A record label for the curious mind, music lover, hi-fi enthusiast.

Pepper Adams Quintet

The first release of our label - and Pepper Adams's first album as a leader - is now available for pre-order (ships on 10/24/2025)!

Originally recorded in 1957, this all-analog reissue was mastered and cut by Bernie Grundman at 45 RPM in stereo. Pressed at Gotta Groove Records, the record comes in a sturdy Stoughton gatefold jacket, accompanied by a 40-page tipped-in booklet containing an extensive early biography of Pepper Adams, essays on the session musicians as well as on the history of Mode Records, never-seen photographs, and more.

Accompanied by a stellar West Coast ensemble of trumpeter Stu Williamson, pianist Carl Perkins, the incredibly prolific bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drummer Mel Lewis, it’s not surprising that Adams’ first album as a leader sounds so vitally contemporary, given the superb command of the artists and the timelessness of the art form. What is surprising though, is that a debut album displays a leader who is so fully in command of his musical vision and the control and maturity to bring that vision into fruition by his leadership and confidence.

The repertoire for this exquisite album includes three highly familiar items from The Great American Songbook, along with two Adams originals. The musicianship throughout is exceptional, with the whole band contributing beautifully to soloing, accompaniment and ensemble playing. Nothing here is mailed in and everyone is fully engaged and exuberant. The standards are treated like originals, played in refreshing fashion and with great enthusiasm, and the Adams pieces with the joy of new discovery.