Herbie Nichols – The Complete Blue Note Recordings

The Complete Blue Note Recordings of Herbie Nichols is a definitive 3-CD compilation that captures the entire 1955–1956 output of the visionary jazz pianist for the Blue Note label. Originally released as a box set by Mosaic Records in 1987, it was later reissued by Blue Note in 1997.

Core Overview.
Musicians: Features Nichols in trio settings alongside jazz legends Art Blakey and Max Roach on drums, with Al McKibbon or Teddy Kotick on bass.
Musical Style: His work is often compared to Thelonious Monk for its disjunctive harmonies and complex rhythmic interplay, yet it retains a unique, linear propulsion and a “drumlike” aesthetic.
Content: The set comprises 48 tracks, including the original master takes from his three trio albums—The Prophetic Herbie Nichols Vol. 1 & 2 and Herbie Nichols Trio—plus a significant number of previously unreleased alternate takes.

Key Tracks.
The compilation includes some of Nichols’ most celebrated original compositions:
“The Third World”: A quintessential track showcasing his intricate syncopation.
“2300 Skiddoo”: Known for its edgy, propulsive energy.
“Lady Sings the Blues”: Later made famous by Billie Holiday, though originally written as an instrumental by Nichols.
“Sunday Stroll”: Regarded by some critics as one of the most beautiful six minutes ever recorded in jazz.

Legacy and Availability.
Despite his obscurity during his lifetime, these recordings are now considered essential “five-star” jazz masterpieces. While the physical Mosaic box set is a rare collector’s item, the collection is widely accessible on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

Track listing:

1-1	The Third World	4:08
1-2	The Third World (Alternate Take)	4:57
1-3	Step Tempest	5:08
1-4	Dance Line	4:24
1-5	Blue Chopsticks	4:20
1-6	Double Exposure (Alternate Take)	4:04
1-7	Double Exposure	3:32
1-8	Cro-Magnon Nights	4:39
1-9	Cro-Magnon Nights (Alternate Take)	4:49
1-10	It Didn’t Happen (Alternate Take)	5:10
1-11	Amoeba’s Dance	4:29
1-12	Brass Rings (Alternate Take)	5:22
1-13	Brass Rings	4:00
1-14	2300 Skiddoo (Alternate Take)	4:29
1-15	2300 Skiddoo	4:40
2-1	Shuffle Montgomery (Alternate Take)	5:11
2-2	It Didn’t Happen	4:12
2-3	Crisp Day	3:43
2-4	Shuffle Montgomery	4:09
2-5	The Gig	4:22
2-6	Applejackin’ (Alternate Take)	4:29
2-7	Hangover Triangle	3:58
2-8	The Lady Sings The Blues	4:20
2-9	Chit-Chatting	4:00
2-10	House Party Starting	5:35
2-11	The Gig (Alternate Take)	4:09
2-12	Furthermore (Alternate Take #1)	3:40
2-13	Furthermore	3:38
2-14	117th Street (Alternate Take)	4:50
2-15	117th Street	4:40
2-16	Sunday Stroll	6:00
3-1	Nick At T’s	3:30
3-2	Furthermore (Alternate Take #2)	3:44
3-3	Terpsichore	3:56
3-4	‘Orse At Safari	4:13
3-5	Applejackin’ (Alternate Take)	4:46
3-6	Applejackin’	4:26
3-7	Wildflower	4:01
3-8	Mine (Alternate Take)	4:00
3-9	Mine	4:00
3-10	Trio	3:43
3-11	Trio (Alternate Take)	3:56
3-12	The Spinning Song (Alternate Take)	5:46
3-13	The Spinning Song	4:49
3-14	Riff Primitiv	4:08
3-15	Riff Primitiv (Alternate Take)	4:10
3-16	Query (Alternate Take)	3:28
3-17	Query	3:23

Personnel:

Bass – Al McKibbon (tracks: 1-1 to 3-6), Teddy Kotick (tracks: 3-7 to 3-17)
Design – Richard Mantel
Drums – Art Blakey (tracks: 1-1 to 2-4), Max Roach (tracks: 2-5 to 3-17)
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Executive-Producer – Charlie Lourie
Liner Notes – Herbie Nichols, Michael Cuscuna
Liner Notes [Booklet Research And Edited By] – Roswell Rudd
Photography By – Francis Wolff
Piano – Herbie Nichols
Producer [Original Sessions] – Alfred Lion
Research, Producer [Produced For Release] – Michael Cuscuna
Transferred By – Ron McMaster
Written-By – Herbie Nichols (tracks: 1-1 to 3-7, 3-9 to 3-17)

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Label: Mosaic Records (2) – MD3-118
Format: 3 x CD, Compilation, Mono
Box Set, Limited Edition, Numbered
Country: US
Released: 1987

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