: Producer Alfred Lion recognized the "special feeling" of the take and chose to keep the nearly 15-minute version despite the length. This decision transformed the album from a standard hard bop session into a landmark of "dreamlike" atmospheric jazz. Musical Composition and Personnel
In the vast, obsessive world of jazz audiophilia, few phrases trigger an immediate dopamine rush among collectors quite like the string of characters: .
Idle Moments represented a deliberate departure from the uptempo, organ-trio formats that characterized much of Green's early catalog. For this session, producer Alfred Lion assembled an extraordinary sextet that balanced youthful innovation with seasoned lyricism: – Guitar Joe Henderson – Tenor Saxophone Bobby Hutcherson – Vibraphone Duke Pearson – Piano Bob Cranshaw – Double Bass Al Harewood – Drums
Upon its release, Idle Moments was praised for its beauty and accessibility. wrote that the album "features some of Green's most stylish straight jazz playing... it's as if his guitar is whispering secrets in your ear". The Penguin Guide to Jazz famously summed it up succinctly: "Probably Green's best record!" rmu 1787 grant green idle moments 1963 rar
Standard Blue Note catalog numbers for the era (like for the mono version or BST 84154 for the stereo version) are well-documented. The number "1787" is not a part of any known, official Blue Note catalog number.
The album is famous for the title track’s 15-minute duration. It wasn't supposed to be that long. According to lore, during the take, the band got lost in the mood. Instead of stopping, producer Alfred Lion let the tape roll. The resulting chord progression—a haunting, slow-burn B-section—became the definition of "cool."
The session featured a "dream team" of musicians who would each go on to define the Blue Note sound of the 1960s: Idle Moments – Grant Green Review - All About Jazz : Producer Alfred Lion recognized the "special feeling"
Today, Idle Moments remains a cornerstone of any jazz collection. It has been reissued countless times on various formats, from high-fidelity remastered by Kevin Gray, to sought-after vinyl pressings, and is a staple on streaming services, ensuring its timeless groove continues to reach new generations.
In the world of jazz, rare and exceptional recordings like RMU 1787 Idle Moments continue to inspire and captivate listeners. For those fortunate enough to experience this recording, it serves as a poignant reminder of the transcendent power of music to transport, inspire, and connect us.
A comparison of modern (like Blue Note Tone Poet vs. Classic Vinyl) Let me know how you would like to proceed. Share public link Idle Moments represented a deliberate departure from the
The album is also unique for featuring a . Recorded on November 4 and November 15, 1963 , at the legendary Rudy Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, the album brought together an all-star lineup:
Original 1960s Blue Note pressings (often identified by the 43 West 61st St address, RVG stamp, and "ear" symbol in the dead wax) are highly sought after.
The rarity of RMU 1787 has contributed to its cult status among jazz collectors. The combination of Grant Green's virtuosic guitar playing, the album's impeccable production, and the extreme scarcity of the RMU 1787 pressing has driven demand for this recording to new heights.