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Two of the most iconic West Coast jazz recordings return in definitive form: Way Out West by Sonny Rollins and Art Pepper Meets The Rhythm Section, now available as Ultra High Quality Record (UHQR) editions for pre-order via Analogue Productions. Pressed on 200-gram Clarity Vinyl at Quality Record Pressings and cut at 45 RPM for the highest fidelity possible, these limited editions—each capped at 2,750 numbered copies—are mastered AAA directly from the original analog tapes by legendary engineer Bernie Grundman.
Pre-order now to secure your copy of these collector-grade reissues.
Each deluxe package includes a booklet with new liner notes by John Koenig—son of Contemporary Records founder Lester Koenig—and is housed in visually striking, meticulously crafted jackets befitting these jazz landmarks. From the first spin, listeners will be immersed in a heightened soundstage that brings new depth, warmth, and dimensionality to two of the genre’s most celebrated albums.
Originally released in 1957, Way Out West marked Sonny Rollins’ first recording for Contemporary Records—and an instant classic that redefined jazz improvisation. Captured in the early morning hours by legendary engineer Roy DuNann, the session featured Ray Brown on bass and Shelly Manne on drums (neither of whom Rollins had played with before). The trio's spontaneity and creative freedom, combined with DuNann’s pristine, high-fidelity recording, turned this session into a genre-defining moment. Highlights include the irreverent swing of “I’m an Old Cowhand (From the Rio Grande),” the title track’s cinematic elegance, and Rollins’ harmonic daring in a trio format that allowed his saxophone to roam unbounded. Widely cited as one of the greatest saxophone trio albums of all time, Way Out West earned 5 stars from AllMusic, is featured in Rolling Stone’s Jazz Record Guide, and was praised by Pitchfork as “an album that looks like a novelty and sounds like transcendence.”
Also recorded in 1957 and released by Contemporary Records, Art Pepper Meets The Rhythm Section stands as a spontaneous masterwork. The alto saxophonist’s landmark collaboration with Red Garland (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums)—the powerhouse rhythm section from Miles Davis’ first great quintet—was reportedly thrown together with little preparation: Pepper found out about the session that same day and played on a poorly maintained horn. But against the odds, he delivered one of his most lyrical and emotionally vivid performances. AllMusic calls the album “a diamond of recorded jazz history,” while The Penguin Jazz Guide praises it as “a poetic, burning date... Between them, they’d delivered a masterpiece.”
Each UHQR release represents the highest standard in audiophile vinyl production. Pressed on 200-gram Clarity Vinyl—free of carbon black impurities for lower noise, enhanced dynamics, and exceptional tonal purity—these records deliver a level of sonic fidelity that’s unmatched. The 45 RPM format allows for wider grooves, reducing distortion and improving high-frequency detail, while mastering legend Bernie Grundman has cut each release AAA directly from the original analog master tapes. Manufactured at Quality Record Pressings, the industry’s premier pressing plant, and housed in deluxe tip-on jackets with a full-color booklet of new liner notes, these UHQR editions are as visually stunning as they are sonically impeccable.
These new UHQR editions of Way Out West and Art Pepper Meets The Rhythm Section present two cornerstone jazz albums with exceptional clarity and care. Meticulously crafted and sonically stunning, they’re essential additions to any serious vinyl collection.
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