King Curtis - The Everest Sessions: Azure (1960) [Hi-Res]

"Azure" is a rare album by legendary saxophonist King Curtis, recorded in 1960 and released in 1961 by the Everest label. Before his tragic death in 1971, Curtis was one of the most popular saxophonists in the rhythm and blues genre, thanks to his contributions to numerous hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Classic solo tracks such as "Memphis Soul Stew", his work as a producer, and his long-standing collaboration with Aretha Franklin as her musical director brought him worldwide fame. However, when he recorded this album—primarily aimed at easy listening and featuring standards like "Unchained Melody", "Misty", and "When I Fall In Love"—his first hit "Soul Twist" had not yet been released.

Following the album’s release, Curtis recorded a single for Everest—"Jay Walk / Lone Prairie", which has been added to the original tracklist in this edition. After "Soul Twist" became a hit on the Enjoy Records label, Everest reissued "Jay Walk" on its subsidiary label, Alcor. These long-sought recordings fill a vital gap for King Curtis collectors who have awaited them for many years.

Tracklist:
1-1 King Curtis - Close Your Eyes [2:35]
1-2 King Curtis - Unchained Melody [2:29]
1-3 King Curtis - Off Shore [3:08]
1-4 King Curtis - The Nearness of You [3:00]
1-5 King Curtis - Misty [2:48]
1-6 King Curtis - Stranger [2:45]
1-7 King Curtis - When I Fall in Love [2:37]
1-8 King Curtis - It Ain't Necessarily So [2:57]
1-9 King Curtis - Our Love is Here to Stay [2:56]
1-10 King Curtis - My Love is Your Love [2:29]
1-11 King Curtis - Sweet and Lovely [2:48]
1-12 King Curtis - Azure [3:06]
1-13 King Curtis - The Lone Prairie [2:04]
1-14 King Curtis - Jay Walk [2:37]