George Braith - Extension LP (Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series)

Between September 1963 and March 1964, the singular New York City-born saxophonist George Braith recorded three Blue Note sessions that introduced an utterly unique creative viewpoint. Perhaps best-known for his predilection for performing multiple instruments at the same time, à la Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Braith eventually invented a double horn he named the Braithophone. On Extension, the last of his Blue Note albums and arguably his finest, Braith can be heard on tenor, soprano, and alto saxophone, joined by Grant Green on guitar, Billy Gardner on organ, and Clarence Johnston on drums. The album was rooted in soul jazz, but Braith’s adventurous spirit led the music into unexpected realms on distinctive originals like “Nut City,” “Out Here,” and “Extension.” The album offered more reflective moments as well, such as on the expressive ballad “Ethlyn’s Love,” dedicated to his mother, and the laid-back “Sweetville.” Braith’s personality shines through on the closer, a madcap romp through Cole Porter’s “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye.”

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Tracklist:

A1: Nut City
A2: Ethlyn's Love
A3: Out Here

B1: Extension
B2: Sweetville
B3: Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye