Marion Brown – Porto Novo (1969) (2020 RSD Org Music)

Marion Brown – Porto Novo
Original release 1969 as Polydor 583 724
Reissued in 1975 as Arista/Freedom AL 1001
This reissue, 2020 ORG Music / Freedom (ORGM-2149)

I thought a change of pace was warranted here to correspond with a new chapter in my life. Marion Brown played pretty “free” but he could still swing as well as squonk. He made this album a few years after moving to Europe in the late 60s. It’s hard at times to believe this is just three people. The lively, engaging drum and cymbal work by a young Hans Bennink deserves special mention here. Originally released with a different cover on the Polydor label, this 2020 Record Store Day reissue uses the image from the mid-70s Arista version but is pressed on gorgeous red vinyl. I’ve included a variety of alternate covers below just for fun.

A1 Similar Limits 6:25
A2 Sound Structure 6:10
A3 Improvisation 5:50
B1 QBIC 6:32
B2 Porto Novo 11:55

Manufactured By – ORG Music
Distributed By – ORG Music
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Da Music
Copyright (c) – Da Music
Mastered At – Infrasonic Sound
Lacquer Cut At – SST GmbH
Manufactured By – Pallas USA
Pressed By – Schallplattenfabrik Pallas GmbH – 54039

Credits

Alto Saxophone – Marion Brown
Bass – Maarten van Regteren Altena
Drums – Han Bennink

Engineer – Andre Vande Water
Executive-Producer – Alan Bates
Lacquer Cut By – TK
Mastered By – Dave Gardner (2)
Producer – Foppe Damste
Graphic Design – Antupit & Others

Notes
RSD Drop, August 29, 2020

Recorded in Soest, Holland, 14th December 1967.
Barcode and Other Identifiers