Rhino Quadio Spotlights Albums By Herbie Mann, David Gates, James Gang, And James Taylor
Quadraphonic 4.0 & Hi-Res Stereo On Blu-Ray Now Exclusively At Rhino.com
LOS ANGELES – Rhino’s Quadio series explores an eclectic selection of music from the heart of the 1970s with four new quadraphonic releases: Herbie Mann’s Hold On, I’m Coming, David Gates’ First/Never Let Her Go, James Gang’s Miami, and James Taylor’s Gorilla. All four arrive today on Blu-ray.
Each disc pairs the original quadraphonic mix with a hi-res 192 kHz/24-bit stereo transfer. Each is sourced from its respective analog master tape, with the exception of the Herbie Mann quad mix, which was sourced from a commercial reel. Available exclusively through Rhino.com and select Warner Music Group stores worldwide, each title lists for $24.98, or $79.98 as a four-disc bundle. Order HERE.
Hold On, I’m Coming (1973) captures the legendary jazz flutist Herbie Mann playing to huge audiences at Yankee Stadium and the Montreux Jazz Festival. Backed by a razor-sharp band, he locks into a heavy R&B groove across the entire set. Standouts include a percussion-driven reading of the Memphis Horns’ “(Gimme Some Of That Good Old) Soul Beat Momma,” while tight, rhythmic covers of hits like “Respect Yourself” bridge the gap between the jazz club and the dance floor.
First/Never Let Her Go (1973/1975) brings together the first two solo albums from Bread’s brilliant mastermind, David Gates. Following his departure from the chart-topping soft-rock group, Gates proved he hadn’t lost his touch for immaculate pop. First shines with the quirky “Soap (I Use The)” and the lush “Suite: Clouds, Rain,” while Never Let Her Go delivers melody-driven gems like the title track—a #3 Adult Contemporary hit—and the easygoing “Playin’ On My Guitar.” Together, these two albums offer a double dose of the pristine arrangements that made Gates a 1970s radio staple.
Miami (1974) stands as a high-water mark for the James Gang’s second era, featuring the blazing guitar work of Tommy Bolin. Produced alongside Tom Dowd, the album leans into a sun-drenched, bluesy hard-rock sound. From the driving sprint of “Cruisin’ Down The Highway” and the funky “Do It” to the soaring “Miami Two-Step,” the album crackles with Bolin’s fiery solos and the band’s skintight rhythms.
Gorilla (1975) finds James Taylor embracing a more relaxed studio sound. Joined by a cast of collaborators—including David Crosby, Graham Nash, and Lowell George—Taylor delivers some of his most upbeat songs, highlighted by his #5 Hot 100 cover of “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” with then-wife Carly Simon singing harmony. Meanwhile, the sunny swing of “Mexico” is offset by moments of quiet beauty like “Wandering,” where Taylor’s flawless fingerpicking shines.
Hold On, I’m Coming (1973)
“(Gimme Some Of That Good Old) Soul Beat Momma”
“Never Can Say Goodbye”
“Respect Yourself”
“Memphis Underground”
“Hold On, I’m Comin’”
First/Never Let Her Go (1973/1975)
First
“Sail Away Around The World”
“Sunday Rider”
“Soap (I Use The)”
“Suite: Clouds, Rain”
“Help Is On The Way”
“Ann”
“Do You Believe He’s Comin’”
“Sight & Sound”
“Lorilee”
Never Let Her Go
“Never Let Her Go”
“Angel”
“Playin’ On My Guitar”
“Watch Out”
“Part Time Love”
“Chain Me”
“Light Of My Life”
“Someday”
“Greener Days”
“Strangers”
Miami (1974)
“Cruisin’ Down The Highway”
“Do It”
“Wildfire”
“Sleepwalker”
“Miami Two-Step”
a. “Praylude”
b. “Red Skies”
“Spanish Lover”
“Summer Breezes”
“Head Above The Water”
Gorilla (1975)
“Mexico”
“Music”
“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)”
“Wandering”
“Gorilla”
“You Make It Easy”
“I Was A Fool To Care”
“Lighthouse”
“Angry Blues”
“Love Songs”
“Sarah Maria”
For more information, please contact teamrhino@shorefire.