 Bass On Top Paul Chambers
BST-84163 Out To Lunch! Eric Dolphy
BST-84017 Blowin’ The Blues Away Horace Silver
BLP-1590 Candy Lee Morgan
BST-84123 Midnight Blue Kenny Burrell
BST-84146 Our Man In Paris Dexter Gordon
BLP-1526 Clifford Brown Memorial Album Clifford Brown
DY-5805-01
(BONUS)
At The Cafe Bohemia, Vol.3 The Jazz Messengers

Jun. 21, 1983, “Blue Note Jazz Classics Masterpiece”, Limited Edition, by King Records

Unlike other “Blue Note Masterpiece” series by King, this series focuses on historical pre-Modern recordings on Blue Note label. All titles were compilations. Absolutely great limited edition releases.

K23P-9281 Jazz Piano Classics On Blue Note Various Artists
K23P-9282 Memorable Sessions On Blue Note Edmond Hall & Charie Christian
K23P-9283 Basin Street Blues Sidney Bechet
K23P-9284 St. Louis Blues Sidney Bechet
K23P-9285 Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gibes To Me Sidney Bechet
K23P-9286 Swing Sessions On Blue Note Various Artists
K23P-9287 Jammin’ In Jazz On Blue Note Various Artists
K23P-9288 Back Room Sessions On Blue Note Art Hodes / Baby Dodds
K23P-9289 Climax Rag George Lewis
K23P-9290 Memorable Concert George Lewis
K23P-9291 New Orleans Stompers ’55 George Lewis
K23P-9292 Main Stream Jazz On Blue Note Ike Quebec
DY-5806-2
(BONUS)
Port Of Harlem Jazz Man Various Artists

Miscellaneous King Releases

Other King Jazz releases – some of which contain Blue Note reissues.

1979, “Big Band Jazz Masterpieces”

GXF-3031 (M) Chet Baker Big Band Chet Baker Pacific Jazz PJ-1229
GXF-3032 Live At Monterey! Don Ellis Orchestra Pacific Jazz ST-20112
GXF-3033 New Bottle, Old Wine Gil Evans and His Orchestra feat. Julian “Cannonball” Adderley World Pacific 1011 / WP-1246
GXF-3034 Great Jazz Standards Gil Evans Orchestra World Pacific WP-1270
GXF-3035 Big Swing Face Buddy Rich Big Band Pacific Jazz ST-20117
GXF-3036 Mercy, Mercy Buddy Rich Big Band Pacific Jazz ST-20133
GXF-3037 Consummation Thad Jones – Mel Lewis Blue Note BST-84346
GXF-3038 The Jazz Soul Of Porgy And Bess Bill Potts United Artists UAS-5032
GXF-3039 Aspects Benny Carter and His Orchestra United Artists UAS-5017
GXF-3040/1 Togo Brava Suite (The English Concert) Duke Ellington United Artists UAD-60032/3

1978, “Pacific Jazz” Series Part 1

GXF-3101 (M) Grand Encounter John Lewis Pacific Jazz PJ-1217
GXF-3102 The Artistry Of Art Pepper Art Pepper Pacific Jazz PJ-60
GXF-3103 (M) Playboys Chet Baker & Art Pepper Pacific Jazz PJ-1234
GXF-3104 (M) Quartet Russ Freeman & Chet Baker Pacific Jazz PJ-1232
GXF-3105 (M) Bud Shank Quartet Bud Shank Pacific Jazz PJ-1215
GXF-3106 (M) Chico Hamilton Quintet In Hi-Fi Chico Hamilton Pacific Jazz PJ-1216
GXF-3107 For Django Joe Pass Pacific Jazz ST-85
GXF-3108 (M) Gerry Mulligan Quartet Gerry Mulligan Pacific Jazz PJ-1207
GXF-3109 Montgomeryland Wes Montgomery Pacific Jazz ST-5
GXF-3110 (M) Choice Zoot Sims Pacific Jazz PJ-20

1978, “Pacific Jazz” Series Part 2

GXF-3111 (M) Chet Baker Sings And Plays Chet Baker Pacific Jazz PJ-1202
GXF-3112 Timeless Gerry Mulligan & Chet Baker Pacific Jazz Stereo-75
GXF-3113 (M) California Concerts Gerry Mulligan Pacific Jazz PJ-1201
GXF-3114 (M) Just Friends Bill Perkins Pacific Jazz M-401
GXF-3115 (M) Jazz Guitar Jim Hall Pacific Jazz PJ-1227
GXF-3116 Sounds Of Synanon Joe Pass Pacific Jazz ST-48
GXF-3117 (M) The Original Chico Hamilton Quintet Chico Hamilton World Pacific WP-1287
GXF-3118 (M) Jack Montrose Sextet Jack Montrose Pacific Jazz PJ-1208
GXF-3119 Inta Somethin Kenny Dorham & Jackie McLean Pacific Jazz Stereo-41
GXF-3120 Annie Ross Sings A Song With Mulligan! Annie Ross World Pacific WP-1253

1979, “Phantom Ultra-Rare Collection” Series

GXF-3121 (M) Jazz Advance Cecil Taylor Transition TRLP-19
GXF-3122 (M) Watkins At Large Doug Watkins Transition TRLP-20
GXF-3123 (M) Byrd’s Eye View Donald Byrd Transition TRLP-4
GXF-3124 (M) Byrd Blows On Beacon Hill Donald Byrd Transition TRLP-17
GXF-3125 (M) Jazz In A Stable Herb Pomeroy Transition TRLP-1
GXF-3126 (M) Jazz In Transition Various Artists Transition TRLP-30
GXF-3127 (M) The Return Of Art Pepper Art Pepper Jazz West JWLP-10
GXF-3128 (M) Quartet And Quintet Jack Sheldon Jazz West JWLP-6
GXF-3129 (M) Modern Art Art Pepper Intro ILP-606
GXF-3130 Art Pepper On Pacific Art Pepper Pacific Jazz PJ-LA 896-H

1979, “Pacific Jazz” Series Part 3

GXF-3131 (M) Chet Baker Sings Chet Baker Pacific Jazz PJ-1222-
GXF-3132 (M) Jazz Immortal Clifford Brown Pacific Jazz PJ-3
GXF-3133 (M) Konitz Meets Mulligan Lee Konitz & Gerry Mulligan World Pacific WP-1273
GXF-3134 Paris Concert Gerry Mulligan Pacific Jazz PJ-1210
GXF-3135 Bud Shank Plays Tenor Bud Shank Pacific Jazz PJ-4
GXF-3136 (M) Ritual The Jazz Messengers Featuring Art Blakey Pacific Jazz M-402
GXF-3137 (M) Critic Choice Pepper Adams World Pacific PJM-407
GXF-3138 Good Friday Blues The Modest Jazz Trio Pacific Jazz PJ-10
GXF-3139 (M) Laurindo Almeida Quartet Laurindo Almeida World Pacific WP-1204
GXF-3140 (M) Chico Hamilton Quintet Chico Hamilton Pacific Jazz PJ-1209

1980, “Jazz From Brazil Masterpieces 1800” Series

GXF-3141 Bud Shank And His Brazillian Friends Bud Shank Pacific Jazz 89
GXF-3142 So Danco Samba Clare Fischer World Pacific 1830
GXF-3143 Bossa Nova Soul Samba Ike Quebec 84114
GXF-3144 Homenagem A Clifford Brown Sambalanco Trio Audio Fidelity AFLP-2010
GXF-3145 The Jimbo Trio The Jimbo Trio Pacific Jazz ST-20103
GXF-3146 Sambou Sambou Joao Donato Pacific Jazz 90
GXF-3147 Via Brasil Tania Maria Barclay 80.550
GXF-3148 Baden Powell In Paris Baden Powell ???
GXF-3149 It Could Only Happen With You Duke Pearson BN-LA 317-G
GXF-3150 Manfendo Fest Trio Manfendo Fest Trio RGE/Fermata [Br] XRLP-5272

Feb. 5, 1983, “Pacific – UA Jazz Masterpiece Vol.1”

Although this series doesn’t contain any Blue Note reissues, people who bought ten LPs (and who sent the cut-out stickers from OBI to King) would receive a bonus LP from two, that were Blue Note reissues.

K18P-9216 The Bud Shank Quartet Featuring Claude Williamson Bud Shank Pacific Jazz PJ-1230
K18P-9217 Beauties Of 1918 The Charlie Mariano – Jerry Dodgion Sextet World Pacific WP-1245
K18P-9218 On Stage The Bill Perkins Octet Pacific Jazz PJ-1221
K18P-9219 The Chico Hamilton Trio The Chico Hamilton Trio Pacific Jazz PJ-1220
K18P-9220 Ellington Suite The Chico Hamilton Quintet World Pacific WP-1258
K18P-9221 Traditionalism Revisited The Bob Brookmeyer Quintet World Pacific PJ-1233
K18P-9222 Pretty Lady Les McCann Pacific Jazz PJ-25
K18P-9223 Pianists Galore! Various Artists World Pacific JWC-506
K18P-9224 Zoot Sims In Paris Zoot Sims United Artists UAJ-14013
K18P-9225 Town Hall Concert Charlie Mingus United Artists SS-18024
DY-5801-01
(BONUS)
Am I Blue Grant Green 84139
DY-5801-02
(BONUS)
Let Me Tell You ‘Bout It Leo Parker 84087

Jun. 5, 1983, “Pacific – UA Jazz Masterpiece Vol.2”

Although this series doesn’t contain any Blue Note reissues, people who bought ten LPs (and who sent the cut-out stickers from OBI to King) would receive a bonus LP from two, that were Blue Note reissues.

K18P-9261 Bud Shank Quintet Bud Shank Pacific Jazz PJ-1205
K18P-9262 Pretty / Groovy Chet Baker World Pacific WP-1249
K18P-9263 Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers / The Elmo Hope Quintet, featuring Harold Land Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers / The Elmo Hope Quintet Pacific Jazz PJ-15
K18P-9264 My Mother’s Eyes Sonny Stitt Pacific Jazz PJ-71
K18P-9265 People Roy Haynes Pacific Jazz
K18P-9266 The Swingers! Dave Lambert – Jon Hendricks – Annie Ross World Pacific WP-1264
K18P-9267 Holiday In Brazil Bud Shank – Laurindo Almeida World Pacific WP-1259
K18P-9268 Tiger Rag And All That Jazz Eddie Condon World Pacific WP-1292
K18P-9269 Petite Freur Edmond Hall United Artists 4028
K18P-9270 St. Thomas Herbie Mann United Artists
DY-5801-01
(BONUS)
Am I Blue Grant Green 84139
DY-5801-02
(BONUS)
Let Me Tell You ‘Bout It Leo Parker 84087

Miscellaneous of miscellaneous

GP-3186 Lonely Town Tommy Flanagan United Artists (unreleased)
K23P-6721 Great Jazz Standards Gil Evans Orchestra feat. Johnny Coles World Pacific WP-1270
K23P-6722 Genius Monk Thelonious Monk (Blue Note compilation)
K23P-6723 Cleopatra’s Dream Bud Powell (Blue Note compilation)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.