Joshua Redman Quartet MoodSwing on 180g 2LP Set + CD from Nonesuch

Warm-Sounding Reissue of 1994 Gem Blows Away the Flat-Sounding Original CD: On LP for the First Time!

Features an All-Star Rhythm Section and Pianist Brad Mehldau

Believing that jazz was stultified by the misperception that it was exceedingly intellectual and stuffy, tenor saxophonist Joshua Redman sets out and accomplishes the goal of making hard-bop that’s rousing, fun, and playful on 1994's MoodSwing. Joined by a formidable cast that includes exemplary pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Brian Blade, Redman zones in on a groove and doesn’t let go. 

As he explains in the original liner notes, jazz was seen as, “an elite art form, reserved for a sophisticated intelligentsia who rendezvous in secret.” With MoodSwing, Redman makes the case that jazz can be an accessible musical medium that could evoke basic and visceral emotional reactions.

From the playfully coy “Chill” to the urgent energy of “Rejoice,” Redman offers up a communicative and inspired record of emotional diversity. At the start of his now-flourishing career, Mehldau anchors these compositions behind Redman’s lyrical playing, occasionally stepping out front to show his talents in “The Oneness of Two” and “Past in the Present.” And of course, the band’s rhythm section has since been recognized as one of jazz’s best.

As the follow-up to his breakout Wish, and Redman's first record of all original material, MoodSwing was universally praised by critics and enjoyed commercial success. Many of these compositions are still featured in the saxophonist’s live sets today. On vinyl for the first time, this organic 180g 2LP reissue of the 1994 set blows away the flat-sounding CD. Scintillating.

Josh Redman MoodSwing Track Listing:

1. Sweet Sorrow
2. Chill
3. Rejoice
4. Faith
5. Alone in the Morning
6. Mischief
7. Dialogue
8. The Oneness of Two
9. Past in the Present
10. Obsession
11. Headin’ Home