Courtney Pine’s 1986 Debut, Journey To The Urge Within.

Produced by Michael Cuscuna & released in 1986 on Island Records in the UK, it became the ground zero for the current British Jazz Explosion wave.

Mastered by Caspar Sutton- Jones at Gearbox Records, London. File transfered to RTM-468 tape on a Studer C-37. Mastered using all-valve Decca equalisation and Telefunken limiters. Lacquer discs cut on a Haeco Scully lathe with Westrex RA1700 series amps, Westrex 3DIIA cutting head. Monitored on Audio Note equipment

The album is widely regarded as a landmark recording in the history of British jazz. Pine, a talented saxophonist and composer, had already established himself as a leading figure in the London jazz scene through his work with bands like the Jazz Warriors.

The album marked Pine’s first solo outing as a bandleader, and it showcased his unique style of jazz. Featuring a mix of original compositions and covers, including Pine’s take Horace Silver’s “Peace”, Wayne Shorter’s “Dolores” and The Real Thing’s “Children Of The Ghetto”. A rare instance where a cover version supersedes the original, making it it’s own. A haunting tribute to the struggles of black youth in inner-city London. The track features Pine’s saxophone soaring over a driving rhythm section, with lyrics delivered by ex-Supremes singer, Susaye Greene.