A fully licensed and authorised release of Courtney Pine’s 1986 debut Journey To The Urge Within. Produced by Michael Cuscuna and released in 1986 on Island Records in the UK, it became the ground zero for the British jazz explosion wave. Mastered by Caspar Sutton-Jones at Gearbox Records, London, file transferred to RTM-468 tape on a Studer C-37 and mastered using all-valve Decca equalisation and Telefunken limiters. Lacquer discs cut on a Haeco Scully lathe with Westrex RA1700 series amps, Westrex 3DIIA cutting head and monitored on Audio Note equipment.
The album is widely regarded as a landmark recording in the history of British jazz. Pine, a talented saxophonist and composer, had already established himself as a leading figure in the London jazz scene through his work with bands like the Jazz Warriors. The album marked Pine’s first solo outing as a bandleader, and it showcased his unique style of jazz. Featuring a mix of original compositions and covers, including Pine’s take Horace Silver’s “Peace”, Wayne Shorter’s “Dolores” and The Real Thing’s “Children Of The Ghetto”. A rare instance where a cover version supersedes the original, making it it’s own. A haunting tribute to the struggles of black youth in inner-city London. The track features Pine’s saxophone soaring over a driving rhythm section, with lyrics delivered by ex-Supremes singer, Susaye Greene. The album was a critical and commercial success upon its release, earning Pine widespread acclaim and helping to establish him as one of the most innovative and exciting young musicians on the British jazz scene. The album remains a classic of the genre and a testament to Pine’s creative vision and virtuosity as a performer and composer.
The album is widely regarded as a landmark recording in the history of British jazz. Pine, a talented saxophonist and composer, had already established himself as a leading figure in the London jazz scene through his work with bands like the Jazz Warriors. The album marked Pine’s first solo outing as a bandleader, and it showcased his unique style of jazz. Featuring a mix of original compositions and covers, including Pine’s take Horace Silver’s “Peace”, Wayne Shorter’s “Dolores” and The Real Thing’s “Children Of The Ghetto”. A rare instance where a cover version supersedes the original, making it it’s own. A haunting tribute to the struggles of black youth in inner-city London. The track features Pine’s saxophone soaring over a driving rhythm section, with lyrics delivered by ex-Supremes singer, Susaye Greene. The album was a critical and commercial success upon its release, earning Pine widespread acclaim and helping to establish him as one of the most innovative and exciting young musicians on the British jazz scene. The album remains a classic of the genre and a testament to Pine’s creative vision and virtuosity as a performer and composer.