Blue Note Essential

Blue Note Records has announced the launch of Blue Note Essentials today, in celebration of International Jazz Day 2026. The series aims to introduce classic albums to new fans of the genre.

Each Essentials title will be affordably priced and are mastered from hi-resolution digital masters on 140gm vinyl. The new series joins other collections from Blue Note, like the Classic Vinyl Series. Earlier this month, Kenny Burrell’s 1958 album Blue Lights Volume 1 became one of the latest records to be reissued as part of the series. That Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is mono, all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.