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.

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).

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)

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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.

Miscellaneous King Releases

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

1979, “Big Band Jazz Masterpieces”

1978, “Pacific Jazz” Series Part 1

1978, “Pacific Jazz” Series Part 2

1979, “Phantom Ultra-Rare Collection” Series

1979, “Pacific Jazz” Series Part 3

1980, “Jazz From Brazil Masterpieces 1800” Series

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.

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.

Miscellaneous of miscellaneous