Craft Recordings Announces the Launch of Bluesville Records Reissue Series

Craft Recordings is set to pay homage to the roots of American music with the announcement of its new reissue series, Bluesville Records. This series takes its cue from the original Bluesville label, which was brought to life by Prestige Records in 1959, and aims to celebrate the deep and influential history of blues music.

Inspiration from the Original Bluesville

The genesis of the Bluesville Records reissue series traces back to the authentic Bluesville imprint, a brainchild of Prestige Records that emerged in the late '50s. It represents a dedication to fulfilling the desires of blues fans everywhere, respecting the genre's rich legacy.

A Catalogue of Legacy Labels

Enthusiasts can look forward to a reinvigorated collection of works from historic labels such as Prestige, Vee-Jay, Riverside, Vanguard, Stax, and Rounder. The initiative will also include a respectful nod to the original artists, whose groundbreaking work continues to shape modern music.

Audiophile-Friendly Releases

Bluesville Records is partnering with Acoustic Sounds to ensure each track is meticulously chosen and available on high-quality vinyl. Chad Kassem, the founder of Acoustic Sounds, expressed excitement and honor at the partnership, aiming to bring out the best possible sound in the Bluesville reissues.

The Technical Craft

Mastering will be an all-analogue affair, handled by the Grammy-nominated engineer Matthew Lutthans. These records will be pressed on heavyweight 180-gram vinyl at QRP, and will be encased in carefully reproduced tip-on jackets to give fans the most authentic experience.

Curating a Historical Journey

GRAMMY-winning producer Scott Billington shared his enthusiasm about overseeing the legacy contained within the Bluesville compilations, which encapsulate over 75 years of blues history, from field recordings to monumental blues hits. Digital platforms aren't left out; each title will be remastered and made available in hi-res audio for contemporary listeners.

Unveiling the Classics

The reissue series kicks off on June 7^th with must-have albums from blues legends John Lee Hooker and Skip James. The series will continue with releases from notable artists like Albert King, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and many more throughout the year, assuring a steady stream of blues heritage works.

Feature Albums

John Lee Hooker's ‘Burning Hell’ and Skip James’ ‘Today!’ are the introductory offerings, representing pinnacle achievements in the genre. These albums have been long-awaited by fans and will finally be available for pre-order, reissued as single vinyl LPs and in hi-res digital formats.

Craft, Bluesville, Reissue