Universal Sound

Universal Sound on vinyl: spiritual and free jazz, rediscovered

In short: Universal Sound is the sister label of Soul Jazz Records in London. It brings back jazz that came out on small private labels in the US in the seventies and then all but vanished – spiritual, free and often with plenty of groove. The Vinyl Room currently has 7 records on Universal Sound.

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Free jazz & soul jazz

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What makes Universal Sound special?

Musicians who put out their jazz themselves: drummer Steve Reid released “Odyssey Of The Oblong Square” (1977) on his own label, saxophonist Nathan Davis “If” (1976). From Detroit comes “Message From The Tribe” – a collection from the musicians’ collective Tribe, which combined jazz, soul and politics in the seventies.

Plus pianist Steve Colson with The Unity Troupe from Chicago’s AACM circle, flautist Lloyd McNeill with his “Washington Suite” and Travis Biggs with “Challenge”.

FAQ

Are these originals? No – Universal Sound reissues rare records. Which edition you get is noted with each copy.

What is Tribe? A musicians’ collective with its own label from Detroit that released records from 1972 to 1976.

How is Universal Sound connected to Soul Jazz Records? It is its sister label in London, with a focus on jazz.

What do you have on Universal Sound? Reissues from the 2000s and 2010s – 7 records in all.