Judy Bailey Quartet – Colours

Behind the deceptive veneer of the demure monotone artwork, something unassuming lies within
this long-play waiting to be explored. Intrigued by the ironic title, enticed by the elegant text
positioned alone on the beautifully tactile matte canvas, the listener will experience musical
wonderment at odds with the presentation and discover that the 1976 album Colours is a powerful
yet sophisticated set of electric soul-jazz. An inspired recording that bursts with warmth and
texture, the pivotal recording from an exceptional jazz musician. HER name – Judy Bailey.
Over the course of a 70 year career, the pianist and composer established herself as one of the
central figures of Australian jazz. Her crowning achievement Colours is a spirited and ambitious
recording that captured the maturation and shifting jazz landscape of the mid 1970s Australia.
Alongside other notable albums recorded mid decade including the 1975 self titled album by
Melbourne’s Arena (see Roundtable SIR014)) and Jackie Orszaczky’s Beramiada (1975), the
album signalled the countries transition from semi-acoustic jazz to electric jazz-funk. Regularly
compared to the albums released on Creed Taylor’s CTI label, Colours parallel these recordings
with their clean production and spacious soul-jazz arrangements. In particular the crisp drums and
processed bass heard on Bob James and Joe Farrell albums, the sprightly flute of Hubert Laws or
perhaps the more sensual side of Flora Purim’s vocals could all be suggested as a source of
influence.
Continuing to celebrate and re-document Australia’s jazz music legacy, The Roundtable are pleased
to offer the first vinyl reissue of this seminal Australian Jazz recording. Presented in a replica
gatefold sleeve with new liner notes, the full palette can once again be appreciated including the
moody funk of Fall Down Dead, the Iberian Waltz Toledo, the Jazz-Dance anthem Colours Of My
Dream and the spacey impressionist piece The Eleven Eight Song.
First vinyl reissue of the 1976 Australian Jazz-Funk album.
Featuring the Jazz-Dance anthem Colours Of My Dream.
Replica gatefold sleeve with new liner notes.