Don Was has had an incredible career in music. Originally from Detroit, he formed art rock band Was (Not Was) in 1979, best known for their 1987 hit 'Walk The Dinosaur' (below). He went on to become one of the most in-demand record producers in the business, with a client list that includes the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Bonnie Raitt.
In 2012 Don Was added record-label executive to his résumé when he accepted the roles of President and chief Creative Director of the iconic jazz label, Blue Note Records.
People think of Blue Note as being synonymous with excellence and coolness and authenticity"
Blue Note, celebrated 75 years in the game this year. Founded in 1939 by Alfred Lion, it continues to honour its original mission statement to pursue authentic music and provide uncompromising freedom of expression.
Over the decades the Blue Note catalogue has boasted some of the true giants in American Jazz, dating back to the Bebop era and continuing today with a roster that remains relevant to the pursuit of improvisation, integrity and excellence. It remains the one label that every jazz musician wants to record for, such is the ubiquity of its musical legacy.
The path is there. These guys left bread crumbs through the forest for me to follow."
Trevor Reekie talks with Don Was about Was' vision for Blue Note Records in the new musical landscape.
Playlist
Artist: Gregory Porter
Song: Liquid Spirit
Comp: Gregory Porter
Album:Liquid Spirit
Label:Blue Note Records
Artist: Art Blakey And The Jazz Messengers
Song: Moanin'
Comp:Bobby Timmons
Album:The Best of Blue Note
Label: Blue Note Records
Artist: Elvis Costello & the Roots
Song: Walk Us Uptown
Comp: Elvis Costello, Steven Mandel, Questlove
Song: Walk Us Uptown
Album: Wise Up Ghosts
Label: Blue Note Records
Artist: Takuya Kuroda
Song: Rising Son
Comp: Takuya Kuroda
Album: Rising Son
Label: Blue Note Records
Artist: Gregory Porter
Song: The "In" Crowd
Comp:Billy Page
Album: Liquid Spirit
Label: Blue Note Records
Artist: US3 Feat. Rahsaan & Gerard Presencer
Song: Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)
Comp:herbie Hancock,Kelly, Wilkinson, Simpson
Album: The Best Of Blue Note
Label: Blue Note Records
Artist: Ronnie Foster
Song: Summer Song (Diamond D Remix)
Comp: Ronnie Foster
Album: Blue Note Remixed - 50 Of the Best
Label: Blue Note Records
Artist: Aaron Neville
Song: My True Story
Comp: Pitt, Waltzer
Album: My True Story
Label: Blue Note Records
Artist: Albert Ammons
Song: Boogie Woogie Man
Comp: Albert Ammons
Album: Boogie Woogie Man
Label: Blue Note Records
Artist: Sonny Rollins
Song: Tune Up
Comp: Sonny Rollins
Album: The Best Of Blue Note
Label: Blue Note Records
Artist: Donald Byrd
Song: Black Byrd
Comp:Larry Mizell
Album: The Best Of Blue Note
Label: Blue Note Records
