Gene Russell New Direction (CD)

(Real Gone Music) 8 tracks

The first album of the most coveted label ever among jazz collectors! And since keyboardist Gene Russell was the artistic director of Black Jazz, it was only natural that the label's debut album would feature Russell himself - appropriately titled "New Direction".

Although "New Direction" is a fairly straightforward piano trio album that sets the tone for the entire label with its modal and soul jazz elements, and was recorded with accompanists such as double bassist Henry "The Skipper" Franklin and drummer Steve Clover, it is often traded as a bootleg and fetches princely prices.