- LP
- Recommended
- New Release
Charlie Rouse
Two Is One
Strata-East
- Cat No: SES-19746-25LP
- updated:2026-06-20
A masterpiece from the prestigious New York City independent jazz label *Strata-East*—founded in 1971 and beloved by DJs and record diggers since the dawn of rare groove—is now being reissued on vinyl. This is the 1974 debut album as bandleader by tenor sax legend Charlie Rouse. The rhythms seem to foreshadow math rock. Saxophone and guitar, guitar and guitar. The album unfolds under the title “Two Is One,” a phrase Monk is said to have favored.
Track List
Charlie Rouse’s groundbreaking album Two Is One is a funk-infused exploration of jazz that embodies the innovative spirit of Strata-East Records. Originally recorded in 1974 and transferred from the original analog tapes, Two Is One fuses sophisticated soul jazz with post-bop and spiritual influences while highlighting stellar collaborations with guitarists George Davis and Paul Metzke, Cal Scott on electrified cello, and the incomparable Stanley Clarke on electric bass.
For the first time ever, this classic from a saxophone legend will be available on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Syd Schwartz and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike.
For the first time ever, this classic from a saxophone legend will be available on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Syd Schwartz and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike.
A leader album recorded in 1974 for *Strata-East* by tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse, who was a core member of Thelonious Monk’s quartet from 1960 through 1970. Featuring New Orleans-born guitarist Paul Metzke, George Davis, bassist Stanley Clarke, drummer Dave Lee, and Airto Moreira on percussion on “Hopscotch,” as well as “In A Funky Way,” which unfolds over a funky beat, and featuring appearances by Randy Weston’s son, Azzedin Weston, among others. Remastered from the original master tapes by engineer Kevin Gray—whose work has earned high praise in recent Blue Note reissues—this release features an 180g vinyl gatefold sleeve and is part of the Mack Avenue Music Group x Strata-East series. (Original Japanese text by Saito)