Cecil Payne - Zodiac (Record Store Day Black Friday 2026) LP

Cecil Payne – Zodiac (Record Store Day Black Friday 2026) LP

Available at Bennies Fifties and the online Fifties Store

Rediscover an extraordinary chapter in American jazz history with Cecil Payne – Zodiac. Originally released in 1973 on the legendary Strata-East Records label, this outstanding album returns for Record Store Day Black Friday 2026 in a premium audiophile edition, pressed on 180-gram black vinyl and cut directly from the original analog master tapes by acclaimed mastering engineer Kevin Gray.

American baritone saxophonist Cecil Payne (1922–2007) was an important figure in bebop and modern jazz. Having performed with artists including Dizzy Gillespie, J.J. Johnson and Randy Weston, Payne developed a distinctive sound characterized by warmth, power and remarkable musical expression. Zodiac demonstrates not only his extraordinary instrumental abilities but also his talent as a composer and bandleader.

Recorded on December 16, 1968, at TownSound Studios in Englewood, New Jersey, the album remained unreleased until 1973, when it appeared on the influential independent label Strata-East Records. Produced by saxophonist Clifford Jordan, the recording represents an important chapter in the label's celebrated catalog.

For these sessions, Payne assembled an exceptional group of musicians: Kenny Dorham on trumpet, Wynton Kelly on piano and organ, Wilbur Ware on bass and Albert 'Tootie' Heath on drums. Together, they deliver a captivating blend of hard bop, post-bop and adventurous modern jazz, filled with inventive arrangements and inspired improvisation.

The album features five extended performances, opening with the moving Martin Luther King, Jr. / I Know Love. Other highlights include the expressive Girl, You Got A Home, the energetic Slide Hampton and the expansive improvisations of Follow Me and Flying Fish. Throughout the recording, Payne's commanding saxophone playing is complemented by the remarkable musicianship of his fellow performers.

Zodiac was originally issued as the third installment in the renowned Strata-East Dolphy Series, a collection of important jazz recordings curated and produced under the artistic guidance of Clifford Jordan. The album was dedicated to the memory of Wynton Kelly and Kenny Dorham.

This exclusive Record Store Day Black Friday 2026 edition has been pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Record Technology Incorporated (RTI) and is presented in a deluxe gatefold tip-on sleeve, featuring previously unseen photographs and newly written liner notes. Collectors will also receive a special Strata-East Dolphy Series postcard set, the second of three collectible sets created for the Record Store Day series.

An essential release for collectors of classic jazz, Strata-East recordings and beautifully mastered audiophile vinyl.

Tracklist

Side A

A1. Martin Luther King, Jr. / I Know Love
A2. Girl, You Got A Home
A3. Slide Hampton

Side B

B1. Follow Me
B2. Flying Fish

Specifications

Artist: Cecil Payne

Title: Zodiac

Format: LP

Vinyl Color: Black

Vinyl Weight: 180 grams

Edition: Record Store Day Black Friday 2026 Exclusive

Release Date: November 27, 2026

Original Release: 1973

Recorded: December 16, 1968

Recording Location: TownSound Studios, Englewood, New Jersey, USA

Genre: Jazz, Hard Bop, Post-Bop, Modern Jazz

Record Label: Strata-East Records

Distribution: Redeye

Number of Records: 1

Number of Tracks: 5

Mastering Engineer: Kevin Gray

Audio Source: Cut directly from the original analog master tapes

Pressing Plant: Record Technology Incorporated (RTI)

Packaging: Deluxe gatefold tip-on sleeve

Extras: New liner notes, previously unseen photographs and exclusive Strata-East Dolphy Series postcard set (collection 2 of 3)

Producer: Clifford Jordan

Personnel: Cecil Payne (baritone and alto saxophone), Kenny Dorham (trumpet), Wynton Kelly (piano and organ), Wilbur Ware (bass), Albert 'Tootie' Heath (drums)

US RSD Quantity: 1,250 copies according to US retailer information

Catalogue Number: LPSES19734IE

Barcode: 0708857973415

Highlights

Exclusive Record Store Day Black Friday 2026 reissue on 180-gram black vinyl.

Cut directly from the original analog master tapes, mastered by Kevin Gray and pressed at RTI.

Classic 1973 jazz album featuring Cecil Payne alongside Kenny Dorham, Wynton Kelly, Wilbur Ware and Albert 'Tootie' Heath.

Beautiful deluxe gatefold tip-on sleeve featuring newly written liner notes and previously unseen photographs.

Includes the exclusive Strata-East Dolphy Series postcard set (2 of 3), created especially for Record Store Day Black Friday 2026.