VA - Strata-East: The Legacy Begins

Strata-East: The Legacy Begins celebrates the revolutionary spirit of one of the most influential artist-owned independent jazz labels in history. This anthology, a partnership between Mack Avenue Music Group and Strata-East Records, brings together iconic tracks that embody Strata-East’s commitment to artistry and creative freedom. Featuring the explosive brilliance of Charles Tolliver and Stanley Cowell, the soulful expressions of The Heath Brothers, Charlie Rouse, Shamek Farrah, Pharoah Sanders, and more, the collection showcases cult classics from the label’s deep catalog while honoring the extraordinary artists who shaped its legacy.

This release not only marks the launch of the partnership between Strata-East and Mack Avenue Music Group but also delivers the label’s highest-quality audio anthology, transferred directly from the original master tapes and available digitally for the first time. A reflection of Strata-East’s dedication to spiritual jazz and social consciousness, this compilation invites listeners to rediscover classics or experience them anew. Strata-East: The Legacy Begins celebrates the timelessness of this music while marking the start of an exciting new chapter.

Tracklist:
1. Billy Harper - Sir Galahad
2. Clifford Jordan - John Coltrane
3. Stanley Cowell - Equipoise
4. Charles Tolliver, Music Inc - Felicite
5. Shamek Farrah - Watch What Happens Now
6. Charles Tolliver, Stanley Cowell - On the Nile
7. Charlie Rouse - Hopscotch
8. Pharoah Sanders - Prince of Peace
9. The Heath Brothers - Smilin' Billy Suite: Part II (feat. Stanley Cowell)
10. Cecil Payne - Martin Luther King, Jr. I Know Love
11. Charles Tolliver, Music Inc - Drought
12. Charles Brackeen - Rhythm X
13. Charles Tolliver, Music Inc - Spanning
14. Charles Tolliver, Music Inc - Truth
15. Cecil McBee - Voice of the 7th Angel
16. Harold Vick - Don't Look Back
17. Charles Tolliver - Lil's Paradise
18. The Piano Choir - Effi
19. John Hicks - My One and Only Love
20. John Gordon - Step by Step
21. Charles Tolliver - Ruthie's Heart
22. Charles Tolliver - For Love of What
23. Stanley Cowell - Sweet Song (feat. Billy Harper, Reggie Workman & Billy Hart
24. The Descendants of Mike and Phoebe, Bill Lee - Two Songs for a Boy Named Mark: a) Little Bitty Baby, b) Soliloquy to a Man-Child
25. The Brass Company, Bill Lee - Alias Buster Henry
26. Charles Tolliver, Music Inc - Earl's World
27. Stanley Cowell - Lullabye
28. The Piano Choir - Barbara Ann
29. Billy Parker - Get With It
30. Shamek Farrah, Sonelius Smith - The World of the Children
31. Charles Tolliver, Music Inc Orchestra - Impact
32. The New York Bass Violin Choir, Bill Lee - John Coltrane
33. John Hicks - Hell's Bells