Stonebone - J.J. Johnson (1LP Vinyl)

Stonebone by J.J. Johnson.

Few titles in the CTI catalog carry the mystique of "Stonebone" by J.J. Johnson, and this European Record Store Day pressing brings one of the label's true rarities back into the light. Originally issued only in Japan in 1970, the album has long been the stuff of collector legend, whispered about as the hardest of all CTI records to actually own. This release marks the first time it has been available since that elusive original run.

For the trombone faithful, J.J. Johnson needs no introduction. As the instrument's foremost modern voice, he brought a fluidity and harmonic sophistication to the trombone that reshaped how the horn was heard in jazz. On "Stonebone" that artistry stretches across four generously conceived pieces, each one giving space for the kind of expansive, richly arranged playing that defined CTI's house sound at the turn of the decade.

Side one opens with "Dontcha Hear Me Callin' To Ya?", a soulful, inviting statement that sets the tone before "Musings" turns inward with a more reflective, exploratory feel. Flip to side two and "Mojo" brings the groove forward with unmistakable swagger, while the closing "Recollections" rounds the record out on a warmly contemplative note. Four tracks, no filler, each a full canvas for the players.

There is a charming quirk to this pressing worth noting for the discerning buyer. The sticker on the shrink proudly announces the record is pressed "On red vinyl," yet the disc that emerges is a deep, luminous blackberry. It is the sort of happy discrepancy that collectors tend to treasure rather than fret over, a small piece of pressing lore that sets this edition apart from a plain-label reissue.

The production credentials are clearly stamped for the modern European market. Above the barcode on the rear of the jacket you will find the Universal International imprint with a Netherlands address, made in the EU, carrying the label code LC00383 and barcode 00602508668876. The run out groove details, meanwhile, appear to match the US version, a nice touch of continuity for those who care about the finer points of how these records were cut.

Whether you are a longtime CTI completist chasing the label's most fabled title or a J.J. Johnson admirer looking to fill a significant gap, "Stonebone" is a record that rewards both the ear and the shelf. Its long absence, its Japan-only origins, and its unexpected blackberry hue combine to make this Record Store Day edition a genuinely special acquisition for any serious jazz collection.

Pressing Details:
European market RSD release. Sticker on release states "On red vinyl". Actual color is blackberry.

Sticker says: The rarest of all CTI albums! First time available since its 1970 Japan-only release.

Above barcode on rear of jacket - Universal international .....Netherlands address, made in the EU LC00383 00602508668876

Run out groove details appear to match US version

Track Listing:
A1. Dontcha Hear Me Callin' To Ya?
A2. Musings
B1. Mojo
B2. Recollections

Artist: J.J. Johnson

Supporting Artists: Kai Winding

Format: 1LP

Genre: Jazz

Label: A&M Records

Catalog Number: B0031687-01

Release Year: 2020

Country: Import

Condition: Sealed (New)