Madlib – Shades of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note (Limited Edition Blue Vinyl 2LP)

Shades of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note is the acclaimed 2003 album from producer, DJ and multi-instrumentalist Madlib. Given access to the legendary Blue Note Records catalogue, he transformed classic jazz recordings into an inventive meeting of hip-hop beats, soulful samples and improvisation. This 2024 reissue arrives on limited-edition 180g blue double vinyl.

Blue Note's recordings had long influenced hip-hop producers, but Madlib took the relationship further, building a complete album from the label's musical heritage. Drawing on recordings associated with Donald Byrd, Bobbi Humphrey, Ronnie Foster, Bobby Hutcherson, Wayne Shorter and other jazz greats, he creates a loose, atmospheric journey through dusty grooves, warm keyboards, horns and off-kilter rhythms.

Slim's Return, Distant Land and Mystic Bounce establish the album's distinctive sound, while Please Set Me at Ease and Funky Blue Note showcase Madlib's playful approach to familiar jazz textures. Short interludes honour the label's history without interrupting the record's natural flow.

The second LP features the hypnotic Stepping Into Tomorrow, a reworking of Donald Byrd's classic, alongside the laid-back Montara, inspired by Bobby Hutcherson. Song for My Father, Footprints and Peace / Dolphin Dance further reveal Madlib's deep appreciation of jazz composition and his ability to reshape it for a new generation.

Presented across two heavyweight blue vinyl LPs in a gatefold sleeve, this edition celebrates a landmark crossover between jazz and instrumental hip-hop. Essential listening for fans of Madlib, Blue Note and sample-based production.

Supplied brand new and sealed.

Available from Heathen Records, your independent Australian online record store specialising in new and collectible vinyl.

Details

• Artist: Madlib
• Album: Shades of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note
• Format: Vinyl 2LP
• Edition: Limited Blue Vinyl Reissue
• Vinyl Colour: Blue
• Vinyl Weight: 180g
• Original Release: 2003
• Reissue: 2024
• Genre: Instrumental Hip-Hop / Jazz
• Label: Blue Note Records
• Catalogue Number: 6595068
• Barcode: 602465950687
• Packaging: Gatefold Sleeve
• Tracks: 16
• Condition: Brand New and Sealed

Tracklist

Side A

• A1 Introduction
• A2 Slim’s Return
• A3 Distant Land
• A4 Mystic Bounce

Side B

• B1 Stormy
• B2 Blue Note Interlude
• B3 Please Set Me at Ease
• B4 Funky Blue Note
• B5 Alfred Lion Interlude

Side C

• C1 Stepping Into Tomorrow
• C2 Andrew Hill Break
• C3 Montara

Side D

• D1 Song for My Father
• D2 Footprints
• D3 Peace / Dolphin Dance
• D4 Outro