Charles Tolliver

Music Inc (1971)

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.

Vinyl: 180-gram vinyl in tip-on gatefold jacket - available December 12, 2025

CD: 6-panel digipak - available December 12, 2025

Digital: High-res 192/24 – available April 25, 2025

Live at Slugs', Volume I & II (1972, 1973)

Charles Tolliver, Music Inc

For the first time ever, Charles Tolliver’s Live at Slugs’, Volumes I & II will be released together in one set, presenting the full power of these historic performances in a unified collection. Recorded live in 1970 at the legendary Slugs' in New York City, the albums feature Tolliver’s fiery trumpet alongside an all-star lineup: Strata-East co-founder Stanley Cowell on piano, Cecil McBee on bass, and Jimmy Hopps on drums. These high-energy recordings capture the raw intensity and innovation of the Music Inc. quartet, showcasing their technical brilliance and cohesive interplay. 

Remastered in stunning detail, this release unites two of the most celebrated live albums in jazz history for the first time on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. The digital release features 3 never-before-released bonus tracks, totaling 41 minutes of unreleased music. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Marcus J. Moore and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Charles Tolliver All Stars: Right Now... And Then (1968)

Charles Tolliver All Stars: Right Now…And Then is not only Charles’ debut album as a leader (at just 26 years old) but also showcases the trumpeter, composer, and bandleader in both quartet and quintet formats. He is accompanied by a who’s who of musicians, including Gary Bartz, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Joe Chambers. Demonstrating remarkable tone, control, and creativity, Charles’ fluidity and lyrical style shine on this newly remastered album—available in digital format for the first time and featuring an unreleased bonus track—making it a must-listen for any true Strata-East or jazz fan.

Digital: High-res 44.1/24 – available April 25, 2025

Live in Berlin at the Quasimodo (1990/1992)

Recorded in July 1988, Strata-East co-founder and trumpeter Charles Tolliver’s Live in Berlin at the Quasimodo captures an explosive quartet delivering a high-energy performance in Germany. Originally released separately as Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, Tolliver is joined by Alain Jean-Marie (piano), Ugonna Okegwa (bass), and Ralph Van Duncan (drums). This remastered set combines both volumes, includes a previously unreleased track, and is available digitally for the first time.

Digital: High-res 44.1/24 – available April 25, 2025

Compassion (1980)

Charles Tolliver, Music Inc

Recorded in 1977 and released in 1980 by the famed Strata-East, label co-founder Charles Tolliver’s Compassion stands as one of the legendary trumpeter’s most powerful musical statements of his storied and ongoing career. Featuring guitarist Nathan Page, bassist Steve Novosel, and drummer Alvin Queen, Compassion showcases four Tolliver originals, demonstrating not only that he is one of the best trumpeters of his generation but also one of the best composers. Now remastered directly from the original analog tapes, this iconic album is available in digital format for the first time, highlighting the clear call for unity and strength aligned with the mission of Strata-East.

Digital: High-res 44.1/24 – available April 25, 2025

Live at the Loosdrecht Jazz Festival (1973)

Charles Tolliver, Music Inc

Recorded in 1972, Charles Tolliver’s Live at the Loosdrecht Jazz Festival captures the trumpeter, composer, and bandleader in one of his most energetic and fiery performances of the era, alongside John Hicks (piano), Reggie Workman (bass—known for his work with John Coltrane), and Alvin Queen (drums). Considered “a masterpiece” by critics, this live album has been remastered directly from the original analog tapes and is available in digital format for the first time, adding another chapter to the legacy of Charles Tolliver and Music Inc.

Digital: High-res 192/24 – available April 25, 2025

Live in Tokyo (1974)

Charles Tolliver, Music Inc

Recorded December 7, 1973 at Yubinchokin Hall in Tokyo during Charles Tolliver’s Music Inc quartet, Live In Tokyo features a group of musicians at their creative peak, embarking on their first tour of Japan as a seasoned unit. Featuring Strata-East co-founder Stanley Cowell on piano, Clint Houston on bass and Clifford Barbaro on drums, the group had 4 albums released under the Strata-East label and performed mainly Tolliver compositions including “Drought,” “Stretch,” and “Truth” alongside Cowell’s “Effi” and the Monk classic “Round Midnight.” Now remastered directly from the original analog tapes, this iconic album is available in digital format for the first time, inviting listeners to rediscover its the fiery brilliance of this historic quartet!

Digital: High-res 44.1/24 – available April 25, 2025

Impact (1976)

Charles Tolliver, Music Inc Orchestra

Showcasing Strata-East co-founder Charles Tolliver’s ambitious arrangements and his ability to straddle the line between hard bop and avant-garde, 1975’s Impact features the trumpeter leading a vibrant large ensemble while highlighting soloists James Spaulding, George Coleman, and Harold Vick, anchored by label co-founder Stanley Cowell on piano. The Music Inc Orchestra is as cinematic as it is energetic, all taking their cues from maestro Tolliver, who exudes artistic expression with every note. Now remastered from the original analog tapes, it will be available in digital format for the first time ever!

Digital: High-res 192/24 – available April 25, 2025