Music Inc by Charles Tolliver, Stanley Cowell

As Strata-East’s debut release, Music Inc by Charles Tolliver set the standard for creative expression, artistic freedom, and musical mastery that Tolliver and co-founder Stanley Cowell exemplified throughout their celebrated careers. Recorded on November 11, 1970, Music Inc is a masterclass in executing a singular creative vision for large ensembles, with the core band—led by Tolliver’s expertise—featuring Cowell on piano, Cecil McBee on bass, and Jimmy Hopps on drums. Now remastered directly from the original analog tapes – and featuring a previously unreleased song – the album that started a revolution is available digitally for the first time, embodying the freedom and finesse that Strata-East has been synonymous with since the 1970s.

Tracklist

1.	Ruthie's Heart	6:14

2.	Brilliant Circles	4:50

3.	Abscretions	6:58

4.	Household of Saud	6:39

5.	On the Nile	9:46

6.	Departure	5:01

7.	Dave's Chant (Bonus Track)	3:37

Credits

released April 25, 2025

Charles Tolliver: Trumpet
Stanley Cowell: Piano
Cecil McBee: Bass
Jimmy Hopps: Drums
Bobby Brown: Flute
Wilbur Brown: Tenor Saxophone, Flute
Jimmy Heath: Tenor Saxophone, Flute
Clifford Jordan: Tenor Saxophone, Flute
Howard Johnson: Baritone Saxophone, Tuba
Lorenzo Greenwich: Trumpet
Virgil Jones: Trumpet
Danny Moore: Trumpet
Richard Williams: Trumpet
Garnett Brown: Trombone
Curtis Fuller: Trombone
John Gordon: Trombone
Dick Griffin: Trombone

Producers: Charles Tolliver, George Klabin

Recorded November 11, 1970 in NYC

℗© 2025 Strata-East Records, Inc. Under exclusive worldwide license to Mack Avenue Records II, LLC.

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