Madlib
Shades Of Blue 2LP

Shades Of Blue is an unique project that turns over the legacy of the esteemed Blue Note jazz label to one of hip-hop's most unique artists, Madlib. Madlib's ability to absorb his influences and reinterpret them in new forms makes him the quintessential artist for a project of this conception. He is considered to be one of hip-hop's most inventive visionaries. Those who know the enigmatic artist confess he is a quiet personality, but what Madlib doesn't reveal in public, he expresses absolutely in the studio – as a very prolific rapper, producer and DJ. Working diligently on music at all hours of the day, he employs any number of MC and production guises.

The idea for Shades of Blue: Madlib invades Blue Note was generated by the esteemed jazz imprint and Stones Throw Records head, Peanut Butter Wolf, both of whom were inspired by Madlib's YNQ project. Shades of Blue isn't just a Blue Note cover album, it's a re-imagination of the Blue Note culture. Madlib draws from the label's music catalog, of course, but also its influence through the years, its history as a prestigious jazz house, the iconography associated with the label and its import on its own. Madlib covers some of his favorite songs from the Blue Note collection, which he cites as being influential to his development. "People say Blue Note was just a phase in hip-hop," Madlib explains, referring to the era when groups like A Tribe Called Quest and Gang Starr would sample the label's sounds. "But music is either good music or bad music and I still listen to Blue Note. I still love it."

NEW / Released in 2003 / Reissue 2017

Tracklist:

A1 Introduction

A2 Slim's Return

A3 Distant Land

A4 Mystic Bounce

B1 Stormy

B2 Blue Note Interlude

B3 Please Set Me At Ease

B4 Funky Blue Note

B5 Alfred Lion Interlude

C1 Stepping Into Tomorrow

C2 Andrew Hill Break

C3 Montara

D1 Song For My Father

D2 Footprints

D3 Peace/Dolphin Dance

D4 Outro